United Nations Global Pulse is pleased to be attending the 10th Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals and warmly welcomes our network to join us for a range of exciting side events.
From the launch of our 2025 Accelerator Programme, to a roundtable discussion on private sector engagement with the UN to a deep dive into innovation, we hope to connect with lots of you in person in New York in May.
Please find below a list of UN Global Pulse’s side events:
Scaling Innovations for People and the Planet: Navigating uncertainties and building partnerships to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals
When: Tuesday, 6th May at 10.00am – 11.15am EST
Location: Conference Room 6, UNHQ, 405 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017, USA
The world is not on track to achieve the SDGs by 2030. Recent geopolitical events and changes in the Official Development Assistance (ODA) landscape have introduced new challenges that impact the UN and the world. There is an urgent need to accelerate the UN’s transformation to become more effective and accountable, to urgently build the digital and data capabilities of the UN, as well as, to build shared value partnerships.
This side event, hosted by the Government of Finland and UN Global Pulse, launches the 2025 edition of the UN Global Pulse Accelerator, focusing on innovation scaling for impact – a central aspect of the UN 2.0 transformation. Building on insights from the “Scaling the Summit” report and previous editions, the Accelerator has guided 14 teams from 23 UN entities, of 164 applications, helping them craft scaling strategies to address urgent global challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, gender inequality, and healthcare access. The UN Global Pulse Accelerator marks the only UN System-wide initiative that supports innovation teams from any UN entity.
Speakers: TBC
Register: Registration for this event is now closed. If you will be in New York and would like to attend, please contact us at events@unglobalpulse.org to check availability
The Next Generation of Innovation Accelerators: Rethinking How Accelerators Drive Real Impact Beyond Early-Stage Experimentation
When: Tuesday, 6th May at 11.45am – 1.00pm EST
Location: Conference Room 9, UNHQ, 405 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017, USA
Innovation accelerators have become a widely adopted mechanism for identifying and supporting development of new solutions to global challenges. However, their impact often remains limited to early-stage experimentation, with many promising solutions failing to transition beyond the pilot phase. This side event, co-organized by UNIDO Innovation Lab, FAO Office of Innovation, and UN Global Pulse, will explore how innovation accelerators can be reimagined to drive lasting impact at scale and showcase UN-led initiatives that are pioneering new models of acceleration, focusing on implementation, policy alignment, and financing mechanisms.
Speakers: TBC
Register: Registration for this event is now closed.
Powering Progress: Unlocking UN Impact through Private Sector Partnerships
When: Tuesday, 6th May at 1.15pm – 2.45pm EST
Location: Conference Rm D, UNHQ, 405 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017, USA
Join UN Global Pulse and partners—including Hellon—for a 90-minute session focused on unlocking private sector partnerships to drive innovation across the UN System. Discover how cutting-edge collaboration is accelerating progress toward the SDGs and explore UNGP’s revised Strategic Plan, which highlights new avenues for co-creation. As the UN’s innovation lab, Global Pulse, leverages the Quintet of Change to transform how the UN works—inviting private sector partners to play a key role in shaping bold, scalable solutions for global impact.
Speakers: TBC
Register: Registration for this event is now closed. If you will be in New York and would like to attend, please contact us at events@unglobalpulse.org to check availability
What’s Next After AI? Preparing for the Next Tech Frontier, with UN Global Pulse and Apolitical
When: Tuesday, 6th May at 3.00pm – 4.15pm EST
Location: Conference Rm C, UNHQ, 405 E 45th St, New York, NY 10017, USA
AI may dominate headlines, but it’s just the beginning. Join UN Global Pulse and partner Apolitical to explore how UN agencies and governments can prepare for the next wave of tech—quantum, neurotech, biotech, and beyond. Learn how to shift from reactive to future-ready with expert insights, global case studies, and practical strategies. This session will unpack the leadership, mindsets, and cross-sector partnerships needed to drive innovation, break silos, and deliver lasting public value in an increasingly complex and fast-evolving world.
Speakers: TBC
Register: express your interest here by April 18th, 5pm EST.
Harnessing bioeconomy, science, technology and innovation for a sustainable and inclusive agrifood systems transformation
When: Wednesday, 7th May or Thursday, 8th May (to be confirmed) at 8.00am – 10.00am EST
Location: Online – registration link will come soon
Agrifood systems are central to the bioeconomy, providing renewable biological resources. The bioeconomy enhances agrifood systems sustainability and productivity through science, technology and innovation, allowing agrifood systems to sustainably supply resources needed to green other sectors. This side event will highlight the risks of inaction, including food insecurity and environmental degradation, while showcasing the advantages of global cooperation in science, technology, and innovation (STI). It will gather insights from UN agencies, governments, and regional experts to showcase transformative bioeconomy innovations within agrifood systems, supporting multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The discussion will culminate by highlighting the importance of global cooperation, focusing on the development of a Global Multistakeholder Bioeconomy Partnership (SDG 17) to scale these innovations and drive impactful, sustainable change.
Register: Register here to attend virtually on Zoom
More details to come.