The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a landmark “Pact for the Future,” heralding a new era of “effective, inclusive, networked multilateralism,” Al Jazeera reports, citing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The pact, adopted without a vote on Sunday at the start of a two-day Summit of the Future, outlines a roadmap for a more collaborative and sustainable future, the UN states.
The agreement, agreed upon after nine months of negotiations, aims to address global challenges like peace and security, climate change, and digital cooperation. It includes an annex on fostering a responsible and sustainable digital future, acknowledging the transformative power of technology.
Guterres, a vocal advocate for the pact, highlighted the need to revitalize multilateralism, stating, “We are here to bring multilateralism back from the brink.” The summit, a prelude to the annual high-level week of the UN General Assembly, saw dozens of world leaders pledge their commitment to strengthening the multilateral system.
The pact, encompassing 56 broad actions, aims to “keep pace with a changing world” and protect the interests of present and future generations facing persistent crises.
While some have criticized the pact’s lack of concrete commitments, others view it as a crucial step towards rebuilding trust between the Global North and South. Developing countries, particularly impacted by climate change, have pushed for concrete reform of international financial institutions to ensure easier access to preferential financing.
Though non-binding, the pact and its annexes – the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations – offer a framework for action.
