A/79/PV.4 General Assembly
The meeting was called to order at 3.40 p.m.
123. Strengthening of the United Nations system
Delegations are reminded that statements should be limited to five minutes for participating States and three minutes for other statements. Pursuant to rule 72 of the rules of procedure, when a representative exceeds her or his allotted time, the President shall call the speaker to order without delay, which will be done by means of automatic microphone cut-off. In accordance with resolution 72/313, the “all protocol observed” principle is recommended, whereby participants are encouraged to refrain from the listing of standard protocol expressions during their statements.
Within that time frame, I would like to appeal to speakers to deliver their statements at a reasonable pace so that interpretation into the other official United Nations languages may be provided properly.
The list of speakers for each meeting shall be completed and no speakers will be rolled over to the next meeting. Speakers who are not present when their speaking turn comes will be automatically moved to the next available speaking slot within their category at the same meeting.
Address by Mr. Aleksandar Vučić, President of the Republic of Serbia
I invite His Excellency Mr. Aleksandar Vučić, President of the Republic of Serbia, to address the Assembly.
President Vučić: I am very happy to be present at this important Summit of the Future.
I will not take much time by quoting the characters of Alan Ford comics or by saying that it is better to have peace and cooperation than war and conflicts, or that
Speaking of the most powerful countries, it is incredible with how many lies and how much hypocrisy they brutally violate the law of the United Nations and, more than anything, peace. Peace is today more important than anything, but no one sees peace as an important value, yet all the big ones, while justifying their big politics, speak about a just peace, which means that they should win and that the other ones not only should lose, but should be completely destroyed. All stakeholders, without exception, will refer to those norms of international law that are in their favour, and they will intentionally forget all they have done and that they are doing today. They will be reminded of the respective violations by the other big ones, which will also forget all those misdeeds, but they will find endless violations of international law in the case of the first ones.
Serbia supports the plan of the Secretary-General. We support the Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1), in spite of having comments and in spite of the fact that we would like to see more compromise made for the developing countries and for the big Western countries to better understand the needs of the small ones. All five chapters are important to us: sustainable development and financing for development; international peace and security; science, technology and innovation and digital cooperation; youth and future generations and transforming global governance. But what kind of financing for development, circumstances of young people or sustainable development can we speak about when we have huge regional conflicts in the world and tensions involving almost all the biggest world Powers.
Speaking of remarks, Serbia supports the demand of the Group of 77 developing countries, joined by the People’s Republic of China, and believes that the financing of the problem of climate change should be a separate issue and not a part of financing for development. We believe that the United States and the European Union will have more understanding for reforms of the existing financing architecture. Additionally, we believe that the remarks of Russia and Brazil — to the effect that the issues of climate and climate change are more related to security than to development — are serious ones and deserve attention.
Additionally, Serbia believes that it is very important to find a balance between the Western point of view on the issue of the rule of law, on the one side, and the demand of numerous countries, on the other, when it comes to the family and traditional values, because human rights are one thing and their abuse and overemphasizing lead to the destruction of traditional conservative societies, which many countries worldwide cannot accept, particularly when it comes to family values. It is precisely those values that are cherished and nurtured by the Republic of Serbia.
Serbia is on its European path. Unlike many others, Serbia observes the norms and regulations of international public law. At the same time, Serbia is a modern country with a strong rate of growth, but it is not ready to sacrifice its own traditional values. It will be capable of resisting all attempts from the outside that the so-called woke movement is imposing on it as the highest possible value and the state of society that we must allegedly reach in the future.
I thank the President of the Republic of Serbia for the statement he has just made.
I invite His Excellency Mr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, to address the Assembly.
President Ruto: A year ago, I stood before the Assembly urging bold reforms of the United Nations system to tackle the rapidly evolving and increasingly complex global challenges (see A/78/PV.8). Today, that call is as urgent as it was then. The planet is heating up, our climate is in crisis, oceans are rising, deserts are spreading and conflict is engulfing the world. Millions are displaced, poor and without access to basic services.
Unfortunately, our multilateral system has proven inadequate in addressing crises such as climate change, inequality and debt, and it continues to falter in providing any solutions, let alone timely ones. Without immediate action, humankind will face an unprecedented global crisis. Today, we have no choice but to reject outdated systems and reimagine a framework of international cooperation that works for all 8 billion of us on the planet. That means redesigning the international financial system, strengthening partnerships for common security, bridging the digital divide and investing in human capacity, especially by empowering women and young people. The window to achieve that is, however, fast closing.
The Secretary-General’s Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024 paints a dire picture. Only 17 per cent of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets are on track, largely due to unmet financial commitments. Developing countries, particularly in Africa and the global South, are facing severe funding shortages, and the gap is widening. At the 2023 United Nations SDG Summit, we highlighted the urgent need to overhaul the global financial system. As we approach the fourth Financing for Development Forum in 2025, imaginative solutions for debt relief and development financing are essential to closing the SDG gap.
We must address the historical injustice of Africa’s lack of permanent representation on the Security Council as a matter of justice in the ongoing United Nations reforms. Additionally, region-led peace operations, sustainably funded by United Nations-assessed contributions, are critical to addressing today’s complex security challenges.
In Kenya we aim to increase forest cover to 30 per cent by planting 15 billion trees, an effort largely led by our youth. Two weeks ago, I launched ClimateWorX, a programme to employ 200,000 young people in sustainable public works focused on ecological restoration and infrastructure.
But we must recognize that the pace of technological advancement, particularly with artificial intelligence, is widening the global digital divide. Africa holds critical resources for the tech revolution yet receives disproportionately low benefits.
A year ago, I stood before the Assembly to declare Kenya’s commitment to contributing to an international security support mission to Haiti. Yesterday, I was in Port-au-Prince to witness the significant progress made by Kenya’s Africa-led mission, even with the constraint of limited resources. What looked like mission impossible is now a present and real possibility for peace in Haiti.
I hosted the inaugural Africa Climate Summit, whose seminal outcome, the Nairobi Declaration, formed the basis of a common African position in multilateral engagements at the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and other forums.
On the basis of the progress we have achieved under our current, inadequate multilateral institutional framework, I am optimistic about what we can achieve under a radically reconfigured multilateral institutional framework. That is why reforms are an urgent necessity that we cannot delay.
The Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1) has been developed through intense negotiations and sustained discourse among members. I take this opportunity —
I thank the President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces for the statement he has just made.
Address by Mr. Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic of Lithuania
I invite His Excellency Mr. Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic of Lithuania, to address the Assembly.
President Nausėda: I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Germany and Namibia for their work in mobilizing the international community for the Summit of the Future. Their efforts to address the pressing challenges of today deserve the highest praise.
My country, eager to build a safer, more sustainable and inclusive world, has put constructive work into the Pact for the Future (resolution 791/) and its accompanying documents. We welcome the commitment in the Declaration on Future Generations to safeguard those who will inherit the world. To shape our future for the benefit of all, we must act with vision, courage and unity. And we must act now.
First, we need to return to the rules-based international order. For Lithuania, that means supporting Ukraine in its fight for freedom and democracy. It is crucially important that Russia not be allowed to walk away with occupied Ukrainian territories. Therefore, Lithuania calls on the international community to put more effort into limiting Russia’s ability to continue its colonial war. Russia must be forced to completely withdraw from the entire territory of Ukraine.
Sadly, the lack of multilateral response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has already raised serious doubts about the United Nations ability to maintain global peace and security. Significant reforms of the Organization, including those of the Security Council, are clearly needed. The United Nations must be empowered to stop and contain both present and future aggressors. That would contribute not only to global peace and security but also to sustainable development and human rights.
Secondly, we need to put more effort into achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Right now, one of the key obstacles to accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals is the lack of financial resources. We need to create a global financial architecture that is more equitable, just and responsive to crises.
Lithuania is also eager to address the climate crisis. To achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, we need more investment in renewable energy and innovative technologies.
Future prosperity will be driven by digital transformation. While Lithuania welcomes the shared vision for the digital world outlined in both the Pact for the
I am delighted that under Lithuania’s presidency, the Council of Europe adopted the first-ever Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law. The Vilnius Convention establishes a global standard for protecting human rights from the risks posed by artificial intelligence. My hope is that it will set an example by addressing all kinds of global issues through concerted multilateral efforts.
Today, I call on the participants of the Summit to support the main guiding principles of the United Nations: peace, security, human rights and sustainable development for all. The future we desire is within our reach. Let us seize this moment to build it together.
I thank the President of the Republic of Lithuania for the statement he has just made.
Address by Mr. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique
I invite His Excellency Mr. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique, to address the Assembly.
President Nyusi (spoke in Portuguese; English interpretation provided by the delegation): Allow me to greet and congratulate you, Sir, on presiding over this important event and wish you every success in our deliberations.
Multilateralism is an indispensable tool of cooperation among States. It is a secure vehicle to pursue our common global agenda. The Charter of the United Nations defines the Organization as the centre for harmonizing the actions of nations to achieve common purposes. It is in that perspective that we view the Secretary- General’s Our Common Agenda (A/75/982), which charts the way for the next 25 years and stresses the importance of multilateralism. Multilateralism is not just a choice but an imperative and requirement in addressing complex challenges, particularly within the framework of international peace and security, which are indivisible.
The recent coronavirus disease pandemic demonstrated how important that international cooperation is to addressing global crises. Despite its constraints, the coordinated multilateral response was key to combating and distributing resources that were unforeseen for the most vulnerable countries.
The complex challenges requiring bold multilateral cooperation include terrorism and violent extremism, endemic diseases and pandemics, climate change-induced natural disasters and others. Another challenge requiring multilateral engagement is the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. However, if the response to global challenges is to be more effective, it is necessary to make profound reforms to the multilateral system, especially with respect to the representation of developing countries in strategic decision-making, such as in the Security Council.
On the other hand, we reiterate our firm support for a new international financial architecture that is responsive to the challenges of poverty and world developments. Collective decisions can no longer be delayed indefinitely.
I conclude by reaffirming the primacy of multilateralism as the best tool for addressing the complex and multiple challenges facing humankind. To that end, it is urgent to restore our people’s trust in international institutions and inclusive international rights. If we are serious about promoting global prosperity for humankind, it would be a disaster if Africa, with its young and hard-working population and rich diversity and potential, were left behind and excluded from the most important cycles of decision-making.
Address by Mrs. Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, President of the Republic of North Macedonia
I invite Her Excellency Mrs. Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, President of the Republic of North Macedonia, to address the Assembly.
President Siljanovska-Davkova: It is a difficult task and a great responsibility to talk about the future in abstraction from the United Nations, because it is the only organization that enjoys universal legitimacy and has proven integrity and credibility among 193 countries in resolving humankind’s biggest and most burning problems. On the eve of its eightieth birthday, I am confident that the United Nations has accumulated enough knowledge, experience and creation, learned numerous lessons, gained wisdom and acquired a rich memory as the necessary tools for a real perception of the present and for projecting the future.
The future is neither a fiction story nor an illusion, but a real assessment of expected changes based on a thorough critical analysis of evidence and a diagnosis of current natural and social conditions. Hence, the future could perhaps be seen as a certain expectation of change.
I believe that there is no place more appropriate than the United Nations for finding a consensus on the future through the prism of the biggest dilemmas and challenges. I believe that it is high time to face the ugly reality of wars, natural disasters, widespread pauperization, inequality and injustice, violations of international law and even of jus cogens, practicing the rule of man instead of the rule of law, and sacrificing justice, ethics and morality for profit and power. Difficult problems ultimately impose ambitious goals, but also require designed, decisive action.
Brave undertakings are impossible without deep reform of the United Nations, strengthened multilateralism in decision-making, a developed checks-and-balances mechanism in the relations among the Secretary-General, the Security Council and the General Assembly, greater inclusiveness and transparency in the decision-making process, as well as decisiveness and efficiency in dealing with the enormous threats to peace, sustainable development and human rights.
Sincerely, I think that cosmetic reforms of the United Nations — that is, flying without moving — are not enough. What we need is substance — structural, functional, meritocratic, democratic changes. The role of the General Assembly should be strengthened as a representative organ of the United Nations. The International Court of Justice must be given a stronger role and its judgments must become binding on everyone. More intensive cooperation and partnership with civil society must be established and transparency in the work of all authorities and bodies must be increased.
I am not of the opinion that enlarging the Security Council with a few new permanent members with exclusive veto rights would by itself be a greater guarantee of peace and security, although it is clear to me that the relationship of Powers on the global stage today is not the same as that of 1945. As a representative of a small country, I believe that the participation of the smaller countries in the General Assembly should be increased to protect them from the real danger posed by the bigger countries.
Of course, the Charter of the United Nations remains a fundamental document, a constitution of nations but also a social, international contract. An end should be put to the disrespect, bypassing and selective application of the Charter, as
I believe that the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations (resolution 79/1) are a solid and inspiring framework for tracing and building a future in which peace, prosperity and justice will not be wishful thinking —
I thank the President of the Republic of North Macedonia for the statement she has just made.
