On 22 September 2024, after 9 months of negotiation, the Pact for the Future was adopted for the first time at the United Nations General Assembly Summit of the Future (New York).

The Pact for the Future[1] demonstrates the commitment of countries to advancing global goals in a changing world. It comprehensively addresses 56 actions across various areas including: (i) Sustainable development; (ii) International peace and security; (iii) Science, technology and digital innovation; (iv) Youth and future generations; (v) Transforming global governance.

Though not legally binding like international treaties, the Pact remains a significant political document, not only because it reflects parties’ commitment to addressing challenges in the 21st century.

First, it promotes the implementation of existing international treaties.

Regarding sustainable development, the Pact proposes actions to advance existing international treaties and agreements such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change, thus motivating countries to implement these agreements more effectively.

Regarding peace and security, the Pact further emphasizes compliance with international law, especially the United Nations Charter, the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Regarding maritime security, Action 22 of the Pact underscores the need for states to address threats to maritime security and safety in accordance with international law, especially the United Nations Charter and UNCLOS 1982. The Pact also calls for strengthened international cooperation at global, regional and bilateral levels, and enhancing states’ detection and prevention capabilities to address maritime security threats.

Second, the Pact paves the way for shaping future international treaties in emerging areas such as technology, artificial intelligence, and outer space governance.

This landmark political document includes the Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations. The Global Digital Compactis the first global instrument to cover cooperation in these areas, thus serving as a guide for future international treaties.

An original version of the article was published here.

Translated & Edited by KNH.


 

[1] https://www.un.org/en/unis-nairobi/press-releaseunited-nations-adopts-ground-breaking-pact-future-transform-global