(Plenary segment) Summit of the Future – General Assembly, 4th plenary meeting, 79th session

(Plenary segment) Summit of the Future – General Assembly, 4th plenary meeting, 79th session

Session at a Glance

Summary

The transcript covers the Summit of the Future, a United Nations gathering focused on addressing global challenges and shaping a more sustainable, peaceful, and equitable world. World leaders and representatives from various international organizations discussed the adoption of the Pact for the Future, a document outlining commitments and actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reform global governance structures.

Key themes included climate change, poverty eradication, digital transformation, and the need for a more inclusive multilateral system. Many speakers emphasized the importance of reforming international financial institutions to better support developing countries and address debt burdens. The role of youth in shaping the future was frequently highlighted, with calls for increased investment in education and opportunities for young people.

Several countries, particularly from the Global South, stressed the need for more equitable representation in global decision-making bodies, including reform of the UN Security Council. The importance of peace and conflict resolution was underscored, with many speakers calling for renewed efforts to address ongoing conflicts and promote international cooperation.

The discussion also touched on the potential of new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to drive progress towards the SDGs. However, concerns were raised about the digital divide and the need to ensure that technological advancements benefit all countries and communities.

Throughout the summit, there was a strong emphasis on the interconnectedness of global challenges and the need for collaborative, multilateral approaches to address them. While the Pact for the Future was generally welcomed, many speakers stressed the importance of moving from commitments to concrete actions to achieve meaningful progress on sustainable development and global cooperation.

Keypoints

Major discussion points:

– Reforming and strengthening multilateralism and global governance structures to address current and future challenges

– Closing the SDG financing gap and reforming the international financial architecture to support developing countries

– Addressing climate change, environmental degradation, and transitioning to sustainable development

– Harnessing digital technologies and AI for development while bridging the digital divide

– Empowering youth and future generations in decision-making processes

The overall purpose of the discussion was to adopt and gain support for the Pact for the Future, which aims to reinvigorate multilateralism and international cooperation to tackle global challenges and achieve sustainable development goals.

The tone of the discussion was generally optimistic and forward-looking, with speakers emphasizing the need for urgent action and reform. However, there were also notes of frustration from some developing countries about unfulfilled promises and the need for more concrete action. The tone became more practical and action-oriented towards the end as UN agencies and development banks discussed specific initiatives to implement the Pact’s goals.

Speakers

Based on the transcript, there were:

– 1 Chair/Moderator who facilitated the discussion and introduced speakers

– 49 Speakers representing various countries, international organizations, and institutions, including:

– Heads of state and government officials from countries like Serbia, Kenya, Lithuania, Mozambique, Canada, Tuvalu, Liechtenstein, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Moldova, Laos, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, South Sudan, Argentina, Nigeria, Burundi, Sudan, Guinea-Bissau

– Representatives from international organizations like the African Union, United Nations agencies (UNDP, WHO, UNOPS, UNIDO, UNHCR, ILO, etc.), World Bank Group, regional development banks, and specialized agencies

The speakers represented a wide range of expertise areas including:

– International relations and diplomacy

– Economic development

– Environmental and climate issues

– Technology and digital transformation

– Peace and security

– Human rights and social development

– Health

– Finance and economics

The Chair/Moderator’s expertise appeared to be in managing high-level international meetings and diplomatic protocol.

Full session report

The Summit of the Future: A Comprehensive Overview

The Summit of the Future, a high-level United Nations gathering, convened world leaders and representatives from international organizations to address global challenges and shape a more sustainable, peaceful, and equitable world. The summit culminated in the adoption of three key documents: the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations.

Key Themes and Discussion Points

1. Reforming Global Governance and Multilateralism

A central theme was the urgent need to reform and strengthen multilateral institutions. Numerous speakers, including representatives from Serbia, Kenya, and Mexico, emphasized the importance of reforming the UN Security Council to ensure greater representation, particularly for African nations. Justin Trudeau of Canada stressed, “We need to strengthen multilateralism, not weaken it.”

There was broad consensus on the need for a more inclusive and equitable international financial architecture. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar of Nigeria called for addressing “the debt burdens of developing countries,” while Alicia Bárcena Ibarra of Mexico highlighted the importance of revitalizing the UN system to make it more effective and responsive to global needs.

2. Addressing Climate Change and Environmental Challenges

Climate action emerged as a critical priority, with leaders emphasizing the urgency of meeting Paris Agreement goals. Fiamē Naomi MataÊ»afa of Samoa stressed the existential threat to small island nations, stating, “For us, climate change is not a distant threat but a daily reality.” The summit highlighted the need for increased climate financing and support for developing countries.

Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines underscored the importance of sustainable management of natural resources. The United Nations Environment Programme emphasized the need to transition to sustainable and resilient economies, with a focus on valuing natural capital and green assets.

3. Promoting Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication

The COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on development goals was a recurring theme. Speakers addressed the widening SDG financing gap and the need to mobilize resources. Carlos Manuel Vila Nova of São Tomé and Príncipe stressed the importance of education and youth empowerment, while Robinah Nabbanja of Uganda emphasized inclusive economic growth and job creation.

Many speakers highlighted the potential of digital technologies and innovation to drive development. However, concerns were raised about the digital divide, with calls to ensure that technological advancements benefit all countries and communities. The International Telecommunication Union emphasized the need to promote digital literacy and bridge the digital divide.

4. Ensuring Peace, Security, and Human Rights

The importance of addressing conflicts and promoting peaceful resolution of disputes was emphasized by multiple speakers. Albert Shingiro of Burundi stressed the significance of preventive diplomacy and mediation. Abdoulaye Diop of Mali called for reform of the global security architecture to better address contemporary threats.

The International Development Law Organization highlighted the importance of protecting human rights and promoting the rule of law as fundamental aspects of a stable and just global order.

5. Empowering Future Generations

The role of youth in shaping the future was a prominent theme. Gordana Siljanovska Davkova of North Macedonia emphasized the importance of youth participation in decision-making processes. Feleti Teo of Tuvalu spoke about the need for intergenerational equity and responsibility, stating, “We owe it to future generations to leave them a world that is better than the one we inherited.”

The United Nations Development Programme stressed the importance of investing in education and skills for the future, while the Economic Commission for Africa highlighted the potential of harnessing the demographic dividend of young populations.

6. Harnessing Digital Technologies and Addressing AI Challenges

Discussions on digital technology and artificial intelligence highlighted both opportunities and challenges. Speakers emphasized the potential for digital innovation to accelerate development but also raised concerns about privacy, security, and the ethical use of AI. The adoption of the Global Digital Compact underscored the importance of addressing these issues collectively.

Key Outcomes and Future Directions

The summit resulted in the adoption of the Pact for the Future, which outlines commitments and actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and reform global governance structures. Participants committed to implementing the 60 actions outlined in the Pact.

Unresolved issues included specific mechanisms for reforming the global financial architecture, concrete plans for closing the SDG financing gap, and details on implementing climate financing commitments for developing countries. The need for balancing digital innovation with concerns about privacy, security, and ethical use of technologies like AI was also highlighted as an area requiring further discussion and compromise.

Conclusion

The Summit of the Future demonstrated a strong commitment to multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges. While there was broad consensus on the need for systemic reforms and collective action, the diversity of perspectives highlighted the complexities involved in achieving global agreement on specific approaches. The summit set the stage for continued dialogue and negotiation to translate the Pact for the Future’s commitments into concrete actions for a more sustainable, peaceful, and equitable world.

Session Transcript

Joyelle Trizia Clarke: Small island states grapple with the poly crises of biodiversity loss, plastic pollution, climate change, and the accompanying challenges of food insecurity and threats to our health and national security. The future we deserve demands deep-rooted change that is transformative and lasting. For this, we must redefine multilateral spaces. We must promote unbiased international partnerships that honor the strength and resilience and the tenacity of small islands. Systems that respect and include all of our voices. And we must prioritize the needs of those most vulnerable. Women, youth, the elderly, indigenous, and rural populations. Let us ground our decision making now with a critical assessment of the global historical patterns of disempowerment and exploitation which constituted progress for a few and underdevelopment for many. This new contract has the much-needed potential to reimagine small island capacity. For centuries, our islands fueled the global economy. It is time for all to prosper regardless of size. We must alchemize our common vulnerabilities into engines of innovation, prosperity, and lasting peace. To build on this ideal, our government and our Prime Minister presented the Sustainable Island State Agenda, an acceleration of our 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Truthfully, our action is but a drop, but every drop counts towards strengthening and improving multilateral action. In this vein, I invite all to the May 2025 hosting of the Global Sustainable Island Summit being hosted in St. Kitts-in-Nevis with our partners, Island Innovation. Let us convene to continue driving actions and concretizing commitments for our shared survival. And as we engage in this Summit of the Future, let us anchor ourselves in its pact and the accompanying Digital Compact Declaration on Future Generations, being ever mindful of the need to reframe sustainability through the lenses of justice, equity, inclusivity and peace. Mr. President, every year the international community convenes in the General Hall. And we repeat, every year, now more than ever. But truly, this moment is the now that most islands have feared for a lifetime. St. Kitts and Nevis will harmonize our human existence with nature. Transparent, urgent action now is our duty and the outcomes the birthright of future generations. Let us deliver a world fit for prosperity and survivability, where peace abounds. Peace with nature and peace with humanity. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action, and Constituency Empowerment of St. Kitts and Nevis. And I now give the floor to His Excellency Mohamed Ali Nafti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad of Tunisia.

Mohamed Ali Nafti: Mr. President, the high-level participants here are numerous. young people, there are civil society representatives, and there are also many of them here. That makes this summit an historic moment, one for revitalizing multilateralism and to allow us to tackle current and past challenges, also to shore up security throughout the world, to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, in order to guarantee sustainable life on our planet for current and future generations. Our global leaders, during a summit held recently, announced that our world continued to face poverty, hunger, armed conflicts, climate change, and pandemics, among other challenges. And the reality does not live up to the aspirations of our founding fathers roughly 80 years ago. Despite the commitments we’ve taken on, including the commitment to leave no one behind, to protect our planet and to strengthen peace, we continue to face the same challenges. Indeed, the global situation continues to deteriorate, although we are facing numerous shocks, especially in southern countries. There’s been an exacerbation of crises. This shows that international government, as envisaged at the end of World War II, is incapable of addressing challenges and addressing the root causes. That is why Tunisia hails the initiative taken by the Secretary-General to hold this summit. We need to act at several levels to shore up multilateral mechanisms and to reiterate our commitment to the principles of the Charter and to the respective international law, including by taking a new approach. approach to international cooperation for the common well-being of nations on the basis of equality, mutual respect, noninterference in internal affairs, respect for the sovereignty of states, and solidarity while acknowledging our community of destiny and our common responsibility. Indonesia agrees with the Pact for the Future and also the Global Digital Compact, which sets out the principles for a digital world safe for everyone and contributes to bridging the digital divide as well. Next, the Declaration on Future Declarations, which we also endorse. The success of our summit hinges on the serious participation of absolutely everyone in the implementation of the aforementioned documents, which should not remain simply declarations of wishful thinking. We need to transform tangibly our multilateral system. This effort will depend on the political will that we show toward implementing the various recommendations of this summit. That will allow us to overcome the gaps in global governance. We call upon developed countries to make good their commitments for financing and for sustainable development and for climate action. They must do so by helping the developing countries to overcome debt, and they must assist populations in allowing them to make use of their own resources. President, at our last summit, we agreed on the need to leave no one behind. We made it a genuine slogan. This slogan will lose all of its credibility and sense if we exclude the Palestinian people who are experiencing the most atrocious crimes against humanity. perpetrated by a barbarous occupation at odds with international law. This organization has a responsibility, a moral and a historic responsibility. We cannot abandon the Palestinian people, a people which is deprived of its liberty, dignity, and right to life and right to live in security and in stability. Madam President, it is our hope that this summit, which was brilliantly prepared by the United Nations, we hope that this summit will clear the way to a new phase in multilateral action, one grounded in common responsibility and solidarity for a world that is more just, fair, and sustainable. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad of Tunisia. I now give the floor to His Excellency Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration of Egypt.

Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty: Thank you very much, Mr. President. Egypt welcomes our summit today, and we see it as an opportunity to strengthen multilateral work in confronting the challenges that it faces in the shadow of the developing countries, and to influence its efforts to achieve sustainable development by 2030. Egypt welcomes our summit today, and we see it as an opportunity to strengthen multilateral work in confronting the challenges that it faces in the shadow of the developing countries, and to influence its efforts to achieve sustainable development by 2030. Egypt welcomes our summit today, and we see it as an opportunity to strengthen multilateral for safeguarding peace and security to carry out development, ensure prosperity, and guarantee that everyone is able to enjoy their human rights on the basis of equality. That’s why we organized the Aswan Forum. Forum for Peace and Sustainable Development last July as a prelude to the Summit of the Future in order to present our vision with regard to the multilateral priorities for governance and for the role of young people. Egypt welcomes the adoption of the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact and the Pact for Future Generations, and we’d like to share with delegations our views on how we can build on the outcome of this summit. With the exacerbation of the situation with regard to peace and security, we need to renew our commitment to the U.N. Charter in respect for the sovereign equality of states in order to maintain the credibility of international order in accordance with these constant parameters and not have dual standards. We defend the Palestinian cause. We are in favor of an independent Palestinian state in the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and we confirm our trust in the justice of the international system. But this has been sorely tested given the impotence of the international community in putting an end to the tragedy happening in Gaza and which is in danger of extending to Lebanon and the whole region. Egypt is very much attached to the territorial integrity and the stability of Somalia throughout its national territory. We stress the importance of the territorial integrity of Sudan as well. And then the successive developments, I think, reflect the need to increase development funding and to reform the global financial architecture in order to reduce the gap between states and address the current imbalance that exists and which has left a lot of people behind in terms of prosperity. We must respond to the aspirations of our peoples to eliminate poverty and hunger, increase growth levels, and for this we need funding for development and we need to reach understanding on innovative solutions and mechanisms that will be beneficial for developing countries with a view to concessional funding that will not add additional burdens on these countries. Thirdly, we need to ensure that we’re able to promote technology transfer by forging digital cooperation and increasing research and development programs and strengthening capacity particularly in Africa, in addition to the need to support African countries’ efforts to counter the negative effects of climate change on the principle of common but shared responsibility, common but differentiated responsibility. We must do everything to address water shortages as well and promote cooperation with regard to water and cross-border water arrangements according to international agreements. And Egypt fully endorses the absolute priority to totally remove nuclear weapons to guarantee current and future generations a safe future given the disastrous consequences that arise from the use of these weapons. And we’re also in favor of a Middle East area free of nuclear weapons.

Chair: Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Comoros.

Comoros: and ambitious funding mechanism that will support our initiatives and mobilize further resources in order to enable countries to follow the sustainable development path. Technology transfer, technical assistance, access to clean energy, and access to an energy mix should be priorities when it comes to funding. It’s crucial that we support business and improve access to funding for young people and for women, whilst at the same time promoting universal social protection in order to reduce the informal labor market and improve access for decent jobs for all. The Union of the Comores would like to appeal to the North to honor their commitments taken to fund the SDGs in the countries of the South. Mr. President, international peace and security are very important for sustainable development, and so strengthening multilateral institutions is particularly important to resolve the existing conflicts and prevent new outbreaks of tension. The very objective of multilateralism, among other things, is to prevent war by building bridges between different views and interests. We must therefore do everything in our power to restore the authority of the United Nations and respect for its charter, international law, and international humanitarian law. Mr. President, scientific and technological progress and innovation are so important for the economic and social changes needed in our times, but that must be accompanied by partnerships, knowledge transfer, and cooperation based on a research and technology, the global digital compact should enable us to reduce the global digital divide and increase access for each country to these innovations. We must cooperate together to ensure that the digital revolution is a benefit to everyone and that it is guided by principles of inclusivity, ethics and accountability, particularly in the sensitive area of artificial intelligence. The Comores unreservedly supports initiatives aimed at strengthening digital cooperation and encouraging innovation as an engine for development. Mr. President, the future is now. We cannot wait and we must improve the global system for current as well as future generations through national governance and investment in youth. The fight against youth unemployment, access to universal education, actions to prevent social conflict and improve the lives of young people and improve their participation in decision-making bodies, all of these things should be priorities for all of us. The future of our planet is in the hands of young people, future generations. It’s our duty to leave to them a world of peace.

Chair: I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Comores. I give the floor to His Excellency Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Minister for Foreign Relations of Cameroon.

Lejeune Mbella Mbella: President, I would like to thank you for inviting me to speak, and I’d like to take this opportunity to express that it is a great pleasure and indeed an immense honour for me to make this statement during this meeting on behalf of His Excellency Pulbira, President of the Republic of Cameroon and Head of State. I quote his statement, we have just adopted the Pact for the Future and its two annexes. They cover digital aspects and future generations. I wish to congratulate all those involved in the negotiations who were able to overcome their differences and reach agreement on what was essential in order to reach consensus, the consensus which unites us and that we are currently celebrating. Indeed, it was a lengthy and laborious negotiation, but ultimately we made it. We have shown, proven once again, that real political will and a high awareness of a common good means that we can achieve the goals that we set ourselves. The Pact for the Future that we’ve just adopted is a real gamble on peace, on sustainable development and human dignity for current and future generations. Thanks to its guidance and the objectives contained in it, and above all thanks to the specific actions contained therein, this pact is a suitable way of guiding us towards the future that we wish to see, the future that we have defined together and we defined the priorities of this in this very building several years ago. This, the planet and humankind are priorities as well as eradicating poverty, shared prosperity and also the need to leave no one behind. In order for this pact to be implemented effectively, we must act without further delay, showing renewed political will. The challenges that we are facing are growing in number and are gaining in complexity, particularly they have been globalised. It’s a question of the future of humankind in this ever-changing digital world. Science and technology have indeed in good hands some of the best tools to achieve growth together and indeed the pact that we’ve just adopted, it brings all these tools together with unity, solidarity and humanity at its heart.

Chair: I give the floor to His Excellency Ki-hwan Kweon, the Deputy Foreign Minister for Multilateral and Global Affairs of the Republic of Korea.

Ki-hwan Kweon: Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished representatives, first of all, I would like to extend my gratitude to Germany and Namibia for their dedicated efforts, which have led to the adoption of the Pact for the Future. The international community have worked tirelessly to identify actions that should be taken to bring about meaningful changes and benefit future generations. The Pact charted a path to a better future for all of humanity and reaffirmed our commitment to multilateralism. Now it is our duty to ensure that our commitments resonate far beyond this room to shape a more sustainable future for all. The actions outlined in the Pact must be implemented collaboratively by member states, international organizations, civil society, and private sector. With this in mind, I will highlight key priority areas that Korea is focusing on to advance sustainable peace and prosperity. First of all, science, technology, and innovation must be harnessed in a way that promotes and protects human rights and serves peaceful purposes. Korea is committed to advancing human-centered AI technology to drive progress towards the UN SDGs. Following the AI Seoul Summit in May, Korea convened AI Global Forum to push for the establishment of AI norms in the private sector. In early September, we also hosted the Responsible AI in the Military. domain Summit 2024, where we presented a comprehensive blueprint for military AI norms. Tackling new and emerging challenges is also crucial for building a more inclusive, open, and safe future. As a member of the Security Council, Korea prioritizes responses to cybersecurity and climate security. In June, Korea hosted an open debate on cybersecurity as president of the Security Council, which helped establish a solid foundation for planning an effective response to cyber threats. Korea also supports the role of the Peacebuilding Commission as a platform for sharing good practice among member states and fostering partnerships among diverse stakeholders. When serving as chair of the PBC in 2017, Korea drew on its development experiences and played a role in fostering strategic partnerships between the PBC and international organizations and financial institutions. This helped countries in transition mobilize both political and financial support. Korea will remain fully supportive of the PBC’s efforts to make further progress in this regard. Securing development resources is a key to achieving sustainable development goals. Korea has consistently increased its ODA, with an expansion of over 30% this year compared to last year. Notably, at the first Korea-Africa Summit, held in Seoul this June, we pledged to continue to expand our ODA to Africa up to $10 billion by 2030. The efforts of the government sector alone are never enough to mobilize resources. It is essential to forge close partnerships with various stakeholders, including the private sector, to benefit from their resources, expertise, and technology. In this context, Korea is advancing innovative cooperation projects with businesses. including small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups. Korea will continue to actively participate in international efforts to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. I sincerely hope that this summit of the future marks a pivotal moment for change. It presents a great opportunity for every member state to be united in their commitment to the pact for the future. And let us seize this opportunity. Thank you very much.

Chair: I thank the Deputy Foreign Minister for multilateral and global affairs of the Republic of Korea. I now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Israel.

Israel: Thank you, Mr. President. While Israel is fully committed to this pact and the pursuit of the SDGs, we continue to face relentless attacks from non-state actors that threaten our very existence. As we gather here today to speak about the future, hundreds of rockets are being fired at our civilian population. Let me be clear, we are a peaceful nation. We do not seek war, nor do we desire it. However, we will not stand by as our people are attacked. We will use all means at hand, our determination, our innovation, and our strength to protect our people. Last night, Hundreds of thousands of Israelis slept in bomb shelters as Hezbollah, a terrorist organization which holds Lebanon captive, fired upon them. Since October 8th, over 8,000 rockets have been fired at our people. Over 70,000 have been forced to flee their homes, becoming refugees in their own land. We did not start this war, but we will protect our homes, our land, and our people. Yet, despite these dire conditions, Israel remains steadfast in promoting the SDG agenda. We pursue these global goals while fighting terrorism on multiple fronts. This is the real story of Israel. Despite immense challenges, we are still able to lead on innovation, sustainability, and the advancement of human rights. Our resilience proves that building a better future is not only possible, but essential. Even as we defend our people and homeland, we are here today to focus on that future, our shared values, our values that will shape the future. Each generation has faced its own challenges, and ours is no different. What sets our time apart is the profound impact our nations can build together. The question we ask ourselves, how will we work towards eliminating poverty? Will we act quickly enough to save the planet? How might technology benefit humankind rather than being used to spread hate? These are critical questions, so crucial that giving form to our vision for the future has been an ambitious and difficult process. We must recognize. that putting it onto action will be even more difficult. Yet, we cannot be paralyzed by the enormity of the task. This is not a gift to the future, but an obligation that we must pay forward. Mr. President, over the past year, we have seen anti-Semitism escalate from words to acts of terror. It is imperative that Member States confront anti-Semitism wherever it emerges, for only through collective action we can make a lasting difference. Simply put, we need more than words and declarations. We need immediate, dramatic action from all countries and all individuals. Mr. President, we cannot allow the pursuit of the SDGs to come at the cost of our democratic values. Just as we stand united against violent extremism and terrorism, we must also oppose repressive regimes that fund and support those terror groups. Israel firmly believes that we cannot leave a legacy of fear, oppression, and terror for future generations. We must act decisively against terrorist organizations that blankly disregard the safety and welfare of their own people. Mr. President, the challenges will not be easy to overcome. If they were, we would not be here today. However, the State of Israel believes that there is far more that unites us than divides us. The differences we observe are often more about the different paths we take forward our shared goals. We must come together in this spirit, facing today’s challenges head-on and recognizing that delaying difficult decisions is no longer an option. and we must meet our obligations, the future, the planet and all those who will inhabit it for them.

Chair: I thank the distinguished representative of Israel. I now give the floor to the Central African Republic, to the distinguished representative of Central African Republic.

Central African Republic: Thank you. Mr. President, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the Central African Republic welcomes the adoption today of the Pact for the Future, to which is annexed the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration of Future Generations. This adoption is a sign of a reaffirmed willingness in our common ability to find shared prosperity. This ambitious pact and transformative pact is an important step to re-establish, restore trust in our common humanity. This can be seen in a renewed commitment to leave no one aside and to protect our planet. I remain convinced that the implementation of specific actions within this pact and its annexes are necessary in order to speed up the achievement of the SDGs, to preserve rights, to improve global governance and thus to preserve peace and stability. I would particularly like to stress the word action, which invites us to leave behind the deadlocked environment that has been putting us into a deep sleep for many decades and where we have seen inequalities in rights get worse over the years, particularly the right to development, the right to a safer and more sustainable world, the right to self-determination, to sovereignty and the right of people to be involved in global governance. This lack of action that we have seen over the last 30 years, be it in working groups or in intergovernmental negotiations, is what we have seen without our organization even being able to reform itself, particularly reform of the Security Council, which would be repairing historic injustice done to Africa. This Security Council, however, no longer reflects today’s world, and where we see double standards, a lack of understanding, and taking of sides, that now has become the rule to the detriment of equality, coherence, objectivity, and effectiveness, thus reducing the chances of peace for very many countries and peoples that are suffering. I hope that this pact will not be an umpteenth lost opportunity, and that together, we really will be able to change the situation. To do this, we need awareness-raising and an immense amount of political support, and a lot of work needs to be done in conflict prevention and funding for development and sharing of knowledge and innovation, so that the new social contract that we are agreeing today will be focused on multilateral solutions for a better future for everyone, particularly young people, girls, and women. In Central African Republic, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda is limited by internal challenges linked in other, amongst other things, to the security situation, a landlocked nature, and lack of energy. To speed up the implementation of the SDGs, the government has defined and validated a national development program, 2024-2028, of $12.8 billion, aiming to build a prosperous country that has quality human capital and resilient and sustainable infrastructures based on a more inclusive rule of law, based on the principles of good governance. The challenge for our country is to move from a situation of emergency to a situation of sustained development that can bring about structural change in the economy, where young people, women, and the private sector will be given a priority. In recent years, the youth of Central African Republic, about 70% of the population, has benefited from awareness-raising activities with regard to the importance of peace. This has been seen particularly in my country. Young people have decided that peace involves entrepreneurship. We have had to rethink – we need to rethink the global financial international architecture. Think again about aid. Help our most vulnerable populations and free up the necessary funding to support our development programmes. Here we see the use of new technologies and innovation as being an important lever to increasingly leverage national resources. So this pact will be very important to maximise the use of technology and promote growth. Pulling our efforts together does not mean that we should disperse them. We need to follow the aspirations of our people to build their future and ensure that no one is left behind. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the distinguished representative of the Central African Republic. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Austria.