Address by Mr. Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, President of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe
I invite His Excellency Mr. Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, President of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, to address the Assembly.
President Nova (spoke in Portuguese; English interpretation provided by the delegation): It is an honour to address this historic Summit at a crucial moment for the future of humankind. The world faces complex challenges that require urgent and coordinated action, and the interactive dialogues of this Summit point to fundamental paths to ensure a prosperous, fair and sustainable future for all.
As part of the transformation of global governance and the acceleration of the implementation of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Sao Tome and Principe reaffirms its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. We believe that global governance needs to be inclusive and representative, ensuring that small and vulnerable countries like ours can have an active voice in decisions that affect our common destiny. Our efforts have been directed towards promoting a green economy and protecting our marine and terrestrial resources as central elements of our sustainable development strategy.
Regarding the strengthening of multilateralism for international peace and security, Sao Tome and Principe highlights the importance of robust multilateral conflict resolution and crisis prevention mechanisms. The world faces growing threats to peace and stability, and it is only through effective multilateral diplomacy that can we guarantee the security of all nations, regardless of their size, economic power or military capacity. As a member of the international community, we reaffirm our commitment to peace and cooperation.
In relation to creating a common digital future, our challenge is to face the digital revolution in an inclusive way. The digital divide continues to widen inequalities, especially in developing countries. Sao Tome and Principe sees strengthening digital innovation as an opportunity to empower its youth and promote economic growth. However, that will be possible only through international partnerships that ensure inclusive access to digital technologies and opportunities so that no citizen is left behind.
Finally, with respect to strengthening the global system for current and future generations, we recall that the decisions we take today are shaping the world we will leave for future generations. In Sao Tome and Principe, preventing the degradation of our environment is a priority. Principe island is recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and the vast areas of special reserves on the island of Sao Tome are testament to our commitment to biodiversity conservation.
In that context, I am pleased to announce the creation of the Sao Tome and Principe Conservation Trust Fund (CTF). The Fund seeks to reposition nature as a strategic economic asset capable of driving our sustainable development. As a small island developing State, we face challenges related to accessing predictable
In closing, we urge all countries represented here to work together with —
I thank the President of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe for the statement he has just made.
Address by Ms. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business in Parliament of the Republic of Uganda
I invite Her Excellency Ms. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business in Parliament of the Republic of Uganda, to address the Assembly.
I bring greetings from General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda.
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.
Today, we live in a global scenario that has changed dramatically since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and progress at the halfway point of the Agenda is slow or fragile. The gap between developed and developing countries continues to widen, and major challenges generated by the current unfair international economic order for developing countries have reached their most acute expression in current times.
We are gathered here at the Summit of the Future to recommit to our international cooperation in the Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1), which is the result of long, complex but constructive negotiations at different levels over the past year. Our hope and conviction is that the Pact will not become another futile exercise, but will garner political will and commitment across all levels of global leadership to pragmatically address current issues and lay a foundation for solutions for our future global progress and challenges.
Therefore, the future we want should be free from any oppression and from global inequalities and divides in levels of development, financing, technology and innovation. It must deliberately offer opportunities and capacity to the majority global South to catch up. Therefore, the global community should commit to the practical implementation of all the agreed actions in the Pact for the Future.
The impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation and desertification unfairly burden developing countries and pose additional challenges to their pursuit of sustainable development and poverty eradication. We remain concerned about the growing gap between the needs of developing countries and the support available to face those challenges. In that regard, we regret that the Pact falls short in recognizing the actions needed to close that gap, including the failure of developed countries to fulfil their obligations to provide the means of implementation, including capacity-building, technology transfer and adequate, sufficient, predictable, quality and additional financial resources to support developing countries in implementing their nationally determined contributions,
Nonetheless, the Pact we have adopted today contains concrete actions to prevent people from falling back into poverty, including by establishing well-designed, sustainable and efficient social protection systems for all that are responsive to shocks.
We reaffirm our commitment to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and to accelerating our efforts for the empowerment of all women and girls in all domains.
We have also agreed in the Global Digital Compact to initiate an annual global dialogue on artificial intelligence governance, under the auspices of the United Nations, and an inclusive process towards international data governance arrangements.
We have decided to deliver a robust and impactful twenty-first replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA) that includes contributions and strong policy commitments from both new and existing donors that significantly increase IDA resources, and to work towards funding the pathways to implement the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Also, we have decided to strengthen the multilateral response to support countries with high and unsustainable debt burdens, with the meaningful participation of the countries concerned and all relevant actors, ensuring an approach —
I thank the Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business in Parliament of the Republic of Uganda for the statement she has just made.
Address by Ms. Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Independent State of Samoa
I invite Her Excellency Ms. Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Independent State of Samoa, to address the Assembly.
I thank the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Independent State of Samoa for the statement she has just made.
Address by Mr. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
I invite His Excellency Mr. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, to address the Assembly.
As we meet here in New York in the General Assembly for this Summit of the Future, we are at a global inflection point. Faced with escalating instability undermining the very foundations of the international order, beset by the increasingly dire costs of climate change, contending with rising inequality that is leaving the most vulnerable behind, plagued by the erosion of women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights and indigenous rights, and grappling with dire humanitarian crises perpetuating record levels of displacement, we have a choice.
On the one hand, we can bury our heads in the sand, eschewing multilateralism in favour of short-sighted self-interest, or we can recognize that, collectively, we have a responsibility to set our differences aside, to confront those serious global challenges and to deliver on a Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1) that builds a more peaceful world, but also one where everyone — every generation — gets a real and fair shot.
In Canada, that is what we are squarely focused on. As I travel across my country, Canadians of all walks of life, but particularly young Canadians, tell me that they are worried. They are worried about the state of the world and the future, but most importantly they are worried that the very promise of Canada — the promise that if you work hard, you can do better than the generation that preceded you — is slipping out of reach. As a Government, we are stepping up.
The solution to anxiety and angst is not to deceive and deflect, but to take action. We know that confident, successful countries invest in their citizens, in their workers, in their middle class; in national $10-a-day child care that saves families money while ensuring that women can choose the best path for themselves;
(spoke in French)
Climate change and inflation do not stop at borders. Inequality is a global problem for people from all walks of life. If we are to serve our own citizens well, we must tackle major global challenges together. We must work within institutions like the United Nations and recommit to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We must protect and support the rule of law and democratic values. We must take a lead role in reforming international financial institutions. We must put the rights of women and girls at the heart of our efforts, as we did with our Feminist International Assistance Policy. We must recognize that rich countries like Canada have a responsibility to address climate change. We are doing so through our $5-billion commitment to global climate finance efforts and by being the first major oil and gas producing country to put a cap on emissions in that sector.
(spoke in English)
Nearly 80 years ago, in the aftermath of the most destructive war in our collective history, we formed the United Nations. We did so with the aspiration to build something better for today’s generations, yes, but also for many generations to come. All of us gathered here have an opportunity to hold true to that mission— to fulfil the promise of our Pact for the Future and to deliver fairness for every generation.
I thank the Prime Minister of Canada for the statement he has just made.
Address by Mr. Feleti Teo, Prime Minister of Tuvalu
I now invite His Excellency Mr. Feleti Teo, Prime Minister of Tuvalu, to address the Assembly.
It is with absolute and immense honour that I, as the Head of Government of Tuvalu, offer my perspectives on the objectives and pursuits of the Summit of the Future. The Summit presents a timely opportunity for the global community to recast and to reform the global architecture of multilateralism and international cooperation. The exercise is essential to ensuring their relevance and effectiveness in addressing the challenges of today and of years to come.
Tuvalu expresses its solid support for the Pact for the Future, together with the Declaration on Future Generations and the Global Digital Compact (resolution 79/1). The Pact represents a well-crafted and delicately negotiated set of commitments and recommitments by the global community. Those commitments, if enacted fully, would provide the requisite prescription for reinvigorating and enhancing the robustness of international cooperation, grounded in the spirit and the letter of the Charter of the United Nations.
The global community, in adopting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) acknowledged the reality that sustainable development, the preservation of the environment and the maintenance of peace and stability are all interconnected and intertwined. It is therefore imperative to understand that achieving one goal is dependent on achieving all others. The SDGs, which include the eradication of poverty, ensuring quality education and
To achieve those noble goals, it is incumbent on the global community to renew with vigour its commitment to a reinvigorated multilateralism system that is adaptable and resilient to new and emerging challenges. The Summit has been an opportune moment for the global community to take stock, to reflect on the current architecture of multilateralism and the United Nations system in general, and to ask the hard question: Does the current architecture of multilateralism and international cooperation remain effective?
The overwhelming response, with due respect, has not been in the affirmative. The Summit has therefore been challenged to provide the necessary and essential reforms and to come up with the requisite prescription to strengthen, to reinvigorate and to reboot multilateralism and international cooperation to foster a spirit of solidarity and collaboration.
The world we live in today is a world that is characterized by multiple crises that we must endure — crises that are unfortunately of our own making, be they environmental and climate change, armed conflicts, financial crises or gross social inequities.
Tuvalu is a small Pacific atoll island nation and is also a large ocean State. As such, Tuvalu has a strong affinity with the ocean and the environment. Tuvalu is of the firm belief that we are only temporary stewards and caretakers of the ocean and the environment on behalf of future generations. The Summit must therefore recognize the importance of intergenerational responsibility as we approach multiple tipping points. Our decisions today will have profound implications for future generations, and we must act with the utmost respect and care for future generations. For Tuvalu, climate change-induced sea level rise is the greatest and most devastating manifestation of climate change. The ocean that used to define us as a people, as a community and as a nation will soon engulf us if sea level rise is not halted or the resilience of our land territory to sea level rise is not reinforced. Climate changed-induced sea level rise threatens the lives and livelihoods of present and future generations of my people, but Tuvalu has contributed negligibly, if at all, to the cause of climate change. That is how grossly unfair and inequitable the world we live in is today. Tuvalu and other vulnerable States at the forefront of the devastating impacts of climate change-induced seal level rise suffer first and the worst, while States that benefit the most from fossil fuel extraction continue to accelerate their development and prosperity at the expense of the most vulnerable States that are left — well and truly behind. That is why Tuvalu is leading and supporting —
Mr. Leucă (Republic of Moldova), Vice-President, took the Chair.
I thank the Prime Minister of Tuvalu for the statement he has just made.
Address by Mr. Daniel Risch, Prime Minister, Minister for General Government Affairs and Minister for Finance of the Principality of Liechtenstein
I invite His Excellency Mr. Daniel Risch, Prime Minister, Minister for General Government Affairs and Minister for Finance of the Principality of Liechtenstein, to address the Assembly.
When Liechtenstein applied for membership of the United Nations in 1990, safeguarding our sovereignty was a key incentive. We have certainly greatly benefitted from over three decades of membership. At the same
Too often, those expectations have been thwarted. We do not agree with those who are resigned to the dictates of realpolitik. Instead, we promote the view that the United Nations can do valuable work in many areas — to address the challenges of climate change, humanitarian disasters and global health crises, amongst others. The United Nations symbol on this podium reminds us of the overreaching goal of the Organization. We see the Earth at the centre and olive branches as the universal symbol of peace embracing it. And I ask: Is there anything more we should understand about the United Nations being a peace organization created to save future generations from the scourge of war?
The mission that we are realizing also in Europe is of more urgent relevance than we had hoped. The drafters of the Charter of the United Nations entrusted the Security Council with primary responsibility over peace and security. It is an organ in which five States can block any decision, even one supported by an overwhelming majority of the international community in the General Assembly Hall. That is taken to a level of absurdity by the fact that one veto-wielding member — the Russian Federation — far from acting as a guardian of the international order, has engaged in a blatant and far-reaching aggression against another State, violating the core principles of our common Organization.
We in Liechtenstein strongly believe that this is a moment to stand up for what the Organization represents and a moment to fight back against those who are trying to roll back history. We believe that small and medium-sized States, which make up the majority of the Organization, can shape our own fate and stand up for our interests. If the Security Council cannot uphold its responsibility, we must find alternatives. And indeed, they do exist. The General Assembly has a strong constitutional role to play on peace issues and it should step in where the Council is silent. By presenting the veto initiative, Liechtenstein has ensured that a veto in the Council is no longer the last word. We can now use the power given to the General Assembly by taking decisions when the Council is unable to do so.
We also encourage the Secretary-General to use the unique authority of the United Nations, grounded in international law, to mediate, prevent and address conflicts. And we remind each Council member to observe all relevant Charter provisions, including those requiring them to abstain in the voting on draft resolutions regarding disputes to which they are a party. The Charter is not a menu to pick and choose from, but a set of clear ground rules for the conduct of multilateralism.
