The Pact with its annexesthe Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations were adopted by consensus, despite a last-minute proposal for an amendment by some countries, including Russia, Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Syria.
The amendment attempted to insert language calling for non-intervention in any matter of national sovereignty, and the primacy of intergovernmental deliberation, effectively downplaying the role of civil society or the interests of the private sector. It was rejected after the 193-member Assembly decided not to take up the proposal.
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Pact for the future
The five broad areas of focus of the Pact are: sustainable development; international peace and security; science and technology; youth and future generations and transformation of global governance.
This has become an urgent turning point, as multilateral financial institutions and even the United Nations itself have failed to find solutions to the problems of the 21st century, the pact says.
By signing the pact, UN member states pledged, among other things:
- Turbocharge the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement, two landmark 2015 agreements that have faced stalled progress and missed milestones
- Listen to young people and involve them in decision-making, at national and global levels
- Build stronger partnerships with civil society, the private sector, local and regional governments and more
- Redouble efforts to build and sustain peaceful, inclusive and just societies and address the root causes of conflict
- Protect all civilians in armed conflict
- Accelerate the implementation of our commitments on women, peace and security
Worldwide Digital Compact
The Global Digital Compact marks the first truly global agreement on the international regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) and is based on the idea that technology should benefit everyone.
It includes commitments to ensure that digital technologies contribute to sustainable development and human rights, while addressing risks such as digital divides, cybersecurity and technology misuse.
The Compact aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that AI technologies are used responsibly, thereby promoting global cooperation on both AI capabilities and security threats. Governments are also required to establish an impartial global scientific panel on AI and to initiate an international conversation on AI governance within the UN.
Declaration on Future Generations
The Declaration on Future Generations focuses on securing the well-being of future generations and also emphasises the need to take their interests into account in decision-making processes.
It also emphasises the importance of protecting the environment, promoting intergenerational equality and ensuring that the long-term consequences of our current actions are taken into account.
New opportunities
Speaking after the adoption, Secretary-General António Guterresemphasized that the Pact for the Future and its annexes, “open paths to new possibilities and opportunities.”
“People around the world hope for a future of peace, dignity and prosperity. They call for global action to solve the climate crisis, tackle inequality and address new and emerging risks that threaten everyone.“, he said.
“They see the United Nations as essential to solving these challenges,” he continued, adding that “the Top of the future sets a course for international cooperation that can meet their expectations… now let’s get started.”
Months of negotiations
The adoption was the result of months of negotiations, jointly facilitated by Germany and Namibia.
Speaking after the adoption, Philémon Yang, President of the 79th Session of the General Assembly, encouraged countries to move forward together, in a spirit of solidarity and multilateral cooperation.
“The path we choose must lead to a future in which human dignity is respected and human rights are upheld.. A future where peace goes beyond the absence of conflict and is grounded in justice, inclusiveness and equality.”
