What's Ahead: July – September 2026

As 2026 enters its third quarter, the world continues to face escalating climate challenges, with more frequent and intense droughts, floods, wildfires, and extreme heat events affecting millions of people. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reports that 2025 was among the three warmest years on record, extending an eleven-year streak of unprecedented global temperatures and highlighting the growing impacts of climate change on societies, economies, and ecosystems.

 

Against this backdrop, accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains an urgent global priority. The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), taking place from 7–15 July 2026, will bring together governments and stakeholders to review progress and identify transformative solutions to advance the 2030 Agenda in its final years.

 

The health of land and soil is vital for all life on Earth - underpinning food security, water, livelihoods, and stability. The UN Convention on Combating Desertification's 17th Conference of Parties (UNCCD COP17) will take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 17-28 August. Under the theme of "Restoring Land. Restoring Hope", COP17 offers a pivotal moment for countries and partners to strengthen implementation and mobilize greater investment in drought resilience and sustainable land management.

 

Attention will then shift to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81), opening on 8 September 2026, with world leaders convening later in the month to address pressing challenges including climate change, sustainable development, resilience, and global cooperation. These meetings provide a critical opportunity to strengthen partnerships and mobilize action to tackle interconnected climate and development crises while keeping the SDGs within reach.

 

Below is a list of reports, events, meetings, and international days coming up from UNEP, partners, and stakeholders, including planned release dates (where available).

 

Members of the media are invited to register for advance embargoed access to reports.

 

• 13 July I High-Level Political Forum I High-Level Meeting on Pollution-Free Economies for a Sustainable Future for All

High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) side event led by UNEP in collaboration with the European Union and Germany.

Pollution is deeply interconnected with every SDG, and the goals under review at the HLPF 2026 - 6, 7, 9, 11 and 17 - are central to advancing a systemic transition toward a pollution free economy. Together, they push for transformative, cross-sectoral action and offer a strategic opportunity to accelerate the adoption of sustainable, circular and low pollution pathways. The event aims to increase understanding and visibility of the pollution free agenda, enhance policy alignment and multistakeholder engagement, and catalyze action in high impact sectors to accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda and the goals under review.

 

• 14 July I High-level event I United Nations High-Level Meeting on Critical Energy Transition Minerals

Roundtable 2: International collaboration to ensure environmental integrity and a just transition for people and planet.

Led by UNEP and the UN Regional Economic Commissions, this discussion will explore how international cooperation can help ensure that the growing demand for critical energy transition minerals supports both people and the planet. Participants will discuss ways to strengthen environmental safeguards, promote circularity and responsible resource management, and ensure that communities and workers benefit from a fair and inclusive transition to clean energy.

 

• 15 July I Publication I Spotlighting opportunity: How artificial intelligence is accelerating methane action

A new UNEP report will demonstrate how artificial intelligence can help tackle one of the most potent drivers of climate change: methane emissions. Showcasing the work of UNEP's International Methane Emissions Observatory, the report highlights how AI-powered analysis is turning satellite data into actionable insights, enabling faster detection of major methane releases and supporting effective mitigation worldwide.

 

• 22 July | Strengthening banks' risk frameworks: Integrating sustainability into core risk management

To support banks in keeping pace with evolving regulatory expectations and guidance on sustainability risk management, UNEP FI's Risk Centre is launching a new conceptual framework to help banks integrate sustainability risk into their risk frameworks. Risk professionals are invited to download the framework to find out how it complements existing risk processes, can be applied across different jurisdictions, and supports banks at various stages of maturity.

 

• 23 July I Publication I No transition without justice: Strengthening environmental rule of law for people and planet

A new UNEP report analyses how countries are embedding just transition principles into laws, policies, institutions, and court decisions. No transition without justice: Strengthening environmental rule of law for people and planet highlights how environmental rule of law can support fair, inclusive and rights-based transitions, helping countries advance climate action while protecting human rights, livelihoods, and social equity.

• 3–5 August 2026 | São Paulo Climate Week 2026 
  During São Paulo Climate Week 2026, UNEP will convene and support a series of events focused on advancing climate adaptation, resilience and just transitions in Brazil.
   

• 3 August - UNEP, in partnership with UNICAMP and Observatório do Clima, will host "Calibrating the Compass for Brazil's Roadmap Beyond Fossil Fuels", a dialogue bringing together government representatives, academia and civil society to discuss pathways for a just and planned transition away from fossil fuels.
• 4 August - UNEP and partners will organize "Extreme Heat, Health and Climate Justice: Pathways to Protect People and Adapt Cities", examining the impacts of extreme heat on vulnerable populations and exploring policy responses that strengthen climate resilience and public health.
• 5 August - UNEP, the COP30 Presidency and local partners will lead a technical visit entitled "Beat the Heat: Urban Mini-Forests as a Nature-based Solution for Extreme Heat", showcasing how nature-based solutions can help cool cities, improve resilience and support adaptation to climate change. Together, these events will foster dialogue, knowledge exchange and practical solutions to address some of the most pressing climate challenges facing Brazil and cities worldwide. 