The many complex and diverse challenges we are facing today — from climate change to nuclear threats, from impunity for international crimes to sea-level rise — have one thing in common. They all require responses based on international law. Liechtenstein is well known for its consistent and principled engagement on the rule of law at the United Nations. That engagement will persist, on the basis of enlightened self-interest, as our contribution to the international order that enables us to live in prosperity and in solidarity with our partners around the world — the world that, as the United Nations symbol above me shows, should be embraced by peace.
I thank the Prime Minister, Minister for General Government Affairs and Minister for Finance of the Principality of Liechtenstein for the statement he has just made.
I invite His Excellency Mr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, Prime Minister and Minister for National Security, Legal Affairs and Information of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, to address the Assembly.
Today, we are presented with a historic opportunity. The Summit of the Future has been billed as the chance for us to reinvigorate our multilateral system, particularly following the 2023 Sustainable Development Goal Summit. That system has been ailing for far longer than many of us would wish to acknowledge, but it appears that we are now poised to finally make what one might call some surgical incisions that can, we hope, lead to healing at a more fundamental level.
For the better part of a decade, we have been limping towards the goal of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Notwithstanding the difficulties faced along the way, we ought to commend the tireless efforts to achieve the Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1), which is aimed at realigning us with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and making the United Nations fit for purpose.
The discussions that have taken place over the past three or so years have undoubtedly forced into the spotlight the deficit of trust and the geopolitical tensions that have challenged us in securing a more inclusive, cohesive and effective multilateral system. Securing agreement on the fundamental issues for meaningful and multi-pronged international cooperation sets us up to take a leap forward, turbocharge our commitments and accelerate action for the delivery of the SDGs.
We have heard the litany of all the vulnerabilities of small island developing States and all the historic issues that give rise to legacies of underdevelopment. I do not want to repeat those. What we have to do as the first order of business is to reform comprehensively an outdated international financial architecture that has been ill suited to respond to our vulnerabilities and special circumstances. Another very important issue that has yet to be addressed properly is the millstone of crushing debt with which we struggle as we seek to avoid sinking into a quicksand of exogenous shocks, very especially including climate change. Thus, a multilaterally led overhaul of the debt architecture is an imperative.
If truth be told, the developed countries have made a lot of promises to us and break them cynically. My own country, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, is recovering from the ravages of Hurricane Beryl in July. That again, as in other small island States in the Caribbean and other parts of the world, reinforces the need for the international community to take much more ambitious action to address the climate crisis. Otherwise, all of us here will be going to hell in a handbasket. Everyone here knows it and I know it.
We have to reform the peace and security architecture of global governance. That involves reform of the Security Council. We have been talking about that for many years and it has to be done efficaciously.
Finally, I want to say that, in this whole bundle of issues, we have to enhance digital cooperation in addressing some of the inequities and divisions that exist and to apply science and technology in crafting opportunities for youth and future generations.
Within the context of the SDGs, I want to raise an issue that I will speak of in greater detail in my address to the General Assembly later this week. It is the question of reparations for native genocide and the enslavement of African bodies.
I thank the Prime Minister and Minister for National Security, Legal Affairs and Information of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for the statement he has just made.
I now call on His Excellency Mihai Popșoi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova.
It is an honour and a privilege to address the General Assembly today.
The current global system, marked by global challenges — including pandemics, economic downturns, energy crises, climate change, geopolitical conflicts in different parts of the world and the weakening of multilateralism itself — requires an extensive update to address the complexities of the twenty-first century. In his Our Common Agenda (A/75/982), the Secretary-General called for solidarity among people, countries and generations, as well as a renewal of the multilateral system to accelerate existing commitments and address gaps in global governance. The United Nations remains the core institution that must reflect today’s realities and shape not only the current but also the future global landscape. In that vein, the Summit of the Future is a rare opportunity for all of us to forge a new international consensus on delivering a better present and safeguarding the future.
Today, we gather to envision the future of the United Nations and a renewed international community where the digital dimension has erased territorial divides and accelerated the unprecedented pace of global development. We are continuously building up and developing our digital infrastructure with the goal of achieving a fully digital society. However, we also recognize that the ongoing development and malicious use of transformative technologies are problematic. That is why we must unite to be able to address the common enemy, hidden behind the screen, threatening our security anywhere in the world.
But what is future without youth? Children and young people are the agents of change. They are the next generations, shaping our lives and pointing at our mistakes. They are aware of the evolving dynamics of the modern world and can already guide us to what matters, especially in the future they will be living in. Therefore, we must integrate young people into both multilateral and national discussions and give them equal opportunities to contribute to the conservation and restoration of what we have neglected and to the development of what remains to be achieved.
For more than two and a half years, the Russian Federation has waged a war of aggression against Ukraine, challenging its territorial integrity and sovereignty in the middle of Europe. The Republic of Moldova remains resolute in firmly condemning the brutal war of aggression against Ukraine and reaffirms its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. We firmly reject any threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, which should have no place in international relations. The aggressive policy of the Russian Federation and its regional implications generate significant negative effects for the Republic of Moldova, making it a target for hybrid threats such as cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns, complemented by efforts to disrupt public order and meddle in electoral processes.
Nevertheless, we stand strong and manage to preserve peace across the country, including in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova, where Russian troops are stationed illegally and where concerns about human rights violations are deeply worrying. We are committed to achieving a peaceful settlement in the
The Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1), in its entirety, must not become just another United Nations document that is adopted and then forgotten. On the contrary, it should serve as a living document to be implemented through the most effective means at our disposal, namely, effective multilateral cooperation and the full commitment and engagement of the United Nations, Governments, civil society, private sector and other relevant stakeholders. Together, we must overcome existing challenges and advance multilateral solutions to protect the global commons, promote shared public goods and deliver tangible benefits to all citizens worldwide.
I now invite His Excellency Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, to address the Assembly.
In the current context of multifaceted challenges, effective cooperation is a must to ensure both our survival and progress. We must redouble our efforts to restore trust and confidence and to revitalize the international cooperation frameworks that are adaptable to the complexities of today’s geopolitical, economic and environmental landscapes.
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic believes that the three pillars of sustainable development and the principles of peace and security are interrelated and mutually reinforcing. The achievement of one is contingent on the stability of the other. Therefore, we pledge our commitment to fostering global peace, security and stability, in alignment with the Charter of the United Nations and international law. Therefore, we endorse the Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1), which could not only rejuvenate our collective pursuit but also forge a more robust mechanism.
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic is deeply concerned by the increased Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) financing gap. We must acknowledge the urgent need to provide predictable, sustainable and adequate development finance from diverse sources to developing countries, particularly the poorest and most vulnerable ones. While the Pact articulates renewed commitments to financing, the true measure of our success will lie in our ability to translate those commitments into tangible outcomes. On that note, we call for actionable financing frameworks, including the SDGs, official development assistance and private sector investments, to ensure that resources are made available.
My delegation welcomes the adoption of the Global Digital Compact as a vital component of the ambitious Pact for the Future to harness the opportunities and mitigate the risks of using digital technologies. In addition, we support the bridging of science, technology and innovation (STI) divides and the responsible use of STI as drivers of sustainable development and building the capacities necessary for sustainable transformations.
The young and future generations play a crucial role in future prosperity. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic strongly encourages the meaningful engagement of young people and creates a conducive environment that empowers them to realize their full potential. Thus, we will continue to safeguard the interests of young people and future generations through commitments and the means of implementation outlined in the Declaration on Future Generations.
At the global level, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic supports United Nations reform, especially that of the Security Council, in order to enhance its effectiveness, representation, accountability and trust. Likewise, we envision that
Moreover, we also call for an urgent reform of the international financial architecture so that it can be more inclusive and reflective of today’s economic needs and political realities and provide an effective safety net for developing countries We believe that this can be achieved only through the greater participation of developing countries in the economic and development decision-making process.
As leaders, the decisions we make today will have a lasting impact on future generations. The more equitably we distribute resources and opportunities now, the more we will pave the way for better outcomes for the next generations. It is time to call for united global actions as we bear the shared responsibility to inspire new hopes and drive meaningful changes.
I now invite His Excellency Mr. Guylain Nyembo Mbwizya, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Planning and Development Aid Coordination of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to address the Assembly.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo welcomes the holding of these important meetings, which, in view of recent events, the threats imposed by the persistence of poverty and hunger, the resurgence and emergence of conflicts and the rise of extremism throughout the world, without forgetting the question of our collective survival in the face of global warming, are intended to be a clearing or, rather, a window of opportunity for a better tomorrow.
Indeed, nothing suggested such a future or scenario when our dear Organization was born 78 years ago. It is a scenario in which the community of nations has been called into question in its essence and where the sacrosanct principles of equity, solidarity and universality supposed to enshrine the trust of all in all have apparently ceased to exist, to the benefit of a perpetually stronger minority facing a majority condemned to be irremediably weaker or even absent at the decision-making table.
The Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1) is a tremendous opportunity for humankind and the decision-makers present here to embrace a new paradigm for the benefit of the young and future inhabitants of our planet. That paradigm, which we want to see become fairer and more equitable, must be distinguished, inter alia, by the promotion of the principle of inclusiveness both among and within States and the continued implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and give pride of place to innovative actions through the promotion of science for the benefit of safeguarding our common good, namely, our planet.
For the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the future requires more investment in human capital, particularly through massive investment in basic education, the continued implementation of policies aimed at empowering women and girls, the inclusion of vulnerable people and investments in research and technological innovation.
However, the Pact that we have adopted at the Summit will remain toothless if the salient issues that hinder not only the proper functioning of our Organization but also the achievement of progress within our respective States, particularly those of the least developed countries, are not resolved. Indeed, no future whatsoever can be envisaged until an entire continent — in this case, Africa — is restored to its place of honour, particularly within our Organization, through the granting of two permanent seats on the Security Council.
In the same vein, no bright future whatsoever can be envisaged until there is real solidarity in the financing of the Sustainable Development Goals and the crucial role that artificial intelligence can play in their achievement is taken into account. No
Finally, there can be no future so long as the clash of weapons persists and the community of nations is distinguished by its inability to truly punish belligerent attitudes contrary to the Charter of our dear Organization, which advocates peaceful existence between nations.
I now invite Her Excellency Ms. Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Mexico, to address the Assembly, to address the Assembly.
I quote Jaime Torres Bodet, a Mexican diplomat who addressed the General Assembly in 1947. He said:
“We are assembled here at a solemn hour for the human race, and the solemnity of the hour is not due to our presence in this hall, but rather to the anxiety and anguish which all the peoples of the world are suffering” (A/PV.82, p.13).
It is worrying to see how relevant his words are 77 years on because this is a crucial point in time and the Summit of the Future is the moment to renew the collective commitment of the international community to multilateralism, an indispensable vehicle in facing current challenges but which is being increasingly questioned. One year from the United Nations eightieth birthday, it is facing enormous challenges to fulfilling the essence of its mandate to preserve humanity from the scourge of war, protect all human rights and international law, collectively address climate change and promote inclusive, sustainable development.
This is not a criticism from the sidelines. This is our Organization and its assets and difficulties are reflections of our own capacities and our own shortcomings. Let this Summit be a pause to consider where we are today, to cast a critical eye on the international framework, to recognize the crisis of legitimacy that the United Nations is going through and to sow hope for the future. We have arrived at this Summit after multiple efforts to reach consensus. We have yielded in our expectations to find agreement. Mexico will continue to strive to serve as a bridge between different opinions.
The world of 2024 is very different from that of 1945. Its geopolitics and its centres of economic and military power have been radically transformed. Armed conflicts, the risk of a nuclear war, the climate crisis, growing inequality, accelerated technological change with its growing challenges and opportunities and, above all, the erosion of public trust in global institutions require urgent action. Multilateralism must overcome partial and nationalist visions and agree on means of implementation based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, overcoming inertia that normalizes injustice and inequality.
In the process of negotiating the Pact, Mexico fuelled ambition with concrete proposals to accelerate progress towards substantive gender equality, rethink development models that eliminate privileges and transition from extractivism and environmental deterioration to sustainability. We proposed the urgent need for a representative and inclusive international financial architecture. Far from seeing the Pact as just another United Nations document, we believe that it contributes to three specific issues: first, the imperative of a world free of nuclear weapons in a context of high military tension; secondly, the unequivocal need for financing for development; and thirdly, the need for reforms to multilateral governance and to identify guidelines for the reform of the Security Council and the international financial architecture.
We cannot conceal our concern over the fact that the ambition to reform the United Nations system and the Security Council has been diluted, despite its evident ineffectiveness in recent years. It therefore remains for us to adjust that mechanism to a geopolitical reality that includes the global South and to eliminate the veto once and for all. It is also necessary to urgently carry out a critical examination of the functioning of its agencies and forums to overcome citizen disenchantment and be able to quickly mobilize the necessary action of the United Nations.
I extend a fraternal embrace from President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and the greetings of she who will be the first female president in the history of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. In the coming Administration, Mexico will be ready to implement the Pact. We will not do it alone; we all do it because when a woman advances, all of society advances.
