UN Nations Back ‘Pact of the Future,’ Leaders Call for Real Action

In a significant move, the U.N. General Assembly has unanimously approved a comprehensive plan known as the “Pact of the Future” during a recent two-day summit. This initiative aims to unite the world’s nations in facing critical challenges such as climate change, the impact of artificial intelligence, rising conflicts, and increasing inequality and poverty.

The 42-page pact serves as a clarion call to the leaders of the 193 U.N. member nations, urging them to transform their commitments into tangible actions that will benefit the over 8 billion people on the planet.

At the summit, convened by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, he expressed gratitude to the leaders and diplomats for their pivotal role in taking the initial steps towards a brighter future. Guterres emphasized that multilateralism is at a crossroads and stated, “Now it is our common destiny to walk through it. That demands not just agreement, but action.”

During his address, the U.N. chief underscored the importance of the pact’s implementation. He called on global leaders to focus on dialogue and negotiation while urging an end to ongoing wars, such as those in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan. Additionally, he advocated for the reform of the U.N. Security Council, an acceleration of the transition from fossil fuels, and the inclusion of youth in decision-making processes.

The approval of the pact was uncertain until the last moments of deliberation, prompting Guterres to prepare multiple speeches in anticipation of different outcomes. According to U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric, the situation was so tense that Guterres had speeches ready in case of approval, rejection, or ambiguity.

Russia’s deputy foreign minister, Sergey Vershinin, expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, noting, “No one is happy with this pact.” He proposed amendments that would have significantly compromised the pact’s strength. However, delegates from the Republic of Congo, representing Africa’s 54 nations, opposed Russia’s amendments, leading to a motion to bypass the vote on them — a motion that was met with applause.

In the end, the assembly president, Philémon Yang, called for a vote on the pact, which ultimately required consensus among all member nations for approval. Despite attempts from Russia to dilute the pact, the support from African nations—along with notable opposition from Mexico—was seen as a setback for Moscow.

Yang also announced that world leaders would be limited to five minutes of speaking time, a rare rule at the U.N. that was largely overlooked, with multiple leaders continuing to speak after their mics were cut.

The Pact of the Future acknowledges that leaders are convening “at a time of profound global transformation,” while also highlighting the risks of “catastrophic and existential” crises that could lead to a world of ongoing turmoil.

Yet, it frames this moment as one filled with hope and the possibility to safeguard the interests of current and future generations through proactive measures outlined in the pact.

The pact details 56 specific actions targeting core issues such as poverty eradication, climate change mitigation, gender equality, peace promotion, protection of civilians, and revitalization of the multilateral system.

Among its notable provisions, the pact calls for reforming the U.N. Security Council to better reflect today’s realities and address the historical inequities faced by African nations, which currently lack a permanent seat.

Additionally, Guterres pointed to this pact as representing the first multilateral consensus on nuclear disarmament in over a decade. It also aims to prevent an arms race in outer space and regulate the use of autonomous weapons.

An accompanying Global Digital Compact addresses the governance of artificial intelligence, establishing an Independent International Scientific Panel within the U.N. to foster understanding and dialogue on AI’s risks and benefits.

Furthermore, the pact includes measures for an immediate response to crises like pandemics and emphasizes the need for governments to engage young people in decision-making processes.

On the topic of human rights, the pact commits to dismantling barriers that hinder women and girls from reaching their potential, amidst growing concerns regarding misogyny and restrictions on reproductive rights.