The Future of Global Cooperation: The Pact for the Future
The international community came together at the Summit of the Future in New York to adopt a groundbreaking “Pact for the Future” aimed at addressing the sweeping challenges of the 21st century. Despite efforts by Russia to derail the agreement, member countries reached a consensus at the UN Headquarters in New York, marking a significant step towards greater international cooperation for our common future.
Leadership and Vision
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the driving force behind the “Summit of the Future,” described it as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to reshape human history by revitalizing international cooperation. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hailed the adopted pact, negotiated by Germany and Namibia over many months, as a compass guiding us towards more cooperation and partnership, rather than conflict and fragmentation.
What is the Pact for the Future?
In the adopted version of the pact, leaders pledged to strengthen the multilateral system to keep pace with a changing world and protect the needs and interests of current and future generations facing persistent crises. The pact outlines 56 actions, including commitments to multilateralism, upholding the UN Charter, and peacekeeping.
- Reform of the UN Security Council
- Adjustment of the international financial system in favor of the Global South
- Renewed efforts to combat climate change
- Promotion of disarmament
- Guidance on the development of artificial intelligence
Furthermore, the pact promises to accelerate efforts to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to eradicate extreme poverty, intensify the fight against hunger, and promote gender equality and education.
Russian Opposition to the Pact
Russia distanced itself from the agreement, introducing an amendment emphasizing the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of states. Despite objections from Russia and its allies, the pact was eventually adopted with a majority vote in the UN General Assembly.
While concerns were raised about Russia’s obstructionism during the negotiation process, the international community had hoped for their support. However, Russia’s opposition deemed the pact “unbalanced” and a “huge blow to the organization as a whole.”
Despite these challenges, the adoption of the Pact for the Future marks a significant milestone in international cooperation and sets the stage for a more collaborative and sustainable future for all nations.
dh/kb (AFP, dpa)