I invite His Excellency Mr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, to address the Assembly.
It is my honour to begin by conveying the greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and his hope that the Summit of the Future will yield positive and tangible results, in line with the goals set out in the Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1) that is before us for discussion.
We express our deep appreciation for the efforts of the Secretary-General and the co-facilitators, the Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of Namibia, for that valuable initiative, which coincides with the current challenges facing the world. Our world today is indeed facing serious and interconnected challenges that require us to quickly redirect our energies and renew our commitment as an international community to working together effectively to address their root causes. That goes beyond merely addressing immediate threats to peace, security, prosperity and development, but rather requires us to consider the root causes, which include achieving equitable and sustainable development, ensuring broader access for countries to science and technology, educating and empowering our youth, and cooperating effectively to end or prevent conflicts and uphold the principles of international law.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is fully committed to those goals, based on its values and established principles and in line with the vision of His Majesty the King. In that context, I would like to emphasize that the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty the King, has made strenuous efforts to ensure that the Arab Summit, hosted by the Kingdom in May, issued fruitful and constructive decisions and results. The Summit affirmed the Arab consensus on the need to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict through the two-State solution and the establishment of a sovereign and viable Palestinian State. The Summit adopted Bahrain’s initiative to convene and host an international peace conference in the Middle East leading to the full membership of the State of Palestine in the United Nations. The Summit also demonstrated the commitment of Arab States to confronting the broader humanitarian and development challenges facing our world, as it included initiatives aimed at expanding access to health care and education for those affected by conflicts, in cooperation with the relevant agencies of the United Nations, and at deepening cooperation in the field of financial technology to enhance the prosperity of all our peoples.
I now invite His Excellency Mr. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, to address the Assembly.
Let me begin by conveying the regards and best wishes of Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
On behalf of the Government and the people of Nigeria, I wish to commend the convening of the Summit of the Future to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With most of the global South lagging significantly behind in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it is imperative that we adopt measures to address challenges impeding development. That is especially important in Africa, where economies are most vulnerable due to historical imbalances in the international multilateral system. The SDG index estimates that only about 16 per cent of the SDG targets are on track to be achieved. We must therefore ensure that today’s adoption of the Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1) is backed by a real willingness to fulfil outstanding commitments.
With the remaining 84 per cent of the SDG targets for 2030 yet to be achieved, countries of the global North must do more to support sustainable development in the global South. We are optimistic that those targets can be met if commitments are backed by action. However, in the event that we fall short of achieving the SDG targets by 2030, we strongly believe that the deadline should be extended.
The collective resolve and support of the international community could help Africa to address regional challenges, particularly with regard to sustainable financing for SDG implementation. We must therefore take action-oriented measures to engender the following: reform of the Security Council to ensure a permanent seat for Africa; reform of the international financial architecture to promote an inclusive, non-discriminatory and transparent international trading system, as well as to implement comprehensive debt relief measures; the fulfilment of all commitments under the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, particularly to facilitate sustainable financing for development; support for local indigenous production and export from Africa; the strengthening of measures to ensure the timely repatriation of illicit financial flows and assets; the adoption of a United Nations framework convention on international tax cooperation to ensure that African economies are no longer shortchanged through tax evasion and exclusion in global tax decision-making; support for the actualization and implementation of the Secretary-General’s SDG stimulus proposal, which includes a provision of $500 billion per year for the global South; commitment to fossil fuel energy transition; access to climate loss and damage funds for the global South; and bridging the digital divide between the global North and South through technology-sharing and capacity-building, including in areas such as artificial intelligence, to ensure that no one is left behind.
It is also imperative that the international community develop measures to enhance a common understanding on cryptocurrency, given its significant impact on the global economy as well as its links to transnational crime and money-laundering.
In concluding, I wish to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Our collective resolve to accelerate the SDGs through the Pact for the Future should result in concrete measures and solutions to the challenges of the global South, most especially Africa.
I now invite His Excellency Mr. Albert Shingiro, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of Burundi, to address the Assembly.
In addition to the repercussions of the coronavirus disease pandemic that continue to weigh on our economies, the negative effects of climate change, covert wars, terrorism in several regions of the world, geostrategic posturing, trade tensions, the rejection of multilateralism and the erosion of international solidarity constitute a real and existential threat to us all. Today more than ever, the world seems to be moving further and further away from the ideals of peace, security, solidarity and cooperation that were the compass of the founding fathers of the United Nations at its creation in 1945.
Collective rules are regularly flouted, giving way to muscle diplomacy and relegating preventive diplomacy, the spirit of compromise and international solidarity to the background. In such conditions, what else can we expect than the disintegration of the world into antagonistic blocs, as we are currently seeing? What else can we expect than the weakening of multilateralism and the rise of exclusion and inequality, with the rich growing ever richer and the poor ever poorer?
The situation is serious, very serious indeed, and no one can predict with certainty what awaits us in a few years and decades. However, that should not discourage us excessively or lead us to paralysis. On the contrary, we must act, individually and collectively, to tackle current global challenges with serenity in order to build a peaceful, stable, prosperous and united world and thereby protect future generations from the horrors of war and the repetitions of the dark history that humankind had lived through on the eve of the creation of our common Organization.
To do so, we must respect the commitments made in regional and international forums, whether in relation to the protection of the planet, the promotion of international peace and security and human rights, digital cooperation, the fight against all forms of exclusion, the establishment of a climate of trust and the deep and comprehensive reform of global governance to make it more legitimate, inclusive, effective and more adapted to the realities of the contemporary world.
That is why my country, Burundi, adheres to the spirit and letter of the Pact for the Future and its annexes (resolution 79/1), as negotiated and adopted by our respective Governments this morning in this very Hall. Notwithstanding, it is common knowledge that signing a pact is one thing and implementing it is another. The political will of all stakeholders, respect for commitments at all levels and the rescue of multilateralism constitute the only sure and sustainable way for the Pact to be more than just another document but rather a sort of compass that will lead us all together towards a peaceful, inclusive, prosperous and united world in the interest of current and future generations.
I invite His Excellency Mr. Hossein Awad Ali, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Sudan, to address the Assembly.
On behalf of the delegation of the Republic of the Sudan, I am pleased to congratulate the President of the General Assembly on convening this important Summit. We wish him every success. We reiterate our support for the efforts of Secretary-General António Guterres to reform the international Organization, which has become more necessary and urgent than ever in the light of the crises, tensions, wars, unrest and threats we are currently experiencing, which could threaten not only our current generation, but also future generations and the planet on which we live.
First, we need strict adherence to the Charter of the United Nations, its principles and objectives. We must avoid focusing on certain principles and ignoring others, or trying to reinterpret those principles and rules. The stability of the international system depends on respect for the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, especially non-interference in the internal affairs of States, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States and the non-use of force in international relations. It is unfortunate to see such double standards and selectivity in the application of those principles, which undermine the credibility of the international system. We regret the use of certain legal mechanisms to achieve those political goals. That is what my country is currently experiencing.
Secondly, it is important to undertake a comprehensive reform of the international financial architecture to respond to the challenges and problems of developing countries and countries emerging from conflicts and in special situations, especially due to poverty, conflict, the negative effects of climate change or the imposition of sanctions, which have contributed greatly to weakening their ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. There is a need to place the fight against poverty in all its forms and the right to development at the top of the United Nations priorities, so that no one is left behind.
We have seen a great consensus emerge in the rounds of negotiations on the Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1) regarding the necessity to reform and modernize international financial institutions to achieve the desired goals, including the equitable representation of developing countries in decision-making processes, facilitated access to capital and financing, long-term support, investment promotion and a review of the issue of sovereign debt and its restructuring. We must mobilize resources, strengthen mechanisms, transfer technology and build capacity for future generations.
Thirdly, we believe that the United Nations can be an appropriate platform to lead on issues of international financial reform, given its interest in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and its responsibility for international peace and security.
Fourthly, the common future of humankind should depend on multilateralism and equity —
I now invite His Excellency Mr. Carlos Pinto Pereira, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Communities of Guinea- Bissau, to address the Assembly.
On behalf of the President of the Republic of Guinea- Bissau, I have the honour and pleasure to convey his message to the Assembly.
It is with great please that I address the Summit of the Future, a crucial event bringing global leaders together to discuss and shape our common path to a better tomorrow. I thank the Secretary-General and all the organizers for this opportunity to share Guinea-Bissau’s vision of the challenges and opportunities we face.
We live in an interconnected world where such global challenges as climate change, poverty, inequality and health crises demand collective responses. The
Guinea-Bissau, like many other developing countries, faces significant challenges. Extreme poverty, food insecurity and the impacts of climate change are realities that affect our population on a daily basis. However, we also see opportunities. We believe that, with the support of the international community, we can implement innovative solutions that will benefit not only our country, but also the region and the world.
Education is the foundation on which we will build a more prosperous and equitable future. Investing in quality education for all is essential to empowering our populations and promote sustainable development. We must ensure that all children and young people have access to an education that prepares them for the challenges of the twenty-first century. Young people are the driving force of our future. Today’s young people are tomorrow’s leaders and it is crucial that we provide them with the tools and opportunities they need to fully contribute to society. We must involve young people in decision-making processes and ensure that their voices are heard and valued.
The decisions we make today will have a lasting impact on future generations. It is our responsibility to ensure that we leave a better world for our children and grandchildren. We must adopt policies that promote environmental, social and economic sustainability, ensuring that future generations can live in a world of peace, prosperity and justice. To effectively face the challenges of the present and the future, it is imperative that we reform our global governance systems.
The Summit of the Future must be a turning point where we agree to adopt concrete measures to make our institutions more inclusive, representative and effective. We must ensure that no one is left behind and that all countries, regardless of their size or wealth, have an equal voice in decisions that affect our common future. Guinea-Bissau is committed to doing its part. We are working hard to strengthen our democratic institutions, promote peace and stability and implement policies that promote development. However, we recognize that we cannot do so alone. We need the continued support of the international community and the United Nations to achieve our goals.
The Summit of the Future is a unique opportunity to reaffirm our commitments and chart a clear path towards a fair, sustainable and prosperous future for all. Guinea-Bissau stands ready to collaborate and contribute to that global endeavour. Together, we can face the challenges and seize the opportunities that the future holds for us.
I now invite His Excellency Mr. Abdoulaye Diop, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mali, to address the Assembly.
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of His Excellency Colonel Assimi Goïta, President of the Transition, Head of State of Mali and President of the Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Mali, Burkina Faso and the Niger.
The Summit that brings us together and the Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1) come at just the right time. Indeed, our common Organization, the United Nations, was created essentially to save future generations from the scourge of war. It is regrettable to note that, nearly 80 years later, we have never been so threatened by existential challenges, most of which are avoidable. The proliferation of tensions and crises in the world, including terrorism, poverty, climate change, inequalities and diseases, geopolitical confrontations and hegemonic aspirations have sorely tested
In that context, Mali had placed great hope in the international forces deployed on the ground. After 10 years of that presence, however, we had to conclude that the international intervention had failed. Consequently, the Government set about strengthening the capacities of the Malian defence and security forces, which allowed us to make tangible progress in the reconquest and preservation of our national integrity and in the protection of our populations.
On this occasion, I reiterate my country’s gratitude to the countries and organizations, including the United Nations, that expressed their solidarity following the cowardly terrorist attacks perpetrated in Bamako on 17 September. In line with the Security Council’s press statement of 20 September (S/15829), all Member States must act against terrorism while respecting their international commitments, in particular their responsibility to bring the sponsors of terrorism to justice.
The Summit of the Future marks a new beginning for international cooperation in a multilateral framework capable of offering a bright future to all humankind. Thus, we must collectively renew our commitment to the profound transformation of the multilateral framework that has governed world affairs to this day. In that regard, it is essential that ambitious decisions and commitments be made to meet the legitimate aspirations of peoples, in particular those of the global South. It is also essential to have the courage to reform our current multilateral institutions, particularly the Security Council and international financial institutions, in order to adapt them to the realities of our time and make them more inclusive, fairer, more equitable and, above all, more representative.
The issue of youth is an extremely important dimension on which our nations must work. My country, Mali, reaffirms its commitment to the principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of States and respect for State sovereignty, as set out in the Charter of the United Nations.
Mali pays special attention to the questions of financing and development, in particular sustainable development. We also believe that the issue of digital technology is critical. My country is working on an ambitious programme to digitalize public services.
The Pact for the Future is a very ambitious project at the national and international levels, but it must be more than a mere promise on paper and respond to the aspirations of current and future generations.
I now invite His Excellency Mr. Ramadhan Abdalla Mohammed Goc, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity of South Sudan, to address the Assembly.
