POSITION PAPER 2026
A feminist roadmap for accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals
The Women’s Major Group (WMG) Position Paper for the 2026 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) brings together the voices, expertise and demands of feminist organisations from around the world.
Produced through a collective drafting process involving Women’s Major Group members and Organising Partners, the Position Paper outlines concrete recommendations for governments, UN agencies and other stakeholders to advance gender equality, human rights and sustainable development.
As the international community faces deepening inequalities, democratic backsliding, conflict and accelerating environmental crises, this year’s Position Paper calls for bold political action that addresses the structural causes of injustice rather than their symptoms.
WHAT’S INSIDE?
The 2026 Position Paper includes:
- Feminist recommendations for implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals under review at HLPF 2026.
- Cross-cutting priorities on gender equality, climate justice, economic justice and human rights.
- Analysis of the structural barriers preventing progress on the SDGs.
- Recommendations for governments, UN institutions and other decision-makers.
- Advocacy messages developed collectively by Women’s Major Group members from every region.
HIGHLIGHTS
Defend Civic Space
Protect feminist movements and human rights defenders.
Climate & Environmental Justice
Address the root causes of ecological crises through rights-based and gender-transformative solutions.
Transform Financing
End austerity, reform global financial systems and invest in public services.
Advance Gender Equality
Move beyond commitments towards structural transformation and accountability.
Strengthen Multilateralism
Ensure meaningful participation of civil society in sustainable development.
HOW TO USE IT
Whether you are attending the High-Level Political Forum or advocating nationally, the Position Paper is designed to support your work.
You can use it to:
- Strengthen your advocacy with governments and UN agencies.
- Inform national SDG implementation and Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs).
- Support media engagement, campaigns and public communications.
- Reference agreed feminist recommendations in meetings and negotiations.
- Share with partners, networks and decision-makers working on sustainable development.
AN ADVOCACY TOOL
The Position Paper is a living advocacy resource. We encourage organisations, activists and allies to quote it, reference it and amplify its recommendations throughout the HLPF process and beyond.
HELP AMPLIFY FEMINIST VOICES
Share the Position Paper with your networks, reference it in your advocacy, and help ensure that gender equality, human rights and environmental justice remain at the centre of sustainable development.
