The United Nations General Assembly adopted the “Pact for the Future” to address various global challenges such as climate change, artificial intelligence, escalating conflicts, and rising inequality and poverty. This 42-page document aims to unite the world’s nations in a collective effort to improve the lives of over 8 billion people. The pact was adopted during the “Summit of the Future” on September 23, 2024.
One of the notable aspects of the pact is its commitment to reforming the UN Security Council to better reflect the contemporary global landscape and to address the historical underrepresentation of regions like Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. Additionally, the pact supports nuclear disarmament, aims to prevent an arms race in outer space, and seeks to regulate the use of lethal autonomous weapons. It also includes a Global Digital Compact for the international governance of artificial intelligence.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres challenged world leaders to take concrete actions to implement the pact, urging for a transition from fossil fuels, prioritizing dialogue and negotiations, ending wars, and accelerating reforms in the international financial system. He emphasized the need for political will and commitment across all levels to ensure that the pact does not become another futile exercise.
During the adoption, Russia attempted to introduce amendments that would have diluted the agreement, but these were overwhelmingly rejected by 143 countries, including all 54 African nations and Mexico, highlighting the global consensus against Russia’s position. Despite the challenges, the pact was adopted with unanimous consent, marking a significant step forward for the UN and its member states .