On behalf of the Government and the people of South Sudan, I am honoured to address the Summit of the Future, a platform that invites us to shape a collective vision of a peaceful, equitable and sustainable world. As a young nation that is still navigating the challenges of post-conflict recovery, South Sudan looks to the future with hope and determination. We are committed to playing our role in ensuring that future generations inherit a world where peace, opportunity and dignity are accessible to all. In that regard, we wish to highlight the following priority.
South Sudan’s journey has taught us that peace is the basis of everything and the base of progress. We call upon the international community to continue supporting efforts for peaceful conflict resolution, dialogue and reconciliation in our country
Climate change remains one of the most urgent threats to our future. In South Sudan, the effects of climate change — floods, droughts and unpredictable weather — have disrupted the livelihood of millions of our citizens. We call for global solidarity in addressing climate change by investing in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and environmental conservation to secure a resilient future for our people and the world.
The key pillar of our future lies in our young people. South Sudan’s young population is the greatest asset that we have, and empowering it through education, innovation and entrepreneurship is very essential. South Sudan is committed to fostering a diversified economy that reduces our dependence on oil and opens doors for innovation, agriculture and regional trade. We seek partnerships that encourage inclusive economic growth, job creation and infrastructure development to elevate the standards of living of all our citizens.
As we gather at this Summit, we stand united with the global community in our commitment to shaping a future that is built on hope, justice and solidarity. South Sudan is ready to contribute to the global effort of creating a world where all people, regardless of their background and geography, have the opportunity to thrive. Let us seize this opportunity and moment to build a future that we all aspire to.
I give the floor to the representative of the African Union.
Allow me to salute Secretary- General António Guterres for his unwavering commitment to overcoming global challenges that are becoming more complex and more threatening to the existence of humans and all living beings every day.
The Summit of the Future is here. Conceived and organized under the high leadership of the Secretary-General, it can claim the great merit of having given a complete picture of the issues at stake. It completes the picture by stating the optimal solution to successfully overcoming our handicaps. That solution is the adherence of all United Nations Member States to the principles of a multilateralism of solidarity, not hostility; of respect, not contempt; of peace, not war; of sharing, not exclusion; of freedom, not enslavement; and of equality, not supremacism.
Visibly in sharp decline for some time, multilateralism, by disappearing under the effect of unilateralism, has led to a correlative return in force of power politics. We welcome the Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1) because its deployment is based on the rejection of such an approach. It is aimed at renewing and strengthening the trust of States in multilateralism.
That position has been consistently championed by the African Union. The Union therefore finds that it is in its own interest to fully adhere to the five axes of the Pact. Indeed, the 60 actions recommended by the Pact and the five objectives pursued by the Global Digital Compact overlap with the seven aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063. For each of those areas, the African Union has developed strategies that it has translated into action plans, although their implementation is seriously hampered by the scarcity of funding and governance deficiencies, which there is no point in trying to hide. Those are therefore issues that are familiar to us in Africa, even if Asia and Latin America are in some respects in the same precarious conditions as the African peoples.
The African Union welcomes the philosophy of the Pact, which seeks to take into account the specificities of developing countries, island States, landlocked States and least developed countries, most of which are located in Africa. While the African Union welcomes that holistic approach, which embraces all current and
I hope that, this time, the wealthy will honour their commitments and that Africa and other parts of the world will find within themselves the resources of intelligence, motivation, will and solidarity necessary for its salvific emergence. Safeguarding a favourable environment and the conditions for the success of the digital revolution are now the best keys to the future. The anthem sung today by hundreds of millions of young Africans of both sexes resoundingly sends us that message of rebirth.
The next Group of 20 meeting, where Africa will be jointly represented by the African Union and the Republic of South Africa, faces —
I now invite Her Excellency Ms. Diana Elena Mondino, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship of Argentina, to address the Assembly.
This forum is a moment for us to think constructively about the challenges facing the international community and how we can address them. It is a special opportunity to express our points of view.
Argentina has decided to operate in a framework of freedom where people make decisions and are responsible for their own actions under rules of the game that are the same for everyone. We want to address the challenges of terrorism, threats to territorial integrity, democracy, international security and economic development. To that end, we take as our guide the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Deviations from those purposes and principles create problems not just for the country that loses its own freedom, but also for those countries interacting with it. We see that happen all the time.
It is our intention and obligation to recall the values of our national Constitution, which since 1853 has safeguarded liberal principles from which we should never have departed. Argentina is convinced that an agenda should not be made up of mere declarations. We need to state how we are going to achieve it. We believe that the model that can get us there is economic freedom. Hunger will only come to an end through ensuring more trade, not less. Development requires us to respect institutions and private property above all. Our young people will have a better future if we respect life and freedom.
Argentina has embarked on that path by making our own realistic diagnosis, as hard as that may have been. We are launching a serious transformational reform of the State, opening ourselves to the world and assuming the commitment to be able to say proudly that we want to be one of the freest countries of the international community. In exercising that freedom, my country recalls that agendas such as that which brings us together today are made up of aspirations, which are not legally binding and which every State, in exercising its sovereignty, has the right to interpret and act upon autonomously, taking into account the various realities, capacities and level of development of each country and respecting its national policies and priorities, as stated in resolution 70/1.
However, many points in the Pact and its annexes raise reservations and objections or are regressive compared to the new Argentinian agenda. The document had been worked on since 2022 with our Government, and the current Argentine Administration first encountered it when negotiations were already at an advanced stage. Nevertheless, we proposed various constructive actions that were not always taken into account, requiring us to disassociate ourselves on those points. Our reservations and objections to the Pact of the Future, however, are not an obstacle for Argentina. On the contrary, we want to have wings for our growth in freedom.
I give the floor to the representative of the International Development Law Organization.
It is a pleasure to participate in this Summit on behalf of the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), the only global intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law to advance peace and sustainable development.
The commitments in the Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1), together with the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, can help tackle our biggest challenges and build a renewed multilateralism, but only if we work together to make them a reality. IDLO’s 40 years of experience partnering with some 100 countries has shown us that the rule of law is key to delivering on the bold ambition of this Summit. Let me share three reasons why.
First, the rule of law is critical to rebuilding public trust. The unmet demand for justice is at the root of multiple crises around the globe. The rule of law helps ensure fairness, accountability and transparency. People-centred justice systems protect the rights of the least powerful and give people confidence that institutions are working in the interest of all. The inclusion of women, youth and other historically excluded groups is essential to the whole-of-society approaches needed for lasting peace and sustainable development.
Secondly, the rule of law, most prominently reflected in Sustainable Development Goal 16, can accelerate progress across the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which remains our best shared blueprint for peace and prosperity. The rule of law principles of inclusivity, equity and non-discrimination are incorporated throughout all 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Effective laws and accessible and accountable institutions are essential for implementation.
Finally, the rule of law is key to reinvigorating and repurposing multilateralism for the twenty-first century. The rule of law at the international level, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, guarantees the sovereign equality of Member States and is the basis for the preservation of international peace and security. A multilateral system that is fit for the future requires rule of law-based solutions to deal with complex transnational challenges, including climate change and the regulation of frontier technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to ensure that progress is rights-based and avoids creating new forms of inequality.
For those reasons, IDLO welcomes the many references in the Pact to the rule of law, justice, human rights and the promotion of gender equality. We hope that those words will be backed by tangible action and financing in national budgets and official development assistance. We look forward to the linkages being made with the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development next year.
IDLO remains committed to collaborating with all partners to work towards a more peaceful, just and sustainable world through the rule of law. There is no better
I give the floor to the representative of the United Nations Development Programme.
Today, on the occasion of the Summit of the Future, many will perhaps be forgiven for wondering how people outside of the Hall will receive the Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1) when we live in a world divided and scarred by conflict, with fault lines such as growing poverty and inequalities, climate change and the destruction of our natural world. Many speakers have addressed themselves to those today.
Yet amidst those tremors, the young people of our world, of our communities, and the young people that I have met here during the past two action days in New York have truly stood out for me. Their faith in a better tomorrow holds, as does their determination to build. So what is the unique offer proposed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to put the five areas of the Pact for the Future into action?
First, on sustainable development financing, our efforts include supporting 86 countries at this moment in implementing integrated national financing frameworks to channel billions of dollars to key areas, from job creation to gender equality, energy transitions, nature and just one stream of engagement to shape the new Sustainable Development Goal financing ecosystem that is so central in the Pact.
Secondly, over 2 billion people currently live in countries affected by conflict and instability. Our global development support, alongside the humanitarian response, continues to provide a proven pathway out of those crises by enabling millions of people to access essential services such as water, clean energy and livelihoods, and ultimately enabling them to still have a perspective on the future.
Thirdly, UNDP is working to ensure that young people have a meaningful say in the future areas like climate change and our Climate Promise. That initiative is now the vehicle through which the United Nations family is mobilizing support for 125 countries to advance their indices that can still give our next generation the hope to limit global warming to 1.5° C.
Fourthly, in this age of opportunities, digital technologies spread quickly, but not evenly. Yesterday’s SDG Digital Day was a remarkable convening of leaders from the entrepreneurial world, big business and start-ups, Government regulators, policymakers and citizens. Our ability to turn this opportunity that the Summit, alongside the Compact, has focused on is central to the promise to those young people. UNDP’s expertise will help advance the Global Digital Compact to realize that brighter digital future for everyone everywhere by accompanying dozens of countries on their digital transformation pathways.
I would like to thank all countries represented here in the General Assembly Hall for the confidence and the trust that they continue to place in the development promise of the United Nations.
I give the floor to the representative of the World Health Organization.
I have three minutes and three requests.
The first is for a commitment to promoting, providing and protecting health. Health is not created in clinics and hospitals. It is created in streets, homes, communities, schools, markets, workplaces and parliaments. It is created in the air people breathe, the food they eat, the water they drink, the conditions in which they
Second is for a commitment to a pandemic agreement. The coronavirus disease pandemic showed that when health is at risk, everything is at risk. The outbreaks of mpox in Africa demonstrate once again why the world needs the World Health Organization (WHO) pandemic agreement — a shared approach to shared threats. There are those who say that the pandemic agreement will cede sovereignty to the WHO, giving it the power to impose lockdowns or vaccine mandates. That is not true. It is fake information. The agreement is being negotiated by countries for countries and will be implemented in countries in accordance with their own national laws — period.
Third is for a commitment to peace. This time last week, I was in Adré, on the Chad-Sudan border, which more than 640,000 Sudanese have crossed in search of safety and food. They are among the more than 12 million people displaced. The conditions are indescribable and the needs overwhelming, and the international community is not giving this crisis the attention it deserves. WHO is working with our partners to deliver aid to Sudan and meet the health needs of the refugees and the host communities alike. But what the people of the Sudan, like the people of Gaza and Ukraine, need more than aid is a ceasefire, a political solution and peace, because there is no health without peace and there is no peace without health.
We need a commitment to promoting, providing and protecting health; a commitment to the pandemic agreement; and a commitment to peace.
I give the floor to the representative of the United Nations Office for Project Services.
This year’s Summit of the Future marks a crucial opportunity for the international community to deliver on the promise of creating a more peaceful, fairer, greener and more safe future for people and the planet. It is a moment of realism in the face of the many challenges our world faces, but also a moment of hope and determination to work together to overcome those challenges and build a better future for all.
Today multilateralism received a boost. The Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1) is three years’ worth of important analysis, discussions and negotiations. It represents an ambitious response to young people’s aspirations to peace and sustainable development.
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is committed to supporting the outcome of the Summit of the Future. Through our focus on practical solutions, we support our partners in responding to conflicts and crises, delivering sustainable development, advancing climate action and responding to needs now, while building the foundations for a sustainable and peaceful future. We do that by helping our partners to implement projects through our expertise in infrastructure, procurement and project management.
We already have a vision of the future we want for people and the planet. Yet our progress is painfully slow. Finance and policy gaps are a part of the problem, but to succeed in delivering we all need to better understand and respond to the challenges of implementation, particularly where needs are greatest, including in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. UNOPS stands ready to bridge the gap that exists between ambitions and the reality on the ground, always working in partnerships and always driven by the commitment to fighting inequalities and providing opportunities for the most vulnerable.
We take this opportunity to reiterate our commitment to young people and future generations as part of that journey. We are determined to support efforts
Our future hangs in the balance. We owe it to present and future generations to act collectively, responsibly and decisively to deliver peace and prosperity for people and the planet. UNOPS is committed to those efforts.
I give the floor the representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.
As the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), we strongly welcome the adoption of the Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1). Member States have provided clear guidance; now we need to implement it.
At UNIDO, we are committed to leading concrete solutions for inclusive and sustainable industrial development, in line with our unique mandate within the United Nations system. We specifically welcome the strong call in action 4 to close the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) financing gap by scaling up investments in sustainable industrialization. The landmark outcomes of all major conferences this year are telling us the same story — to achieve the SDGs, developing countries need to invest in transforming their economies and industrialize.