Austria: Excellencies, so this is the summit of the future. I have to say, it feels much like the present. Permit me at the outset to convey greetings from Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen as well as his sincere regrets for not joining us today. As you know, Austria, along with our neighbours, has been grappling with the consequences of unprecedented floods. This, of course, demands the President’s full attention and solidarity back home. But his thoughts are also with us here today. Summits hold special significance in Austria, a land of many mountains. Every hiker knows that a climb to the summit can be arduous, but reaching the top feels sublime. But you also have to get back down again, and descents can be rough. Getting to the summit of the future was not easy. The negotiations sometimes felt very much like an uphill climb. But with a determination to shape a better future for all, we succeeded. Even with the unnecessary distractions this morning, the adoption by acclamation of the pact today made two things clear. First, the leaders of the world are committed to bringing about positive change together. And second, they will use this organization, the UN, to address the challenges of today and those we expect in the future. The pact that we adopted this morning will make processes and institutions more effective and responsive to our needs. There’s much that we agreed to – groundwork for global cooperation on digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, using the immense potential for space as a driver for sustainable development, a new focus on achieving the SDGs and accelerating climate commitments, concrete steps to reforming the UN Security Council, and the will to address reform of the wider international architecture. The actions of the pact speak for themselves. They show determination to take bold steps for our planet and for future generations. Some highlights of the pact reflect Austrian priorities that we’ll pay particular attention to in the implementation phase – the descent from the mountain, so to speak, which can also be difficult. Such as strengthening the rule of law and human rights, and our commitment to the universal principle that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. On this armament, we must – ensure that nuclear weapons are never used again, and that new technologies empower future generations, not dehumanize them. We need legally binding prohibitions and regulations of autonomous weapons systems. Regarding peace operations, we appreciate the recognition of a new era that is more targeted, flexible, and collaborative. We welcome a holistic review of UN peace operations across the entire peace continuum, from prevention and peacemaking to peacekeeping and peacebuilding. Strengthening synergies between the UN and regional organizations, such as through regular meetings, is essential to establish real, networked multilateralism. Finally, on global governments, the Pact contains a commitment to a meaningful reform of the Security Council. Together with Ambassador Tarek al-Banaei of Kuwait, I had the honor of co-chairing the intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform and facilitating the actions in the Pact, where leaders pledged to ensure greater representation for underrepresented regions and rectify the historical injustice against Africa, where leaders reaffirmed their determination to making the Council more effective, transparent, and accountable, including by discussing limitations of the veto, where they agreed to work on the basis of a consolidated model of a new Council, and where they agreed specific interim measures until the reform enters into force. As the Secretary General said, this constitutes the strongest language on Council reform in a generation and the most concrete steps to Security Council enlargement since 1963. This augurs well for the future efforts to reform the Council. Excellencies, Austria strongly believes in multilateralism, that the solution for global challenges lie in cooperation, dialogue, and partnership, and it’s in this spirit that we are a candidate for a non-permanent seat to the Council at the elections in 2026. In closing, let me thank the Secretary General for bringing us together today. The pact for the future shows that there is so much that unites us, so much more than divides us. As the summit of the future becomes the event of the past, let us set out for the future with optimism and humility. Multilateral diplomacy can only work with open minds. If we come to the UN not to speak only, but also to listen. If we show respect and believe diverse views are positive. If we engage in the spirit of compromise. If we put acting together first in and through the United Nations. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the distinguished representative of Austria. We have heard the last speaker for this meeting. The next meeting of the summit of the future will take place immediately following the adjournment of this meeting to hear speakers listed for that meeting. Before adjourning the meeting, I wish to inform members that following the deadline of 29 July 2024 for inscription by states and the European Union in the list of speakers for the plenary meetings of the summit of the future, the sectariat has received additional requests for inscription from three delegations. If I hear no objection, may I take it that the assembly decides to reopen the list of speakers for these delegations to hear the statements at the last position in the appropriate category at the afternoon meeting today, 22 September 2024. I hear no objection. It is so decided. The meeting is adjourned. Plenary meeting of the General Assembly is called to order. The General Assembly will continue the summit of the future under agenda item 123, entitled Strengthening of the United Nations System. Before we begin with the list of speakers, delegations are reminded that statements should be limited to five minutes for participating states and three minutes for other statements. Pursuant to Rule 72 of the Rules of Procedure, when a representative exceeds his or her allotted time, the President shall call the speaker to order without delay, which shall be done by means of automatic microphone cutoff. In accordance with Resolution 72, Slide 313, the All Protocol Observed Principle is recommended, whereby participants are encouraged to refrain from the listing of standard protocol expressions during their statements. Within this time frame, I would like to appeal to speakers to deliver their statements at a reasonable pace so that interpretation into the other official United Nations languages may be provided properly. The list of speakers for each meeting shall be completed, and no speakers will be rolled over to the next meeting. Speakers who are not present when the speaking turn comes will be automatically moved to the next available speaking slot within the category at the same meeting. I invite His Excellency Aleksandar Vucic, President of the Republic of Serbia, to address the Assembly.

Aleksandar Vucic: Esteemed participants of the Summit, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I am very happy to be present on this important summit of the future and will not take much of your time by quoting the characters of Alan Ford comics and by saying that it is better to have peace and cooperation than war and conflicts, that it is better to be healthy than ill, and I do not want to repeat the empty stories about the observance of international law norms because international public law applies only to small and not so strong ones and only in cases when they are not attacked by the same big ones. And speaking about the most powerful countries, it is incredible with how much lies and hypocrisy they brutally violate the law of the United Nations and more than anything, peace. Peace is today more important than anything, but no one sees peace as an important value. But all the big ones, while justifying their big politics, speak about a just peace, which means that they should win and that the other ones not only should lose, but they should be completely disquiet. All the stakeholders, with no exceptions, will refer to those norms of international law which are in their favor, and they will intentionally forget all they have been doing and that they are doing today. They will be reminded of the respective by the other big ones, which will also forget all those misdeeds, but they will find endless violations of the international law in the case of the first ones. Serbia supports the plan of the UN Secretary General. The Republic of Serbia supports the Pact for the Future in spite of having remarks and in spite of the fact that… we would like to see more compromise done for the developing countries and that the big countries could better understand the needs of the small ones. All five chapters are important to us. Sustainable development and financing for development, international peace and security, science, technology and innovation and digital cooperation, youth and future generations and transforming the global governance. But what kind of financing for development, position of youth and sustainable development can we speak about when we have huge regional conflicts in the world and tensions involving almost all biggest world powers? Speaking of remarks, Serbia supports the demand of the Group 77 developing countries, joined also by the People’s Republic of China and we believe that financing of the problem of climate change should be a separate issue and not a part of the financing for development. We believe that the U.S. and the EU will have more understanding for reforms of the existing financing architecture. Additionally, we believe that the remarks of Brazil and Russia where the issues of the climate and the climate change are more related to security than to development are serious ones and that they deserve attention. Additionally, Serbia believes that it is very important to find the balance between the Western point of view on the issue of the rule of law on one side and the demand of the numerous countries when it comes to the family and traditional values because human rights are one thing and their abuse and overemphasizing lead towards the destruction of traditional conservative societies which many countries worldwide cannot accept and particularly when it comes to family values and precisely those values are cherished and nurtured by the Republic of Serbia. Serbia is on its European path. Unlike many others, Serbia observes the norms and regulations of international public law. At the same time, Serbia is a modern country with a big growth rate but also not ready to sacrifice its own traditional values and And it will be capable of resisting all the attempts from the outside that the so-called woke movement is imposing to it as the highest possible value and the state of society that we must allegedly reach in the future. I thank you very much.

Chair: I thank the President of the Republic of Sebia. I invite His Excellency William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander in Chief of the Defense Forces, to address the Assembly.

William Samoei Ruto: Mr. President, a year ago I stood before this Assembly urging bold reforms of the UN system to tackle the rapidly evolving and increasingly complex global challenges. Today, that call is as urgent as it was then. The planet is heating up, our climate is in crisis, oceans are rising, deserts are spreading, and conflict is engulfing the world. Individuals are displaced, poor and without access to basic services. Unfortunately, our multilateral system has proven inadequate in addressing crises such as climate change, inequality, and debt. And it continues to falter in providing any, let alone timely, solutions. Without immediate action, humanity will face an unprecedented global crisis. crisis. Today, we have no choice but to reject outdated systems and reimagine a framework of international cooperation that works for all 8 million of us in the planet. This means redesigning international financial system, strengthening partnership for common security, bridging the digital divide, and investing in human capacity, especially empowering women and youth. The window to achieve this is, however, fast-closing. The Secretary General’s 2024 SDG report paints a dire picture. Only 17 percent of SDG targets are on track, largely due to unmet financial commitments, and developing countries, particularly in Africa and the global south, are facing severe funding shortages and the gap is widening. At the 2023 UN SDG summit, we highlighted the urgent need to overhaul the global financial system. As we approach the fourth financing for development forum in 2025, imaginative solutions for debt relief and development financing are essential to close the SDG gap. We must address the historical injustice of Africa’s lack of permanent representation on the UN Security Council as a matter of justice in the ongoing UN reforms. Additionally, region-led peace operations sustainably funded by the UN assessed contributions are critical in addressing today’s complex security challenges. In Kenya, we aim to increase forest cover by 30 percent by planting 15 billion trees, an effort largely led by our youth. Two weeks ago, I launched Climate Works, a program to employ 200,000 young people in sustainable public works focused on ecological restoration and infrastructure. infrastructure, but we must recognize that the pace of technological advancement, particularly with AI, is widening the global digital divide. Africa holds critical resources for the tech revolution, yet receives disproportionately low benefits. A year ago, I stood here at this assembly to declare Kenya’s commitment to contribute to an international security support mission to Haiti. Yesterday, I was in Port-au-Prince to witness the significant progress made by Kenya’s Africa-led mission, even with the constraints of limited resources. What looked like mission impossible is now a present and real possibility for peace in Haiti. I hosted the inaugural Africa Climate Summit, whose seminal outcome, the Nairobi Declaration, formed the basis of a common African position in multilateral engagement at the COP and other fora. At the World’s 21 IDA 21 Replacement Summit in Nairobi in April this year, the 17th, AFDB Replacement, and IMF-SDR rechanneling, we, together with African leaders, championed for significant enhancement of the concessional window of affordable financing available for developing countries to provide critical public services, undertake investment in economic transformation, and implement ambitious climate. On the basis of this progress we have achieved under our current inadequate multilateral institutional framework, I am optimistic about what we can achieve under a radically reconfigured multilateral institutional framework. This is why reforms are an urgent necessity that we cannot delay. The path of the future has been developed through intense negotiations, sustained discourse between members. I take this opportunity to thank all of you for your contributions.

Chair: I thank the President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces. I invite His Excellency Gitanas Nausėda , President of the Republic of Lithuania, to address the Assembly.

Gitanas Nausėda : Mr. President of the General Assembly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Germany and Namibia for your work in mobilizing the international community for this summit of the future. Your efforts to address the pressing challenges of today deserve the highest praise. Thank you. Excellencies, my country, eager to build a safer, more sustainable and inclusive world, has put constructive work into the Pact for the Future and its accompanying documents. We welcome the commitment by the Declaration on Future Generations to safeguard those who will inherit the world. To shape our future for the benefit of all, we must act with vision, courage and unity. And we must act now. First, we need to return to the rules-based international order. For Lithuania, this means supporting Ukraine in its fight for freedom and democracy. It is crucially important that Russia is not allowed to walk away with occupied Ukrainian territories. Therefore, Lithuania calls on the international community to put more efforts into limiting Russia’s ability to continue its colonial war. Russia must be forced to completely withdraw from the entire territory of Ukraine. Sadly, the lack of multilateral response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has already put forward serious doubts about the United Nations’ ability to maintain global peace and security. Structural reforms of the organization, including those of the Security Council, are clearly needed. The United Nations must be empowered to stop and contain both present and future aggressors. This would contribute not only to global peace and security, but also to sustainable development and human rights. Second, we need to put more effort into achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Right now, one of the key obstacles to accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals is the lack of financial resources. We need to create a global financial architecture that is more equitable, just, and responsive to crisis. Lithuania is also eager to address the climate crisis. To achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, we need more investment into renewable energy and innovative technologies. Future prosperity will be driven by digital transformation. While Lithuania welcomes the shared vision for the digital world outlined in both the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact, we also call for addressing challenges related to new and emerging technologies. I am delighted that under Lithuania’s presidency, the Council of Europe adopted the first-ever Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights. and the rule of law. This Vilnius Convention establishes a global standard for protecting human rights from the risks posed by AI. My hope is that it will be set an example of addressing all kinds of global issues through concerted multilateral efforts. Today I call on the participants of the summit to support the main guiding principles of the United Nations – peace, security, human rights, and sustainable development for all. The future we desire is within our reach. Let’s seize this moment to build it together. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the President of the Republic of Lithuania. I invite His Excellency Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique, to address the Assembly.

Filipe Jacinto Nyusi: Thank you very much, Mr. President, Your Excellencies. Let me greet and congratulate Your Excellency for chairing this important event and express wishes for success in our deliberations. Excellencies, multilateralism is a key and indispensable tool of cooperation among states. It is a safe vehicle to pursue our common global agenda. The United Nations Charter defined the organization as the center for harmonizing actions of nations to achieve common purposes. It is in this regard that we view the 2023 report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations. on our common agenda, which charts the way for the next 25 years and stresses the importance of multilateralism. Multilateralism is not just a choice, but an imperative and an unequivocal requirement to address complex challenges, particularly within the framework of international peace and security, which are indivisible. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated how important it is for international cooperation to address global crises, despite being in a constrained way. The coordinated multilateral response was key to combat and distribute resources that were unforeseen for the most vulnerable countries. The following are some of the complex challenges requiring bold multilateral cooperation, terrorism and violent extremism, endemic diseases and pandemics, climate change that induce natural disasters, among others. Another challenge requiring multilateral engagement is the implementation of the Agenda 2030 for sustainable development. However, for the response to global challenges to be more effective, it is necessary to conduct profound resources to the multilateral system, especially with respect to the representation of developing countries in strategic decision-making positions such as the Security Council. On the other hand, we reiterate our firm support to a new international financial architecture that is responsible to challenges of poverty and development of the world and collective decisions that can no longer remain delayed indefinitely. Your Excellency, I conclude by reaffirming the primacy of multilateralism as the best tool to address the complex and multilateral challenges. multiple challenges humanity is faced with, and to this end, it is urgent to restore the confidence of our people to international institutions and to an inclusive international law. If we are serious about promoting global prosperity for humanity, Africa, with its youth and hardworking population with its rich diversity and potentials, it would be a total collapse to leave it behind and exclude it from the most important cycles of decision making. Thank you very much.

Chair: I thank the President of the Republic of Mozambique. I invite Her Excellency Gordana Siljanovska Davkovaa, President of the Republic of North Macedonia, to address the Assembly.

Gordana Siljanovska Davkova: Respected President, distinguished attendees, it’s a difficult task and a great responsibility to talk about the future and abstract from the UN, because it is the only organization that enjoys universal legitimacy and has proven integrity and credibility in resolving humanity’s biggest and burning problems. On the eve of the 18th birthday, I am confident that the UN has accumulated enough knowledge, experience and creation, learned numerous lessons, gained wisdom, acquired rich memory as necessary assumptions for a real perception of the present and future. and for projecting the future. The future is neither a fiction story nor an illusion, but a real assessment of expected changes based on a thorough critical analysis of evidence and diagnosis of natural and social conditions. Hence, the future could perhaps be seen as a certain expectation of change. I believe there is no place more appropriate than the UN for a consensus on the future seen through the prism of the biggest dilemmas and challenges. I believe it is a high time to face the ugly reality of wars, natural disasters, enormous pauperization, inequality and injustice, violation of international law, even of Uyghurs, practicing the rule of man instead of the rule of law, sacrificing justice, ethics and morality for profit and power. Difficult problems ultimately impose ambitious goals, but also require decisive action. Brave undertakings are impossible without profound reform of the UN, strengthened multilateralism in decision-making, developed checks and balances mechanisms in the relations between the Secretary-General, the Security Council and the General Assembly, greater inclusiveness and transparency of the decision-making process, as well as decisiveness and efficiency in dealing with the enormous threats to peace, sustainable development and human rights. Sincerely, I think that the curative of the UN, with or flying without moving, are not enough. But what we need is substance. Structural, functional, meritocratic, democratic changes. The role of the General Assembly should be strengthened as a representative body of the United Nations. The International Court of Justice must be given a stronger role, and its judgments must become binding for everyone. More intensive cooperation and partnership with civil society must be established. Transparency of the work of all authorities and bodies must be increased. I am not of the opinion that enlarging the Security Council with a few new permanent members with exclusive veto rights by itself would mean a greater guarantee for peace and security. Although it is clear to me that the relationship of powers on the global stage today is not the same with the one from 1945. As a representative of a small country, I believe that the participation of the smaller countries in General Assembly should be increased in the body to protect themselves from the real danger from the bigger countries. Of course, the UN Charter remains a fundamental act, a constitution of the nations, but also a social international contract. An end should be put to the disrespect, bypassing and selective application of the Charter, as in the Macedonian case. As the first Macedonian female President, I fiercely advocate for more women at the highest positions, and I am personally fulfilling these commitments. I believe that the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations are a solid foundation an inspiring framework for tracing and building a future in which peace, prosperity, and justice will not be wishful thinking.

Chair: I thank the President of the Republic of North Macedonia. I invite His Excellency Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, President of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, to address the Assembly.

Carlos Manuel Vila Nova: Mr. President of the General Assembly, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Heads of State and Government, Delegates, Good afternoon. It is with great honour that I address this historic summit at a crucial moment for the future of humanity. The world is facing complex challenges that require urgent and coordinated action, and the interactive dialogues of this summit point to fundamental ways to ensure a prosperous, fair and sustainable future for all. I thank the President of the Republic of North Macedonia for the invitation to be part of this historic summit. of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Saint May Prince reaffirms his commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. We believe that global governance should be based on the fact that small and vulnerable countries, like ours, can have an active voice in the decisions that affect the common destiny. I don’t know what? No, I don’t. The world is facing growing threats to peace and stability, and only through effective multilateral diplomacy can we guarantee the security of all nations, regardless of their size, economic power or military capability. As a member of the international community, we reaffirm our commitment to peace and cooperation. Regarding the creation of a common digital future, it challenges us to face the digital revolution in an inclusive way. The digital force continues to expand inequalities, especially in developing countries. Saint May Prince sees in the strengthening of digital innovation an opportunity to train its young people and promote economic growth. However, this will only be possible through international partnerships that guarantee inclusive access to technologies and digital opportunities, so that no citizen is left behind. Finally, when it comes to strengthening the global system for current and future generations, we remember that the decisions we take today will shape the world that we will leave for future generations. Saint May Prince In this context, I am pleased to announce the creation of the Conservation Trust Fund of São Tomé and Príncipe. This fund aims to reposition the conservation of biodiversity in São Tomé and Príncipe in order to improve the quality of life on the island. This fund will be used to improve the quality of life on the island. This fund will be used to improve the quality of life on the island. The fund aims to reposition nature as a strategic economic asset, capable of driving our sustainable development. As a small island state in development, we face challenges related to access to predictable sources of financing and the diversification of our economy. The CTF will be financed by the commitment of investors and philanthropy, in addition to the goal of facilitating currency exchanges for climate adaptation. This fund will allow the protection of 30% of our ocean, as stipulated by the Convention on Biodiversity, and will serve as a central pillar for the development of our blue economy and ecotourism. The CTF will not only protect our biodiversity, but will also create new opportunities for subsistence for our communities in the intrinsic value of our nature. We are committed to articulating the conservation of nature with economic development, promoting the emission of carbon credits based on sustainable agricultural production and the conservation of our marine and terrestrial areas. Our commitment to the CTF strengthens the country’s ability to guarantee a sustainable and prosperous future for future generations. Finally, we urge all countries present here to work together.

Chair: Presidency Robinah Nabbanja government business in Parliament of the Republic of Uganda to address the Assembly.

Robinah Nabbanja: Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I bring you greetings from General Yoweri Museveni , the President of the Republic of Uganda. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. Today we live in a global scenario that has changed dramatically since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and progress at the halfway point of the Agenda is slow or fragile. The gap between developed and developing countries continues to widen, and major challenges generated by the current unfair international economic order for developing countries have reached their most acute expression in the current times. We are gathered here in the Summit of the Future to recommit our international cooperation in Pact for the Future that has been the result of long, complex, but constructive negotiations at different levels over the past one year. Our hope and conviction is that this pact should not become another footer exercise, but must garner political will and commitment across all levels of global leadership to pragmatically address current issues and lay a foundation for solutions for our future global progress and challenges. The future we want should be free from any oppression and free from global inequalities and divides in levels of development, financing, technology, and innovation. It must deliberately offer opportunities capacity to the majority of global South to catch up. Therefore, the global community should commit to the practical implementations of all the agreed actions in a pact for the future. The impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and desertification unfairly burden developing countries and pose additional challenges to their pursuit of sustainable development and poverty eradication. We remain concerned about the growing gap between the needs of developing countries and the support available to face these challenges. In regard to that, we regret that the pact falls short in recognizing the actions needed to close this gap, including developed countries to fulfill their obligations to provide the means of implementation, including capacity building, technology transfer, and adequate, sufficient, predictable, quality, and additional financial resources for supporting developing countries to implement their nationally determined contributions, adapt to the growing impacts of climate change, and respond to the associated losses and damages. Nonetheless, in the pact we have adopted today, it contains concrete actions to prevent people from falling back into poverty, including establishing well-designed, sustainable, and efficient social protection systems for all that are responsible to SOCS. We reaffirm our commitment to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action to accelerating our efforts to the empowerment of all women and girls in all domains. We have also agreed in the Global Digital Compact to initiate an annual global dialogue on artificial intelligence governance under the auspices of the UN, and to initiate an inclusive process toward international data governance arrangements. We have decided to deliver a robust, impactful, 20-first implementation of the International Development Association that includes contributions and strong policy commitments, both new and existing donors that significantly increase IDS resources and work towards increased funding, the pathways to implement the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Also we decided to strengthen the multilateral response to support countries with the high and unsustainable debt burdens, with the meaningful participation of the countries concerned and all relevant actors, ensuring an up-

Chair: I thank the Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business in Parliament of the Republic of Uganda. I invite Her Excellency Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Independent State of Samoa.

Fiamē Naomi MataÊ»afa: Mr. President, it is an honour to address you today on behalf of EIOSIS. As we gather under the banner of a shared tomorrow, we stand at a crossroad where our collective will and wisdom to shape the future, a future not just for the benefit of a few, but for all. Small island developing states are not mere dots. on a map. We are vibrant symphonies of life, rich with history and culture, whose resilience and courage stand as a testament to both the beauty and fragility of our world. Yet our stories are tinged with urgency. The challenges faced by SIDS are not isolated. They are intertwined with our global destiny. We know, as we have reaffirmed at the fourth international SIDS conference earlier this year, that if we save the smallest and most vulnerable amongst us, we save the world. Multilateralism is not just a principle. It is a practical necessity for addressing the challenges before us. By coming together, we can forge solutions that no single nation could achieve alone for present and future generations. First and foremost, we must confront climate change. For SIDS, coastal erosion, increasingly severe weather events and rising sea levels are not distant concerns. They are an immediate and severe reality. It is not enough to simply acknowledge the risks. We must act decisively. Let us breathe life into the Paris Agreement with renewed vigour, ensuring that our collective efforts are not just a whisper but a clarion call to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Among the immediate threats of climate change lies an economic tempest of its own. SIDS are often left adrift to face global uncertainty amidst a swelling tide of debt, economic fluctuations and external shocks. To address this, we must champion the reform of the international financial architecture to correct deeply entrenched imbalances, drive economic diversification, and promote international partnerships that can deliver resilient prosperity. Debt relief and access to concessional financing, including the use of the MVI, can give SIDS the breathing space we need to anchor our economy’s instability and invest in our future. Lastly, it has become abundantly clear that artificial intelligence and digital technologies can be a game changer in solving our common challenges. Yet significant barriers continue to persist for SIDS, in harnessing its full potential, as the pace and misuse of such technological advancements seem to only expand the divide between us. By bridging this digital gap, we can improve sectors vital to our communities, share best practices, and unlock new opportunities for growth and digital transformation, including through the SIDS Center of Excellence. In closing, the future we envision enshrined in the pact for the future must be one where no one and no country is left behind. As we chart our course towards the horizon of our shared fate, let us all sail together with a spirit of unity and compassion. Mr. President, may our actions be a beacon of hope, reflecting the strength and will of our collective humanity, so that every country, no matter how small, finds its place in the sun. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Independent State of Samoa. I invite you to join me in welcoming our new Prime Minister. I invite His Excellency Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, to address the Assembly.

