2030 is less than four years away—a deadline by which the world must course correct development pathways to ensure a just, equitable, and healthy future for all. Amid intensifying impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, the Seventh Global Conference on Climate and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Synergies joined scaled up global efforts toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and redirecting the focus from ambition-setting to delivering impact. 

The interconnected nature of the triple planetary crisis requires interconnected solutions, which can only be achieved through decisive and coordinated actions that move beyond the fragmented model of past approaches. Since 2019, the Global Conference has provided a platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing on integrated, scalable approaches to climate action and sustainable development. Building on the outcomes of the sixth meeting held in Copenhagen, Denmark, the seventh meeting considered how to deliver practical pathways for translating integrated and synergistic planning into coordinated implementation.

Following the outcome of the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP30) in Belém, Brazil, alongside the start of a new cycle of implementation of the most recent cohort of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that frame country commitments over the next decade, the Seventh Global Conference presented an opportunity for shaping longer-term pathways beyond 2030.

Over two days, representatives of governments, municipalities, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations will engage in a series of high-level sessions, multi-stakeholder dialogues, and roundtables. Among other priorities, the Global Conference facilitated in-depth peer learning on: aligning national climate commitments and SDG priorities; sharing countries’ experiences and practical solutions; and strengthening mutually reinforcing and coherent policies across climate, development, and environment agendas.

In addition, the Global Conference had a strong regional focus by facilitating exchange between global and regional processes and supporting coherence between international commitments and regional and national implementation efforts. The Conference saw the launch of the Asia-Pacific Synergy Report and will be immediately followed by the ninth session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Committee on Environment and Development, to be held at the ministerial level.

The Seventh Global Conference was co-organized by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the UNFCCC Secretariat, in collaboration with ESCAP. It convened in Bangkok, Thailand, from 29-30 June 2026, and was also livestreamed.

The IISD's writers for this meeting were Emma Vovk; Mike Muzurakis; and Gabriella Prado, Ph.D. The Digital Editor was Natalia Mroz. The Editor was Leila Mead.

Funding for IISD’s coverage of this event has been provided by UN DESA.