Countries that do industrialize are making the biggest strides in poverty eradication, ending hunger and creating wealth creation, both historically and today. Every job in manufacturing creates on average 2.5 jobs in other sectors of the economy. Actions 2 and 3, on ending poverty and hunger, depend on realizing that strong nexus, which holds true in an increasingly digital world. Equally, action 9, on climate change, requires that we prioritize the decarbonization of heavy-emitting industries for current and future generations.
And there is good news. Industry is already part of the solution and a driver of green innovation today, with industrial firms holding nearly 60 per cent of green patents globally. And finally, as this Summit aspires to reform global governance, it must also help to set standards for the global economy. Fair and sustainable supply chains are a must, and action 29 is critical in that regard.
UNIDO is already actively working towards those and other actions in the Pact. In addition to flagship initiatives on industrial deep decarbonization and green hydrogen, we have launched new ones, such as the Global Alliance and Partnership for Responsible and Green Minerals. I am also pleased to invite representatives to our upcoming flagship initiatives this year: the Multilateral Industrial Policy Forum 2024, in Riyadh next month, and the World Without Hunger Conference, in Addis Ababa in November.
Allow me to conclude by reiterating that UNIDO is committed to working with all Members to implement the Pact through concrete solutions on the ground.
I give the floor to the representative of the Sovereign Order of Malta.
The Sovereign Order of Malta is one of the most ancient institutions in the world, with more than 900 years of service to those in need. We are honoured to join in this Summit and to subscribe to the Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1).
We share the sense of hope and the determination that inspires the Pact in looking in positive terms and with confidence to the future. Technology and scientific innovation, artificial intelligence in particular, may carry substantial
No progress can be achieved at the economic and social level without preserving and strengthening the system of multilateral cooperation centred around the United Nations. We renew our appeal for the respect of international humanitarian law. Tragic events connected with wars, conflicts and internal strife, where civilians and relief operators are subject to and even become deliberate targets of military attacks, violence and acts of inhumane treatment are wholly unacceptable.
The Sovereign Order of Malta is determined to continue its mission to benefit those who should not be left behind. We serve the sick, the poor and the disadvantaged on every continent, based upon the principles of neutrality and impartiality, without discrimination as to nationality, religion or gender. Among our most significant emergency operations, I wish to recall those in Ukraine and in Gaza, where we provide food and other aid in cooperation with the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem.
The Order attaches utmost importance to the goal of safeguarding and promoting religious freedom. Religions, dialogue among them and the work of faith-based organizations can be powerful vehicles for conflict mediation, social advancement and sustainable development. Together, we can accelerate progress towards a future where dignity, human rights, access to health and education are realities for all, leaving no one behind —
I give the floor to the representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
This morning, we heard from three young people, including Monicah Malith, a bright woman, a refugee (see A/79/PV.3). I do not have much to add to her wise and beautiful words, but let me reflect from the same perspective, as the future also belongs to all the young people who, like Monicah, have been forced to flee their homes because of our collective failure to make peace. And so those young people are now forced to dream of a new future far from their countries or their communities. What will those dreams be? What will be the dreams of 120 million refugees and displaced people?
We have the opportunity to help them shape the future, especially those for whom it brings as much fear as hope. We have the opportunity to say that we refuse to let refugees bear the price of our failures and that we refuse to abandon those countries and communities that have been hosting refugees decade after decade. And what a chance we have to include refugees and all displaced people, young and old, to open doors, schools and clinics to them, with support from the international community, so they can contribute to the communities hosting them while we work together on finding solutions to their plight. Let us all — donors, host countries, the private sector, the United Nations, civil society and displaced people — work towards the vision of the Global Compact on Refugees, where refugees are seen as an opportunity and not a burden, and they can think of a future in which they are not refugees.
Let me add the voice of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to Monicah’s voice, to the voices of all the displaced, and join them in the call for peace. At this Summit for the Future, we must be able to imagine and work towards a future without refugees. But without peace that will simply not happen.
As environmental, technological and social change join forces to disrupt human, planetary and economic health, we must not just prepare for the future; we must shape it so that coming generations can live in peace, prosperity and equity.
This Summit and the Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1) that has emerged from it can help us do exactly that. The Pact acknowledges that there can be no sustainable future and no economic stability without a healthy environment. Action 10 calls for a shift to a world in which humankind lives in harmony with nature; a world with healthy lands, water and oceans; a world with a stable climate; a world free of pollution; a world in which humankind sustainably and equitably uses resources.
Commitments have already been made to deliver that shift in many multilateral agreements that cover the three planetary crises — the crisis of climate change, the crisis of nature and biodiversity loss and desertification, and the crisis of pollution and waste — and a new commitment is coming as negotiations on an instrument to end plastic pollution will conclude in Busan in November. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) calls on all Member States to do their utmost to forge a strong, impactful agreement and quickly move to its adoption, ratification and implementation.
To deliver on all agreements and strengthen sustainable development, we must operationalize the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. We must commit to financial and economic transformations that build equity and resilience. We must ensure circularity and sustainable consumption and production, including in the energy transition and digital transformation, and we must adopt one-health approaches that improve human, animal and planetary health at the same time. Finally, we must identify and respond to the emerging challenges that cause disruptions.
Member States can count on UNEP’s science, our support and our advocacy as they seek to deliver on the actions that will be reflected in the outcomes of this Summit and so shape a sustainable future for the benefit of every person on this planet.
I give the floor to the representative of the International Telecommunication Union.
Today is a momentous day for digital, following yesterday’s amazing Digital Action Day, as just mentioned by the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme. I congratulate Member States on delivering the Pact for the Future, the Declaration on Future Generations and the Global Digital Compact (resolution 79/1). Today, they have sent a powerful message to the world that our future is digital and that we can and must write it together.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), as the United Nations agency for digital technologies, will be with them every step of the way. We stand ready to support the implementation of the Compact, just as we did 20 years ago with the World Summit on the Information Society. Now, like then, our common mission is to bridge the digital divides, because we can no longer tolerate that, in an age of unimaginable digital opportunities where innovation in areas like artificial intelligence and outer space continues unabated, one-third of humankind is still unconnected and without a voice. Nor can we accept that countless others are left behind because, for them, the digital experience is not affordable enough, not relevant enough or not safe enough And now, like then, we must balance the challenges that
For ITU, that means ensuring that the radio-frequency spectrum and associated satellite orbit resources — the building blocks of advanced global communications — are shared equitably and sustainably for all humankind. It also means strengthening international standards at a time when they are taking centre stage in global governance discussions and supporting global digital development — from artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and digital literacy to e-waste and emergency telecommunications — regardless of where countries are in their digital journey.
The future of development — the future of humanity — is digital. As we look to 2030, let us turn the vision of the Pact of the Future and its Global Digital Compact into a lasting reality. Let us redouble our efforts to advance universal meaningful connectivity and sustainable digital transformation — ITU’s two strategic goals and the cornerstones of an inclusive and responsible digital future. Let us rescue the Sustainable Development Goals with digital.
I give the floor to the representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
The world is facing a daunting food security and nutrition picture. More than 730 million people worldwide faced hunger in 2023, and more than 2.3 billion were moderately or severely food insecure. We are not on track to achieving any of the global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets, and we see that huge inequalities persist along various dimensions, including wealth, gender, rural areas and in accessing assets and opportunities.
The future we want is a future that is food secure for all, for our planet, for our prosperity and for future generations to come. We want a future where the right to food is a basic human right that is ensured. For that future, we must transform our agrifood systems today to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable. The future will be determined by more equitable agrifood systems, and I am pleased that this is recognized in the Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1). We need to invest in integrated way in the four betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind. That is at the core of the work of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Allow me to share three key elements for the way forward.
First, we must step up efforts to achieve the SDGs by 2030. Secondly, we must focus on fostering and promoting innovation, public-private partnerships and more cost-effective investments. Thirdly, hunger and food insecurity can be defeated through effective collaboration among all partners by effectively utilizing each other’s expertise and resources and by leveraging our comparative advantages. We have to do it together. FAO will continue to do its part to ensure the better future we want.
I give the floor to the representative of the Council of Europe.
The Council of Europe’s mission is to protect and promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law on our continent and beyond with those who share our values.
Our polestar is the European Convention on Human Rights, which has been ratified by all our 46 member States and interpreted by the European Court of Human Rights. From the outset, we have shared with the United Nations a strong
But the Council of Europe also has its own goals. Our top priority right now is to support our member State, Ukraine. At the beginning of the year, our Register of Damage for Ukraine became fully operational. It is currently receiving contributions on the losses and damages caused by the war of aggression waged by the Russian Federation. That is a necessary first step towards an international compensation mechanism, on which we are ready to play a key role, just as we are for any tribunal seeking to judge the crime of aggression if so desired by all parties concerned, which are currently discussing the best way to address the issue. We are also providing support to Ukrainian children and refugees and working with the authorities to implement our Action Plan “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” for Ukraine. I recall that the European Court of Human Rights is the only international court to rule on human rights violations in the context of the war.
We also continue to develop multilateral tools that apply our standards to the challenges of our time. Those include our Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence and our most recent Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, an unprecedented, binding treaty to protect human rights in the context of current technological developments.
In conclusion, in this year of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Council of Europe, we will advocate for as many countries as possible to sign and ratify our key conventions. At a time when democracy is in retreat, we must do ever more to promote our values in words and, above all, in deeds. That is the path to a better and democratic future for our citizens.
I give the floor to the representative of the World Intellectual Property Organization.
Throughout the day, we have heard world leaders speak about the magnitude and gravity of the challenges ahead of us. While they are truly sobering, we must not lose hope. Instead, let us remember that it is often in times of crisis that we at our most innovative and that we must now harness the power of human invention, innovation and creativity to build a more resilient, prosperous and sustainable future. All of that will require us to transform what intellectual property means to the world.
While in the past, intellectual property was viewed as only relevant to the largest corporations in industrialized countries, that is changing. Some 70 per cent of global intellectual property filings now come from Asia, Africa and Latin America, a huge change from 50 per cent just 20 years ago. At the same time, as more and more countries use digitalization, entrepreneurship, research and technology to drive growth, intellectual property is shifting from a technical area of interest only to experts to an increasingly important cornerstone of economic and trade policy and a catalyst for growth and development. In response, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is transforming the global intellectual property ecosystem. Allow me to highlight three areas of work.
First, we are evolving the global intellectual property regime so that it is more inclusive and vibrant. In addition to bringing the global community together to address cutting-edge issues like artificial intelligence and intellectual property and the use of intellectual property as a collateral, in May we made history when all member States agreed by consensus on the new Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge. The new Treaty is not just a victory for multilateralism, but also shows that the global intellectual property system can be both pro-inclusivity and pro-innovation.
Thirdly, we are connecting the world. Our international registries facilitate the cross-border movement of hundreds of thousands of technologies and solutions each year, while WIPO Green, our global tech-matching platform for climate change technologies, accelerates the deployment of such solutions around the world. Covering 130,000 technologies from over 140 countries, it is the largest climate change tech platform in the United Nations system
To conclude, intellectual property is not just about technical intellectual property laws, but also a catalyst for progress, opportunity and sustainability. WIPO pledges to work with everyone to harness the power of innovation and creativity to support the aims of this Summit.
I give the floor to the representative of the International Organization for Migration.
On behalf of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), I commend and thank the Secretary-General for convening us all today, the co-facilitators of the Pact for the Future, the Declaration on Future Generations and the Global Digital Compact (resolution 79/1) and everyone involved in the process for leading negotiations on that landmark document.
This summit really embodies the power and potential of multilateralism. IOM, as the coordinator of the United Nations Network on Migration, supports an agenda for change to rebuild trust and strengthen international cooperation in tackling the challenges of today and tomorrow. Generation after generation of people have moved in search of a better life, and we know that many more will move in the future. With that in mind, we cannot take for granted the promise of migration as a solution as we face major global transformations and crises.
We at IOM believe that investing in safe, regular and orderly pathways for migration can help reduce irregular migration, accelerate inclusive growth, strengthen decent work, bridge democratic shifts and labour gaps, and foster sustainable development. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Global Compact for Migration and the Secretary-General’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement are all clear and existing frameworks that can and do guide our work.
All of us here today have a collective responsibility to protect and respect the human rights of all migrants. We must live up to that responsibility. We at IOM are delighted to contribute to that milestone. I reiterate our unshakable commitment to supporting and working with people on the move and all our partners towards safeguarding our shared future.
I give the floor to the representative of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean.
Since its inception in 2005, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) and its members from the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions have been deeply committed to ensuring the implementation of the Charter of the United Nations and
I am honoured to renew the commitment of the PAM and its member parliaments to the implementation of the objectives of the Summit of the Future, the Pact for the Future, the Declaration on Future Generations and the Global Digital Compact (resolution 79/1) in order to support the establishment and functioning of stronger and more influential multilateral institutions by all Member States, without exception, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and obligations under international law; ensure effective responses to current and future challenges, such as food security, climate change and cooperation with key stakeholders; promote an open, free and secure digital future anchored in universal human rights; and ensure that the interests of future generations are taken into account in national and global decision-making processes.
