Peace Boat US joined global leaders, civil society organizations, youth advocates, and sustainability experts at the 2026 United Nations High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development in New York, contributing to discussions and events focused on advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As an NGO with Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Peace Boat US participated in several events highlighting the importance of youth engagement, cross-sector partnerships, ocean sustainability, and community action.
Advancing Partnerships for Small Island Developing States
On July 7, Peace Boat US Director Emilie McGlone spoke at a side event focused on investment and partnerships for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). She highlighted Peace Boat US initiatives supporting youth leadership in ocean governance, including education on the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement) and the Youth for the SDGs scholarship program.
Sailing for a Sustainable Future
On July 10, Peace Boat US organized its own HLPF side event, Sailing for a Sustainable Future: Multi-Stakeholder Engagement for the SDGs, bringing together youth leaders, artists, sustainability advocates, private-sector representatives, and UN-affiliated organizations.
Participants included Youth for the SDGs scholars, who shared experiences from their recent voyage through Panama, Guatemala, and Mexico, as well as Peace Boat US interns who presented their work connecting local initiatives in New York City with engagement at the United Nations.
Speakers from Blue Planet Alliance, the Youth Climate Action Alliance, and other organizations explored renewable energy, climate investment, sustainable fashion, and the role of art in inspiring environmental action. The event also highlighted Peace Boat’s vision for Ecoship, a future low-carbon vessel.
Supporting Youth Mental Health Through Sports
Peace Boat US youth representatives also supported the UN Youth Office’s One World, One Game, One Goal event, held in conjunction with the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The event brought together thousands of participants to explore how football can promote youth mental health, well-being, and social connection.
This initiative reflected Peace Boat’s longstanding commitment to peacebuilding through sports, including its Peace Ball project, which has distributed thousands of footballs to communities around the world since 1999.
Through these activities, Peace Boat US reaffirmed its commitment to connecting local and global action, empowering young leaders, and building partnerships that advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
Explore the full 2026 HLPF Special Report for event highlights, speaker contributions, and photographs from Peace Boat US activities at the United Nations.