Justin Trudeau: Mr. President, fellow delegates, friends, as we meet here in New York at the UN General Assembly for this Summit of the Future, we’re at a global inflection point. Faced with escalating instability undermining the very foundations of the international order, beset by the increasingly dire costs of climate change, contending with rising inequality that is leaving the most vulnerable behind, plagued by the erosion of women’s rights, LGBT plus rights, and Indigenous rights, and grappling with dire humanitarian crises perpetuating record levels of displacement, we have a choice. On the one hand, we can bury our heads in the sand, eschewing multilateralism in favor of short-sighted self-interest, or we can recognize that collectively we have a responsibility to set our differences aside, to confront the serious global challenges, and to deliver on a pact for the future that builds a more peaceful world, but also one where everyone, every generation, has a real and fair shot. In Canada, that’s what we are squarely focused on. As I travel across my country, Canadians of all walks of life, but particularly young Canadians, tell me that they’re worried. They’re worried about the state of the world and the future, but most importantly, they’re worried about the very promise of Canada, the promise that if you work hard, you can do better than the generations that preceded you. That promise is slipping out of reach. reach, so as a government, we are stepping up. The solution to anxiety and angst is not to deceive and deflect, but to take action. We know that confident, successful countries invest in their citizens, in their workers, in their middle class, in national $10-a-day childcare that saves families money while ensuring women can choose the best path for themselves, in nutritious school meals so our kids can focus on learning and growing, in an ambitious housing plan that will deliver good, abundant, and affordable homes, in a national dental care program that in its first months has already delivered quality care to three-quarters of a million Canadians, in a growth and industrial strategy that creates good-paying, community-building, middle-class jobs, all while fighting climate change. These are choices that deliver on the promise of Canada for every generation. These choices reflect a commitment to investing in our people and in our future, but also a commitment to tackle global problems that we all share. Climate change and inflation don’t stop at borders. Inequality is a problem for the entire world, for people from all walks of life. If we really want to serve our own citizens, we must, together, tackle the great global challenges. We should work within institutions such as the United Nations and renew our commitment to the Sustainable Development Agenda for 2030. We need to protect and support the rule of law and democratic values. We should spearhead efforts to reform the international financial institutions. We must put women’s and girls’ rights at the very heart of our efforts, much like we have done with our feminist international assistance policy. We must recognize also that rich countries such as Canada have a duty to fight climate change, which is what we’re doing through our commitment of $5 billion towards global climate financing efforts. And we are the first big oil and gas producing country to establish an emission ceiling in this sector. Delegates, nearly 80 years ago, in the aftermath of the most destructive war in our collective history, we formed these United Nations. And we did so with the aspiration to build something better for today’s generations, yes, but also for many generations to come. All of us gathered here have an opportunity to hold true to that mission, to fulfill the promise of our pact for the future, to deliver fairness for every generation. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Prime Minister of Canada. I invite His Excellency Feleti Teo, Prime Minister of Tuvalu, to address the Assembly.

Feleti Teo: Mr. President, Excellencies, it is with absolute and immense honour that I, as the head of government for the government of Tuvalu, offer my perspectives on the objectives and pursuits of the Summit. of the future. The summit presents a timely opportunity for the global community to recast and to reform the global architecture on multilateralism and international cooperation. The exercise is essential to assure their relevance and effectiveness in addressing the challenges of today and for those of years to come. Tuvalu expresses its solid support for the pact for the future, together with a declaration on future generations and a global digital compact. The pact represents a well-crafted and delicately negotiated set of commitments and recommitments by the global communities. Those commitments, if enacted fully, will provide the requisite prescription to reinvigorating and to enhancing the robustness of international cooperation granted on the spirit and the letter of the United Nations Charter. Excellencies, the global community in adopting the 2030 agenda and the SDGs acknowledge the reality that sustainable development, the preservation of the environment, the maintenance of peace and stability are all interconnected and intertwined. It is therefore imperative to understand that achieving one goal is dependent on achieving all others. The SDGs, which include the eradication of poverty, ensuring quality education and health, and combating climate change, to name some, are the blueprint for a better and more sustainable and secure future. To achieve these noble goals, it is incumbent on the global community to review, to renew with vigor its commitment to a reinvigorating multi-lateralism system that is adaptable and resilient to new and emerging challenges. This summit has been an opportune moment for the global community to take stock and to reflect on the current architecture of multi-lateralism and the UN system in general and to ask the hard question does the current architecture of multi-lateralism and international cooperation remain effective? The overwhelming response with due respect has not been in the affirmative so the summit has been challenged to provide the necessary and essential reforms and to come up with the requisite prescription to strengthen, to reinvigorate and to reboot multi-lateralism and international cooperation to foster a spirit of solidarity and collaborations. Excellencies, the world we live in today is a world that is characterized by the multiple crisis that we must endure. Crisis that are unfortunately of our own making, be it environmental and climate change, harm conflict, financial crisis and gross social inequities. Tuvalu is a small Pacific Island nation and is also a large ocean state. As such, Tuvalu has a strong affinity with the ocean and the environment. Tuvalu is of the firm belief that we are only temporary stewards and caretakers of the ocean and the environment on behalf of future generations. The summit must therefore recognize the importance of intergenerational responsibility as we approach multiple tipping points. Our decision today will have profound implications for future generations and we must act with the utmost respect and care for future generations. For Tuvalu, climate change induced sea level rise is the greatest and the most devastating manifestation of climate change. The ocean that used to define us as a people and as a community. And as a nation, we’ll soon engulf us if sea level rise is not halted or the resilience of our land territory is not reinforced. Climate change-induced sea level rise risks the lives and livelihoods of present and future generation of my people. But Tuvalu contributed negligibly, if at all, to the cause of climate change. That is how grossly unfair and inequitable the world we live in today. Tuvalu and other vulnerable states, at the forefront of the devastating impact of climate change-induced sea level rise, suffer first and the worst, while states that benefit the most from fossil fuel extraction continue to accelerate their development and prosperity at the expense of the most vulnerable states, which are left well and truly behind. That is why Tuvalu is leading and supporting…

Chair: I thank the Prime Minister of Tuvalu. And I invite His Excellency, Daniel Risch, Prime Minister, Minister for General Government Affairs and Minister of Finance of the Principality of Liechtenstein.

Daniel Risch: Mr. President, Excellencies, When Liechtenstein applied for membership on the United Nations in 1990, safeguarding our sovereignty was a key incentive. We have certainly greatly benefited from over three decades of membership. At the same time, there is also a sense of frustration, occasionally also disappointment among the people of Liechtenstein. They expect us, the United Nations, to be the guardian of peace and security as the organization that stands up for… sovereign equality of all states, small and large, the guarantor of the rule of law and the protection against those who believe that might makes right. Too often these expectations have been thwarted. We do not agree with those who are resigned to the dictates of realpolitik. Instead, we promote this view that the United Nations can do valuable work in many areas to address the challenges of climate change, humanitarian disasters, and global health crisis, among others. The United Nations symbol on this podium reminds us of the overreaching goal of this organization. We see the earth in the center and olive branches as the universal symbol of peace, embracing it. Can I ask you, is there anything more we should understand about the United Nations being a peace organization created to save future generations from the scourge of war? This mission that we are realizing also in Europe is of more urgent relevance than we had hoped. The drafters of the UN Charter have entrusted the Security Council of the United Nations with the primary responsibility over peace and security, the body of which five states can block any decision, even when supported by an overwhelming majority of the international community in this room. This is taken to a level of absurdity by the fact that one veto-wielding member, the Russian Federation, far from acting as guardian of the international order, has engaged in a blatant and far-reaching aggression against another state, violating the core principles of our common organization. We in Liechtenstein strongly believe that this is a moment to stand up for what this organization is doing. represents and a moment to fight back against those who are trying to roll back history. We believe that small and medium-sized states which make up the maturity of this organization can shape our own fate and stand up for our interests. In the Security Council, if the Security Council cannot uphold its responsibility, we must find alternatives and indeed they do exist. The General Assembly has a strong constitutional role on peace issues and it should step in where the Council is silent. By presenting the veto initiative, Liechtenstein has ensured that a veto in the Council is no longer the last word. We can now use the power given to the General Assembly by taking decisions when the Council is unable to do so. We also encourage the Secretary-General to use the unique authority of the UN grounded in international law to mediate, prevent and address conflicts. And we remind each Council member to observe all relevant Charter provisions including those requiring them to abstain from voting on resolutions regarding disputes to which they are a party. The Charter is not a menu to pick and choose from but a set of clear ground rules for the conduct of multilateralism. The many complex and diverse challenges we are facing today from climate change to nuclear threats from impunity for international crimes to sea level rise have one thing in common. They all require responses based on international law. Liechtenstein is well known for its consistent and principled engagement for the rule of law at the United Nations. This engagement will persist on the basis of enlightened self-interest as our contribution to the international order, which enables us to live in prosperity and in solidarity with our partners around the world, the world that, as the UN symbol above me shows, should be embraced by peace. I thank you.

Chair: I thank Prime Minister, Minister for General Government Affairs and Minister for Finance of the Principality of Liechtenstein. Now I invite His Excellency Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister and Minister for National Security, Legal Affairs and Information of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Please, you have the floor.

Ralph Gonsalves: Mr. President, Your Excellencies, today we are presented with a historic opportunity. The Summit of the Future has been billed as the chance for us to reinvigorate our multilateral system, particularly following the 2023 SDG Summit. This system has been ailing for far longer than many of us would wish to acknowledge, but it appears that we are now poised, finally, to make what one may call some surgical incisions, and hopefully can lead to healing at a more fundamental level. For the better part of a decade, we have been limping towards the goal of the 2030 Agenda. Notwithstanding the difficulties faced along the way, We ought to commend the tireless efforts to achieve a pact for the future, which aims to realign us to the achievement of the SDGs and make the United Nations fit for purpose. The discussions which have taken place over the last three or so years have undoubtedly forced into the spotlight the deficit of trust and the geopolitical tensions that have challenged us in securing a more inclusive, cohesive and effective multilateral system. Securing agreement on the fundamental issues for meaningful and multi-pronged international cooperation sets us up to take a leap forward, in a sense a kind of turbo-charging our commitments and to accelerate action for the delivery of the SDGs. We know and we have heard the litany of all the vulnerabilities of small island developing states and all the historic issues which give rise to legacies of underdevelopment. I don’t want to repeat those. What we have to do in the first order of business is to reform comprehensively an outdated international financial architecture that has been ill-suited to respond to our vulnerabilities and special circumstances. We have this very important issue, which is yet to be addressed properly, is the millstone of crushing debt with which we struggle as we seek to avoid sinking into a quicksand of exogenous shocks, including and very especially climate change. So a multilaterally-leading… lead overhaul of the debt architecture is an imperative. And the truth be told, the developed countries have been making a lot of promises to us and breaking them, cynically. My own country, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, we have been recovering from the United States, that we have to really take in the international community a much more ambitious action to address this climate crisis. Otherwise, all of us here, we are going to go to hell in a handbasket. You know it, and I know it. We have to reform the architecture in global governance for peace and security. This involves the reform of the Security Council. We have been talking about that for many, many years. Technology in crafting opportunities for young people and the future generations. Within the context of the SDGs, I want to raise the issue, which I’ll speak more to in my address later this week, to the General Assembly, the question of reparations for native genocide and the enslavement of African bodies. In re-imagining our future in the multilateral system, we have to, really every one of us, resolve to work together better. I reiterate, this is a

Chair: I thank Prime Minister and Minister for National Security, Legal Affairs and Information of Sandin Sant and the Grenadines. And now, I give the floor to His Excellency, Mihai Popșoi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova.

Mihai Popșoi: Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. It is an honor and a privilege to speak before you today. The current global system, featured by global challenges, including pandemics, economic downturns, energy crisis, climate change, geopolitical conflicts in different parts of the world, and the weakening of multilateralism itself, requires an intensive update to address the complexities of the 21st century. In the Our Common Agenda Report, the UN Secretary-General called for solidarity among people, countries, and generations, as well as a renewal of the multilateral system to accelerate existing commitments and address gaps in the global governance. The United Nations remains the core institution that must reflect today’s realities and shape not only the current but also the future global landscape. In this vein, the Summit of the Future is a rare opportunity for all of us to forge a new international consensus on delivering a better present and safeguarding a better tomorrow. Today, we gather to envision the future of the United Nations and the renewed international community where the digital dimension has erased the territorial divides and accelerates an unprecedented pace of global development. We are continuously building and developing our digital infrastructure with the goal of achieving a fully digital society. However, we are recognizing that the ongoing development and malicious use of transformative technologies is problematic. This is why we must unite to be able to address the common enemy hidden behind the screen, threatening our security anywhere in the world. But what is a future without youth? Children and youth are the agents of change. They are the next generations shaping our lives and pointing to our mistakes. They are aware of the evolving dynamics of the modern world and can already guide us to what matters, especially in the future that they will be living in. Therefore, we must integrate youth into both multilateral and national discussions and give them equal opportunity to contribute to conversations and restoration of what we have neglected and to the development of what remains to be achieved. Mr. President, for more than two and a half years, the Russian Federation has waged a war of aggression against Ukraine, challenging its territorial integrity and its sovereignty in the middle of Europe. The Republic of Moldova remains resolute in firmly condemning the brutal war of aggression against Ukraine and reaffirms its unwavering support for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and within the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine. We firmly reject any threat of use of force against the territorial integrity and political independence of any state which should have no place in international relations. The aggressive policy of the Russian Federation and its regional implications generate significant negative effects for the Republic of Moldova, making it a target of hybrid threats such as cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, complemented by efforts to disrupt public order meddled in electoral policies. Nevertheless, we stand strong and manage to preserve peace across the country, including in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova, where Russian troops are stationed illegally and where concerns about human rights violations are deeply worrying. We are committed to achieving peaceful settlement in the Transnistrian region, evacuating for foreign troops and munitions, ensuring stability in our region’s security, achieving reintegration, consolidation of independence, and state sovereignty. Mr. President, the Pact for the Future in its entirety must not become just another UN document that is adopted and forgotten. On the contrary, it should serve as a living document to be implemented through the most effective means at our disposal, namely effective multilateral cooperation and the full commitment and engagement of the United Nations, governments, civil society, private sector, and the international other relevant stakeholders. Together, we must overcome existing challenges and advance multilateral solutions to protect global commons, promote shared public goods, and deliver tangible benefits to all the citizens worldwide. Thank you.

Chair: I thank Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, and now I invite His Highness Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Laos People’s Democratic Republic.

Saleumxay Kommasith: Mr. President, Excellencies, in the current context of multifaceted challenges, effective cooperation is a must to ensure both our survival and progress. We must redouble our efforts to restore the trust and confidence and to revitalize the international cooperation frameworks that are adaptable to the complexities of today’s geopolitical, economic, and environmental landscape. Mr. President, the Lao PDR believes that three pillars of sustainable development and principles of peace and security are interrelated and mutually reinforcing. The achievement of one is contingent on the stability of the other. Therefore, we pledge our full commitment to fostering global peace, security, and stability in alignment with the UN Charter and international law. Therefore, we endorse the Pact for the Future. which will not only rejuvenate our collective pursuit, but also forge a more robust mechanism. Mr. President, The Lao PDR is deeply concerned by the increased SGT financing gap. We must acknowledge the urgencies to provide predictable, sustainable, adequate development finance from diverse sources to developing countries, particularly the poorest and the most vulnerable ones. Why the Pact articulates renewed commitment to financing and the true measures of our success lies in our ability to translate this commitment into a tangible outcome. On this note, we call for affordable, actionable financing frameworks, including SGT, ODA, and private sector’s investment to ensure that resources are available. My delegation welcomes the adoption of the Global Digital Compact as a vital component of this ambitious Pact for a future to harness the opportunity and mitigate the risk of using digital technology. In addition, we support the bridging of STI divide and responsible use of STI as drivers for sustainable development and build necessary capacity for sustainable transformation. The youth and future generations play a crucial role in future prosperity. The Lao PDR strongly encourages the meaningful engagement of young people and creates a conducive environment that empowers them to realize their full potential. Thus, we will continue to safeguard the interests of young people and future generations through commitment and means of implementation. outlined in the Declarations on Future Generations. At the global level, the Lao PDR supports UN reform, especially UN Security Council, in order to enhance its effectiveness, representation, accountability, and trust. Likewise, we envision that revitalized UN General Assembly should have a crucial role in safeguarding peace and security. Moreover, we also call for an urgent reform of international financial architecture so they can be more inclusive and reflective to today’s economic needs and potential reality, and provide an effective safety net for developing countries. We believe that this can be achieved only through great participation of developing countries in economic and development decision-making process. Mr. President, as leaders, the decisions we take today will have a lasting impact on future generations. The more equitably we distribute resources and opportunity now, the more we pave the way for better outcome for the next generations. It is time to call for united global action as we bear the shared responsibility to inspire new hope and drive meaningful changes. I thank you.

Chair: I thank the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and now I give the floor to His Excellency, Guylain Nyembo Mbwizya the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Planning and Development, Aid, Coordination and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Guylain Nyembo Mbwizya: Ladies and gentlemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo welcomes the holding of this important meeting, which, in the light of recent events, the threats posed by persisting poverty and hunger, the resurgence and appearance of conflicts, as well as the rise in extremism around the world, not forgetting, of course, the question of our collective survival when faced with climate change, is a glimmer, or nay, a window of opportunity for a better tomorrow. Indeed, no one could have predicted 78 years ago, when our dear organisation was born, this kind of future, this kind of scenario, a scenario whereby this community of nations has its very essence called into question, and where the sacrosanct principles of equity, solidarity, universality, which were supposed to reflect reciprocal trust between all, seems to have died out, to the benefit of a minority that is ever stronger, faced with a majority contend to be irrevocably weaker, or indeed absent from the table of negotiations. President, the Pact for the Future is an excellent opportunity for humanity and decision-makers here today to embrace a new paradigm for the benefit of young people and the future inhabitants of our planet. This paradigm, that we want to be more just and more equitable, must also be notable by the fact that it promotes the principle of inclusivity, both within and between states, and also the continued implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and also room should be given for innovative action through the promotion of science for the benefit and safeguard of our common good, that is our planet. For the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the future contains more investment in humanity. and capital, particularly through mass investment in basic education, health care, continuing implementation of policies that seek to support women’s and young girls empowerment, as well as the inclusion of vulnerable people at the same time as investment in research and technological innovation. However, the pact that we will adopt up following this summit will be in vain if the most pressing questions that are hindering the proper functioning of our organizations but also the making of progress within our respective states possible, particularly the less developed countries, if these are not resolved. Indeed, no future can be envisaged unless this entire continent, indeed, in this case, Africa, does not find its rightful place once again within our organization through two permanent seats being granted to it within the Security Council. In the same vein, no bright future can be envisaged unless there is real solidarity in the financing for the SDGs that takes into account the crucial role that artificial intelligence could play in their implementation. No future, indeed, could be implemented without real climate justice and the continuation of actions that seek to support greater inclusion of countries from global forest basins and their role in acceleration of the energy transition. Finally, there can be no future at all while we can still hear weapons being fired and that the community of nations remains notable because of its incapacity to really sanction bellicose attitudes, attitudes that run counter to the charter of our dear organization. Our organization advocates for the peaceful existence between nations. Thank you very much.

Chair: I thank Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Planning and Development, Aid Coordination of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and now give the floor to Her Excellency Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, Secretary of Foreign Affairs. of Mexico.

Alicia Bárcena Ibarra: Thank you, Mr. President, distinguished delegates. Jaime Torres, Mexican diplomat from 1947, spoke before this assembly, I quote him, he said, we are meeting at a solemn point in time. This is not that we are meeting here because of the concerns that all peoples have. It is worrying to see how relevant his words are 75 years on, because this is a crucial point in time, and this summit of the future is the time to renew the collective commitment of the international community to multilateralism, an indispensable vehicle to face current challenges, but which is being questioned increasingly. One year away from the UN’s 80th birthday, it has enormous challenges to fulfill the essence of its mandate to preserve humanity from the scourge of war, to protect all human rights, international law, to collectively address climate change and promote inclusive, sustainable development. This is our organization. It cannot be criticized by spectators. We are responsible as we look at our own capacities and our own shortcomings. This summit, therefore, is a good point in time to take a critical look at the international architecture, recognize the crisis of legitimacy that the UN is facing, and to sow the seeds of hope for the future. We come to this summit after very many efforts to We’ve come here with expectations to find agreements. Mexico will continue to deploy efforts to serve as a bridge between various schools of thought. The world of 2024 is very different to that of 1945 with regard to its centers of power and military structures. Things have changed radically. Armed conflicts, the risk of a nuclear war, the climate crisis, growing inequality, and the accelerated technological change with all of those challenges and opportunities. But above all, erosion of public trust in global institutions requires us to take urgent action. Multilateralism must overcome nationalist partial views and find forms of implementation on the basis of differentiated but shared responsibility. Address injustice and inequality. In this process of negotiating the pact, Mexico has made a contribution with specific proposals to move towards substantive gender equality, to rethink development models that remove privileges, and to address environmental degradation and exchange that for sustainability. We want the world to be inclusive and representative and rather than an additional document, we need to look at three issues. We need to have a world free of nuclear weapons in the context of high military tension. Secondly, we absolutely need to have funding for development. Thirdly, we need to reform multilateral governance and identify ways that we can reform the Security Council and the international financial architecture. Likewise, we believe that we need to guarantee viable and appropriate transformative solutions that can can measure the situation and measure it together, and then we can give the UN the mandate to measure and implement agendas in cooperation and coordination. The ambition to reform the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, that vision has been diluted, however, in recent years. So it’s an outstanding issue. We need to adapt these structures to the current situation, and we need to have more respect for the South and eliminate the veto. We urgently need to examine the way in which fora function in order to overcome citizens’ disillusion and speedily take the necessary action that we need to in the United Nations. I extend the greetings of my President and Claudia Schema, who will be the first President of Mexico, in the new administration. We will spare no effort to implement the pact. We won’t achieve this alone. We’ll do this together. And when a woman does this, we do it all together. Thank you very much.

Chair: I thank Secretary of Foreign Affairs. of Mexico and now give the floor to His Excellency Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bahrain.

Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani: In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful, Your Excellency, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Your Excellency, President of the General Assembly, Your Excellencies, Your Highnesses, Honorable Attendees, At the outset, I would like to convey His Excellency, His Royal Highness, the King of Bahrain, who wishes that this summit would come up with tangible and successful outcomes, as provided for in the Pact of the Future, which was under discussion. We express our sincere appreciation to the effort of the Secretary General and all co-facilitators Germany and Namibia for this valuable initiative, which coincides with the challenges facing the world today. Our world today is actually facing huge and interlinked challenges. This requires that we renew our commitment and effort by working together effectively to counter the root causes of such challenges. This overcomes the countering of the direct challenges to peace, security, prosperity and development. Instead, it requires greater studying of the main reasons, which include achieving fair and sustainable development, guaranteeing wider access to science and technology for all countries, empowering our youth, effectively cooperating to end conflicts and supporting the principles of international law. The Kingdom of Bahrain is fully committed to such objectives. This is underpinned on our strong principles and norms, in line with the vision of His Royal Highness, the King of Bahrain. In this vein, I would like to stress that Bahrain, under the guidance of His Highness, the King of Bahrain, has made concerted effort to sure that the Arab summit hosted by Bahrain last May would come up with valuable outcome. All Arab leaders agreed on the need to put an end to the Israeli-Arab conflict through the two-state solution and the establishment of a sovereign, viable Palestinian state. The summit has adopted the Bahrain initiative to host an initiative to hold a conference in the Middle East, and we will accept also the full-fledged membership of Palestine in the United Nations. The summit stressed that Arab countries would commit to counter the wider humanitarian, political, and social challenges facing our world. This included initiatives that aimed at greater health care and education for those affected by conflict. This will come through the cooperation with concerned agencies and the United Nations, as well as supporting technological financing systems to assist our countries. Your Excellency, the Secretary General, on behalf of the Kingdom of Bahrain, I would like once again to welcome the summit of the future. We look forward for constructive solutions through concrete steps that would impact all our peoples and countries. Thank you.

Chair: I thank Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, and now I give the floor to His Excellency Yusuf Maitama Tuggar Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria.

Yusuf Maitama Tuggar: the regards and best wishes of His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I wish to commend the convening of the Summit of the Future to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. With most of the Global South significantly behind in the implementation of the SDGs 2030 agenda, it is imperative we adopt measures to address challenges impeding development. This is especially important in Africa, where economies are most vulnerable due to historical imbalances in the international multilateral system. The SDG index estimates that only about 16% of the SDG targets are on track to be achieved. We must, therefore, ensure that today’s adoption of the Pact for the Future is backed by a real willingness to fulfill outstanding commitments. With the remaining 84% of the SDG targets for 2030 yet to be achieved, countries in the Global North must do more to support sustainable development in the Global South. We are optimistic that these targets can be met if commitments are backed by action. However, in the event we fall short of achieving the SDG targets by 2030, we strongly believe that the deadline should be extended. Excellencies, the collective resolve and support of the international community could help Africa to address regional challenges, particularly to sustainable financing for the SDG implementation. We must, therefore, take action-oriented measures to engender the following. One, reform of the UN Security Council to ensure a permanent seat for Africa. Two, reform of the international financial architecture to promote an inclusive, non-discriminatory approach to the SDG. discriminatory and transparent international trading system, as well as to implement comprehensive debt relief measures. Three, fulfillment of all commitments under the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, particularly to facilitate sustainable financing for development. Four, support for local indigenous production and export from Africa. Five, strengthening of measures to ensure timely repatriation of illicit financial flows and assets. Six, adoption of a U.N. Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation to ensure African economies are no longer shortchanged through tax evasion and exclusion in global tax decision-making. Seven, support for the actualization and implementation of the U.N. Secretary General’s SDG Stimulus Proposal, which includes a provision of $500 billion per year for the Global South. Eight, commitment to fossil fuel energy transition. Nine, access to the climate loss and damage funds for the Global South. And ten, bridging the digital divide between the Global North and South through technology sharing and capacity building, including in areas such as artificial intelligence, to ensure no one is left behind. It is also imperative the international community develops measures to enhance a common understanding on cryptocurrency, given its significant impact on the global economy, as well as its links to transnational crime and money laundering. In concluding, I wish to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Our collective resolve to accelerate the SDGs through the Pact for the Future should result in concrete measures and solutions to the challenges of the Global South, most especially Africa. I thank you.

