Summit of the Future

The Summit of the Future was a high-level event held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City on September 22-23, 2024. The Summit stated aim was to build a new international consensus to deliver a better present and safeguard the future for generations to come. It culminated in the adoption of the Pact for the Future, along with two annexes—the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations.

Timeline

2022 – Resolution 76/307

In 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 76/307, which laid the groundwork for the Summit. The resolution called for the adoption of a concise, action-oriented outcome document, to be agreed in advance by consensus through intergovernmental negotiations. It also established the need for open, transparent, and inclusive consultations among Member States.

2023 – Preparations During the 77th General Assembly Session

During the 77th session of the General Assembly, the Permanent Representatives of Germany (Ambassador Antje Leendertse) and Namibia (Ambassador Neville Melvin Gertze) were appointed as co-facilitators of the preparatory process.

April to August 2023 – Intergovernmental Consultations

A series of consultations took place between April and August 2023. These discussions shaped the scope of the Pact for the Future and focused on five key areas:

• Sustainable Development and Financing for Development
• International Peace and Security
• Science, Technology, and Innovation and Digital Cooperation
• Youth and Future Generations
• Transforming Global Governance

August 15–30, 2023 – Drafting and Negotiation Process

On August 15, a draft decision outlining the structure and content of the Pact was submitted under the silence procedure. Although silence was broken on six elements, most of the text enjoyed broad support. In response, a revised draft was submitted on August 30, presenting only the agreed-upon elements and paving the way for formal negotiations during the 78th session.

2024 – Adoption of the Pact

Following additional negotiations, the Summit of the Future was held on 22–23 September 2024. During the event, world leaders adopted the Pact for the Future, which serves as a global roadmap for renewing multilateralism and addressing contemporary and future challenges. Two major annexes were also adopted:

• The Global Digital Compact, aimed at enhancing digital cooperation and bridging digital divides.
• The Declaration on Future Generations, emphasizing long-term thinking and intergenerational equity in global decision-making.

References

• Letter
• [https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n22/587/47/pdf/n2258747.pdf Resolution adopted by the General Assembly

on 8 September 2022]

• [https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n24/272/22/pdf/n2427222.pdf Resolution adopted by the General Assembly

on 22 September 2024]