Yesterday, at the PAM side event, we announced two concrete initiatives through which the Assembly will contribute to achieving those ambitious goals. The first is the creation of a permanent parliamentary observatory of the global South for the Sustainable Development Goals, based and managed by Morocco. The second is the creation of a permanent global parliamentary observatory on the misuse of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Served by the PAM Centre for Global Studies, it will be a platform for monitoring, analysing and promoting effective legislation, principles and criteria to ensure that those tools are used not by terrorists and criminal groups for their own malicious purposes but for the benefit of all humankind.
Speaking of the future requires us all to work to overcome current obstacles. In the Mediterranean, there is an ongoing war against Gaza that, regardless of its causes, will bring more extremism, violence and hate. The innocent victims on both sides will call upon the international cooperation to give primacy to the voice of reason, end the conflict and return to negotiations to implement the relevant international resolutions and to attain the two-State solution of an independent state of Palestine and a secure State of Israel.
I give the floor to the representative of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.
The future belongs to our next generation. The future they inherit, however, depends on the choices we now make.
With two-thirds of the world’s population living in Asia and the Pacific, the decisions taken in the region will largely determine our collective future. The region accounts for nearly half of the world’s economic activity, owing to its large, young, healthy and educated labour force, the availability of capital and the widespread introduction of technology. Millions have been lifted out of poverty. Of our 53 members, only one remains low-income. Of the original 14 least developed countries, only 5 will remain by the decade’s end. Despite the various divides and uneven progress towards sustainable development, its trajectory has undeniably been a success.
A future with even greater possibilities, however, calls for a transformative change to that model of development. Given its significant economic size, the region must reduce its carbon emissions by every means possible. With the median age expected to reach 40.5 by 2050, those above 65 will account for a fifth of the total population by 2050. Without a further expansion of the labour force, we must now fully draw upon the resources that we already have, including women, seniors with an interest in remaining in the work force and persons with disabilities. With the anticipated drawing down of savings and pensions by retirees and increased demand
Given the declines in the labour force as well as domestic savings, any improvement in the quality of life will increasingly depend on the harnessing of technology. Equitable access to new technology, including artificial intelligence, will shape our collective future. Robust governance and universal connectivity are prerequisites to that inclusive technological transformation.
Our future depends on the potential that we invest in our youth. They must see possibilities, participate in decision-making and seize the opportunities before them. As the regional commission for Asia and the Pacific, we identify emerging issues and propose solutions, among other things, on energy transition pathways, sustainable financing and inclusive businesses. We must pass on a future with even greater possibilities to the next generation, and we stand ready to support the implementation of the Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1).
I give the floor to the representative of the Economic Commission for Europe.
We are building the future today step by step, and that is why a strong emphasis on action is essential. We have agreements in place. We now have the Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1) and now is really the time to implement them.
But first, looking at this day’s developments, including this morning’s discussions, it seems right to recall for whom we are doing this. We are doing this for the children and youth of today and for our future generations — generations that hopefully will know how to agree better than we do, or than we have done today, when matters concerning the survival of our planet or the sustainability of our future are at stake.
That is why I believe that our work on education for sustainable development, a comprehensive programme on which we at the Economic Commission for Europe have been intensively working for over 10 years, should be prioritized so that when the young people of today will have to take decisions tomorrow, they will know to put the environment and social concerns first, before economic or political gains. I encourage us all to do the same — to invest in and support education for sustainable development. The success of our commitments for the future depends on us, but it also depends on our understanding of the need to have an inclusive approach. Actions are taken by people of all ages, by woman and men, by communities and by local and regional authorities in the first place. They are on the front lines. Enabling them, trusting them and partnering with them in the implementation of the Pact for the Future is not only a way to be successful, but the only way. In two weeks’ time in Geneva, we will convene the Cities Summit of the Future. It is a unique platform of the United Nations, a forum of mayors where they come in their own capacity, not as a part of governmental delegations, to discuss and agree on how to implement the Pact in a very practical way, addressing the challenges of urbanization, social housing or mobility. I am confident that the final statement of the mayors will serve both as a road map and as an inspiration for some of our global commitments. That is why, once again, I would like to reiterate that action is required, and it is required at multiple levels, partnering with both the public and the private sectors, involving international, regional and national actors, local communities and individuals.
Ms. Rodríguez Mancia (Guatemala), Vice-President, took the Chair.
I give the floor to the representative of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
As a worldwide partnership to defeat HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, the Global Fund welcomes the Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1), which shines a spotlight on the urgent need to increase efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to accelerate progress towards better health for all. We applaud the leadership of Namibia and Germany in co-facilitating the Pact for the Future process, including by engaging with civil society and communities. Only a Pact that champions multilateralism and empowers communities and civil society to be meaningfully involved in global governance can safeguard our collective future.
In a world where about 4.5 billion people — more than half of the global population — are not fully covered by essential health services, we know that health is fundamental to eradicating poverty, achieving gender equality and economic growth and ensuring peaceful societies. Now is the time not to shy away from our commitments but to take advantage of every opportunity to bolster progress towards universal health coverage and raise the bar so that we can ensure a healthy future for all. Now more than ever, we need to ensure that global health stays at the centre of the international agenda. We hope that the Pact can help elevate our common aspirations for better health and the well-being of present and future generations.
We applaud the Pact’s focus on climate change as an existential issue of our time — in fact, the biggest global health challenge of our time. The phenomenon is destabilizing the foundations of human health, deepening inequalities and leading to the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. Ramping up our collective response is an urgent imperative in today’s challenging context of interconnected crises. We commend the focus on closing the Sustainable Development Goal financing gap.
As a unique partnership of Governments, civil society, the private sector and people affected by diseases, the Global Fund stands ready to step up the fight to achieve global goals and to prepare for and respond to future risks. The Global Fund is an example of the transformative power of communities and civil society, a partnership powered by equity, and as we come together to applaud the Pact for the Future today we call on the international community to ensure that this leadership is recognized and upheld. We hope that the Pact for the Future and the urgency and enormity of current challenges will continue to push the global community to find a new course, one that can broaden and deepen multilateralism to create a more healthy, fair and peaceful world for today and for all future generations.
I give the floor to the representative of the Development Bank of Latin America and Caribbean .
It is an honour to deliver this message on behalf of the Development Bank of Latin America and Caribbean, an observer organization of the United Nations.
We are committed to the provisions of the Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1) and the Global Digital Compact adopted this morning, and specifically the adjustments in the international financial system. The hopes of new generations and the well-being of the people of the planet require rapid, decisive action, echoing the appeal launched
To that end, the international financial architecture must make space for all stakeholders in order to be efficient in its deployment of the largest resources that humankind has ever seen to achieve sustainable development. The global South requires differentiated approaches and innovative flexible solutions with appropriate financing to confront the threefold green, digital and energy transition, with a strong emphasis on human development.
The size and characteristics of current challenges could not be foreseen when the Sustainable Development Goals were established some 10 years ago. I am talking about, inter alia, the high level of indebtedness, climate change and the pandemic. Of course, we in the Development Bank of Latin America and Caribbean believe that if we had greater capital, we could, first, have the potential to increase and mobilize resources for countercyclical events. Secondly, we could be a reliable channel and empower the market for financing solutions, especially in risk transfer. Thirdly, we could generate efficient programmes where resources are most needed. We will maintain our role in assisting countries by optimizing their tax systems, easing their debt burden and improving investments.
The Development Bank, as a stakeholder and global spokesperson for Latin America and the Caribbean, is ready to play its part in implementing the renewed agenda that has been launched at this Summit and to contribute thereby to the well- being of future generations.
I give the floor to the representative of the International Labour Organization.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) welcomes this Summit, which is a unique opportunity to forge pathways towards a peaceful, prosperous, safe and sustainable future for both current and future generations.
In our interdependent world, no country can solve global issues alone. Multilateral cooperation is critical not only to tackling global challenges, but also to advancing the national interests of each and every country. That is essential to the world of work.
The world needs a more equitable distribution of economic benefits, more inclusive labour markets and universal access to social protection. That requires the multilateral system to work together and the involvement of non-State actors, including workers and employers’ organizations.
As stated in the ILO Constitution, no lasting peace can be attained without social justice. Hence, ILO and all its constituents, including workers and employers’ organizations, embrace the ambition of the Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1), including the necessary reform of global governance and the financing for development again. I would like specifically to recall that in 2023, 20 per cent of young people were neither in employment, nor in education nor in training. As we speak, 3.8 billion have no access to any single social protection and over 2 billion are struggling to make a living in the informal economy.
With the adoption of the Pact for the Future, Members can count on the ILO, as we have done for the past 105 years, to continue to fight for access to decent work and social justice for all, especially the most vulnerable, as it is critical to lasting peace and sustainable development.
It is indeed a great honour and privilege for me to have the opportunity to be part of this important gathering and to address this plenary meeting of the Summit of the Future, representing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, comprised of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Achieving the post-2015 development agenda, including all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in the remaining period before 2030 will require an ambitious, comprehensive, holistic and transformative approach with respect to the means of implementation, synergizing the different means of implementation. It will require an enhanced and revitalized global partnership in addressing the shared resources and investment gaps.
Regionalism can play a crucial role in the endeavour to achieve the accelerated SDGs. It is through regional cooperation that we can harness our collective strength, share best practices and address the specific needs of our communities. Each region has its own cultural, economic and environmental context, and it is essential that we tailor our approaches to fit those diverse landscapes. By fostering regional partnership, we can create synergies that amplify our efforts and drive meaningful progress towards the SDGs.
We need to secure a significantly enhanced level of resource allocation by combining traditional development assistance and innovative financing solutions. Development partners must meet the targets of official development assistance and in so doing avoid the double counting of resources in both climate and development financing. In the meantime, there is a strong need to recognize the importance of addressing the diverse need and challenges faced by countries in special situations, in particular the least developed countries and countries in transition to middle income. That group of countries is the most vulnerable and resource-constrained group of countries and needs enhanced global support to overcome the structural challenges they face in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Such support should be provided on multiple fronts in a synergetic manner, including development assistance, market access, technology transfer, foreign direct investment and debt relief.
The linkage between global prosperity and South Asia, which is home to nearly one-fourth of humankind, cannot be overemphasized. The region, beyond being highly vibrant and diverse, holds immense potential for global prosperity. With almost half of the population of 1.8 billion below the age of 24, South Asia will have the largest youth labour forces in the world until 2040. That offers the region the potential to drive vibrant and productive economies. South Asia is on the verge of —
I now give the floor to the representative of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia.
It is both a privilege and a profound responsibility to address this high- level gathering. The Summit represents a moment of introspection for the global community, and I am very excited to speak as Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA).
The idea to convene CICA was proposed by the representative of Kazakhstan from this very rostrum on 5 October 1992 (see A/47/PV.24). Having been founded on the core principles of multilateralism, dialogue and trust, CICA unites 28 member States covering 90 per cent of Asia, as well as 10 observer States and 11 observer partner organizations. Through the implementation of CICA’s catalogue
Let me outline the initiatives of President Tokayev of Kazakhstan, which is the current Chair within the CICA framework. The CICA Ministerial Conference on Environmental Issues, held on 28 August, adopted a high-level statement that reflects member States’ dedication to advancing collaboration and addressing critical environmental issues. In a few days, we will organize a rally of volunteer movement leaders from CICA countries under the Youth Council. The partnership network of leading universities of CICA will be established in December at the Ministerial Council meeting in Baku. Member States currently are discussing two other ideas for creating a council on sustainable connectivity to address global economic challenges and transforming the Finance Summit into a permanent platform to strengthen cooperation among the financial sectors of our member States.
Organizations like CICA are crucial in addressing global challenges at the regional level and can serve as a valuable outreach platform for the United Nations. The Summit of the Future gives us the opportunity to rethink our structures, reassess our priorities and, importantly, strengthen our mechanisms for cooperation. Together, we can build a resilient, equitable and sustainable future.
I give the floor to the representative of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
At the outset, on behalf of the Secretariat of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), allow me to express my gratitude for the invitation and opportunity to speak at the Summit of the Future.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), created more than 20 years ago, is now an association of 26 countries of varying status that we call the SCO family. Almost half of the world’s population, more than a quarter of the planet’s land surface and a quarter of the world’s economy are represented by the SCO. The SCO has huge intellectual and technological potential, as well as a significant part of the world’s natural resources. On the basis of Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, the SCO adheres to the principle of openness to the outside world and promotes the strengthening of cooperation based on the Shanghai spirit, the main elements of which are mutual trust and benefit, equality, mutual consultations, respect, diversity, culture, civilization and striving for joint development. Our organization adheres to a line that excludes bloc-based and confrontational approaches in addressing current international and regional issues.