 

• 16 August I Anniversary I Minamata Convention on Mercury 

The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury. The Minamata Convention entered into force on 16 August 2017.  

• 17-28 August | UNCCD 17th session of the Conference of the Parties
  The 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) will be hosted by Mongolia in its capital city, Ulaanbaatar, from 17 to 28 August 2026 under the theme Restoring Land. Restoring Hope. COP17 is expected to bring together delegates from UNCCD's 197 Parties, alongside leaders from government, business, and civil society, as well as scientists, youth, Indigenous Peoples, pastoralists, and smallholder farmers. They will convene to forge solutions to the interconnected challenges of desertification, land degradation, and drought, recognizing that restoring land is also essential to reducing instability, preventing displacement and strengthening human and national security in vulnerable regions

 

• 25 August (MET-14, 18:00 – 19:30): UNEP will launch a preliminary "Drought Resilience Indicator Report" – a novel attempt at a simple and practical tool for countries to monitor their capacity to withstand droughts. Media is invited to join the launch event and can be connected to focal points for follow-up questions and interviews.

 

• 26 August (Action Dome, 18:00 – 20:00): The UN will recognize three new UN World Restoration Flagships – initiatives that have made real progress towards restoring millions of hectares of land. At UNCCD COP, three initiatives from Latin America, Africa and West Asia that are bringing 6.66 million hectares under restoration will receive the prestigious award. The ceremony will include screenings of never-before-seen footage from the field, high-level speakers and awardees, a panel discussion on the second half of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and a cocktail and networking reception. Media are invited and can be connected to UN officials or award recipients for follow-up questions. An embargoed Press Release on the three new UN World Restoration Flagships is available.

 

• 27 August I UN Day I World Lake Day
  The first observance of World Lake Day was held in 2025 on 27 August. The celebration raises global awareness about the critical importance of lakes - which hold most of the planet's surface freshwater - and the sustainable management of lake and related ecosystems. 

Lakes are one of the most vital natural resources on our planet. They are crucial for regulating the climate, supporting diverse biodiversity, and supplying drinking water, as well as providing recreational and economic opportunities.

 

• 7 September I UN Day I International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies

On 7 September, the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies spotlights the urgent need for cleaner air and healthier communities. Air pollution affects nearly every person on the planet, contributing to millions of premature deaths each year while also harming ecosystems, agriculture, and economies. The 2026 observance will highlight solutions that deliver cleaner air, support climate action, and improve quality of life for all.

 

• • 7 September 2026 I Event I Asia Pacific Commemoration of the 7th Intentional Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies I Bangkok, Thailand

UNEP, in partnership with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, will commemorate the 7th International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies through a regional event under the theme "Clean Air for Climate Action." Supported by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Thailand, the event aims to bring together government representatives, international organisations, NGOs, the private sector, and civil society to highlight the co-benefits of reducing air pollution and climate pollutants, and to promote greater investment in integrated solutions that deliver cleaner air, healthier communities, and climate benefits.

 

• • 7 September 2026 I Event I Symposium on International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies 2026 I Seoul, Republic of Korea

The North-East Asia Clean Air Partnership (NEACAP), the National Air Emission Inventory and Research Center (NAIR) of the Republic of Korea, UNEP and the Secretariat for EANET will jointly organize the Symposium to promote knowledge exchange, strengthen regional cooperation, and highlight emerging policy and technological approaches to address PM and ozone pollution. The symposium will bring together policymakers, researchers, technical experts, international organizations and other stakeholders to discuss integrated air quality management, advances in monitoring and modelling, and innovative solutions, including AI-based applications for air pollution analysis and forecasting.

 

• • 7–11 September 2026 I Training Workshop I Regional Capacity Building Programme: Air Pollution Emissions Inventory for Asia-Pacific I Seoul, Republic of Korea
    Emission inventories are a cornerstone of science-based approaches to air pollution, yet many countries in the region continue to face technical, institutional and data-related challenges in developing and maintaining them. UNEP and NAIR have jointly developed this regional capacity-building programme in response to UN Environment Assembly resolutions 1/7, 3/8 and 6/10, which call for enhanced regional cooperation and a cooperation network on air quality management. Building on the 2025 programme, this edition advances participants to a higher level of technical learning, with opportunities to share country experiences and receive expert feedback. Participants will also join the IDCABS Symposium 2026 and undertake study visits to relevant facilities in the Republic of Korea.