Chair: Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and now give the floor to his Excellency Albert Shingiro, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of Burundi.

Albert Shingiro: President, distinguished delegates, all protocols observed. I can’t begin to express the joy, happiness and privilege that I have this time as I’m taking the floor at this Summit for the Future. On behalf of His Excellency Mr. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi, who gave me the honor of representing him at this meeting to which he wishes fruitful and constructive outcomes. President, in addition to the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic which is weighing heavily still on our economies and the negative effects of climate change, frozen wars, terrorism in several regions of the world, geostrategic positioning, trade tensions and the rejection of multilateralism and the erosion of international solidarity is a real and existential threat to us all. Today more than ever the world seems to be walking further away, further and further away from the ideals of peace, security and solidarity and cooperation which, as you know, were the guiding compass of the founding fathers of the United Nations from 1945. Collective rules are regularly flouted, yielding to muscle diplomacy and demoting preventive diplomacy, the spirit of compromise and international solidarity to the background. In these conditions, President… What else could we expect other than the disintegration of the world into warring blocks as we’re seeing at the moment? What else could we expect other than the weakening of multilateralism? increasing exclusion and inequality The rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer President the situation is grave very grave indeed And no one can say with any certainty What we can expect in several years or indeed several decades nevertheless. We should not be excessively discouraged We should not be led to inertia on the contrary presidents. We owe it to ourselves to act individually and collectively to Calmly tackle the challenges of the current of the world today in order to build solidarity and a peaceful stable Prosperous world and thus spare future generations from the horrors of war and and to avoid repeating the dark history that humanity saw before the creation of our shared organization In order to do this president. We must respect the commitments made in regional international forum whether this be regarding protecting the planet or promoting peace and international peace and security and human rights Digital cooperation Whether it be the fight against all forms of exclusion the creation of a climate of trust As well as the far-reaching and comprehensive reform of global governance To make it more legitimate inclusive effective and better adapted to the realities of the contemporary world President this is why my country Burundi it is to the spirit and letter of the pact of the future And its annexes as negotiated and adopted by our respective governments this morning in this very room Nevertheless, it is a matter of public record that signing a pact is one thing and implementing it is another. The political will of all stakeholders, the respect for commitments on all levels, as well as salvaging multilateralism, all of this is the only secure and sustainable way to make sure that this pact isn’t just another document, but it should be a kind of compass which guides us together towards a peaceful, inclusive, prosperous world to benefit current and future generations. Thank you for your kind attention.

Chair: I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development, Cooperation of Burundi, and now give the floor to His Excellency Hussein Awad Ali, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sudan.

Hussein Awad Ali: In the name of God, peace and blessings be upon His Prophet, Mr. President, Your Excellency, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Excellencies, Your Highnesses, Honourable Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen. At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, in the name of the delegation of Sudan, on holding this important summit. We wish you all the success. We reiterate our support to the effort of the Secretary General of the United Nations, His Excellency António Guterres, to reform this international organization. This is more important and urgent now, in light of the crises, tensions, wars, and threats witnessed today. today. These threaten not only our current generation, but the future generations and our planet as well. Mr. President, the challenges, crises, their reasons and complications are crystal clear. All statements addressed the challenges and problems, whether in this chamber or elsewhere, are the hope of reaching solutions and settlements and also fearing their dangerous repercussions today and in the future. In light of the above, I would like to share with you the current issues which in our point of view represent a huge challenge to our organization and to our developing countries. It requires comprehensive and urgent solutions. First, there is a need to strictly adhere to the UN Charter, its principles and purposes. We must avoid highlighting certain principles and not the others or interpreting such principles and rules. The stability of our international order is underpinned on the respect of the UN Charter, especially the non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, the respect of state sovereignty and its territorial integrity, and the non-use of force in international relations. It’s regrettable to see such double standards and selectivity in implementing these principles. This underlines the credibility of the international system. We regret that certain legal mechanisms are used to achieve such political objectives. This is what we are subjected to today. Second, it’s important to adopt a comprehensive reform of the international financial architecture to counter the challenges and problems facing developing countries, post-conflict countries, and those in special situations, especially due to poverty, conflicts, or climate change. Some are also subject to sanctions, which undermine their ability to achieve the SDGs. There is a need to counter poverty in all its forms. We must ensure the right to development and put it at the forefront of our priorities to ensure that no one is left behind. We have seen a great consensus in the different negotiation rounds on the Pact of the Future document, and especially the reform of the international financial institutions and their modernization. This would help us to achieve the desired objectives and ensure an equitable representation to the developing countries, their participation in decision-making processes, access to capital and financing, and ensuring long-term assistance. It would also encourage investment and addressing sovereign debt as well as the debt restructuring. We must mobilize resources and promote mechanisms to ensure technical transfer, our technology transfer, and building the capacity of future generations. Third, we believe that the United Nations can be an appropriate podium to lead the reform of the international financial institutions. Fourth, the joint… future of humanity depends. The sound was cut off.

Chair: I thank Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sudan. And now give the floor to His Excellency Carlos Pinto Pereira, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Communities of Guinea-Bissau. I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sudan. to His Excellency Carlos Pinto Pereira, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation Communities of Guinea-Bissau.

Carlos Pinto Pereira: Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, On behalf of the President of the Republic, I have the honour to transmit the message he had for this Assembly. It is with great pleasure that I address the Summit of the Future, a crucial event that gathers global leaders to discuss our common path to a better tomorrow. I thank the Secretary General and all the organizers for this opportunity to share Guinea-Bissau vision on the opportunities we have. We live in an interconnected world where climate change, poverty, inequalities, and health crises require collective responses. The Summit of the Future is an essential platform to renew our commitment with the multilateral cooperation and to strengthen our determination and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals until 2030. Guinea-Bissau, as all countries in development, has significant poverty, food insecurity, and impact of climate change. daily our population. In the meanwhile we see opportunities. We believe that with the support of the international community we can implement innovative solutions that will benefit not only our country but the whole region and the world. Education is the basis to build a more prosperous future. Invest in education, in a quality education for all. It’s essential to give capacity to our population and promote sustainable development. We need to guarantee that all children and youth have access to an education that can prepare them to the future. The youth are the force of our future. Today youth are the leaders of tomorrow and it is crucial that we give them the opportunities and the tools so that they can contribute fully to the societies. We should involve youth in the decision-making processes and guarantee that their voices are heard and valorized. Decisions we take today have an impact in future generations. It is our responsibility to guarantee that we leave a better world to our children and grandchildren. We should adopt policies that support sustainability of environment, social and economic sustainability and ensure that future generations can live in a better world with justice and peace. To tackle today’s challenges we should reform our governance systems. The summit of the future is a turning point where we can adopt concrete measures. to turn our institutions more inclusive, representative, and we should guarantee that no one is left behind and that all countries, independently of their size and economic growth, can have a say in our common future. Guinea-Bissau is committed to its part and we are working hard to strengthen our institutions, to promote peace and stability, and implement policies that can promote sustainable development. However, we recognize that we cannot achieve that alone. We need continuous support from international communities, from the international community, from the United Nations to achieve our objectives. Excellence, the summit of the future is a unique opportunity to reaffirm our commitment and to build a path for a more fair and just future. Guinea-Bissau is ready to cooperate and contribute to this global endeavor. Together, we can… Thank you very much.

Chair: I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of International Cooperation and Community of Guinea-Bissau and now give the floor to His Excellency, Abdoulaye Diop, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mali.

Abdoulaye Diop: Mr. President, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of His Excellency, Colonel Asimi Goita, President of the Transition Head of State and President of the Alliance of Sahel States, bringing together Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The summit that brings us together for this pact is… is coming at an appropriate time, our common organization, the United Nations, was indeed created to preserve future generations from the scourge of war. It is regrettable to see that after almost 80 years, we have never been as threatened by existential challenges as we are now, but most of them are avoidable. The proliferation of tensions and crises in the world, particularly terrorism, poverty, climate change, inequality, illnesses, geopolitical confrontations, and neo-colonial domination and hegemony have sorely tested our framework for multilateral action incorporated by the United Nations itself. This now seems to be a world of yesterday. We had a lot of hope in the international forces deployed in our country, but ten years on we have had to conclude that this was a failure and the government has had to strengthen its defense and security capacities itself. This has made it possible for us to make tangible progress in reconquering our territory and preserving our national integrity and protecting our population. Here I’d like to renew the thanks of my country to countries and organizations, including the United Nations, that have expressed their solidarity with my country in the light of the cowardly terrorist attacks carried out in my country on the 17th of September last. We thank the United Nations and the Security Council for stating that it’s important for all member states to act to fight terrorism by respecting their international commitments and particularly not to support sponsors of terrorism. They must be brought to justice. The summit of the future is a new departure for international cooperation in an international multilateral framework that can offer a bright future for the whole of humanity. But we have to act together to renew our commitment for a thoroughgoing change to the multilateral system that has governed world affairs up until now. In this regard, it is essential that decisions meet the aspirations of our peoples, particularly those of the Global South. It’s also essential that we have the courage to proceed to reform our current multilateral institutions, particularly the Security Council and international financial institutions, in order to adapt them to the realities of our time, so that they are more inclusive, more just, and fairer. And above all, more representative. The issue of young people is very important, and that must be a major concern for us. My country, Mali, is attached to the principles of our Charter, namely the non-interference in domestic affairs of states and respect for the sovereignty of states. Mali also pays particular attention to the issue of financing for development, particularly sustainable development. We feel that the digital issue is also essential, and my country has undertaken an ambitious digitization program of public services. Finally, we believe that the Pact for the Future is very ambitious nationally and internationally, but it must go beyond a mere declarational promise. It must meet the aspirations of current and future generations. I thank you.

Chair: I thank Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mali. I now give the floor to His Excellency, Ramadan Mohammed Abdallah Goc, Minister for Foreign foreign affairs and international cooperation in the revitalized transitional government of national unity of the Republic of South Sudan.

Ramadan Mohammed Abdallah Goc: Your Excellencies, esteemed leaders and distinguished participants, on behalf of the government and the people of the Republic of South Sudan, I am honored to address the Summit of the Future, a platform that invites us to shape a collective vision for a peaceful, equitable and sustainable world. As a young nation still navigating the challenges of post-conflict recovery, South Sudan looks to the future with hope and determination. We are committed to playing our role in ensuring that future generations inherit a world where peace, opportunity and dignity are accessible to all. In this regard, we wish to highlight the following priorities. South Sudan’s journey has taught us that peace is a base of everything and the base of progress. We call upon the international community to continue supporting efforts for peaceful conflict resolution, dialogue and reconciliation in our country and in other countries. The future we envision must be free from wars and we believe in the power of diplomacy and cooperation in achieving lasting peace. Climate change remains one of the most urgent threats to our future. In South Sudan, the effect of the climate change, flood drought and unpredictable weather erupted the livelihoods of millions of our citizens. We call for global solidarity in addressing climate change by investing in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and environmental conversation to secure a resilient future for our people and the world. The key pillar of future lays in our youth. South Sudan young population is the greatest asset that we have, and empowering them through education, innovation, and entrepreneurship is very essential. South Sudan is committed to fostering a diversified economy that reduce our dependency on oil and open doors for innovation, agriculture, and regional trade. We seek partnership that encourage inclusive economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development to elevate the standards of living for all our citizens. As we gather at this summit, we stand united with the global community in our commitment to shaping a future that is built on hope, justice, and solidarity. South Sudan is ready to contribute to the global effort of creating a world where all people, regardless of background, geography, or everything, have the opportunity to thrive. Let’s seize this opportunity and moment to build a future that we all aspire to. I thank you all.

Chair: I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the revitalized transitional government of national unity of the Republic of Sudan, South Sudan, and now I give the floor to the African Union.

African Union: Heads of State and Government, Mr. Your Excellency Philemon Yang, President of the United Nations General Assembly, Your Excellency Antonio Guterres, my United Nations Secretary-General, ladies and gentlemen, allow me to commend the Secretary-General for his tireless commitment to overcome global challenges, which are more complex every time and every day, and they threaten the existence of humans and other life forms more and more. The summit of the future, here we are, created and organized under your impetus, dear Antonio, and it can claim the honor of having accurately reflected the issues at stake. It completes the picture and the context through providing the best solution to successfully overcome the obstacles in our way. The solution is the adherence of all member states of the United Nations to the principles of multilateralism, solidarity, not hostility, with respect not scorn, peace not war, sharing not exclusion, freedom not servitude, equality and not supremacy. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, clearly declining for a certain amount of time over recent times, multilateralism has been eclipsed under unilateralism and has led to a return of a policy of power struggle. We welcome the Pact of the Future because it builds its deployment around a rejection of this approach. It plans on renewing and strengthening the confidence of states in multilateralism. This position has been constantly defended by the African Union, and hence its interest to fully adhere to the five sections of the pact, and indeed the 60 actions recommended by the pact, particularly the Global Digital Compact, cut across the seven aspirations of the 2063 agenda. For each of these fields, the African Union has created strategies that are then translated into plans of action. even though their implementation has been hobbled significantly by the scarcity of financing and deficiencies in governance. And there’s no point in hiding this. Therefore, these are problems that are familiar to us in Africa, even if Asia and Latin America, in certain respects, are still in the same conditions of precarity that the African people are. The African Union welcomes the philosophy of the pact, which seeks to take into account the specific aspects of developing countries, island states, landlocked countries and LDCs, the majority of which are in Africa. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, while the African Union welcomes this holistic approach that embraces and reflects the whole landscape of the challenges to come, it is no less does it also ask profound questions on the ways of implementing all of these actions. A lot of promises have been made, even though they have not necessarily been followed up on. Let’s hope that this time the wealthy keep their promises and Africa and other parts of the world themselves can be sources of intelligence, motivation, willingness and necessary solidarity for it to become an emergency economy and save their economies. Safeguarding an environment that is enabling for this and the conditions for success of the digital revolution are the best keys for the future. The hymns currently sung today by hundreds of millions of young Africans is resonant and this is a question of renaissance. The next G20 in Africa will be represented, where Africa will be jointly represented by the African Union and the Republic of South Africa. The speaker’s microphone has been cut off.

Chair: I thank the representative of the African Union and now give the floor to Her Excellency Diana Elena Mondino, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship of Argentina.

Diana Elena Mondino: This forum is for us to think constructively about the challenges that the international community has and how we can address those challenges. This is a special opportunity to express our points of view. Argentina has decided to operate a society where people are responsible for their actions but can act in freedom and where we have equality for all. We want to address the challenges of terrorism, the threats to territorial integrity, democracy, international security and economic development. In order to do this, we take as our guide the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. Deviations from these purposes and principles create problems, not just in a given country that loses its own freedom but also for those countries interacting with that country and we see this all the time. It’s our obligation to remember what it says in our national constitution and since 1953 we have liberal principles which we should never have departed from since 1973 and we are convinced that an agenda should not be made up of main principally of declarations. We need to state how we’re going to get to where we want to go and for this we need economic freedom. Hunger will not give us economic growth. Development means that we need to respect institutions and respect private property above all. Our young people will have a better future if we respect life and freedom. Argentina has embarked upon this path and we’ve carried out our own realistic diagnosis as hard as that may have been and we are beginning a serious transformational reform of the state, opening ourselves up to the world and assuming the commitment to be able to say proudly that we want to be one of the freest countries of the international community. And in exercising that freedom, my country would like to recall that agendas such as this that bring us together today are made up of aspirations which, legally speaking, are not binding. And every state, as they exercise their sovereignty, has the right to interpret these things autonomously, taking into account the various realities, capacities and level of development of each country, and respecting its national policies and priorities, such as stated in Resolution 7001 of the General Assembly. However, very many points of the pact and its annexes have certain reservations. This document has been worked on now since 2022 with our government, and the current Argentine government is in the process of advanced negotiations. Nevertheless, we have proposed various constructive actions which were not always taken into account, and that meant that on those points we had to disassociate ourselves. However, when it comes to the pact of the future, these things aren’t an obstacle for Argentina. On the contrary, we want to have wings for our growth, our growth in freedom. Mr. President, my country reaffirms our commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes and an international rules-based order based on democratic values. We want to demonstrate that the only fight that’s worth fighting is the cultural one, showing that it’s possible to have peace between nations, and we hope that the outcome of this exercise will lead us to a safer and a more prosperous world. You can be sure that my country is prepared to continue, as we always have done, working together to think again together about how we can face the new challenges that are occurring. and challenging us as humanity. Not just words, but work, work, and more work. That is the best and really the only solution. We want to be free to choose a better world, and I’m sure that all members of this assembly also want to guarantee this for all of the men, women, and children that make up our common home. Thank you very much, Mr. President.

Chair: I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Worship of Argentina, and now I’ll give the floor to the representative of the International Development Law Organization.

International Development Law Organization: Mr. President, Excellencies, it is a pleasure to participate in the summit on behalf of IDLO, the only global intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law to advance peace and sustainable development. The commitments in the Pact for the Future, together with the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, can help tackle our biggest challenges and build a renewed multilateralism, but only if we work together to make them a reality. IDLO’s 40 years of experience, partnering with some 100 countries, has shown us that the rule of law is key to delivering on the bold ambition of this summit. Let me share three reasons why. First, the rule of law is critical to rebuilding public trust. The unmet demand for justice is at the root of multiple crises around the globe. The rule of law helps ensure fairness, accountability, and transparency. People-centered justice systems protect the rights of the least powerful and give people confidence that institutions are working in the interests of all. The inclusion of women, youth, and other historically excluded groups is essential for the whole-of-society approaches needed for lasting peace and sustainable development. Secondly, the rule of law, most prominently reflected in Goal 16, can accelerate progress across the whole 2030 Agenda. The rule of law principles of inclusivity, equity, and non-discrimination are incorporated throughout all 17 SDGs. Effective laws and accessible and accountable institutions are essential for implementation. Finally, the rule… of law is key to reinvigorate and repurpose multilateralism for the 21st century. The rule of law at the international level, as enshrined in the Charter, guarantees the sovereign equality of member states and is the basis for the preservation of international peace and security. A multilateral system that is fit for the future requires rule-of-law-based solutions to deal with complex transnational challenges, including climate change and the regulation of frontier technologies such as AI, to ensure that progress is rights-based and avoids creating new forms of inequality. For these reasons, IDLO welcomes the many references in the Pact to the rule of law, justice, human rights, and the promotion of gender equality. We hope that these words will be backed by tangible action and financing in national budgets and ODA. We look forward to the linkages with the Financing for Development Conference next year. IDLO remains committed to collaborating with all partners to work towards a more peaceful, just and sustainable world through the rule of law. There is no better investment that we can make in our collective future, and it is the best way for us to stand in solidarity with future generations. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the representative of the International Development Law Organization and now give the floor to the representative of the United Nations Development Programme.

United Nations Development Programme: Mr. President, Distinguished Delegates, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Today on the occasion of the Summit of the Future, many will perhaps be forgiven for wondering how people outside of this hall will receive the Pact when we live in a world divided and scarred by conflict, with fault lines such as growing poverty and inequalities, climate change, and the destruction of our natural world. Many of the distinguished speakers have addressed themselves to these today. Yet, amidst these tremors, the young people of our world, of our communities, and the young people that I have met here during the past two days, the action days in New York, have truly stood out to me. Their faith in a better tomorrow holds and their determination to build it as well. So what is the United Nations Development Program’s unique offer to put the five areas of the pact for the future into action? First, on sustainable development financing, our efforts include supporting 86 countries at this moment in implementing integrated national financing frameworks to channel billions of dollars to key areas from job creation to gender equality, the energy transitions, nature, and just one stream of engagement to shape the new SDG financing ecosystem that has been so central also in the pact. Second, over 2 billion people currently live in countries affected by conflict and instability. Our global development support, alongside the humanitarian response, continues to provide a proven pathway out of these crises by enabling millions of people to access essential services such as water, clean energy, and livelihoods, and ultimately enabling them to still have a perspective of the future. Third, UNDP is working to ensure that young people have a meaningful say in the future areas like climate change and our climate promise. This initiative is now the vehicle through which the UN family is mobilizing support to 125 countries to advance their NDCs that can still give our next generation the hope to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. Fourth, in this age of opportunities, digital technologies spread quickly but not evenly. Yesterday’s SDG Digital Day was a remarkable convening of leaders from the entrepreneurial world, big business, but also startups, government regulators, policymakers, citizens. Our ability to turn this opportunity that the summit also with the compact has focused on is central to the promise to these young people. UNDP’s expertise will help advance the global Digital Compact to realize that brighter digital future for everyone, everywhere, by accompanying dozens of countries on their digital transformation pathways. I would like to thank all countries represented here in the General Assembly Hall for the confidence and the trust that you continue to place in the development promise of the United Nations. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the representative of the United Nations Development Program, and now I give the floor to the representative of World Health Organization.

World Health Organization: Mr. President, Excellencies, I have three minutes and three requests. First, a commitment to promote, provide, and protect health. Health is not created in clinics and hospitals. It’s created in streets, homes, communities, schools, markets, workplaces, and parliaments. It’s created in the air people breathe, the food they eat, the water they drink, the condition in which they live and work, and in our changing climate. When people do need care, they must be able to access the health services they need when and where they need them without facing financial hardship by paying for care out of their own pockets. Second, a commitment to a pandemic agreement. The COVID-19 pandemic showed that when health is at risk, everything is at risk. The outbreaks of Mpox in Africa demonstrate once again why the world needs the WHO pandemic agreement, a shared approach to share. threats. There are those who say the pandemic agreement will cede sovereignty to WHO, giving it the power to impose lockdowns or vaccine mandates. This is not true. It’s a fake information. The agreement is being negotiated by countries for countries and will be implemented in countries in accordance with their own national laws, period. And third, a commitment to peace. This time last week I was in Adra on the Chad-Sudan border, which more than 640,000 Sudanese have crossed in search of safety and food. These are among more than 12 million people displaced. The conditions are indescribable, the needs overwhelming, and the international community is not giving this crisis the attention it deserves. WHO is working with our partners to deliver aid to Sudan and meet the health needs of both refugees and the host communities. But the people of Sudan need more than aid, like the people of Gaza and Ukraine, is a ceasefire, a political solution, and peace. Because there is no health without peace, and there is no peace without health. A commitment to promote, provide, and protect health, a commitment to pandemic agreement, and a commitment to peace. Thank you so much.

Chair: I thank the representative of the World Health Organization and now give the floor to the representative of the United Nations Office for Project Services

United Nations Office for Project Services: Mr. President, this year’s Summit of the Future marks a crucial opportunity for the international community to deliver on the promise of creating a more peaceful, fair and just world. greener, safer future for people and the planet. It is a moment of realism in the face of the many challenges our world faces, but also a moment of hope and determination to work together to overcome those challenges and build a better future for all. Today multilateralism received a boost. The pact of the future is three years’ worth of important analysis, discussions, and negotiations. It represents an ambitious response to the youth’s aspirations on peace and sustainable development. UNOPS is committed to supporting the outcome of the Summit of the Future. Through our focus on practical solutions, we support our partners to respond to conflicts and crises, deliver sustainable development, and advance climate action, responding to needs now while building the foundations for a sustainable and peaceful future. We do this by supporting our partners to implement projects through our expertise in infrastructure, procurement, and project management. Mr. President, we already have a vision of the future we want for people and the planet. Yet, our progress is painfully slow. Finance and policy gaps are a part of the problem. But to succeed in delivering, we all need to better understand and respond to the challenges of implementation, particularly where needs are greatest, including in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. UNOPS stands ready to bridge the gap that exists between ambitions and reality on the ground, always working in partnerships, always driven by the commitment to fight inequalities and to provide opportunities for the most vulnerable. We take this opportunity to reiterate our commitment to young people and future generations as part of this journey. We are determined to support efforts to create a world where every child and young person can thrive and reach their full potential, a world where the voices of the youth are heard, and where they are an active part of our collective. efforts to find sustainable solutions to our shared challenges. Our future hangs in the balance. We owe it to the present and future generations to act collectively, responsibly, and decisively to deliver peace and prosperity for people and the planet. UNOPS is committed to this effort. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the representative of the United Nations Office for Project Services, and now I give the floor to the representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.

