World leaders have formally adopted the “Pact for the Future,” a global agreement aimed at creating a more peaceful, sustainable, and inclusive world for future generations.
This agreement, adopted by consensus, was accompanied by the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, laying out key goals to address pressing global challenges.
Despite near-universal support, there was last-minute opposition from several countries, including Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Syria, which proposed amendments. Their primary request was to introduce language emphasizing national sovereignty and downplaying the role of civil society and the private sector.
However, the 193-member United Nations Assembly decided not to act on this proposal, enabling the Pact’s smooth adoption.
Pillars of the Pact
The Pact for the Future is built around five main pillars: sustainable development, international peace and security, science and technology, youth and future generations, and transforming global governance.
These focus areas reflect the urgent need to address 21st-century issues, a task that existing institutions, including the United Nations itself, have often struggled to meet.
At the heart of the Pact is a commitment by UN member states to accelerate progress on major global initiatives like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
The Pact also includes promises to increase youth participation in decision-making processes at both national and international levels.
Governments are urged to engage with civil society and the private sector, work to build peaceful and just societies, and address the root causes of global conflicts.
Additionally, it calls for renewed efforts to protect civilians in conflict zones and prioritize the implementation of existing commitments on women, peace, and security.
Global Digital Compact: Regulating AI
The Global Digital Compact, a key annex of the Pact, has been heralded as the first-ever global agreement on the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI).
The agreement outlines a commitment to ensuring that digital technologies, including AI, are used for the benefit of all. It also sets the stage for addressing risks like digital divides, cybersecurity concerns, and the misuse of emerging technologies.
The Compact proposes the creation of an impartial Scientific Panel on AI and calls for international dialogue on the governance of AI within the United Nations.
Governments will now be required to cooperate on responsible AI development and work together to mitigate security threats posed by rapid technological advancements.
In a statement after the adoption, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the agreement a “pathway to new possibilities and opportunities.” He emphasized that people worldwide are looking to the United Nations for solutions to urgent problems like the climate crisis and inequality.
“They see the United Nations as essential to solving these challenges. The Summit of the Future sets a course for international cooperation that can meet their expectations. Now, let’s get to work.”
António Guterres
The adoption of the Pact follows months of negotiations led by Germany and Namibia. Philémon Yang, President of the 79th session of the General Assembly, praised the agreement and called on nations to move forward in a spirit of solidarity and multilateral cooperation.
“The path we choose must lead to a future where human dignity is respected and human rights are upheld,” Yang said.
With the Pact for the Future now in place, the focus shifts to its implementation. World leaders have set ambitious goals, and their success will depend on coordinated global action in the years ahead.
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