HLPF 2026: Deputy Chairperson set to deliver speech during the High-Level Debate

The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF 2026) Ministerial Segment began on July 13, 2026, at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in the presence of the President of the General Assembly, Ms. Annalena Baerbock, UN Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres, the President of the UN ECOSOC, Mr. Lok Bahadur Thapa and the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi, among other high officials and dignitaries.

The HLPF is a platform for member states, ministers and other high-level representatives from participating states, intergovernmental organizations, the African Union, the United Nations system, major groups and other stakeholders, to share experiences, lessons learned, policy guidance, and transformative initiatives aimed at accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals High-Level Political Forum.

The AUC Deputy Chairperson is leading the AU delegation to the HLPF 2026 at the UN headquarters in New York, USA. She is accompanied by Ambassador Mohamed Fathi Edrees, the Permanent Observer of the AU to the UN. Holding under the theme "Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for a sustainable future for all", the ministerial segment focuses on sustainable development, economic growth, and social equity, addressing the specific challenges and opportunities facing African nations. Deputy Chairperson Selma Malika Hadaddi is expected to deliver a significant speech during the HLPF General Debate.

The AU is dedicated to fostering partnerships and sharing best practices that align with both the 2063 Agenda and the Africa Agenda 2030. Through the Deputy Chairperson's participation, the AU aims to encourage collaborative efforts to expedite progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across Africa.

Highlights of the HLPF 2026 include assessing progress on the SDGs, ensuring accountability among member states, encouraging innovative solutions, strengthening cooperation among various sectors, involving marginalized groups in development, and showcasing effective strategies for overcoming challenges faced by countries, especially in Africa.

Media Contact:

Ms Esther Azaa Tankou, Head, Media and Information Division, Information and Communication Directorate, AUC and Communication Advisor to the African Union (AU) Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations (UN). Tel: +1 347 812 71 95, Email: [email protected]