CONFERENCE BACKGROUND
Strengthening Synergies Between Climate Action and Sustainable Development
The world faces interconnected crises, from climate change to rising inequalities, requiring holistic responses. Recognizing this, UN DESA and UNFCCC, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, are convening the Sixth Global Conference on Strengthening Synergies between the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda on 27–28 May 2025 at UN City, Copenhagen.
The Need for an Integrated Approach
Over 80% of SDGs are linked to climate change, yet responses remain fragmented. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized that “Climate action is the greatest opportunity to drive forward all SDGs.” Key recent developments highlight the urgency:
- 2024 is the warmest year on record, exceeding the 1.5°C threshold.
- Only 17% of SDGs are on track, with progress on one-third stalled or reversing.
- The Pact for the Future (2024) calls for urgent action to implement both the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda.
Integrated policies in energy, water, transport, and forests can bridge financing gaps and accelerate progress. This approach is gaining traction in global forums, including COP28, UNEA 6/4, and the 2024 HLPF Declaration.
Advancing Synergies for Action
Since 2019, UN DESA and UNFCCC have promoted integrated policies through the Expert Group on Climate and SDG Synergy. The 2024 report "Synergy Solutions for Climate and SDG Action" provides a roadmap for overcoming policy fragmentation and achieving transformative change. The Sixth Synergy Conference will build on these efforts and the outcomes of previous conferences.
2025: A Key Moment for Change
2025 is a pivotal year to align climate and development goals. The upcoming NDC updates before COP30 offer a chance to integrate SDG priorities. Other key milestones include:
- The Fourth International Financing for Development Conference (Spain), aligning climate and development financing.
- COP30 (Brazil), setting a new global climate finance goal.
- The Roadmap from Baku to Belém, bridging short-term and long-term investments.
By fostering partnerships and integrated approaches, the Sixth Synergy Conference will help shape a sustainable, climate-resilient, and equitable future toward 2030 and beyond.