The UN Pact for the Future: Context, Timeline and Realistic Assessment

The "Pact for the Future" was adopted by world leaders at the United Nations Summit of the Future on September 22, 2024, representing a significant reimagining of global multilateral cooperation. Rooted in UN Secretary-General António Guterres's "Our Common Agenda" report from 2021, the Pact emerged from extensive negotiations aimed at addressing modern challenges and strengthening international collaboration. It includes 56 actions and two key annexes: the Global Digital Compact, which lays out a framework for digital cooperation and AI governance, and the Declaration on Future Generations, which emphasizes youth participation in decision-making. The Pact's primary goal is to create a fair multilateral system that promotes sustainable development, peace, and security, while also addressing the needs of marginalized voices, particularly from developing nations. Implementation begins immediately, with follow-up mechanisms scheduled, including high-level reviews in 2027 and 2028. The Pact builds on historical international governance efforts, following the 1972 Stockholm Declaration and the 1992 Rio Declaration, focusing on environmental and developmental principles that have shaped global efforts since then.