 

• 7-11 September I Event I Climate Week I Baku, Azerbaijan

As part of the Climate Week Programme, a peer exchange workshop - organized by UNEP, NDC Partnership, GIZ, the UN Development Programme, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and UNFCCC - will help countries share practical strategies for implementing national climate plans, policy alignment, private-sector engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and science-based investment planning.

 

• 7-9 September I Event I Eastern Europe National Designated Entity (NDE) Forum

Held alongside Baku Climate Week and organized by the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), the Eastern Europe NDE Forum aims to strengthen climate technology cooperation across the region. Bringing together national climate technology focal points, it will foster collaboration, share practical solutions, and create new opportunities for technical assistance, investment, and partnerships to support countries'

 

• 13–14 September | Event | 2nd China–Brazil Symposium on Forests and Nature | Hangzhou, China

Organized by UNEP, Amazônia Environmental Research Institute (IPAM), China Jiliang University (CJLU) and the City of Huzhou, this symposium brings together experts from China and Brazil to discuss the role of forests in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, food security and sustainable development. Building on the first symposium held in Brasília in 2025, the event aims to strengthen scientific cooperation and policy dialogue on forests and nature.

 

• 15-18 September I High-Level Event I Global Cooling Pledge Assembly I Singapore

The Global Cooling Pledge Assembly 2026 will bring together governments, cities, industry, finance institutions and partners to accelerate sustainable cooling action, advance implementation of the Global Cooling Pledge, strengthen access to technical and financial support, showcase scalable solutions, and launch initiatives that elevate cooling as a climate and resilience priority. A study tour of Singapore's urban heat resilience actions will also be organized for Beat the Heat cities.

 

• 16 September | UN Day I International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer (World Ozone Day)

World Ozone Day 2026 celebrates 10 years of sustainable cooling and global action under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol and its transformative impact since its adoption. Parties, through events the national level, celebrate the Montreal Protocol and how it continues to demonstrate that science-based policy, universal participation, strong compliance, dedicated financing, and effective partnerships can deliver real and measurable results.

 

• 17 September I Announcement I 2026 Cool Pioneers I Singapore

The UNEP-led Cool Coalition will announce the 2026 Cool Pioneers, recognizing leaders advancing sustainable cooling solutions at a time of rising extreme heat worldwide. Five champions from national governments, subnational authorities, and civil society will be honoured for driving innovation, strengthening resilience, and accelerating sustainable cooling solutions for communities most at risk.

 

• 17 September | Virtual event | Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Online Consultation
  To integrate the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement into the COBSEA workplan and mandates under the Marine and Coastal Ecosystems Framework, COBSEA will hold an online consultation with COBSEA National Focal Points and Contact Persons, members of the COBSEA Working Group on Marine and Coastal Ecosystems, representatives from Ministries of Foreign Affairs and other technical agencies working on BBNJ, as well as colleagues from UNEP, the UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS), the CBD Secretariat, the High Seas Alliance and other partner organizations.

 

The consultation will provide an overview of the BBNJ Agreement from a marine and coastal ecosystems perspective, highlight ongoing initiatives and opportunities for regional engagement, and discuss COBSEA's potential role in supporting BBNJ implementation. The consultation will establish a foundation for the subsequent endorsement of integrating BBNJ into the COBSEA workplan during the meetings of the Working Group on Marine and Coastal Ecosystems and the Intergovernmental Meeting.

 

• 29 September I UN Day I International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste I Global

On 29 September, the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW) shines a spotlight on one of the most urgent yet solvable challenges of our time. While millions face hunger, nearly 19% of food is wasted at the consumer level, and 13% is lost before reaching retail, driving climate change, biodiversity loss, and pressure on forests and natural resources. Co-convened by FAO and UNEP, the 2026 observance will highlight solutions that demonstrate the transformative potential of food loss and waste, including their connection to food systems, forest protection, and climate action.

 

• September I Publication I Global Economic Assessment of Climate and Clean Air

A new UN assessment will make a compelling economic case for accelerating action on climate and air pollution. Published by UNEP and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, the Global Economic Assessment of Climate and Clean Air provides new quantitative evidence on the socio-economic benefits of tackling climate change and air pollution together.

 

Environment International Days in July-September 2026:

 

• 12 July International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms 
• 7 September International Day of Clean Air for blue skies 
• 29 August International Day against Nuclear Tests 
• 16 September International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 
• 29 September International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste 

 

* * * * *   

For more information please contact:   

News and Media Unit, UN Environment Programme  

   

Advance access:

Interested media and other parties are invited to register for advance embargoed access to the news releases and reports, distributed prior to publication.   

   

NOTE: This is not a final list - other reports and events may be added. Regular updates will be shared on the UNEP website. 


 

Compiled by:

Muhoro Pius W.  & Bob Samuel W

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