United Nations Industrial Development Organization: Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, as the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, we strongly welcome the adoption of the pact for the future. Member states have provided clear guidance. Now we need to implement it. At UNIDO, we are committed to leading concrete solutions for inclusive and sustainable industrial development in line with our mandate within the UN system. We specifically welcome the strong call in Action 4 to close the SDG financing gap by scaling up investments in sustainable industrialization. The landmark outcomes of all the major conferences this year are telling us the same story. To achieve the SDGs, developing countries need to invest in transforming their economies and industrialize. Countries that do industrialize are making the biggest strides in poverty eradication, ending poverty, and wealth creation, both historically and today. Every job in manufacturing creates, on average, 2.5 jobs in other sectors of the economy. Action 2 and 3 on poverty and hunger depend on realizing this strong nexus which holds true in an increasingly digital world. Equally, Action 9 on climate change requires that we prioritize the decarbonization of heavy-emitting industries for current and future organizations. And there is good news. Industry is already part of the solution and the driver of green innovation today, with industrial firms holding nearly 60 percent of green patents globally. And finally, as this summit aspires to reform global governance, it must also help to set standards for the global economy. Fair and sustainable supply chains are a must, and Action 29 is critical in this regard. Excellencies, UNIDO is already actively working towards these and other actions in the pact. In addition to flagship initiatives on industrial deep decarbonization and green hydrogen, we have launched new ones, such as the Global Alliance and Partnership for Responsible and Green Minerals. I’m also pleased to invite you to our upcoming flagship initiatives this year, the Multilateral Industrial Policy Forum 2024 in Riyadh next month, and the World Without Hunger Conference in Addis in November. Allow me to conclude and reiterate that UNIDO is committed to working with all of you to implement the pact through concrete solutions on the ground. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Distinguished Representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of the Sovereign Order of Malta.

Sovereign Order of Malta: Mr. Speaker, Heads of State and Government, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. The Sovereign Order of Malta is one of the most ancient institutions in the world, with more than 900 years of service to those in need, and we are honoured to join in this summit and to subscribe to the pact for the future. We share with you our commitment to working with all of you to implement the pact through concrete solutions on the ground. the sense of hope and determination that inspires the pact in looking in positive terms and with confidence at the future. Technology and scientific innovation, artificial intelligence in particular, may carry substantial improvements and advances for humankind. We should never lose sight, however, of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in our societies. Leave no one behind corresponds indeed to the core and the inspiring source of the historical mission of the Sovereign Order of Malta and must represent an imperative for the whole international community. The overarching goal of the eradication of poverty should thus remain at the heart of international efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. No progress at the economic and social level can be achieved without preserving and strengthening the system of multilateral cooperation centered around the United Nations. We renew our appeal for respect for international humanitarian law. Tragic elements and events connected with wars, conflicts, internal strife, where civilians and relief operators are subject to and even become deliberate targets of military attacks. Violence and acts of inhuman treatment are wholly unacceptable. The Sovereign Order of Malta is determined to continue its mission for the benefit of those who should not be left behind. We serve the sick, the poor, the disadvantaged on every continent based upon the principles of neutrality and impartiality without discrimination as to nationality, religion, or gender. Among our most significant emergency operations, I wish to recall those in Ukraine and now Gaza, where we provide food and other aid in cooperation with the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. The order attaches utmost importance to the goal of safeguarding and promoting religious freedom. Religions, dialogue amongst them, and the work of faith-based organizations can be powerful vehicles of conflict mediation, social advancement, and sustainable development. Together we can accelerate progress toward a future where dignity, human rights, access to health and education are realities for all, leaving no one behind.

Chair: I thank the distinguished representative of the Sovereign Order of Malta, and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees: Thank you, Mr. President. This morning, we heard from three young people, including Monica, a bright woman, a refugee. I don’t have much to add to her wise and beautiful words, but let me reflect from the same perspective, as the future also belongs to all the young people who, like Monica, have been forced to flee their homes because of our collective failure to make peace. And so these young people are now forced to dream of a new future, away from their countries or their communities. What will those dreams be? What will be the dreams of 120 million refugees and displaced people? We have the opportunity to help them shape the future, especially those for whom it brings fear as much as hope. We have the opportunity to say that we refuse to let refugees bear the price of our failures, that we refuse to abandon those countries and communities that have been hosting refugees decade after decade. And what a chance we have to include refugees and all displaced people, young and old, to open doors, schools, clinics to them, with support from the international community, so they can contribute to the communities hosting them, while we work together. finding solutions to their plight. Let us all, donors, host countries, the private sector, the UN, civil society, displaced people, all work towards the vision of the Global Compact on Refugees, where refugees are seen as an opportunity and not a burden, and they can think of a future in which they are not refugees. And let me add UNHCR’s voice to Monica’s voice, to the voice of all the displaced and join them in the call for peace. At this summit for the future, we must be able to imagine and work towards a future without refugees, but without peace, Mr. President, this will simply not happen. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the distinguished representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Nations Environmental Program, Environment Program.

United Nations Environment Program: Excellencies, as environmental, technological, and social change join forces to disrupt human, planetary, and economic health, we must not just prepare for the future, we must shape it so that coming generations can live in peace, prosperity, and equity. This summit and the pact for the future that emerges from it can help us do exactly that. The pact acknowledges that there can be no sustainable future, no economic stability without a healthy environment. Action 10 calls for a shift to a world in which humanity lives in a harmony with nature, a world with healthy lands, water, and oceans, a world with stable climate, a world free of pollution, a world in which humanity sustainably and equitably uses resources. Now commitments have already been made to deliver this shift in many multilateral agreements that cover the three planetary crises, the crisis of climate change, the crisis of nature and biodiversity loss and desertification, and the crisis of pollution and waste. And a new commitment is coming as negotiations on an instrument to end plastic pollution will conclude in Busan this November. UNEP calls on all member states to do their utmost to forge a strong, impactful agreement and quickly move to the adoption, ratification and implementation. To deliver on all agreements and strengthen sustainable development, we must operationalize the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. We must commit to financial and economic transformations that build equity and resilience. We must ensure circularity and sustainable consumption and production, including in the energy transition and digital transformation. And we must adopt One Health approaches that improve human, animal and planetary health at the same time. And finally, we must identify and respond to the emerging challenges that cause disruptions. Member states can count on UNEP’s science, our support and our advocacy as they seek to deliver on the actions that will be reflected in the outcomes of this summit and so shape a sustainable future for the benefit of every person on this planet. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the distinguished representative of the United Nations Environment Program, and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the International Telecommunication Union.

International Telecommunication Union: Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, today is a momentous day for digital, following yesterday’s this amazing Digital Action Days, as just mentioned by the UNDP administrator. Congratulations to member states for delivering the Pact of the Future, the Declaration of Future Generations, and the Global Digital Compact. Today you have sent a powerful message to the world that our future is digital, and that we can, and we must, write it together. ITU as the UN Agency for Digital Technologies will be with you every step of the way. We stand ready to support the implementation of the Compact, just as we did 20 years ago with the World Summit on the Information Society. Now, like then, our common mission is to bridge the digital divides, because we can no longer tolerate that in an age of unimaginable digital opportunities where innovation in areas like artificial intelligence and space continues unabated, one-third of humanity is still unconnected without a voice. Nor can we accept that countless others are left behind because for them the digital experience isn’t affordable enough, isn’t relevant enough, or isn’t safe enough. And now, like then, we must balance the challenges that we face with the opportunities before us. Today, we say no to digital inequalities and yes to digital opportunities. For ITU, this means ensuring that the radio frequency spectrum and the associated satellite orbits, the building blocks of advanced global communications, are shared equitably and sustainably for all of humanity, strengthening international standards at a time when they are taking center stage in global governance discussions, and supporting global digital development. from AI to cyber security, digital literacy, e-waste, emergency telecommunications, regardless of where countries are in their digital journey. Ladies and gentlemen, the future of development, the future of humanity is digital. As we look to 2030, let’s turn the vision of the Pact for the Future and its global digital compact into a lasting reality. Let’s redouble our efforts to advance universal meaningful connectivity and sustainable digital transformation, ITU’s two strategic goals, and the cornerstones of an inclusive and responsible digital future. Let’s rescue the SDGs with digital. Thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of the International Telecommunication Union, and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Food and Agriculture Organization. Thank you.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, good late afternoon. The world faces a daunting food security and nutrition picture. More than 730 million people worldwide faced hunger in 2023, and more than 2.3 billion were moderate or severely food insecure. We are not on track to achieve any of the global SDG target. And we see that huge inequality persists along the various dimensions, including wealth, gender, rural areas, and accessing assets and opportunities. The future we want is a future that is food insecure for all, for our planet, for our prosperity, and for the future generations to come. We want a future where the right to food is the best human rights security. For this future, we must transform our agri-food system today to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient, and more sustainable. The future will be determined by a more equitable agri-food system, and I’m pleased that this is recognized by the proposed PAC for the future. We need to invest integratively on the four betters, better production, better nutrition, better environment, better life, leaving no one behind. This is at the core of the effort work. Allow me to share three key elements for the way forward. One, we must set up an effort to achieve SDGs by 2030. And the second, we must focus on fostering and promoting innovation, public-private partnership, and more cost-effective investment. Three, hunger and food insecurity can be defeated through effective collaboration between all the partners and effectively utilize each other’s expertise and resources. And by leveraging our comparable advantages, we have to do together. Effort will continue to do its part to ensure a better future we want. Have a nice evening and enjoy a healthy food. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the distinguished representative of Food and Agriculture Organization, and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Council of Europe.

Council of Europe: Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the Council of Europe represented here has a mission to promote and protect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law throughout the European continent. And of course, beyond the continent, with everyone who shares the same values. This is what guides us. What guides us is the European Convention on Human Rights, ratified by all of our 46 member states. That convention is interpreted by the European Court of Human Rights. And we share a strong commitment with the United Nations for the – for peace, and this is a relationship that is ongoing with the United Nations. We’re very proud in this regard to be contributing to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. But the Council of Europe also has its own goals. Our current priority is to support Ukraine, which is one of our member states. In the beginning of this year, the Register of Damage has become fully operational. This is a register that receives contributions for the loss and damage caused by the war of aggression waged by the Russian Federation. This is a first tool, but it is absolutely necessary as a step toward an international mechanism for compensation. Here we’ll play a central role, as we will play a key role when it comes to any tribunal aiming to judge the crime of aggression. We’re going to be working together to implement a plan of action for resilience, recovery, and reconstruction in Ukraine as well. The European Conventional of – the European Court of Human Rights is the only international jurisdiction that, as of now, has ruled on human rights violations in the context of the war. There are other tools the Council of Europe has, of course. These have allowed to address the challenges of our time. I could mention the Istanbul Convention to Prevent and Combat Domestic Violence and Violence Against Women, and I could also mention the very recent Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence. This is an – unprecedented treaty, the first of its kind, which aims to protect human rights in the context of technological evolution, which is currently underway. At this anniversary of the Council of Europe, I would like to close the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe. I would like to conclude with advocacy for the greatest number of countries to sign and ratify our key conventions, because at a time when democracy is backsliding, we need to do ever more to promote our values through words and in deeds. This is the best way to bring about a better future and more democratic future for our citizens. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the distinguished representative of the Council of Europe and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the World Intellectual Property Organization.

World Intellectual Property Organization: Mr President, distinguished delegates, throughout today we have heard world leaders speak about the magnitude and gravity of the challenges ahead of us. While they are truly sobering, we must not lose hope. Instead, let us remember that it is often in times of crisis that we are at our most innovative and that we must now harness the power of human invention, innovation and creativity to build a more resilient, prosperous and sustainable future. All of this will require us to transform what intellectual property, or IP, means. While in the past IP was viewed as only relevant to the largest corporations in industrialised countries, this is changing. 70% of global IP filings now come from Asia, Africa and Latin America, a huge change from 50% just 20 years ago. At the same time, as more and more countries use digitalisation, entrepreneurship, research and technology to drive growth, IP is shifting from a technical area of of interests only to experts, to an increasingly important cornerstone of economic and trade policy, a catalyst for growth and development, and a key enabler for addressing our common global challenges. In response, WIPO is transforming the global IP ecosystem. Allow me to highlight three areas of work. First, we are evolving the global IP regime so that it is more inclusive and vibrant, as well as bringing the global community together to address cutting-edge issues like AI and IP, and the use of IP as a collateral. In May, we made history when all 183 member seats agreed by consensus on a new treaty on IP, genetic resources, and associated traditional knowledge. This is not just a victory of multilateralism, but also shows that the global IP system can be both pro-inclusivity and pro-innovation. Second, bringing IP to all. In the past two years, we have launched WIPO’s first IP and gender action plan, our first IP youth empowerment strategy, and transformed our development assistance, including a graduation package for LDCs, and rolling out over 80 customized projects that have uplifted thousands of beneficiaries around the world. These efforts are meeting growing demand for IP knowledge and skills. Over the past four years, the WIPO Academy, the world’s largest provider of IP education, trained over 500,000 people, over 80% from developing countries. Third, connecting the world. Our international registries facilitate the cross-border movement of hundreds of thousands of technologies and solutions each year, while WIPO Green, our global tech matching platform for climate change technologies, accelerates the deployment of such solutions around the world. Covering 130,000 technologies from over 140 countries, it is the largest climate change tech platform in the UN system. To conclude, IP is no longer just about technical IP laws, but also a catalyst for progress, opportunity, and sustainability. WIPO pledges to work with everyone to harness the power of IP innovation and creativity to support the aims of this summit. Thank you very much.

Chair: I thank the Distinguished Representative of the World Intellectual Property Organization and now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of the International Organization for Migration.

International Organization for Migration: Excellencies, Distinguished Representatives, on behalf of IOM, I commend and thank the United Nations Secretary General for convening us all today, and the co-facilitators of the Pact of the Future, the Declaration on Future Generations, and the co-facilitators of the Pact for the Future, the Declaration of Future Generations, and the Global Digital Compact, and everyone involved in the process for leading negotiations on this landmark document. This summit really embodies the power and potential of multilateralism. IOM, as the coordinator of the UN Network on Migration, supports an agenda for change to rebuild trust and strengthen international cooperation in tackling the challenges of today and tomorrow. Generation after generation of people have moved in search of a better life, and we know many more will move in the future. With this in mind, we cannot take for granted the promise of migration as a solution as we face major global transformations and crises. We at IOM believe that investing in safe, regular, and orderly pathways for migration can help reduce irregular migration, accelerate inclusive growth, strengthen decent work, bridge democratic shifts and labor gaps, and foster sustainable development. The 2030 Agenda, the Global Compact for Migration, the Secretary General’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement are all clear and existing frameworks that can and do guide our work. All of us here today have a collective responsibility to protect and respect the human rights of all migrants. We must live up to that responsibility. We at IOM are delighted to contribute to this milestone. I reiterate our unshakeable commitment to support and work with people on the move and all our partners towards safeguarding our shared future. I thank you.

Chair: I thank the Distinguished Representative of the International Organization for Migration. And now I give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of the Parliamentarian Assembly of the Mediterranean.

Parliamentarian Assembly of the Mediterranean: Mr. President, Your Excellencies, since its inception in 2005, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean and its members from the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions have been deeply committed to ensuring the implementation of the UN Charter and its deliberations through innovative mechanisms to ensure effective and coordinated follow-up. Today I am honored to renew the commitment of the PEM and its member parliaments to the implementation of the objectives of the Summit of the Future, the Pact for the Future, and the Future Generation Declaration and the Declaration on Future Generations and the Global Digital Compact to, among others, support the establishment and functioning of stronger and more influential multilateral institutions by all member states without exceptions in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the international law obligations. Second, ensure effective responses to current and future challenges, such as food security, climate change, in collaboration with key stakeholders. Three, promote an open, free, and secure digital future anchored in universal human rights. Four, ensure the interests of future generations are taken into account in national and global decision-making processes. At the PAM side event, we announced two concrete initiatives through which the Assembly will contribute to achieving these ambitious goals. First, the creation of a permanent parliamentary observatory of the Global South for the Sustainable Development Goals based and managed by Morocco. Second, the creation of a permanent global parliamentary observatory on the misuse of AI and emerging technologies served by the PAM Center for Global Studies, and that will be a platform for monitoring, analyzing, and promoting effective legislation, principles, and criteria so that these tools are not used by terrorists and criminal groups for their own malicious purposes, but for the benefit of all humanity. Mr. President, speaking of the future requires us all to work to overcome current obstacles, and in the Mediterranean, there is a continuing war regardless of its reasons. Its results will bring more extremism, violence, and hate. It is the war against Gaza and the innocent victims on both sides. We call upon you to give primacy to the sound of reason and to end this conflict and to return to negotiations to implement the resolutions of the international community and to attain the two-state solution, an independent state of Palestine and a safe state of Israel. I thank you.

Chair: I thank the distinguished representative of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.

Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific: Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, the future belongs to our next generation. The future they inherit, however, depends on the choices we now make. With two-thirds of the world’s population living in Asia and the Pacific, the decisions taken in the region will largely determine our collective future. The region accounts for nearly half of the world’s economic activity owing to its large, young, healthy and educated labor force, availability of capital and widespread introduction of technology. Millions have been lifted out of poverty. Out of our 53 members, only one remains low income. Out of the original 14 least developed countries, only five will remain by the decade’s end. Despite the various divides and uneven progress towards sustainable development, its trajectory has undeniably been a success. A future with even greater possibilities, however, calls for a transformative change to this model of development. Given its significant economic size, the region must reduce its carbon emissions through every means possible. With the median age expected to reach 40.5 by 2050, those above 65 will account for a fifth of the total population by 2050. Without further expansion of labor force, we must now fully draw upon the resources that we already have, including women, seniors with the interest in remaining in the workforce and persons with disabilities. With the anticipated drawing down of savings and pensions by retirees and increased demand for social safety nets, an equitable social security system must be established while we are still benefiting from the demographic dividend. Dressing financing gaps as well as debt servicing and mobilization of private sector investment now will be critical. Given the decline in labor force as well as domestic savings, improvement in the quality of life will increasingly depend on the harnessing of technology. Equitable access to new technology, including AI, will shape our collective future. Robust governance and universal connectivity are prerequisite to this inclusive technological transformation. Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, our future depends on the potential that we invest in our youth. They must see possibilities, participate in decision-making, and seize opportunities before them. As the Regional Commission for Asia and Pacific, we identify emerging issues and propose solutions, among others, on energy transition pathway, sustainable financing, and inclusive businesses. We must pass on a future with even greater possibilities to the next generation, and we stand ready to support the implementation of the Pact of the Future. Thank you very much.

Chair: I thank the Distinguished Representative of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and now I give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of the Economic Commission for Europe.

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe: Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, we are building the future today, step by step, and this is why a strong emphasis on action is essential. We have agreements in place, we have now the Pact for the Future, and it is really the time to implement them. But first, looking at this day’s developments, including this morning’s discussions, it seems right to be reminded for whom we are doing this. We are doing this for the children and youth of today, for our future generation, a generation that hopefully would know to agree better than we do or that we did today when matters are concerning the survival of our planet or the sustainability of our future. That is why I believe that our work on education for sustainable development, a comprehensive program on which at UNICEF we have been intensively working for over 10 years, should be prioritized so that when the youth of today will have to take decisions tomorrow, they will know to put environment and social concerns first before economic or political gains. I encourage you all to do the same, to invest and support education for sustainable development. Dear colleagues, the success of our commitments for the future depends on us, yes, but it also depends on our understanding of the need to have an inclusive approach. The actions are taken by people of all ages, by women and men, by communities, by local and regional authorities in the first place. They are on the front lines. Enabling them, trusting them and partnering with them in the pact of the future implementation is not only a way to be successful, but it is the only way. In two weeks’ time in Geneva, we will convene the city summit of the future. It’s a unique platform in the UN, a forum of mayors where they come in their own capacity, not as part of governmental delegations, really to discuss and agree how to implement the pact in a very practical way, addressing challenges of urbanization, social housing or mobility. And I’m confident that the final statement to the mayors will be one to serve both as a roadmap, but also as an inspiration for some of our global commitments. That is why, once again, I would like to reiterate that action is required and it is required at multiple levels, partnering with both public and private sector, involving international, regional and national actors, local communities and individuals. A third and final observation. Being a regional commission, an economic commission, UNICEF, With a very strong normative footprint, reaching globally when it comes to transboundary water management, air quality, environmental impact assessment, industrial accidents, road safety, transport, classification of critical minerals, there is one thing we understand, that our biggest challenge remains to be the competition over natural resources.

Chair: I thank the representative of the Social Commission for Europe and I now give the floor to the Global Fund for Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Global Fund for Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria: Excellencies, as a worldwide partnership to defeat HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, the Global Fund welcomes the Pact for the Future that shines a spotlight on the urgency of increasing efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda and to accelerate progress towards better health for all. We applaud the leadership of Namibia and Germany in co-facilitating the Pact of the Future process, including engaging with civil society and communities. Only a pact that champions multilateralism and empowers communities and civil society to be meaningfully involved in global governance can safeguard our collective future. In a world where about 4.5 billion people, more than half of the global population, are not fully covered by essential health services, we know that health is fundamental to eradicate poverty, achieve gender equality, economic growth and to ensure peaceful societies. Now is not the time to shy away from our commitments, but to take advantage of every opportunity to bolster progress towards universal health coverage and raise the bar so we can ensure a healthy future for all. Now more than ever, we need to ensure that global health stays at the center of the international agenda. We hope that the Pact can help elevate our common aspirations for better health and well-being of present and future generations. We applaud the Pact’s focus on climate change as an existential issue of our time, in fact the biggest global health challenge of our time. The phenomenon is destabilizing the foundations of human health, deepening inequalities and leading to the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. Ramping up our collective response is an urgent imperative in today’s challenging context of interconnected crisis. We commend the focus on closing the SDG financing gap. As a unique partnership of government, civil society, the private sector and people affected by the diseases, the Global Fund stands ready to step up the fight to achieve global goals and to prepare for and respond to future risks. The Global Fund is an example of the transformative power of communities and civil society, a partnership powered by equity. And as we come together to applaud the Pact for the Future today, we call on the international community to ensure that this leadership is recognized and upheld. We hope that the Pact for the Future and the urgency and enormity of current challenges will continue to push the global community to find a new course, one that can broaden and deepen multilateralism to create a more healthy, fair and peaceful world for today and for all future generations.

Chair: I thank the representative of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. And I now give the floor to the Latin American and Caribbean Development Bank.

Latin American and Caribbean Development Bank.: Excellencies, it’s an honor to deliver this message on behalf of the CAFA, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, as an observer of the Organization of the United Nations. We are committed with the provisions of the Pact for the Future and the Digital Pact adopted this morning, specifically the adjustments in the international financial system that was referred to. The hope of new generations and the well-being of the population of the planet require rapid and decisive action, echoing the invitation to this summit convened by the Secretary General to decide on what to do and focus on how, rather. We believe it’s important for multilateral development banks and regional ones to be strengthened at all levels to be able to meet current challenges. For this, the international financial architecture must be efficient in deployment of greater resources to achieve sustainable development. The global south requires differentiated approaches, innovative, flexible solutions with appropriate financing to confront the triple transition. The size and characteristics of current challenges were not – could not be predicted when the SDGs were established. I’m talking about the high level of indebtedness, climate change, and the pandemic. And of course, we in the development bank believe that if we had greater capital, we could have the potential to increase resources. It could be a reliable channel to provide financing to meet specific challenges. Thirdly, to generate efficient programs to those who most need it. We will continue. with our role to assist countries by optimizing their tax systems, easing their debt burden, and improving investments as the CAF is ready to take its part in implementing the renewed agenda that has been discussed at this summit to contribute to the well-being of future generations. Thank you very much.

International Labour Organization: Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, the ILO welcomes the summit, which is a unique opportunity to forge pathways towards a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future for both current and future generations. In our interdependent world, no country can solve global issues alone. Multilateral cooperation is critical not only to tackle global challenges but also to advance the national interests of each and every country. This is essential for the world of work. The world needs a more equitable distribution of economic benefits, more inclusive labor markets, and the universal access to social protection. This requires the multilateral system to work together and the involvement of non-state actors, including workers and employers’ organizations. Allow me to recall the ILO Constitution says no lasting peace could be attained without social justice. Hence, ILO, with all its constituents, including the workers and employers organization, embrace the ambition of the UN Pact for the future, including the necessity and the necessary reforms of the global governance and the financing for development agenda. I would like to specifically recall that in 2023, 20% of young people were neither in employment, nor in education, nor in training. And that, as we are speaking, 3.8 billion people have no access to any single social protection. And over 2 billion people are struggling to make a living in the informal economy. With the adoption of the UN Pact for the future, you can count on the ILO, as we have done in the past 100 years, to continue to fight for access to decent work and social justice for all, especially the most vulnerable, as it’s critical for lasting peace and sustainable development. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the representative of the International Labour Organization, and I give the floor to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation: Excellencies, distinguished delegates, it is indeed a great honor and privilege for me to have the opportunity to be part of this important gathering and address this plenary session of the Summit of the Future, representing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation SAC, comprising of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Achieving the post-2015 development agenda, including all the sustainable goals in the remaining period of 2030, will require an ambitious, comprehensive, holistic, and transformative approach with respect to the means of implementation, synergizing the different means of implementation. It is required enhanced and revitalized global partnership in addressing the shared resources and investment gaps. Regionalism can play a crucial role in the endeavor to achieve the accelerated SDGs. It is through the regional cooperation that we can harness our collective strength, share best practices, and address the specific needs of our communities. Each region has its own cultural, economic, and environmental context, and it is essential that we tailor our approaches to fit these diverse landscapes. By fostering the regional partnership, we can create synergies that amplify our efforts and drive meaningful progress towards SDGs. We need to secure the significantly enhanced level of resources allocation by combining the traditional development assistance and innovative financing solutions. Development partners must meet the needs of the official development assistance, and while doing that, must avoid the double-counting of the resources and both climate and development financing. In the meantime, there is a strong need to recognize the importance of addressing the diverse needs and challenges faced by the countries in special situations, in particular the least developed countries and the countries in transition to the middle income. These groups of countries are are the most vulnerable and resource-constrained group of countries need enhanced global support to overcome the structural challenges they face for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Such support should be provided on multiple fronts in a synergetic manner, including development assistance, market access, technology transfer, FDI, and debt relief. Mr. President, the linkage between the global prosperity and South Asia, which forms nearly one-fourth of the humanity, cannot be over-emphasized. The region, being highly vibrant and diverse, holds an immense potential for global prosperity. With almost half of the population of 1.8 billion below the age of 24, South Asia will have the largest youth labor forces in the world until 2040. This offers the region the potential to drive the vibrant and productive economies.

