Pact for the Future: World leaders pledge action for peace, sustainable development

The The Treaty together with its annexesThe Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations were adopted by consensus, despite a last-minute change. proposed amendment of several countries, including Russia, Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), and Syria.

The amendment sought to include a call for non-interference in any matter involving national sovereignty and to prioritize discussions between governments, effectively downplaying the role of civil society or the interests of the private sector. It was rejected after the 193-member General Assembly decided not to act on the proposal.

Click here to United Nations News‘ live report of the meeting and here to Download resolution

Treaty for the future

The five focus areas of the Compact include: sustainable development; international peace and security; science and technology; youth and future generations; and transforming global governance.

According to the treaty, this has become an urgent turning point because multilateral financial institutions and even the United Nations have failed to find solutions to the problems of the 21st century.

By accepting the Treaty, the Member States of the United Nations have undertaken, among other things, to:

• Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on climate change, two landmark 2015 agreements that have seen slow progress and missed milestones
• Listening to young people and including them in decision-making at national and global levels
• Build closer partnerships with civil society, private sector, local and regional governments, etc.
• Strengthen efforts to build and sustain peaceful, inclusive and just societies, while addressing the root causes of conflict
• Protect all civilians in armed conflict
• Accelerating the implementation of our commitments on women, peace and security

Global Digital Pact

The Global Digital Compact marks the world’s first agreement on international regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) and is founded on the idea that technology should benefit everyone.

The document outlines commitments to ensure that digital technology contributes to sustainable development and human rights, while addressing risks such as the digital divide, cybersecurity and misuse of technology.

The treaty aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that AI technologies are used responsibly, promoting global cooperation on both AI capabilities and security threats. Governments are also required to establish an impartial Global Scientific Panel on AI and initiate an international discussion on AI governance within the United Nations.

Statement on future generations

The statement on future generations focuses on ensuring the well-being of future generations, while emphasizing the need to include their interests in decision-making.

It also emphasizes the importance of protecting the environment, promoting intergenerational equity and ensuring consideration of the long-term consequences of current actions.

New Opportunity

Speaking after the adoption, Secretary-General António Guterres emphasize that the Future Treaty and its annexes, “opening up paths to new possibilities and opportunities“ .

“People everywhere hope for a future of peace, dignity and prosperity. They are calling for global action to tackle the climate crisis, tackle inequality and address new and emerging risks that threaten everyone.“, he said.

“They see the United Nations as essential to addressing these challenges,” he continued, adding, Summit of the Future set out a roadmap for international cooperation that can meet their expectations… Now, let’s get to work.“ .

Months of negotiations

The adoption is the result of months of negotiations co-ordinated by Germany and Namibia.

Speaking after the adoption, Philémon Yang, President of the 79th session of the General Assembly, urge Nations move forward together 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 protected.. A future where peace is not simply the absence of conflict but is based on justice, inclusion and equality.”