Transformative, equitable and coordinated science, technology and innovation for the 2030 Agenda and a sustainable future for all

- About the STI Forum - 

The UN Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Forum is the United Nations’ annual platform on how science, technology and innovation can accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Forum brings together Member States, UN entities, scientists, engineers, civil society, innovators and the private sector. Held annually ahead of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), it provides science- and innovation-informed inputs into SDG follow-up and review. While not a negotiating space, it plays an important agenda-setting role in shaping global STI priorities and partnerships. Co-chaired by Austria and Zambia, the 11th STI Forum will take place on 6-7 May 2026 at United Nations Headquarters, under the theme: “Transformative, equitable and coordinated science, technology and innovation for the 2030 Agenda and a sustainable future for all” and aligns with the SDGs under review this year: SDG 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all SDG 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation SDG 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable SDG 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development


- The ISC at the 2026 STI Forum - 

The ISC contributes to the Forum’s scientific content by mobilizing expertise from across its global membership. It recommends speakers, supports the participation of scientists and scientific leaders, contributes to official sessions and dialogues, and organizes side-events. Through this engagement, the ISC works to ensure that diverse, interdisciplinary and policy-relevant scientific perspectives are reflected in discussions. As co-coordinator of the Scientific and Technological Community Major Group, together with the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), the ISC also represents the broader scientific and engineering community for SDG-related processes. In this formal role, it supports speaker nominations and delivers statements to Member States in plenary sessions, contributing structured input from the science and technology community. A distinctive element of the ISC’s 2026 engagement is the planned mobilisation of Pacific expertise, in coordination with its Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific. Current plans include supporting the participation of Pacific scholars in New York, featuring their expertise across multiple sessions, and convening an ISC-led side-event. This effort responds to strong interest from UN partners and Member States, including the Pacific Small Island Developing States negotiating group chaired in 2026 by Fiji, and is timely in light of upcoming high-level UN processes on water and sea-level rise. The ISC will also prepare a Talent Book highlighting Pacific and other experts mobilized for the Forum, to support visibility and engagement throughout the week.