Global leaders are gathering in New York on Sunday for the highly anticipated “Summit of the Future,” designed to tackle a wide range of 21st-century challenges, including conflict, climate change, and international cooperation. The summit, proposed by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in 2021, is described as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to reshape global systems and rekindle multilateral cooperation.
As a prelude to the upcoming UN General Assembly’s high-level week, which starts Tuesday, dozens of heads of state and government are expected to adopt a comprehensive “Pact for the Future” on Sunday. The nearly 30-page pact outlines 56 commitments, focusing on multilateralism, peacekeeping, and the upholding of the UN Charter. Notably, the pact includes calls for reforms in international financial institutions and the UN Security Council, alongside measures to combat climate change, promote disarmament, and guide artificial intelligence development.
Guterres, however, has expressed concern over the document’s scope, urging nations to demonstrate “vision” and “courage.” In its current form, the text has been described by some diplomats as “lukewarm” and lacking the transformative ambition originally called for.
While the pact is expected to be adopted, its approval is not guaranteed, with Russia raising objections and debate continuing over key issues such as fossil fuel transition and climate justice. Nevertheless, the summit is viewed as a crucial moment to reaffirm global commitment to multilateralism, particularly as developing nations seek reforms to secure better access to financing in the face of climate impacts.
Despite the non-binding nature of the pact, Guterres emphasized the need to “turn words into action,” urging leaders to follow through on the commitments made at the summit.
