Leaders at this week’s annual U.N. gathering face the pressing challenge of collaborating on both urgent global issues and the modernization of international institutions established after World War II. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the need for a renewed commitment to multilateralism in light of escalating global challenges such as geopolitical divisions, climate change, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
The two-day “Summit of the Future” kicked off on Sunday, preceding the high-level meeting of world leaders in New York. The General Assembly approved a significant document, the “Pact of the Future,” which aims to address critical issues including conflicts, climate change, and the reform of global institutions. Its success hinges on the commitment of the assembly’s 193 member nations to implement its provisions.
This year’s gathering is particularly significant, as over 130 leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, are expected to speak on pressing issues like the ongoing wars in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan. These conflicts will likely overshadow discussions about broader cooperation, highlighting a disconnect between the summit’s optimistic agenda and the harsh realities on the ground.
The summit also serves as a platform for key world leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to address their nations’ challenges. Meanwhile, Slovenia’s presidency of the Security Council will focus on the theme of “Leadership for Peace,” questioning the effectiveness of the U.N. in maintaining global peace and security amid rising instability.