Today we are witnessing tectonic changes in world politics and the system of international relations. We believe that the best response to modern challenges is to join efforts to form a more representative, democratic, fair and multipolar world order based on the principles of international law, under the central coordinating role of the United Nations. We call on countries, regional organizations and structures to abandon the policy of confrontation and mutual threats. It is necessary to establish honest, open and direct dialogue and to join hands to effectively counter the challenges and threats that are common to all of us. The convening of this Summit is timely in that regard.
In conclusion, I note that ensuring a decent, just and peaceful life for future generations is the primary task for all of us. We must approach the eightieth anniversary of the creation of the United Nations with real, tangible achievements based on the noble goals of the United Nations Charter. For its part, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is ready to do its part.
I give the floor to the representative of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
I am honoured to address the General Assembly on behalf of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
We are meeting as the foundation of humanity is being tested, and Africa is bearing the brunt. Multiple crises have exacerbated the challenges of finance, debt, climate and energy. Twenty-one African countries are in or at high risk of debt distress, and public debt has increased by over 180 per cent since 2010 and currently exceeds over 60 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). Basic social expenditures are being crowded out and there is limited access to long-term concessional finance. Furthermore, unprecedented climate effects are costing up to 5 per cent of Africa’s GDP annually. Yet we cannot attract sufficient investments because the rules of engagement of global rating agencies do not favour Africa. We also see imbalances in borrowing costs. For example, Africa’s borrowing cost is four times higher than that of the United States, and even more than four times higher than Germany’s.
Justice for Africa cannot be served by an outdated global financial architectural system. Promises are either not fulfilled or half fulfilled, leaving Governments frustrated, young people unemployed and children without a future of hope and prosperity. If we remain theoretical on the reform of the multilateral system, it will be a disservice to the generations that come after us.
Undoubtedly, then, multilateral governance structures must change. Specifically, we need to increase representation for developing countries, improve transparency and reflect the role of emerging and frontier markets and regional multilateral development banks. Furthermore, the finalization and implementation of the framework for international tax cooperation must be pursued vigorously.
Africa can be a global power force if we address the critical gaps for a fair and promising future. We must take deliberate steps to invest in our youth, because one in three young people globally will be African by 2050. Therefore, investments in modernizing education systems, increasing skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and integrating them into education systems is necessary. The Global Digital Compact (resolution 79/1, annex I) can offer Africa a level playing field, but we must build the necessary infrastructure to take full advantage of it.
As I conclude, this is our once-in-a-lifetime chance to demonstrate to future generations that we got it right. It is my belief that we can make it count.
I give the floor to the representative of the International Olympic Committee.
The recent Olympic Games Paris 2024 illustrate in an excellent way how the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is contributing to the SDGs through sport. The IOC considers peace to be the most fundamental of the SDGs. That is why we are very happy and proud that, despite all the geopolitical tensions, we were able to bring together athletes from the territories of all 206 national Olympic committees and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team. Before the Olympic Games, those athletes joined in a powerful call for peace. During the Olympic Games, they competed fiercely against each other. At the same time, they lived peacefully together under one roof in the Olympic Village. They shared their meals, their experiences and their emotions. They respected each other, with no incident or discrimination whatsoever, even if their countries were at war with one another. With all that, the athletes created a culture of peace, showing us how our world would be if we all were to live in the Olympic spirit of peaceful coexistence.
There were many other achievements with regard to the SDGs. The Olympic Games were the very first-ever Olympic Games with full gender parity. The IOC Refugee Olympic Team participated with a record number of 37 athletes and won its first-ever Olympic medal. Paris 2024 reduced its carbon emissions by 50 per cent compared to previous Olympic Games. Those are just a few examples of how the IOC is promoting the role of sport as an important enabler and accelerator for the SDGs.
We are ready to continue and strengthen that contribution of sport in the framework of the Pact for the Future because the Pact perfectly reflects our Olympic motto: “Faster, Higher, Stronger — Together”.
I give the floor to the representative of the Inter-American Development Bank.
Gabriel García Márquez once said, “It is not true that we stop pursuing our dreams as we get old. We get old because we stop pursuing them”.
As we gather for the Summit of the Future, our world faces a pivotal moment that demands that youthful energy and relentless pursuit of dreams. Climate change, poverty and hunger affect billions of people today and the future of our young people tomorrow. Even with drastic emission cuts, global economic output could shrink by 19 per cent by 2050 as climate change accelerates biodiversity loss, creating a harmful feedback loop exemplified by historic drought in the Amazon. While two- thirds of the population is under 30, 20 per cent of young people are not working, studying or training. In Latin America and the Caribbean, over half of the young people are still poor, and globally 828 million people, mostly women and children, suffer from chronic hunger.
But as García Márquez said, a youth-like pursuit of dreams and possibilities can help turn those challenges into opportunities. It is not about problems, challenges or difficulties; it is about opportunities to create jobs for innovation and build a foundation for growth prosperity that satisfies the most basic of human needs. And we need to leap and step forward. Paraphrasing Gabriela Mistral, the Chilean poet and Nobel laureate, where there is work to be done or a challenge to be faced, it is up to us to step forward, take responsibility and act where others may hesitate.
Today, multilateral development banks are stepping up, coordinating and taking action and leading. We are leveraging our strengths to tackle the world’s biggest
I give the floor to the representative of the Economic Community of West African States.
I commend the Secretary-General and his team for convening this important meeting. The timing of this Summit is particularly significant, coming as it does when our world stands at a crossroads between a path to the past, where global affairs were reduced to a war of the jungle, and a road that promises a more just and peaceful world that thrives on multilateralism, collaboration and justice.
Let us be frank with ourselves and ask the question: What is new in the Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1)? The answer is that there is hardly anything new in the Pact that we have not committed ourselves to in the past under the United Nations and other frameworks. The fact that we have come back to the same old commitments suggests that we still need greater political will to deliver on the good promises.
For the Economic Community of West African States, therefore, the difference between the Pact for the Future and earlier global agreements will lie in delivery — in delivering on our commitments in the areas of peace and security, sustainable socioeconomic development, climate change and climate justice, as well as youth empowerment. It will also mean concrete action to promote and support our regional unity, not our disunity; our integration, not our disintegration; and a commitment not to turn Africa, especially West Africa, into a zone of proxy conflicts. If we fail to deliver once again, history will look back to this Summit not as the Summit of the Future but as a summit of the past. That is the choice before us.
I give the floor to the representative of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia.
Today, we stand at a defining moment in human history, a moment when our choices will shape the future of our world for generations to come. The crises we face are complex and interconnected, challenging the very fabric of our societies and threatening our collective future. But this is also a moment to move beyond managing crises to shaping a future grounded in resilience, sustainability and shared prosperity. The Summit of the Future and the adoption of the Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1) is our commitment to turning aspirations into action and transforming challenges into catalysts for profound positive change.
For the Arab region, the pact is a crucial opportunity to redefine our trajectory. It allows us to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence, digital innovation and predictive analytics to tackle economic volatility, social inequalities and escalating threats of climate change. Our region has shown time and again that we can overcome adversity through unity and decisive action.
We at the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia are leading that transformation with a vision rooted in the core principles of the Pact: resilience, inclusivity and sustainability. We are integrating intelligent technologies and foresight methodologies into policymaking processes, transforming how Governments forecast trends, assess risk and make proactive decisions. Through advanced policy simulation tools and data-driven insights, we are equipping our Member States to
Our commitment to climate action is embodied in the Arab Climate Resilience Initiative, in which we use those innovative technologies to develop robust adaptation and mitigation strategies. Looking ahead, our focus will be on fostering regional cooperation and ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation and artificial intelligence accessible to all. We will champion the development of inclusive digital economies that empower young people and women, driving the economic diversification essential to the long-term stability and prosperity of the Arab region.
This is our moment to act with vision and courage to turn the promise of the Pact for the Future into a reality that resonates with the aspirations of all people in the Arab region and beyond. Let us seize this opportunity to build a future that is not just better but transformational — a future where technology and human values converge to create a world that is just, equitable and sustainable for all.
I give the floor to the representative of the Common Fund for Commodities.
It is with great pride that I address the General Assembly today on behalf of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) at this crucial Summit of the Future. We come from the innovation-rich Netherlands.
We stand here at a defining moment in history, where commodities must be transformed from mere resources into powerful catalysts for sustainable development, justice and ethics within global value chains. Commodity dependence remains a significant challenge for developing countries, with 101 of 193 Member States relying on primary commodities for over 60 per cent of their exports, particularly in the great continent of Africa, where that figure rises as high as 90 per cent.
Our pledge to reshape the world’s financial architecture with concessional and deregulation finance is more critical now than ever, as it holds the key to unlocking those vital goals. Commodities are the lifeblood of many economies, especially in developing nations, where billions of smallholder farmers at the lowest income levels depend on commodities and commodity-related jobs for their livelihoods. Commodities have the potential to fuel sustainable economic growth, generate jobs and provide vital revenues while paving the way for a greener, more equitable world.
Yet when mismanaged, those same commodities can become sources of environmental devastation, social injustice and economic fragility. Therefore, it is our moral duty to ensure that justice and ethics are woven into every step of the commodity value chain, transforming them into forces that uplift societies and contribute meaningfully to the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Common Fund has been a vital partner in supporting commodity-dependent countries through numerous projects. Since the adoption of our base-of-pyramid approach, the CFC has supported 127 projects in least developed countries alone, with a total value of about $189 million and a direct contribution of $105 million. Those projects have created jobs and improved the livelihoods of countless farmers and smallholders. For example, in Kenya, Ten Senses Africa Ltd., the world’s first fair trade-certified macadamia nut company, expects to reach 10,000 new smallholder farmers —
I give the floor to the representative of the African Development Bank Group.
The future we are in today was the best. The future we build for tomorrow must be based on better decisions taken today. Building that future for Africa requires modern reform of the global
First, we must tackle the biases in the current global credit rating systems that lead to higher costs of accessing capital for Africa and other parts of the world. The establishment of the African Credit Ratings Agency, called for by the African Union, is critical to achieving that.
Secondly, the global financial system does not protect Africa from the contagious effects of global financial shocks. Africa is the only region of the world without a financial safety net. That is why it is critical to establish the African financial stability mechanism to provide a safety net for Africa.
Thirdly, we must address the risks facing Africa in leveraging greater private sector financing. That is why the African Development Bank is putting all its guarantee instruments into an African insurance and guarantee agency that will deploy risk instruments at scale to bring more investments to Africa.
Fourthly, we must tackle the rising insecurity in Africa and the rise in expenditures on security, which are displacing financing for development. To achieve that, the African Development Bank is working with the African Union to establish security index investment bonds that will be used to tackle the reconstruction of areas damaged by conflicts.
Finally, Africa’s vast forest biodiversity and carbon sinks are the key to saving the world. It is time to properly value the green assets of Africa and include them in its gross domestic product (GDP). Africa must move from being green and cash- poor to being green-rich through the proper evaluation of its natural capital in its GDP. Those foundations will assure a much richer and wealthier Africa for future generations. They will build a wealthier and more resilient Africa and move it into a future with sound financial structures to bolster its development. The future is Africa’s and we will take it on boldly.
I give the floor to the representative of the United Nations Capital Development Fund.
We are gathered here today, united by a common vision of a world where sustainable development is not a privilege but a reality for all. Public finance is insufficient to deal with the severity of constrained global fiscal spaces with economic, social, climate and environmental crises that affect current and future generations. The Sustainable Development Goal financing gap continues to widen, threatening to leave behind those below the poverty line and further marginalizing last-mile contexts that most need our support, particularly least developed countries, small island nations and many other fragile settings.
Addressing today’s challenges, those that will jeopardize opportunities for future generations, requires more than public financing. The Pact for the Future (resolution 79/1) recognizes the urgent need to capitalize increased private sector investment. That is at the core of the original 1966 General Assembly mandate for the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) to assist developing countries in the development of their economies by supplementing existing sources of capital assistance, adopted right here in this Hall (resolution 2186 (XXI)).
In fact, that call by Member States for UNCDF to help those furthest behind is even more relevant today. UNCDF is the only United Nations fund capable of deploying inclusive, blended finance solutions at the pace and scale needed to crowd in private streams of finance at the last mile. We are responding to that call by enhancing our unique capabilities to amplify the impact of the United Nations system and the wider development community. As a non-credit rated hybrid development
UNCDF’s impact is felt in fragile developing countries around the world today, but it needs to be scaled up. Our performance-based instruments are tied to tangible results, ensuring that scarce donor funding pays for only what works. Every dollar that we invest in local currency not only supports today’s needs, but also paves the way for long-term prosperity that builds on public-private partnerships. In fact, if UNCDF did not exist today, it would be created as a disruptor to foster a more inclusive development finance system. That is the role that UNCDF can play within the United Nations system 2.0.
We are a United Nations fund, a platform for partners to crowd in public and private financing, and together we can build a future so that no one is left behind.
The meeting rose at 7.50 p.m.