World leaders adopt historic pact

WORLD leaders have adopted a historic Pact for the Future, a sweeping agreement designed to address modern challenges and shape the future of global cooperation.

The Pact includes several key initiatives, such as the Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations, underscoring the importance of adapting international systems to contemporary realities.

The pact represents one of the most comprehensive international agreements in years, covering new and long-standing issues. Its primary goal is to reform international institutions to ensure they can effectively deliver in a world that has evolved significantly since their inception. As the United Nations Secretary-General highlighted, “we cannot create a future fit for our grandchildren with a system built by our grandparents.”

The adoption of this Pact reflects a renewed commitment by countries to uphold the values of the United Nations, international cooperation, and the rule of law. Leaders outlined a vision for a more inclusive and representative global system, drawing on the collective strengths of governments, civil society, and other stakeholders.

Addressing the Summit of the Future, the Secretary-General stated, “The Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations open the door to new opportunities and untapped possibilities.” The President of the General Assembly added that the agreement would “lay the foundations for a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order – for all peoples and nations.”

Key Areas of Focus:

The Pact for the Future covers a broad range of critical global issues, including:

1. Peace and Security:

• A historic commitment to Security Council reform, prioritizing better representation of Africa.
• The first multilateral recommitment to nuclear disarmament in over a decade.
• Strengthening frameworks to prevent an arms race in outer space and safeguard peaceful exploration.
• A focus on preventing the weaponization of new technologies, like lethal autonomous weapons.

2. Sustainable Development and Climate Change:

• A plan to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Reforming the international financial system to better serve developing countries, including increased representation in decision-making.
• Strengthening the global financial safety net to support the most vulnerable countries during economic shocks.
• A commitment to keep global temperature rise to 1.5 °C and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

3. Digital Cooperation:

• The Global Digital Compact, the first comprehensive global framework for AI governance and digital cooperation.
• Initiatives to ensure Internet access for all, including schools and hospitals, and to promote online safety, particularly for children.
• Global governance for data management and commitments to making data more open and accessible.

4. Youth and Future Generations:

• The Declaration on Future Generations, aiming to integrate future considerations into today’s decision-making, including the creation of an envoy for future generations.
• Expanding opportunities for youth engagement in global decision-making.

5. Human Rights and Gender:

• Renewed emphasis on human rights, gender equality, and the protection of human rights defenders.
• Encouraging broader engagement from local governments, civil society, and the private sector in global governance.

Summit Process and Next Steps

The Summit of the Future, attended by over 4,000 leaders and stakeholders, culminated in the adoption of this Pact. Preceding the formal summit, Action Days attracted more than 7,000 participants and featured pledges exceeding USD 1.05 billion to promote digital inclusion.

The Pact’s wide-ranging provisions include follow-up actions to ensure that commitments are upheld and progress is continuously monitored. This inclusive process has been enriched by millions of voices and contributions from diverse sectors across the globe. Ultimately, the Pact for the Future aims to forge a path toward a more sustainable, just, and peaceful world, ensuring that international systems evolve to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow, for the benefit of all generations.