The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a “Pact for the Future”, which aims to tackle the wars, environmental threats, and technological challenges facing humanity. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the pact as a landmark agreement that signifies a shift towards more effective and inclusive multilateralism. The agreement, which also includes an annex on working towards a responsible and sustainable digital future, was adopted without a vote at the start of a two-day Summit of the Future after nine months of negotiations.
The pact is seen as a way to bring multilateralism back from the brink, as world leaders gathered to pledge their commitment to bolster the multilateral system and protect the needs and interests of current and future generations. The document of the pact lays out 56 broad actions that countries have pledged to achieve, covering themes such as peace and security, global governance, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, gender, youth, and future generations. Despite facing a brief delay due to an amendment introduced by Russia emphasizing the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of states, the pact was overwhelmingly adopted with support from many countries.
Criticism of the pact has been voiced by some countries, including Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Iran, Nicaragua, and Syria, but the overall sentiment among diplomats and leaders is that the pact represents an opportunity to affirm collective commitment to multilateralism. Developing countries, in particular, are pushing for concrete commitments on the reform of international financial institutions to secure easier access to preferential financing, especially in light of the impacts of climate change. The pact and its annexes – a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations – are non-binding, raising concerns about implementation, especially in the context of ongoing violations of principles such as the protection of civilians in conflict.
The adoption of the pact is seen as a significant step towards addressing the global challenges facing humanity and building a brighter future for all. UN Secretary-General Guterres has long advocated for the pact, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and multilateralism in addressing complex and interconnected issues. The pact is viewed as an opportunity to rebuild trust between the Global South and North and to reaffirm the commitment to working together towards common goals. Despite the challenges and criticisms, the pact is seen as a source of hope and inspiration for a better future.
The pact is a comprehensive framework that encompasses a wide range of issues, including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, gender equality, and youth empowerment. The document outlines specific actions that countries have pledged to take to address these challenges and to ensure a more sustainable and inclusive future for all. The pact is a reflection of the collective commitment of member countries to work together towards a common vision of a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world for current and future generations.