Chair: I thank the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, and I give the floor to the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia.

Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia: Dear Presidents of the General Assembly, distinguished leaders, esteemed delegates, it is both privilege and profound responsibility to address this high-level gathering. The summit represents a moment of introspection for the global community, and I am very excited to speak to you as the Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, SICA, in short. The idea to convince SICA was proposed by Kazakhstan from this very rostrum on October 5, 1992. Having been founded on the core principles of multilateralism, dialogue, and trust, SICA unites 28 member states, covering 90% of Asia, as well as 10 observer states and 11 observer and partner organizations. Through the implementation of SICA catalog of confidence building measures, we are fostering dialogue among nations with diverse backgrounds, creating an environment where these agreements can be managed through trust, mutual respect, and most importantly, on equal footing. Interaction in these dimensions contributes to the sustainable development goals. Having reached a mature level of institutional development, SICA has permanent institutions like youth council, business council, think tank forum to discuss common issues, challenges, and ways to address them. In 2022, the SICA fund was established in order to mobilize funding to implement projects in a wide range of areas. Excellencies, let me outline the initiatives of President Tokayev of Kazakhstan, which is the current chair within the SICA framework. The SICA ministerial conference on environmental issues held on August 28 this year adopted a high-level statement that reflect member states’ dedication to advancing collaboration and addressing critical environmental issues. In a few days, we will organize a rally of volunteer movement leaders from SICA countries under the youth council. The partnership network of leading universities of SICA will be established rather soon in December at the ministerial council meeting in Baku. Member states currently discussing two other ideas, creating the Council on Sustainable Connectivity to address global economic challenges and transforming the finance summit into a permanent platform to strengthen cooperation among financial sectors of our member states. Esteemed delegates, organizations like SICA are crucial in addressing global challenges at the regional level and can serve as a valuable outreach platform for the U.N. This summit of the future gives us the opportunity to rethink our structures, reassess our… priorities and, importantly, to strengthen our mechanisms for cooperation. Together we can build a resilient, equitable, and sustainable future. I thank you.

Chair: I thank the representative of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, and I now give the floor to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation: Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, allow me, first of all, on behalf of the Secretariat of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, to express our gratitude for the invitation and the opportunity to speak at the summit for the future. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization was created over 20 years ago. Today, it has 26 member states with different status. We call them the SCO family. And over half the population of the world is represented in the organization, a quarter of the surface area and a quarter of the economy. And the organization has huge economic and scientific potential, as well as a huge reserve of natural resources. Working based on Chapter 8 of the UN Charter, the organization is committed to the principle of openness and the Shanghai spirit, which means mutual trust, equality, consultations, respect for cultural diversity, and striving for development. Our organization excludes a confrontational or block-based approach in dealing with regional and international issues. Ladies and gentlemen, today we’re witnessing addressing tectonic changes in global policies and international relations. We believe that the best response to today’s challenges is to unify efforts to shape a more representative, more democratic, equitable, multipolar world order based on the principles of international law with the central coordinating role of the United Nations. We call on countries, regional organizations, and structures to set aside a policy of confrontation and mutual threats. It’s important to establish an open dialogue to unify our efforts to effectively counteract the challenges that are common for all of us. In this context, this summit is extremely timely. At the Astana Summit of the organization in July of this year, an initiative was adopted for unity, for development, which is the contribution of our organization to the summit for the future. We hope that the international community will join us. Member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization play a leading role in the area of sustainable development. 2025 has been declared the year of sustainable development by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. I’d like to also note that achieving peaceful life for the future generations is the primary task for all of us. We have to approach the 80th anniversary of the creation of the U.N. with real, tangible achievements based on the U.N. charter. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is ready to do its part. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the representative of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for your intervention, and I give the floor to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

United Nations Economic Commission for Africa: Mr. President, Excellencies, I’m honored to address you on behalf of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. We are meeting when the The foundation of humanity is being tested and Africa is bearing the brunt. Multiple crises have exacerbated the challenges of finance, debt, climate, and energy. Twenty-one African countries are in or at high risk of debt distress and the public debt has increased by over 180% since 2010 and currently exceeds over 60% of GDP. Basic social expenditures are being crowded out and there is limited access to long-term concessional finance. Furthermore, unprecedented climate effects are costing up to 5% of Africa’s GDP annually. Yet, we cannot attract sufficient investments because the rules of engagement of global rating agencies do not favor Africa. We also see imbalances in the borrowing costs. For example, Africa’s borrowing cost is four times higher than the United States and even more than four times higher than Germany. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, justice for Africa cannot be served by an outdated global financial architecture system. Promises are either not fulfilled or half fulfilled, leaving governments frustrated, young people unemployed, and children without a future of hope and prosperity. Excellencies, if we remain theoretical on the reform of the maritime system, it will be a disservice to the generations that come after us. Undoubtedly, then, maritime governance structures must change. Specifically, we need increased representation for developing countries, improved transparency, a reflection of the role of emerging and frontier markets and regional maritime development banks. Furthermore, the finalization and implementation of the international tax cooperation framework must be pursued vigorously. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, Africa can be the global power force if we address the critical gaps for a fair and promising future. We must take deliberate steps to invest in our youth because one in three young people globally will be African by 2050. Therefore, investments in modernizing education systems, increasing skills in STEM and integrating TIVET in education systems is necessary and the Global Digital Compact can offer Africa a level playing field, but we must build the necessary infrastructure to take full advantage of this. As I conclude, this is our once in a lifetime chance to demonstrate to the future generations that we got it right. It is my belief that we can make it count.

Chair: I thank the representative of the Economic Commission for Africa and I give the floor to the representative of the International Olympic Committee.

International Olympic Committee: Mr. President, Your Excellencies, please accept, first of all, my heartfelt congratulations on the adoption of the Pact for the Future. In particular, I would like to thank you for recognizing the role of sport as an important enabler and, indeed, accelerator to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The recent Olympic Games Paris 2024 illustrates in an excellent way how the International Olympic Committee is contributing to the SDGs through sport. The IOC considers peace as the most fundamental of the SDGs. This is why we are very happy and proud that despite all the geopolitical tensions, we were able to bring together the athletes from the territories of all 206 National Olympic Committees and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team. Before the Olympic Games, these athletes Allies joined for a powerful call for peace. During the Olympic Games, they competed fiercely against each other. At the same time, they lived peacefully together under one roof in the Olympic Village. They shared their meals, their experiences, and their emotions. They respected each other with no incidents or discrimination whatsoever, even if their countries are at war. With all this, the athletes created a culture of peace, showing us how our world would be if we all were to live in the Olympic spirit of peaceful coexistence. There were many other achievements with regards to the UN SDGs. These Olympic Games were the first ever Olympic Games with full gender parity. The IOC Refugee Olympic Team participated with a record number of 37 athletes and won its first ever Olympic medal. Paris 2024 reduced its carbon emissions by 50% compared to previous Olympic Games. These are just a few examples how we at the IOC are promoting the role of sport as an important enabler and accelerator of the SDGs. We are ready to continue and strengthen this contribution of sport in the framework of the Pact for the Future, because this pact perfectly reflects our Olympic motto, faster, higher, stronger, together. Thank you very much.

Chair: I thank the representative of the International Olympic Committee, and I give the floor to the Inter American Development Bank.

Inter American Development Bank: Excellencies. Distinguished Members, Gabriel Garcia Marquez once said in Spanish, No es verdad que la gente deja de perseguir sus sueños porque envejecen. Envejecen porque dejan de perseguir sus sueños. Not true. I thank you for your interpretation. We gather for the summit of the future. Our world faces a pivotal moment that demands this youthful energy and relentless pursuit of dreams. Climate change, poverty and hunger affect billions of people today and the future of our youth tomorrow. Even with drastic emission cuts, global economic output could shrink 19% by 2050 as climate change accelerates biodiversity loss, creating a harmful feedback loop exemplified by historic drought in the Amazon. While two-thirds of the population is under 30, 20% of young people are not working, studying or training. In Latin America and the Caribbean, over half of the young people who are still poor. And globally, 828 million people suffer from chronic hunger, mostly women and children. But as Garcia Marquez said, a youth-like pursuit of dreams and possibilities can help turn these challenges into opportunities. It is not about problems, challenges, difficulties. It’s about opportunities to create jobs, force innovation, build a foundation for growth, prosperity that satisfies the most basic of human needs. And we need to leap, step forward. Paraphrasing Gabriela Mistral, the Chilean poet, and Nobel laureate, where there is work to be done or a challenge to be faced, it is up to us to step forward, take responsibility, and act where others may hesitate. Today, multilateral development banks are stepping up, coordinating and taking action, leading. We are leveraging our strengths to tackle the world’s biggest challenges. We are collaborating like never to deliver concrete results. We agreed on 16 concrete deliverables in our published viewpoint note. We are working as a system, not any system, a system that puts people at the center. We are also working closely with the UN. Today, we stand ready at the intersection of urgency and opportunity with our actions now can redefine the future for generations.

Chair: I thank the representative of the Inter-American Development Bank, and I now give the floor to the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia.

Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia: Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I stand on existing protocols and commend the Secretary General of the United Nations and his team for convening this important session. The timing of the summit is particularly significant, coming as it does, at a time when our world stands at a crossroads between a path to the past, where global affairs were reduced to a war of the jungle, and a road that promises a more just and peaceful world that thrives on multilateralism, collaboration, and justice. Excellencies, let us be frank with ourselves and ask the question, what is new in the pact for the future? The answer, Excellencies, is that there is hardly anything new in the pact that we have not committed ourselves to in the past under the UN and other frameworks. The fact that we have come back to the same old commitments suggests that we still need greater political will to deliver on the good promises. For ECOWAS, therefore, the difference between the pact for the future and earlier global agreements will lie in delivery. In delivering on our commitments in the areas of peace and security, sustainable socio-economic development, climate change, and climate justice, as well as youth empowerment. It will also mean concrete action to promote and support our regional unity, not our disunity, our integration, not our disintegration, and a commitment not to turn Africa, especially West Africa, into a zone of proxy conflicts. If we fail to deliver once again, history will look back to this summit not as the summit of the future, but a summit of the past. This is the choice before us. I thank you for your attention.

Chair: I want to thank the representative for the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, and I’d like to give the floor to Relit. I’m sorry, I misrepresented the previous speaker.

Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia: Distinguished delegates, today we stand at a defining moment in human history, a moment when our choices will shape the future of our world for generations to come. The crises we face are complex and interconnected, challenging the very fabric of our societies and threatening our collective future. But this is also a moment to move beyond managing crises to shaping a future grounded in resilience, sustainability, and shared prosperity. The summit of the future and the adoption of the Pact for the Future is our commitment to turn aspirations into action and transform challenges into catalysts for profound positive change. For the Arab region, this pact is a crucial opportunity to redefine our trajectory. It allows us to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and predictive analytics to tackle economic volatility, social inequalities, and escalating threats of climate change. Our region has shown time and again that we can overcome adversity through unity and decisive action. We at ESCWA are leading this transformation with a vision rooted in the core principles of this pact – resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability. We are integrating intelligent technologies and foresight methodologies into policymaking processes, transforming how governments forecast trends, assess risk, and make proactive decisions. Through advanced policy simulation tools and data-driven insights, we are equipping our member states to design policies that are not only resilient and inclusive, but also aligned with the long-term aspirations of the Arab region. of their people. Our commitment to climate action is embedded in the Arab Climate Resilient Initiative, where we use these innovative technologies to develop robust adaptation and mitigation strategies. Looking ahead, our focus will be on fostering regional cooperation and ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation and AR are accessible to all. We will champion the development of inclusive digital economy that empower youth and women, having the economic diversification essential for the long-term stability and prosperity of the Arab region. Excellencies, this is our moment to act with vision and courage, to turn the promise of the Pact for the Future into a reality that resonates with the aspirations of all people in the Arab region and beyond. Let us seize this opportunity to build a future that is not just better, but transformational. A future where technology and human values converge to create a world that is just, equitable, and sustainable for all. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the representative of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia. And I now give the floor to the Common Fund for Commodities.

Common Fund for Commodities: Honourable President, Distinguished Delegates, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is with great pride that I address you today on behalf of the Common Fund for Commodities at this crucial summit of the future. We come from the innovation reach, the Netherlands. We stand here at a defining moment in history where commodities must be transformed from mere resources into powerful catalysts for sustainable development. sustainable development, justice, and ethics within global value chains. Commodity dependence remains a significant challenge for developing countries with 101 of 191 UNCTAD member states relying on primary commodities for over 60% of their exports, particularly in the great continent of Africa where this figure reaches as high as 90%. Our pledge to reshape the world’s financial architecture with concessional and direct finance is more critical now than ever as it holds the key to unlocking these vital goals. Commodities are the lifeblood of many economies, especially in developing nations where billions of smallholder farmers at the lowest income levels depend on commodities and commodity-related jobs for their livelihoods. Commodities have the potential to fuel sustainable economic growth, generate jobs, and provide vital revenues while paving the way for a greener, more equitable world yet high and mismanaged. These very commodities can become sources of environmental devastation, social injustice, and economic fragility. Therefore, it is our moral duty to ensure that justice and ethics are open into every step of the commodity value chain, transforming them into forces that uplift the society’s contribute meaningfully to the SDGs. The Common Fund has been a vital partner in supporting commodity-dependent countries through numerous projects. Since the adoption of our base of pyramid approach, the CFC has supported 127 projects in least developed countries alone with a total value of about 189 million and with a direct contribution of the U.S. dollar $105 million. These projects have created jobs, improved the livelihoods of countless farmers and smallholders. For example, in Kenya, Tencent’s Africa Limited, the world’s first fair trade certified macadamia nut company, expects to reach 10,000 new smallholder farmers with…

Chair: I thank the representative of the Common Fund for Commodities for his statement, and I now give the floor to the African Development Bank Group.

African Development Bank Group: Your Excellencies, the future we are in today was the past. The future we build for tomorrow must be based on better decisions taken today. Building that future for Africa requires more than a reform of the global financial architecture. We need new institutional support systems to build a more solid and resilient future for Africa. First, we must tackle the biases in the current global credit rating systems that leads to higher costs of accessing capital for Africa than other parts of the world. The establishment of the Africa Credit Rating Agency, called for by the African Union, is critical to achieving this. Second, the global financial system does not protect Africa from contagious effects of global financial shocks. Africa is the only region of the world without a financial safety net. That’s why it’s critical to establish the African Financial Stability Mechanism to provide safety nets for Africa. Third, we must address risks facing Africa in leveraging greater private sector financing. That’s why the African Development Bank is pulling all its guarantee instruments into an African Insurance and Guarantee Agency. agency that will deploy risk instruments at scale to bring more investments to Africa. Fourth, we must tackle the rising insecurity in Africa and the rising expenditures on security which are displacing financing for development. To achieve this, the African Development Bank is working with the African Union to establish security index investment bonds that will be used to tackle the reconstruction of areas damaged by conflicts. And finally, Africa’s vast forests, biodiversity, and carbon sinks are the key for saving the world. It is time to properly value the green assets of Africa and include that in the GDP of Africa. Africa must move from being green and cash poor to being green rich through proper valuation of its natural capital in its GDP. These foundations will assure a much richer and wealthier Africa for future generations. They will build wealthier and a more resilient Africa and move it into a future with sound financial structures to bolster its development. The future is Africa’s, and we will take it on boldly. Thank you very much.

Chair: I thank the representative of the African Development Bank Group, and I give the floor to the United Nations Capital Development Fund.

United Nations Capital Development Fund: We’re gathered here today united by a common vision, a world where sustainable development is not a privilege but a reality for all. Public finance is insufficient to deal with the severity of constrained global fiscal spaces with economic, social, climate, and environmental crises that affect current and future generations. The SDG financing gap continues to widen, threatening to leave behind those below the poverty line, further marginalizing last-mile contacts that most need our support, particularly least-developed countries, small island nations, and many other fragile settings. Addressing today’s challenges, those that will jeopardize opportunities, opportunities for future generations requires more than public financing. The pact of the future recognizes the urgency to capitalize the increased private sector investment. This is at the core of the United Nations Capital Development Fund’s original GA mandate of 1966 to assist developing countries in the development of their economies by supplementing existing sources of capital assistance adopted right here in this august chamber. In fact, this call by member states for UNCDF to help those furthest behind is even more relevant today. UNCDF is the only UN fund capable of deploying inclusive blended finance solutions at the pace and scale needed to crowd in private streams of finance at the last mile. We are responding to this call by enhancing our unique capabilities to amplify the impact of the United Nations system and the wider development community. As a non-credit rated hybrid development and finance institution, UNCDF is designed to absorb and reduce the high risks that make access to sustainable capital simply unobtainable. Our grants, guarantees, and fit for purpose financial instruments enable UNCDF to unramp and catalyze investments that otherwise would be unbankable. UNCDF’s impact is felt in fragile developing countries around the world today but it needs to be scaled up. Our performance-based instruments are tied to tangible results ensuring that scarce donor funding pays for only what works. Every dollar that we invest in local currency not only supports today’s needs, it paves the way for long-term prosperity that builds on public-private partnerships. In fact, if UNCDF did not exist today, it would be created as a disruptor to foster a more inclusive development finance system. This is the role that UNCDF and CDF can play within UN System 2.0. We are a UN fund. It’s a platform for partners to crowd in public and private financing. And together, we can build a future so that no one is left behind. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the representative of the United Nations Capital Development Fund, who was the last speaker of this session. The next session of the Summit of the Future will take place tomorrow, Monday, September 23rd, at 9 a.m. And we will hear those who have inscribed their name on the list of speakers for that session. The meeting is adjourned.

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Multiple speakers

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Need to reform UN Security Council for greater representation

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Multiple speakers called for reform of the UN Security Council to make it more representative. They argued that the current structure does not reflect today’s geopolitical realities and excludes many countries, especially from the Global South.

Evidence

Several speakers, including those from African countries, emphasized the need for permanent African representation on the Security Council.

Major Discussion Point

Reforming Global Governance and Multilateralism

Agreed with

Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, Mexico

Agreed on

Reform of the UN Security Council

Call for more inclusive and equitable international financial architecture

Explanation

Many speakers emphasized the need to reform the global financial system to be more inclusive of developing countries. They argued that the current system disadvantages poorer nations and perpetuates inequalities.

Evidence

Speakers cited issues like unfair debt burdens, lack of access to financing, and biased credit rating systems as examples of the current system’s failings.

Major Discussion Point

Reforming Global Governance and Multilateralism

Agreed with

Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nigeria

African Development Bank

Agreed on

Reform of international financial architecture

Closing the SDG financing gap and mobilizing resources

Explanation

Many speakers stressed the urgent need to increase funding for sustainable development goals (SDGs). They argued that without significant additional resources, many countries will fail to meet the 2030 targets.

Evidence

Several speakers cited the widening gap between current funding levels and what is needed to achieve the SDGs, particularly in developing countries.

Major Discussion Point

Promoting Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication

Harnessing digital technologies and innovation for development

Explanation

Multiple speakers highlighted the potential of digital technologies and innovation to accelerate development. They argued that embracing these tools can help countries leapfrog traditional development stages and address persistent challenges.

Evidence

Speakers mentioned various examples of how digital technologies are being used to improve education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and government services in their countries.

Major Discussion Point

Promoting Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication

Addressing conflicts and promoting peaceful resolution of disputes

Explanation

Many speakers stressed the importance of resolving conflicts through peaceful means and strengthening international mechanisms for dispute resolution. They argued that peace is a prerequisite for sustainable development and human rights protection.

Evidence

Speakers cited ongoing conflicts in various regions and called for increased support for UN peacekeeping and mediation efforts.

Major Discussion Point

Ensuring Peace, Security and Human Rights

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Justin Trudeau, Canada

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Importance of strengthening multilateralism to address global challenges

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Trudeau emphasized the need for countries to work together through multilateral institutions to tackle shared problems. He argued that global issues like climate change and inequality cannot be solved by individual nations acting alone.

Evidence

Trudeau cited Canada’s commitments to international cooperation, including $5 billion towards global climate financing efforts.

Major Discussion Point

Reforming Global Governance and Multilateralism

Urgency of climate action and meeting Paris Agreement goals

Explanation

Trudeau stressed the critical importance of addressing climate change and fulfilling commitments made under the Paris Agreement. He argued that climate action is essential for both environmental protection and economic prosperity.

Evidence

Trudeau mentioned Canada’s commitment of $5 billion towards global climate financing efforts and noted that Canada is the first major oil and gas producing country to establish an emissions ceiling for the sector.

Major Discussion Point

Addressing Climate Change and Environmental Challenges

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Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, Samoa

United Nations Environment Programme

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Addressing climate change and environmental challenges

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Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, Mexico

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Need to revitalize UN system to be more effective and responsive

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Bárcena Ibarra called for reforms to make the UN more effective in addressing global challenges. She argued that the current system is outdated and unable to adequately respond to modern issues.

Evidence

She cited the need for more compromise in negotiations and the importance of overcoming citizens’ disillusionment with international institutions.

Major Discussion Point

Reforming Global Governance and Multilateralism

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Multiple speakers

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Reform of the UN Security Council

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Carlos Pinto Pereira, Guinea-Bissau

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Importance of regional cooperation and integration

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Pereira emphasized the value of countries working together at the regional level to address shared challenges. He argued that regional integration can lead to more effective solutions and stronger economies.

Evidence

He mentioned Guinea-Bissau’s commitment to working with neighboring countries and regional organizations to promote development and stability.

Major Discussion Point

Reforming Global Governance and Multilateralism

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Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, Samoa

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Need for climate financing and support for developing countries

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Mataʻafa highlighted the urgent need for increased financial support to help developing countries, especially small island states, address climate change impacts. She argued that without adequate funding, vulnerable nations cannot effectively adapt or mitigate climate risks.

Evidence

She mentioned the specific challenges faced by small island developing states, including rising sea levels and increasingly severe weather events.

Major Discussion Point

Addressing Climate Change and Environmental Challenges

Agreed with

Justin Trudeau, Canada

United Nations Environment Programme

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Addressing climate change and environmental challenges

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Ralph Gonsalves, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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Importance of sustainable management of natural resources

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Gonsalves emphasized the need for responsible stewardship of natural resources, particularly in developing countries. He argued that sustainable resource management is crucial for long-term economic development and environmental protection.

Major Discussion Point

Addressing Climate Change and Environmental Challenges

A

African Development Bank

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Call for valuing Africa’s natural capital and green assets

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The African Development Bank representative argued for the proper valuation of Africa’s natural resources and ecosystems in national GDPs. They suggested this would lead to better recognition of Africa’s contribution to global environmental sustainability and potentially unlock new sources of wealth.

Evidence

The speaker mentioned Africa’s vast forests, biodiversity, and carbon sinks as key assets for saving the world.

Major Discussion Point

Addressing Climate Change and Environmental Challenges

Agreed with

Multiple speakers

Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nigeria

Agreed on

Reform of international financial architecture

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Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nigeria

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Priorities for international financial reform

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United Nations Environment Programme

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Need to transition to sustainable and resilient economies

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The UNEP representative emphasized the importance of shifting to economic models that are environmentally sustainable and resilient to shocks. They argued that this transition is essential for long-term prosperity and environmental protection.

Evidence

The speaker mentioned the need for circularity, sustainable consumption and production, and One Health approaches that improve human, animal, and planetary health simultaneously.

Major Discussion Point

Addressing Climate Change and Environmental Challenges

Agreed with

Justin Trudeau, Canada

Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, Samoa

Agreed on

Addressing climate change and environmental challenges

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Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nigeria

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Addressing debt burdens of developing countries

Explanation

Tuggar emphasized the need to alleviate the debt burdens facing many developing countries. He argued that high debt levels are hindering development efforts and preventing countries from investing in critical areas like education and healthcare.

Evidence

He called for comprehensive debt relief measures and reform of the international financial architecture to better support developing countries.

Major Discussion Point

Promoting Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication

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Multiple speakers

African Development Bank

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Reform of international financial architecture

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African Development Bank

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Priorities for international financial reform

C

Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, São Tomé and Príncipe

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Importance of education and youth empowerment

Explanation

Vila Nova stressed the critical role of education and youth empowerment in driving sustainable development. He argued that investing in young people is essential for building a prosperous and stable future.

Evidence

He mentioned São Tomé and Príncipe’s efforts to improve education systems and create opportunities for youth.

Major Discussion Point

Promoting Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication

R

Robinah Nabbanja, Uganda

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Need for inclusive economic growth and job creation

Explanation

Nabbanja emphasized the importance of fostering economic growth that benefits all segments of society. She argued that creating quality jobs, particularly for young people, is crucial for reducing poverty and promoting stability.

Evidence

She mentioned Uganda’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship and support small businesses as examples of initiatives aimed at inclusive growth.

Major Discussion Point

Promoting Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication

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Israel representative

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Combating terrorism and violent extremism

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The Israeli representative emphasized the need to address terrorism and violent extremism as major threats to global security. They argued that the international community must take decisive action against terrorist groups and their supporters.

Evidence

The speaker mentioned recent rocket attacks against Israeli civilians as an example of the ongoing threat posed by terrorist organizations.

