Multilateralism fit for the Future

The grand finale brings two years of intensive diplomatic efforts to a conclusion: On 22 September 2024, Heads of State and Government – the entire international community – agreed on the Pact for the Future in the General Assembly of the United Nations. “Today I challenge you to take action” – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on all Member States to prioritize dialogue and negotiations, put an end to wars and conflicts, and to reform the United Nations.

The Pact for the Future sets the course for future multilateral action and a reformed UN system that better reflects the realities of the 21 st century. In 56 concrete action points Member States commit to renewed cooperation on sustainable development, peace and security, technology and innovation, youth and future generations. A transformed global governance architecture will address these joint challenges.

“The Pact for the Future can serve as a compass for us. A compass whose needle points towards more cooperation and partnership, instead of towards more conflict and fragmentation. A compass guiding us to a more just, inclusive and cooperative world” as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz put it during the Summit.

Germany and Namibia co-led negotiations for the Pact of the Future over the course of two years. The process started with the big questions: Which direction does the international community want to take? How can we make the UN fit for the future, to meet the big challenges of our times? What are our goals? And how do we get there? How do we deliver for the people? Intensive consultations with Member States, UN organizations, civil society, private sector actors, academia and other stakeholders tried to answer these questions and shape the direction of the Pact. Negotiations among Member States followed. Many controversial positions were discussed, new ideas brought forward, old ideas put aside.

Despite geopolitical divisions and controversies, in the end, all UN Member States came together to adopt the Pact for the Future and its annexes, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, by consensus.  

Now, the international community needs to deliver on its promises. By working together, we can achieve a safer, more peaceful, just, equal, inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future.