THE INTERNATIONAL Labour Organisation (ILO) is participating in the 2025 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), a key United Nations platform for reviewing progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This year’s Forum, held under the theme: “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind,” brings together government ministers, UN leaders, experts, and stakeholders to assess global efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The 2025 HLPF is conducting an in-depth review of several SDGs, including SDG 8 (Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all), alongside SDGs 3, 5, 14, and 17.
The ILO has played a leading role in shaping discussions on SDG 8, contributing expertise and evidence-based recommendations to accelerate progress toward decent work and inclusive economic growth.
ILO’s Preparatory Contributions
In February 2025, the ILO collaborated with the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) to convene an Expert Group Meeting in New York. The meeting brought together policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to evaluate progress on SDG 8, identify persistent challenges, and propose actionable solutions. The outcomes of this meeting, along with written submissions from global partners, informed a Technical Background Paper for the HLPF’s thematic review of SDG 8.
The ILO and UN DESA, with input from across the UN system, also prepared a Secretariat Background Note to guide discussions during the SDG 8 session at the HLPF. These documents highlight critical gaps in labour market inclusion, social protection, and sustainable economic policies while offering policy recommendations to strengthen implementation.
ILO’s Role at the 2025 HLPF
Throughout the Forum, the ILO is actively engaging in high-level discussions, including sessions on SDG 8 and its interlinkages with other SDGs, as well as the ECOSOC High-level Segment. These dialogues aim to reinforce the centrality of decent work in achieving sustainable development, emphasising the need for integrated policies that address inequality, gender disparities, and environmental sustainability.
As the HLPF deliberations continue, the ILO remains committed to advancing evidence-based solutions that ensure inclusive growth, productive employment, and social justice — cornerstones of a sustainable future where no one is left behind.
