UN Nations Endorse Pact of the Future to Tackle Climate Change and Global Inequality

The United Nations General Assembly has endorsed a comprehensive plan to unite the world's nations in addressing 21st-century challenges. These include climate change, artificial intelligence, conflicts, inequality, and poverty. The "Pact of the Future," spanning 42 pages, urges leaders from the 193 UN member countries to transform promises into tangible actions benefiting over 8 billion people globally.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres initiated the two-day "Summit of the Future" where the pact was adopted. He expressed gratitude to leaders and diplomats for taking initial steps towards a better future. Guterres stated, "We are here to bring multilateralism back from the brink," emphasizing the need for both agreement and action.

UN Chief's Call for Action

The UN leader urged global leaders to implement the pact by prioritising dialogue and negotiations. He called for an end to wars in regions like the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan. Additionally, he advocated for reforming the UN Security Council and accelerating changes in the international financial system. Transitioning from fossil fuels and involving young people in decision-making were also highlighted.

The pact's approval was uncertain until the last moment. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric revealed that Guterres had prepared three speeches: one for approval, one for rejection, and one for unclear outcomes. Russia's deputy foreign minister, Sergey Vershinin, remarked, "No one is happy with this pact."

Opposition and Approval

Russia proposed amendments that would have weakened the pact significantly. However, Africa's 54 nations opposed these amendments, with the Republic of Congo leading a motion not to vote on them. This motion was approved with applause. Russia received support only from Iran, Belarus, North Korea, Nicaragua, Sudan, and Syria.

Assembly President Philémon Yang then put the pact to a vote. His gavel signified unanimous consensus among all 193 UN member nations required for approval. Russia's influence in Africa faced a setback as African countries rejected its amendments alongside Mexico.

Global Challenges and Opportunities

The Pact of the Future acknowledges a time of profound global transformation with rising risks threatening persistent crises. Yet, it highlights hope and opportunity to protect present and future generations' needs through its actions. The pact outlines 56 actions addressing poverty eradication, climate change mitigation, gender equality achievement, peace promotion, civilian protection, and multilateral system reinvigoration.

Guterres emphasized key provisions in the Pact of the Future and two annexes: a Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations. The pact commits world leaders to reforming the Security Council to reflect today's world better and address Africa's historical injustice due to its lack of a permanent seat.

Commitments on Disarmament and AI Governance

The pact marks significant multilateral support for nuclear disarmament after more than a decade. It commits to preventing an arms race in outer space and governing lethal autonomous weapons use. The Global Digital Compact includes a universal agreement on AI governance internationally.

This compact commits leaders to establish an Independent International Scientific Panel within the UN to promote scientific understanding of AI's risks and opportunities. It also initiates a global dialogue on AI governance involving all key players.

Youth Involvement and Human Rights

The pact includes measures for immediate coordinated responses to complex shocks like pandemics. It features a commitment by governments to listen to young people and involve them in decision-making processes. Regarding human rights, Guterres noted commitments to remove barriers preventing women and girls from reaching their potential amid rising misogyny.

The summit concluded with speeches from world leaders limited to five minutes each—a rare occurrence at the UN where words hold significant weight. Notable figures who continued speaking after their microphones were silenced included Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Kuwait emir Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, and Irish President Michael Higgins.