Major Discussion Point

Ensuring Peace, Security and Human Rights

Disagreed with

Abdoulaye Diop, Mali

Disagreed on

Approach to global security challenges

I

International Development Law Organization

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161 words per minute

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Protecting human rights and promoting rule of law

Explanation

The IDLO representative stressed the importance of strengthening the rule of law and protecting human rights as foundations for sustainable development and peace. They argued that effective legal systems are crucial for addressing global challenges.

Evidence

The speaker cited IDLO’s 40 years of experience working with countries to promote the rule of law and its impact on achieving the SDGs.

Major Discussion Point

Ensuring Peace, Security and Human Rights

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Albert Shingiro, Burundi

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0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Importance of preventive diplomacy and mediation

Explanation

Shingiro emphasized the value of preventive diplomacy and mediation in averting conflicts and promoting peace. He argued that investing in these approaches is more effective and less costly than responding to full-blown crises.

Major Discussion Point

Ensuring Peace, Security and Human Rights

A

Abdoulaye Diop, Mali

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Need to reform global security architecture

Explanation

Diop called for reforms to the global security system to better address contemporary threats. He argued that the current architecture is inadequate for dealing with challenges like terrorism and transnational crime.

Evidence

He cited Mali’s experiences with terrorism and the limitations of international interventions as examples of the need for reform.

Major Discussion Point

Ensuring Peace, Security and Human Rights

Disagreed with

Israel representative

Disagreed on

Approach to global security challenges

G

Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, North Macedonia

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Importance of youth participation in decision-making

Explanation

Davkova emphasized the need to involve young people in political processes and decision-making. She argued that youth perspectives are crucial for addressing long-term challenges and building a sustainable future.

Major Discussion Point

Empowering Future Generations

F

Feleti Teo, Tuvalu

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Need for intergenerational equity and responsibility

Explanation

Teo stressed the importance of considering the interests of future generations in current decision-making. He argued that present actions must not compromise the well-being and opportunities of those who will inherit the planet.

Evidence

He mentioned the particular vulnerability of small island states like Tuvalu to climate change impacts as an example of the need for long-term thinking.

Major Discussion Point

Empowering Future Generations

U

United Nations Development Programme

Speech speed

147 words per minute

Speech length

457 words

Speech time

185 seconds

Investing in education and skills for the future

Explanation

The UNDP representative emphasized the importance of education and skills development to prepare people for the jobs of the future. They argued that this investment is crucial for economic growth and reducing inequality.

Evidence

The speaker mentioned UNDP’s work in supporting countries to implement integrated national financing frameworks to channel billions of dollars to key areas including education.

Major Discussion Point

Empowering Future Generations

E

Economic Commission for Africa

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Harnessing demographic dividend of young populations

Explanation

The ECA representative highlighted the potential of Africa’s large youth population to drive economic growth and development. They argued that with proper investment and policies, this demographic dividend could transform the continent.

Evidence

The speaker noted that one in three young people globally will be African by 2050.

Major Discussion Point

Empowering Future Generations

I

International Telecommunication Union

Speech speed

113 words per minute

Speech length

385 words

Speech time

203 seconds

Promoting digital literacy and bridging the digital divide

Explanation

The ITU representative emphasized the need to ensure universal access to digital technologies and skills. They argued that bridging the digital divide is crucial for inclusive development and empowering future generations.

Evidence

The speaker mentioned that one-third of humanity is still unconnected to the internet, highlighting the scale of the challenge.

Major Discussion Point

Empowering Future Generations

Agreements

Agreement Points

Reform of the UN Security Council

Speakers

Multiple speakers

Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, Mexico

Arguments

Need to reform UN Security Council for greater representation

Need to revitalize UN system to be more effective and responsive

Summary

There was broad agreement on the need to reform the UN Security Council to make it more representative and effective in addressing global challenges.

Reform of international financial architecture

Speakers

Multiple speakers

Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nigeria

African Development Bank

Arguments

Call for more inclusive and equitable international financial architecture

Addressing debt burdens of developing countries

Call for valuing Africa’s natural capital and green assets

Summary

Many speakers emphasized the need to reform the global financial system to be more inclusive of developing countries, address debt burdens, and properly value natural assets.

Addressing climate change and environmental challenges

Speakers

Justin Trudeau, Canada

Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, Samoa

United Nations Environment Programme

Arguments

Urgency of climate action and meeting Paris Agreement goals

Need for climate financing and support for developing countries

Need to transition to sustainable and resilient economies

Summary

There was strong consensus on the urgent need to address climate change, provide support for developing countries, and transition to sustainable economic models.

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and sustainable resource management for small developing states.

Speakers

Carlos Pinto Pereira, Guinea-Bissau

Ralph Gonsalves, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Arguments

Importance of regional cooperation and integration

Importance of sustainable management of natural resources

These speakers shared a focus on the importance of youth empowerment and intergenerational responsibility in shaping the future.

Speakers

Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, North Macedonia

Feleti Teo, Tuvalu

Economic Commission for Africa

Arguments

Importance of youth participation in decision-making

Need for intergenerational equity and responsibility

Harnessing demographic dividend of young populations

Unexpected Consensus

Digital transformation for development

Speakers

Multiple speakers

International Telecommunication Union

Arguments

Harnessing digital technologies and innovation for development

Promoting digital literacy and bridging the digital divide

Explanation

There was unexpected broad consensus across diverse countries on the importance of digital technologies for development, including from both developed and developing nations.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of agreement included reforming global governance structures, addressing climate change, promoting sustainable development, and harnessing digital technologies for development.

Consensus level

There was a high level of consensus on the need for systemic reforms and collective action to address global challenges. This broad agreement suggests potential for significant multilateral initiatives, but implementation may still face challenges due to differing national interests and capacities.

Disagreements

Disagreement Points

Approach to global security challenges

Speakers

Israel representative

Abdoulaye Diop, Mali

Arguments

Combating terrorism and violent extremism

Need to reform global security architecture

Summary

The Israeli representative emphasized combating terrorism through decisive action, while Mali’s representative called for reforming the global security system to better address contemporary threats like terrorism. This suggests a disagreement on whether the current system needs reform or just more forceful implementation.

Priorities for international financial reform

Speakers

Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nigeria

African Development Bank

Arguments

Addressing debt burdens of developing countries

Call for valuing Africa’s natural capital and green assets

Summary

While both speakers advocated for financial reforms to benefit African countries, they emphasized different priorities. Nigeria focused on debt relief, while the African Development Bank stressed valuing natural capital in GDP calculations.

Unexpected Disagreements

Approach to youth empowerment

Speakers

Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, North Macedonia

Economic Commission for Africa

Arguments

Importance of youth participation in decision-making

Harnessing demographic dividend of young populations

Explanation

While both speakers emphasized the importance of youth, their approaches differed unexpectedly. North Macedonia focused on political participation, while the ECA emphasized economic potential. This highlights different conceptualizations of youth empowerment across regions.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of disagreement centered around approaches to global security, priorities for international financial reform, and strategies for addressing climate change and sustainable development.

Disagreement level

The level of disagreement among speakers was moderate. While there was broad consensus on the need for reforms and action in various areas, speakers often differed on specific priorities or approaches. These disagreements reflect the diverse needs and perspectives of different countries and regions, highlighting the challenges in reaching global consensus on complex issues. However, the shared recognition of key challenges and the general commitment to multilateral solutions suggest potential for finding common ground through further dialogue and negotiation.

Partial Agreements

Partial Agreements

While many speakers agreed on the need to reform global governance structures, there were differences in emphasis. Some focused specifically on Security Council reform for greater representation, while others like Trudeau emphasized broader multilateral cooperation without explicitly mentioning Security Council reform.

Speakers

Multiple speakers

Justin Trudeau, Canada

Arguments

Need to reform UN Security Council for greater representation

Importance of strengthening multilateralism to address global challenges

Both speakers emphasized the importance of addressing climate change, but Samoa focused on the need for increased financial support to vulnerable nations, while UNEP stressed broader economic transitions. They agree on the goal but differ on immediate priorities.

Speakers

Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, Samoa

United Nations Environment Programme

Arguments

Need for climate financing and support for developing countries

Need to transition to sustainable and resilient economies

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and sustainable resource management for small developing states.

Speakers

Carlos Pinto Pereira, Guinea-Bissau

Ralph Gonsalves, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Arguments

Importance of regional cooperation and integration

Importance of sustainable management of natural resources

These speakers shared a focus on the importance of youth empowerment and intergenerational responsibility in shaping the future.

Speakers

Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, North Macedonia

Feleti Teo, Tuvalu

Economic Commission for Africa

Arguments

Importance of youth participation in decision-making

Need for intergenerational equity and responsibility

Harnessing demographic dividend of young populations

Takeaways

Key Takeaways

There is broad agreement on the need to reform global governance structures, particularly the UN Security Council and international financial institutions, to be more inclusive and representative.

Climate change is seen as an urgent existential threat requiring enhanced global cooperation and financing, especially to support developing countries.

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires closing financing gaps, addressing debt burdens, and mobilizing both public and private resources.

Empowering youth and future generations through education, skills development, and meaningful participation in decision-making is crucial.

Strengthening multilateralism and international cooperation is essential to address complex global challenges effectively.

Digital technologies and innovation are seen as key enablers for sustainable development, but require bridging digital divides.

Resolutions and Action Items

Adoption of the Pact for the Future, Global Digital Compact, and Declaration on Future Generations

Commitment to implement the 60 actions outlined in the Pact for the Future

Call for reform of the UN Security Council to include greater representation for underrepresented regions, particularly Africa

Proposal to establish an Africa Credit Rating Agency to address biases in global credit rating systems

Initiative to create an African Financial Stability Mechanism to provide financial safety nets for Africa

Commitment to host the Global Sustainable Island Summit in St. Kitts and Nevis in May 2025

Unresolved Issues

Specific mechanisms for reforming the global financial architecture

Concrete plans for closing the SDG financing gap

Details on implementing climate financing commitments for developing countries

Specific steps for achieving Security Council reform

Measures to address ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises, particularly in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine

Suggested Compromises

Balancing the need for digital innovation with concerns about privacy, security, and ethical use of technologies like AI

Finding common ground between developed and developing countries on climate finance and loss and damage mechanisms

Addressing both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term development goals in conflict-affected regions

Reconciling national interests with the need for stronger multilateral cooperation and global governance

Thought Provoking Comments

The future we deserve demands deep-rooted change that is transformative and lasting. For this, we must redefine multilateral spaces. We must promote unbiased international partnerships that honor the strength and resilience and the tenacity of small islands.

Speaker

Joyelle Trizia Clarke

Reason

This comment challenges the existing power dynamics in multilateral spaces and calls for a reimagining of international partnerships to better serve small island states.

Impact

It set the tone for subsequent speakers to address the need for reforming global governance structures and financial systems to be more inclusive of smaller and developing nations.

We need to act at several levels to shore up multilateral mechanisms and to reiterate our commitment to the principles of the Charter and to the respective international law, including by taking a new approach to international cooperation for the common well-being of nations on the basis of equality, mutual respect, noninterference in internal affairs, respect for the sovereignty of states, and solidarity while acknowledging our community of destiny and our common responsibility.

Speaker

Mohamed Ali Nafti

Reason

This comment articulates a comprehensive vision for reforming multilateralism based on key principles of international law and cooperation.

Impact

It deepened the discussion on multilateral reform by providing specific principles and approaches, influencing subsequent speakers to address these themes.

We defend the Palestinian cause. We are in favor of an independent Palestinian state in the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and we confirm our trust in the justice of the international system. But this has been sorely tested given the impotence of the international community in putting an end to the tragedy happening in Gaza and which is in danger of extending to Lebanon and the whole region.

Speaker

Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty

Reason

This comment brings attention to a specific ongoing conflict and challenges the effectiveness of the international system in addressing it.

Impact

It shifted the discussion to include more concrete examples of current global challenges and the limitations of existing international mechanisms.

We must recognize also that rich countries such as Canada have a duty to fight climate change, which is what we’re doing through our commitment of $5 billion towards global climate financing efforts. And we are the first big oil and gas producing country to establish an emission ceiling in this sector.

Speaker

Justin Trudeau

Reason

This comment acknowledges the responsibility of developed nations in addressing climate change and provides a specific example of action.

Impact

It encouraged other speakers to address climate action more concretely and discuss the role of developed nations in global challenges.

The COVID-19 pandemic showed that when health is at risk, everything is at risk. The outbreaks of Mpox in Africa demonstrate once again why the world needs the WHO pandemic agreement, a shared approach to share threats.

Speaker

World Health Organization representative

Reason

This comment highlights the interconnectedness of global health and other global issues, and advocates for a specific policy solution.

Impact

It broadened the discussion to include global health as a key aspect of future planning and multilateral cooperation.

Overall Assessment

These key comments shaped the discussion by consistently emphasizing the need for reform in global governance structures, highlighting the interconnectedness of global challenges, and calling for more inclusive and equitable approaches to international cooperation. They pushed the conversation beyond general statements to include specific examples, policy proposals, and acknowledgments of current shortcomings in the international system. This resulted in a more nuanced and action-oriented dialogue about the future of multilateralism and global cooperation.

Follow-up Questions

How can the international financial architecture be reformed to better support developing countries?

Speaker

Multiple speakers, including representatives from African Union, South Sudan, and African Development Bank Group

Explanation

This was a recurring theme, with many speakers emphasizing the need for reform to address issues of debt, access to capital, and support for sustainable development in developing nations.

What concrete steps can be taken to implement the Pact for the Future and ensure it doesn’t become just another declaration?

Speaker

Multiple speakers, including representatives from Mali and Burundi

Explanation

Several speakers expressed concern about the implementation of the Pact, emphasizing the need for actionable steps and political will to turn commitments into reality.

How can the digital divide be effectively bridged to ensure equitable access to technology and digital opportunities?

Speaker

Representatives from Nigeria and International Telecommunication Union

Explanation

Addressing the digital divide was highlighted as crucial for inclusive development and to ensure all countries can benefit from technological advancements.

What specific measures can be taken to reform the UN Security Council to make it more representative, particularly of African nations?

Speaker

Multiple speakers, including representatives from Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo

Explanation

The need for Security Council reform, especially to include permanent representation for Africa, was emphasized by several speakers as crucial for a more equitable global governance system.

How can the international community better support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in developing countries, particularly small island states?

Speaker

Representatives from Samoa and Tuvalu

Explanation

Small island states emphasized the existential threat of climate change and the need for increased support from the international community to address this challenge.

What strategies can be employed to ensure meaningful youth participation in decision-making processes at national and international levels?

Speaker

Multiple speakers, including representatives from Comoros and United Nations Development Programme

Explanation

The importance of youth involvement in shaping the future was a recurring theme, with calls for concrete mechanisms to ensure their voices are heard and considered.

How can the international community address the growing debt burden of developing countries while ensuring continued access to development financing?

Speaker

Representatives from African Union and Latin American and Caribbean Development Bank

Explanation

The issue of debt sustainability and its impact on development financing was raised by multiple speakers as a critical challenge requiring innovative solutions.

What measures can be taken to strengthen multilateralism and rebuild trust in international institutions?

Speaker

Multiple speakers, including representatives from Canada and Liechtenstein

Explanation

Many speakers emphasized the need to reinvigorate multilateralism and restore faith in global institutions to effectively address shared challenges.

Disclaimer: This is not an official record of the session. The DiploAI system automatically generates these resources from the audiovisual recording. Resources are presented in their original format, as provided by the AI (e.g. including any spelling mistakes). The accuracy of these resources cannot be guaranteed.

(Interactive Dialogue 1) Summit of the Future – General Assembly, 79th session

(Interactive Dialogue 1) Summit of the Future – General Assembly, 79th session

Session at a Glance

Summary

This interactive dialogue focused on transforming global governance and accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Participants emphasized the urgent need to reform the international financial architecture to better support developing countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Many speakers highlighted the challenges faced by developing nations, including high debt burdens, limited access to affordable financing, and the impacts of climate change.

Key themes included calls for increased representation of developing countries in global financial institutions, debt relief initiatives, and more equitable access to concessional financing. Speakers stressed the importance of mobilizing additional resources for development, including through innovative financing mechanisms and fulfilling official development assistance commitments. The need to address climate change and support a just transition to sustainable economies was also emphasized.

Representatives from international financial institutions outlined ongoing reform efforts, including initiatives to increase lending capacity and improve support for vulnerable countries. Civil society speakers called for greater inclusion of local communities and marginalized groups in development processes and financing decisions. Many participants highlighted the interconnected nature of global challenges and the need for collaborative, multilateral solutions.

The discussion underscored the critical importance of reforming global governance structures to create a more equitable and sustainable world. While acknowledging progress in some areas, speakers emphasized that much more ambitious action is needed to achieve the SDGs by 2030 and address the pressing challenges facing humanity and the planet.

Keypoints

Major discussion points:

– Reforming the international financial architecture to better support developing countries

– Increasing representation of developing countries in global financial institutions

– Addressing debt burdens and improving access to financing for developing countries

– Strengthening multilateralism and global cooperation to achieve the SDGs

– Leveraging technology and innovation to accelerate sustainable development

Overall purpose/goal:

The purpose of this dialogue was to discuss ways to transform global governance structures and accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Participants aimed to identify reforms and actions needed to create a more equitable global financial system that can better support developing countries in achieving the SDGs.

Tone:

The overall tone was one of urgency and calls for action, with many speakers emphasizing the need for immediate reforms to the global financial architecture. There was a sense of frustration from developing countries about current inequities, balanced with cautious optimism about potential reforms. The tone became more collaborative and solution-oriented as the discussion progressed, with various stakeholders offering ideas and commitments for change.

Speakers

Moderators/Facilitators:

– Chair (unnamed, likely a UN official moderating the session)

Speakers:

– Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organization

– Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank

– Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund

– William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya

– Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of Uganda (speaking for G77 and China)

– Luc Frieden, Prime Minister of Luxembourg

– Nangolo Mbumba, President of Namibia

– Panapasi Nelesoni, Deputy Prime Minister of Tuvalu

– Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba

– Minister for Foreign Affairs of Liberia

– Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of Malawi

– Minister of Heritage, State Portfolio and Public Enterprises of Côte d’Ivoire

– Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia

– Minister of Finance, National Planning and Trade of Seychelles

– Minister of National Planning and Development Coordination of Solomon Islands

– Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Zambia

– Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Mali

– Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago

– Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad of Tunisia

– Minister of Finance and Developmental Planning of Lesotho

– Minister for Foreign Affairs of Georgia

– State Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development of Democratic Republic of Congo

– Minister for Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates of Egypt

– Commissioner for International Partnership of the European Union

– Minister of Pre-University Education and Literacy of Guinea

– Undersecretary of State of Poland (speaking for Group of Friends of UN Habitat)

– Lord Collins of Highbury of the United Kingdom

– President of the National Institute of Statistics and Geography of Mexico

– Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka

– Permanent Representative of Morocco

– Permanent Representative of Pakistan

– Representatives from various UN agencies, international organizations, and civil society groups

In total, there were over 40 speakers representing a wide range of countries, international organizations, and civil society groups. Their areas of expertise covered topics like international trade, finance, development, foreign affairs, education, statistics, and various aspects of sustainable development.

Full session report

Expanded Summary of Interactive Dialogue on Transforming Global Governance and Accelerating SDG Implementation

Introduction

This interactive dialogue, part of the Summit of the Future, brought together over 40 speakers representing a wide range of countries, international organizations, and civil society groups to discuss transforming global governance and accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The discussion focused on urgent reforms needed in the international financial architecture to better support developing countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Themes and Discussion Points

1. The Pact for the Future

Several speakers highlighted the importance of the Pact for the Future, which was adopted on the day of the dialogue. This pact commits to transforming global governance and accelerating SDG implementation. As stated by Csaba Kőrösi, President of the UN General Assembly, “The Pact for the Future will be our roadmap to transform the global financial architecture and accelerate SDG implementation.”

2. Reforming the International Financial Architecture

There was broad consensus on the need to reform global financial institutions to create a more equitable and inclusive system. Speakers from developing countries called for increased representation and voting power in international financial institutions (IFIs) and multilateral development banks (MDBs).

Specific proposals included:

– Restructuring sovereign debt and providing debt relief (Kenya)

– Improving access to concessional financing for developing countries (Solomon Islands)

– Reforming credit rating systems that disadvantage developing countries (Zambia)

– Establishing a UN framework for international tax cooperation (Pakistan)

– Reallocating Special Drawing Rights to developing countries (Egypt)

The President of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto, emphasized, “The current global financial architecture is dysfunctional and unfair to developing countries. We need a system that reflects the realities of today’s world.”

3. Addressing Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Climate change emerged as a critical concern, with many speakers highlighting the disproportionate impact on developing countries and the need for increased support. Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank, stated, “The World Bank is committed to deploying 45% of its funds towards climate by 2025, half for mitigation and half for adaptation.”

Other key points included:

– Increasing climate financing, especially for adaptation

– Reforming harmful subsidies to free up funds for SDGs (World Trade Organization)

– Developing a global carbon pricing approach (WTO)

– Investing in clean energy and green infrastructure (European Union)

– Supporting a just transition to a green economy (UN Women)

4. Enhancing Representation of Developing Countries

A recurring theme was the need to increase the voice and influence of developing countries in global governance structures. Proposals included:

– Reforming the UN Security Council to include more developing countries (Kenya)

– Increasing the voice of developing countries in IFIs and MDBs (Uganda)

– Ensuring equitable representation in global tax governance (UN Economic Commission for Africa)

5. Mobilising Finance for Development

Speakers emphasized the urgent need to bridge the SDG financing gap and mobilize additional resources for development. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF, warned of the risk of falling into a “low-growth, high-debt trap”, particularly for low-income countries.

Different priorities in this area included:

– Fulfilling official development assistance (ODA) commitments (Kenya)

– Leveraging private finance for SDGs (Luxembourg)

– Developing innovative financing mechanisms (Trinidad and Tobago)

– Improving domestic resource mobilization (Zambia)

6. Harnessing Technology and Innovation

Several speakers highlighted the potential of technology and innovation to accelerate sustainable development, while also emphasizing the need to address digital divides. Kenya called for closing the digital divide and transferring new technologies to developing countries, while Malawi emphasized developing policy frameworks for emerging technologies like AI.

7. Country-Specific Concerns and Proposals

Individual countries raised specific concerns and proposals:

– Seychelles called for integrating country-specific risk into development financing and implementing the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index.

– Solomon Islands emphasized the need for improved access to concessional financing for small island developing states.

– Zambia stressed the importance of reforming credit rating systems that disadvantage developing countries.

8. Perspectives from International Organizations

Representatives from major international organizations provided key insights:

– Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General, emphasized the role of trade in poverty reduction and called for more inclusive trade practices.

– Ajay Banga, World Bank President, outlined specific goals including bringing electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.

– Kristalina Georgieva, IMF Managing Director, highlighted the risks of a low-growth, high-debt trap for developing countries.

9. Civil Society Perspectives

Civil society representatives emphasized the importance of inclusive governance and grassroots participation in development processes. The Global Network of Civil Society Organizations for Disaster Reduction stressed the need for strengthening resilience against climate impacts at the community level.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Rebecca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD, provided closing remarks that summarized many of the key points raised during the dialogue. She emphasized the urgent need for reform in the global financial architecture, increased climate financing, and more inclusive governance structures to achieve the SDGs.

Key action items identified include:

– Implementing the Pact for the Future to guide reforms and accelerate SDG implementation

– Convening the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in 2025

– Establishing a UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation

– Reforming multilateral development banks to increase lending capacity

– Developing a global approach to carbon pricing and taxation

The dialogue laid the groundwork for further negotiations and collaborations to address these complex global challenges and transform the international system to better support sustainable development for all.

Session Transcript

Chair: Head of State and Government, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Distinguished Participants, I call to order Interactive Dialogue 1 of the Summit of the Future, our Common Agenda. I am delighted and honoured to share this interactive dialogue and I warmly welcome all of you participating in the dialogue this morning. In accordance with the concept note circulated through the website of the President of the General Assembly and the E-Delegate platform on 14 August, this interactive dialogue will focus on the theme, Transforming Global Governance and Turbocharging the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The dialogue brings together Member States and other relevant stakeholders to discuss the theme in keeping with the terms of Assembly Resolution 76-307 on the Modalities for the Summit of the Future and Decision 77-568 on the Scope of the Summit. I am pleased to welcome three special invitees present on the podium. Ms. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade. Organization, Mr. Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank, and Ms. Kristina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund. I thank them for their availability to join us today. Excellencies, distinguished delegates and participants, allow me to this point to make a few national remarks on the theme of this dialogue. Honorable Ministers, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I feel honored to share this highly relevant interactive dialogue session. We all are aware that we are meeting at a critical juncture in history. Despite much wealth having been created, poverty, hunger, and inequalities are on the rise. It is certainly disheartening that only 17 percent of the SDG targets are on track, which are deemed achievable in 2015. The global financial system designed decades ago fails to address contemporary issues such as poverty, climate change, and inequality. International support measures are stagnant or dwindling. Delegates, we gather here to seize a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance cooperation through multilateralism, putting the United Nations at the centre. In this regard, allow me to put forward my following thoughts. First, we must bridge the huge financing gap for development. LDCs face an annual spending gap of 40% of GDP to achieve the SDGs. I call upon all development partners to fulfil their ODA commitment. Second, it is imperative to reform the governance structures of IFIs to ensure they are more inclusive, transparent and accountable. Developing countries should have a stronger voice and representation in the decision-making process. Third, comprehensive debt relief initiatives, tailored to the unique circumstances of developing countries, including least-developed countries, should be implemented. Fourth, closing the digital divide is urgent in recovering progress in SDGs. New technologies should be transferred to the developing world to enable them. Fifth, to tackle climate change, adequate and predictable climate financing should be made available, particularly to poor countries. vulnerable countries and communities. In conclusion, effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is critical to building a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world for all, leaving no one behind. Let’s work closely together for the well-being of people and the planet. Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, before I open the floor, I would like to inform all speakers that the time limit for statements is three minutes. Due to the limited time available, this will be strictly implemented through the use of automatic microphone cut-off when the speaker’s allotted time elapses. The red light on the speaker’s microphone will start to blink 30 seconds before the end of their allotted speaking time of three minutes, when their microphone will be automatically shut down. I thank all speakers in advance for their cooperation. To ensure time management, delegations with long statements are advised to deliver summarized versions of their statements and to submit the full text to establishments at un.org. To be posted in the Statements section of the UN Journal, as part of the record of our proceedings. Statements by special invitees now. I now have the pleasure to invite our distinguished special invitees to make some sense-setting remarks before we proceed to the list of speakers for this dialogue. I kindly remind them of the time limit of three minutes per statement. I first give the floor to Ms. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organization.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: Thank you, Ms., thank you, Chair, Excellencies, ladies, and gentlemen. Whether in our lifetimes with the 2030 Agenda or in our grandchildren’s lifetimes, we cannot build the future we want without trade. That is why we call on all nations to eschew protectionism and unilateral measures that may have negative spillover effects on others, and to support the rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core. Eradicating poverty and ensuring food security, delivering the low-carbon transition, and all the challenges the world faces cannot be achieved without open global trade in goods and services. We welcome the draft pact for the future’s recognition that the multilateral trading system and the WTO have been and must continue to be engines for sustainable development. Without the boost to economic growth from deeper global trade ties over the past 30 years, the world could not have lifted 1.5 billion people out of extreme poverty. To lift the 700 million people who still subsist on less than $2.15 a day, we will need more trade, not less trade, but we need better trade, trade that includes more people, especially those left behind. We need to reimagine. globalization to bring in developing countries and poor communities in rich countries who have been left on the margins of global economic integration. At the WTO, we call this re-globalization. But I want you to know that despite the challenges to the multilateral trading system, trade has been resilient, and much of the WTO is still working well. Our core rules continue to underpin over 75% of global goods trade. The WTO is one of the few organizations in the world where all our members, big, small, developed, and developing, have an equal voice and an equal veto. This feature might make decision-making slow and frustrating, but it is also something to be proud of. In our world of complex and changing global governance, all have an equal voice at the WTO. But like the rest of the international economic architecture, we need to reform to meet today’s 21st century challenges. I will never cease pointing out that a critical reform that can release billions of dollars in financing for the sustainable development goals involves reforming trade-distorting, inequitable, and environmentally damaging subsidies. At the WTO, we can help in this regard. Our 2022 agreement on carbon-harmful fishery subsidies shows the way. It will release 22 billion once it becomes effective in public resources that were damaging our oceans and threatening food and livelihood security. Furthermore, by reforming agricultural subsidies, we can release $630 billion in annual farm subsidies to finance the SDGs. Fossil fuel subsidy reform could unlock up to $1.2 trillion in funds, and $300 billion in environmentally damaging water subsidies can also be reformed. We could also generate additional financing for the SDGs by developing and deploying a global approach to carbon pricing and taxation that channels resources to those who need it most. for a just transition. My colleagues on the table, the IMF, the World Bank, UNFCCC, UNCTAD, and OECD, we are all working together on such an approach. We are also reforming our dispute settlement system, and we are laying foundations for the exciting new opportunities in trade in digital, in green trade, and we are looking for the ballot to deliver a predictable, stable, and open rules-based trading system. Please join us to do this. Thank you.

Chair: Thank you very much, Director General of the World Trade Organization. I now give the floor to Mr. Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank. Please.

Ajay Banga: Thank you, Chair. A year ago, we wrote a new playbook, one that is fit for purpose, aimed at confronting today’s intertwined challenges while preparing for the uncertainties of tomorrow. Informed by the G20 expert group, we are advancing a set of reforms at the fastest pace we can. We expanded our mission and vision, create a world free of poverty and a livable planet, shortened our project approval process. By three months, we are going to work on this further. Integrated operations across all parts of the bank, IBRD, IFC, IDA, Amiga, and 20 pilot countries to simplify how we serve clients, stretched our existing balance sheet, leading to $120 billion of additional lending over the next 10 years, widened and deepened partnerships with other MDBs and other multilateral institutions. Overall, our knowledge bank structure, we are focusing on creating bankable projects and implementing them, providing capacity to client governments when needed. And we’ve worked to rebuild a focused corporate scorecard, 150 items down to 22, driving the institution towards impact. As a direct result of these, we are on a path to deliver greater scale and greater impact. Let me give you a few examples. Working with partners to bring electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030. Committed to deploy 45% of our funds. towards climate by 2025, half for mitigation, half for adaptation. Climate resilient debt pause clauses. And we set a target to provide quality, affordable healthcare to 1.5 billion people by 2030. So this is exciting for us, but we are very clear eyed about the scale of our challenges. First, there is the funding gap that the chair spoke to. Meanwhile, 1.2 billion young people in emerging markets will become working age adults over the next 10 to 12 years. Forecasts are that 420 million jobs await them, leaving nearly 800 million people without a clear path to prosperity and dignity. Forecasts are not destiny. And closing the financing and jobs gap will be helped by a significant replenishment of the International Development Association and its ability to multiply every donor dollar up to four times. But even with a bigger, better, more effective World Bank, even with all development institutions and philanthropy pushing together, we’re gonna need the private sector, we’re gonna need a specific focus on jobs, and we will need creative solutions for debt and liquidity challenges. So what are we trying to do? To ease the debt burden for four countries in the common framework, we’ve committed close to $16 billion from IDA of about half of which was pure grants, the rest concessional. Same period, same countries, net positive flows from the bank over 9 billion. For small businesses, 90% of all firms, 70% of employment, we’re exploring solutions to help banks lend against cash flow instead of relying on assets. This could usher in genuine growth if successful at scale. We’re pursuing a comprehensive work plan to aid private sector investing in emerging markets helped by a private sector investment lab and our work to become faster and simpler and the publication of our proprietary default and recovery data that is very useful to investors. And just last month, we announced a dedicated initiative aimed at generating jobs led by President Tharman of Singapore. Singapore, and President Michel Bachelet of Chile. The progress we aspire to achieve and will focus on this whole week demands more from us all. It requires that we do not succumb to the tyranny of small things. Most importantly, it requires this constellation of willing partners to work together as collaborators. That is what urgency and the moment demands from all of us. Thank you.

Chair: I would like to thank the President of the World Bank. We will now hear from Ms. Giorgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund.

Kristalina Georgieva: Thank you, Chair. A very good morning to all. When we strive to look into the future, it is important to first recognize where we are today. On the positive side, the world economy has proven to be remarkably resilient to the multiple shocks of the last years. Inflation generated by these shocks and by the response to them is finally receding, and we are avoiding the recession we feared may come. But prospects for growth are at their lowest levels in decades, and low growth means fewer jobs, lower incomes. We expect global growth of around 3% over the next five years. This is almost a percentage point less than in the decades before COVID. And this is most dramatic for low-income countries. Low-income countries are still 7.5%. sent below their growth trajectory before COVID. With elevated debt pressures in many countries, the world is at risk of falling into a low-growth, high-debt trap. The political economy environment is also becoming very complex. In many countries, inequality is up. The result is feelings of unfairness are eroding trust and striking social unrest. And as we heard from Ngozi, global fragmentation is rising. Yet, so what is in the future? We do stand at the cusp of a remarkable transformation fueled by technological change and the green innovation. We can harness higher green growth and jobs if we all concentrate on reshaping our economies. And artificial intelligence, if we deploy it properly, can add up to 0.8% to global growth. In other words, address the problem of slow growth I started from. And it is, as we heard from the chair, this decade, what we do in this decade would be absolutely critical. What do we see at the Fund? Three main objectives. Keep what works well, and it is strong policies, strong institutions. Second, remove the barriers to growth, domestically and internationally. And third, resist excessive protectionism so together we can do better. For us at the Fund, this translates in four priorities. First, work with our members on macro policies and sound performance. Second, leverage our financial strength to direct more to low-income countries, more to countries in need. And I am pleased to say that we lend 370. billion over the last years, and we are generating more funding for low-income countries through the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust and the Sustainable and Resilience and Sustainability Trust. Three, it is important for us to help countries address the debt conundrum. We work with the bank. We created a new Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable to reshape how we address debt, and we changed our policies to be faster in our action. Last but not least, be more representative. We have created a new chair on our Board of Directors for Sub-Saharan Africa, so African members are more visible at the IMF, and we are working hard with our membership towards a new formula for quota distribution, so next year we can take on that journey effectively. I want to finish with the following. I am a very happy Managing Director today. Why? Because a small country, Liechtenstein, had a referendum on whether they should join the IMF, and they said, yes, so now we have grown to 191 members as a result, and it says the following, together we are stronger. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Chair: I thank the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund. Thank you. Now, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, I now open the floor for statements by delegations inscribed on the list of speakers for this dialogue, and I kindly remind all speakers once again of the time limit of three minutes for all statements. This will be strictly implemented through the use of automatic microphone cut-off. In accordance with Resolution No. 72 of Article 313, the whole protocol observed principle is recommended, whereby participants are encouraged to refrain from the listing of standard protocol expressions during their statements. I give the floor to His Excellency William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya. Excellency.

Kenya: The global economy is facing multiple shocks that threaten to undo the progress made towards the Sustainable Development Goals. While no country is immune, many, where most humanity live, are more vulnerable than others. The gravity of the situation has been unlighted by the 2024 Inter-Agency Task Force on Financing Development, which has sounded the alarm bell on a looming sustainable development crisis driven by financing challenges that jeopardize both the SDGs and climate action. In the circumstances, the upcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development may be our last opportunity to make the radical changes needed to realize and realign our development priorities to meet the SDGs by 2030. We must urgently close financing gaps, bridge international divides, and restore trust in multilateralism. However, the current multilateral system is clearly struggling to address these immense complex and dynamic challenges effectively. As a member of the SDG Stimulus Programme, I am committed to working with the SDGs to leaders group, which coordinates the mobilization of financial resources needed to accelerate global progress towards 2030 agenda. And as we do our best to achieve this goal, we also must recognize that the prevailing multilateral institutional architecture is dysfunctional, or at least highly ineffective, and cannot be relied upon to provide the solutions for the world that we all urgently need. This is why countries are increasingly turning to innovative, homegrown approaches to solve their most pressing problems. To achieve the SDGs, we must address the structural and financial issues hampering multilateral institutions, particularly their negative impact on developing countries. These challenges include limited fiscal ability, rising debt, unfair credit rating frameworks, and uneven interest rate regime. In the face of deteriorating global economic conditions, worsened by relentless climate crisis, these weaknesses limit the opportunities, especially in low-income countries. Today, one in three developing countries is at risk of defaulting on their debt obligations. The role of unfair and unjust global financial system is compounding economic crisis and deepening inequalities. Development financing is not keeping pace with the economic realities and urgent needs of developing world. Consequently, the gap between developing world and developing nations continue to grow, creating a form of development appetite. The Addis Ababa action agenda designed to address these challenges has lost momentum, with only 15% SDGs on track. Thank you. Thank you.

Chair: Thank you, Excellency President. I would like to thank you very much, the President of the Republic of Kenya. And now, I would like to hand over the floor to Her Excellency Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda.

Uganda: Thank you so much. Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. The Group highly appreciates the tremendous effort that has been made by the Republic of Namibia and the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Zambia, the Kingdom of Sweden, as well as the Kingdom of Netherlands and the Republic of Jamaica, who for over the last 18 months have carefully co-facilitated the intergovernmental negotiation process of the Summit of the Future, the Global Digital Compact, the Declaration of the Future Generations, respectively, leading to the formulation of the Pact for the Future and its two annexes. The world today has changed dramatically since the adoption of the 23rd Agenda for Sustainable Development, and progress at halfway point of the agenda is increasingly fragile. The gap between developed and developing countries has widened with little recourse for developing countries due to structural asymmetries in global governance. We, the Group of 77 and China, therefore, call for action to strengthen and reinvigorate multilateralism, and deepen international cooperation. We call for a multilateral system with the United Nations at its center, reflecting the realities of today’s world by ensuring the voice and representation of developing countries in the global decision making. We emphasize that the UN remains the most inclusive and legitimate forum for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. We call for strengthening the leadership role of the United Nations in the global economic governance and the reform of the international financial architecture. We welcome the initiative to convene a biannual summit at the level of heads of state and government to strengthen existing links and coordination between the United Nations and the international financial institutions. We call for undertaking governance reforms at the international financial institutions and multilateral development banks, and we underscore the need for enhancing representation and a voice of developing countries in decision making in the international financial architecture, especially the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to deliver more effective, credible, accountable, and legitimate institutions. In addition to changes to quotas and voting power, we welcome other steps taken to improve the voice and representation of developing countries.

Chair: Thank you very much, Madam Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, who was speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 in China. Thank you very much. Thank you. Now, I would like to give the floor to His Excellency, Luc Frieden. Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Luxembourg: Thank you, Chair. Luxembourg is fully committed to the implementation of the Pact for the Future and I am very satisfied that it has been adopted this morning. The Pact contains a number of actions that, if implemented in good faith, will help us make good on existing commitments and deliver on new commitments to address emerging challenges. Among those commitments is the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. And today, many of these goals seem far from reach, including those that are so important for humanity and poverty in all its forms, and hunger, achieve gender equality. What do we need to do? I think we need to do better at the national level. We need to transform global governance, including the international financial architecture, to better reflect the changing global economic landscapes and the geopolitical realities of our century. My country, Luxembourg, is committed to doing what it takes. We are one of the handful of UN Member States surpassing the goal of dedicating 0.7% of gross national income to official development assistance. Today, we are at 1%. And a significant part of it goes to least developed countries and former such countries, who continue to face particular vulnerabilities, like Cabo Verde, for example. Beyond ODA, it is crucial that we support our developing partners in improving governance and attracting investments. We also deliver on our commitments on climate finance, which in our case is additional to our ODA, and it should be. be for other Member States as well. We support the efforts of the World Bank, the IMF, and multilateral development banks, including the European Investment Bank, to increase the resources available for financing both development and climate action. The Luxembourg Stock Exchange, for instance, is a world leader in the listing of green bonds. We help leverage private finance for the SGGs and it is crucial to have this public-private partnership to achieve our goals. The reform of the international financial architecture is an important step towards strengthening the global economic governance, and Luxembourg welcomes the efforts underway at the IMF and the World Bank. They deserve all our support. Thank you.

Chair: Thank you, Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Now, I give the floor to His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba, President of the Republic of Namibia.

Namibia: Thank you. At this pivotal moment in history, we stand united with unwavering commitment to our shared future. To respond effectively to our challenges, institutions of global governance must prioritise the voice of all nations, regardless of size or economic standing. This includes reforming the United Nations, international financial institutions and multilateral bodies. To turbocharge the global goals, we must act with agency, in several areas. One, eradicating poverty and inequality. Two, we must be able to create decent jobs for our people. Three, we must provide good education to our people in order to provide them also with health facilities. Four, we must act to combat climate change because this is the thing that is creating problem for all of us. We have drought, we have floods, we have all kind of problems because of that. We must transit to renewable energy. We must protect our ecosystem and implement the Paris Agreement in full. We must empower our youth and women. The empowerment of women and youth is central to the achievement of the SDGs. We must dismantle systemic barriers to their full participation in society, creating environments where they can thrive and lead. We must embrace positive aspect of technology and innovation. Namibia support the commitment to address global shocks through innovative proposal for enhanced international response. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for the United Nations to be equipped with a robust mechanism, ensuring we are always prepared for future challenges. Lastly, we must act now. The stakes are too high, and the cost of inaction is far too great. Let us rise to this historic challenge, transform global governance, and accelerate our progress toward sustainable development goals. Together, we can build a future that is equitable, sustainable, and filled with hope.

Chair: Thank you, President of the Republic of Namibia. Now I give the floor to His Excellency Panapasi Nelesoni , Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development of Tuvalu.

Tuvalu: The adoption of the 2030 Agenda signalled the start of a new era of multilateralism. It was, and could still be, our plan of action to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity. With five years remaining to meet the 2030 Agenda, we must re-evaluate where we stand on the pledge that no one will be left behind. As we face more frequent and more extreme climate disasters each year, Tuvalu faces the reality that we will either drown in debt or be drowned by the sea. At this time, my country is concerned that without urgent action and commitment from the multilateral system, vulnerable countries like mine will not only be left behind, but abandoned. The ocean is vital for regulating the Earth’s climate, supporting states’ economies and maintaining biodiversity. SDG 14 recognises the need for ocean protection and creating opportunities for sustainable economic activity. Despite this, we are concerned that SDG 14 remains unfunded, and four out of eight targets have lapsed. The Pacific has long established our role as stewards of the ocean and its resources, but despite our best efforts, ocean health continues to decline in the face of acidification, pollution, ANOVA exploitation, and IUU fishing. We need international cooperation to establish global governance frameworks that generate meaningful ocean protection. The recently concluded BBNJ Treaty is an important example of what we can achieve when we work together and to work on all member states to commit to ambitious and effective obligations in the ongoing negotiations for a legally binding instrument to address plastic pollution, including in the maritime and marine environment. Excellencies, each year Tuvalu faces cyclones, droughts, and king tides, which increase in frequency and intensity. Each disaster forces us into debt for disaster relief, and with few natural resources to generate GDP, we must choose loan servicing over development activities, locking us into the disaster debt under investment cycle. Development partners continue to double count official development assistance, ODA, as climate finance, and continue to prioritize adaptation over mitigation, despite the clear calls from SIDS that both must go hand in hand. Despite our calls for reform, the global financial architecture continues to press through lending practices of multilateral development banks and partners which contain restrictive procurement conditions.

Chair: I give the floor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba.

Cuba: Excellencies, Fulfillment of the 2030 Agenda and the supreme goal of the eradication of poverty cannot be achieved unless we honestly address the structural and moral failings of the current international order. A truly transformative agenda towards this must clearly indicate the guidelines for reform of the international financial architecture in terms of governance, representation and access to financing by developing countries. Making progress towards a multilateral mechanism for the renegotiation of sovereign debt with fair treatment that is focused on development. Guaranteeing swift and considerable recapitalization of the multilateral development banks in order to improve the loan conditions. Making progress in establishing measures and indicators beyond GDP in order to define access for developing countries to financing under favorable conditions. Rejecting the implementation of unilateral coercive measures that are incompatible with international law. Cuba has suffered the effects of this. After 70 years of a blockade and most recently following its inclusion in the spurious and unilateral list of supposedly terror-sponsoring states. This is defined unilaterally by the government of the United States. This agenda must drive cooperation in the area of science, technology and innovation. The aim must be to move towards a development model that is more sustainable and equitable. The summit of G77 in China in Havana in 2023 made significant contributions to this. India must also ensure reform of international value chains that will allow developing countries to industrialize their products. And I am pleased to leave you with the remaining 11 seconds. Thank you.

Chair: Thank you Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cuba. Now I give the floor to Minister for Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

Liberia: Excellencies, I appreciate the opportunity to speak today and we start out firstly by saying transformation is an imperative. But if we do not agree on what transformation means for each country, we can never move towards it equitably. Liberia believes that at the heart of this transformation lies a re-energized commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. We believe that a shared roadmap for a future where prosperity, equality and environmental sustainability are achieved for all, that will be the transformation that we desire. Reforms are needed. Reforms that look at the overall UN system, global governance and global institutions. The Security Council, a council that should have two permanent seats for Africa, a council that should have more that will change than remain the same. We believe that we need a reflection on the historical circumstances that gave birth to the Bretton Woods institutions, asking why poverty has plummeted using their framework of operation. We need to reform the approach to defence. Military spending continues to increase at the expense of… education, health, justice, peace, and human dignity. If we spend more on those areas, we will have to spend less on the military. We need to reform our universal mindset. We need to work together as one globe, working together with equity, with fairness, with justice. Liberia is bidding for a non-permanent seat at the Security Council, representing the continent of Africa. We’re going to that with the view that the reforms of the UN Security Council are necessary, and they are necessary now. And we believe that for there to be a better world with less crises, the Security Council must be a council that remains relevant, fair, and objective in its operations. We believe that a more representative and effective Security Council will enhance global peace and security, which is a foundation for sustainable peace and sustainable development. Excellences, we call for a renewed focus on public-private partnerships that can drive innovation and progress. This includes empowering young people, giving our children the opportunity to dream and to drive towards development from their perspective of what the future looks like for them. We need to support women-led businesses and create inclusive economic opportunities that leave no one behind. Climate change, climate justice, in the midst of climate change is what we call for. We believe that climate justice will do justice for those who have caused the crisis and those who are bearing the brunt. We recognize that the 2030 Agenda is still at hand. There’s an opportunity, but without reforming Bretton Woods institutions and reforming global governance, it will not be a reality for all. Everyone needs a fighting chance at the Sustainable Development Goals, and the reforms are the only way. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Chair: Thank you. Thank you, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Liberia. Now. I give the floor to Senior Minister of Planning and Development of Benin.

Benin: Merci beaucoup. Thank you very much. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, Benin has many reasons to congratulate themselves in terms of implementing the SDGs. We have put forward economic measures, significant ones, and therefore my country has started a structural transformation of our economy. And also, social work has enabled us to reduce poverty by more than four points. Ladies and gentlemen, these results could have been better if the global governance system had not imposed limitations, crises having to do with health, finance, security, reduces the margin of maneuver in our world today. We came out of it more or less all right, but not all countries had the same opportunity. Many situations worsened. We realize now that less than 20 percent of SDGs will be attained, and that means that we need to pay special attention to that. This morning, we adopted the pact. We now need to work thereupon for Benin. The response here is to the multilateral approach. This is to lead us to commit all of us to preserving global goods, in particular climate, economic stability, and international security. Especially we need to be paying attention to a sustainable development system. If we want to have a sustainably developed world, we need to have a global governance system which goes beyond the current paradigms and places humankind at the core of its concerns. Global governance which recognizes that every life is precious, that every culture is of great value, that each nation… and small or large has a role to play. The paradox today is that we live during the time when technological advancements and the wealth are great. And my country, as many others, are forward-looking. We have very clear expectations of the future when it comes to the renewal of the global system, for example. We want to make sure that it’s based on the values of solidarity, on financing for development. For us, solidarity is not just a philosophic ideal, but a vital need. And it’s not to be limited by the immediate interest or opportunities, but it is to be a sincere commitment for the well-being of every individual in every country. I thank you.

Chair: Thank you. Thank you, Senior Minister of Planning and Development of Benin. Now I give the floor to His Excellency Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera ,President of the Republic of Malawi.

Malawi: Thank you very much, Excellencies, heads of state and government, and leaders of delegations. Ladies and gentlemen, between the dawn and the dusk of human history, each generation has a unique assignment to contribute to the progress of the human race and its stewardship of the Earth, and our generation’s assignment to that journey is the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, to create decent living conditions and equal opportunities for every person alive. This is an assignment we simply cannot afford to fail. However, in order to pass, we must first accept that at this midterm point in this semester, we are in fact failing and it is time to catch up and catching up means speeding up. But developing countries like Malawi and other LDCs cannot speed up while their hands and legs are being tied by the punitive lending terms of global financial institutions, the exclusionary governance structures of multilateral organizations, the monopolization of access to technologies by developing developed countries, and the international community’s weak mechanism for enforcing commitments on both remedial climate financing from the economies that cause climate change and territorial compliance for those that cause armed conflicts. The truth is that our response to these four shackles leaves a lot to be desired and demands a radical resolve from all of us to supercharge the advancement of SDGs. And toward that end, Malawi strongly advocates for establishing a dedicated global green fund to exclusively finance clean energy projects in developing nations, doing so by offering concessional loans, grants, and guarantees to mitigate the financial risks associated with green energy investments effectively. Secondly, Malawi advocates for the incorporation of peace and security assessments into the lending criteria of international financial institutions, thus ensuring that those that wage wars on other nations or refuse to silence their guns are not rewarded with funding at the expense of those that live in peace. Thirdly, Malawi strongly advocates for digital inclusion through digital skills training and digital infrastructure development as well as the development of a global policy and regulatory framework for the safe utilization of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

Chair: I thank the President of the Republic of Malawi. And now I give the floor to the Minister of Heritage, Estate, Portfolio and Public Enterprises of Côte d’Ivoire.

Côte d’Ivoire: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we hail the United Nations for everything they have made available to us and the warm welcome and encouraging states to achieve the SDGs. In order to do this, the government of Côte d’Ivoire has adapted these two realities in the country with a plan for full implementation. We have three key axes for this implementation. Firstly, the important and favorable changes in reduction of poverty, access to health, reducing inequalities, access to drinking water, sanitation and access to sustainable solutions. The fight against inequality and the fight against climate change and access to marine resources are also important. I’ll also mention strengthening of our efforts in order to ensure equal access, the empowerment of women and girls and full productive employment and the creation of decent jobs for all. We can see that the level of poverty has been cut by half between 2011 and 2021. The rate of primary schooling has also almost doubled between 2014 and 2020, and access to drinking water has increased by 25 percentage points between 2011 and 2023, and the level of access to electricity has also increased significantly, achieving 86% in the country. Between 30 to 60 percent of the SDG targets have been met, and so we need considerable further efforts to achieve the remaining ones. For the last category of these, we have significant structures in place, but we would welcome further support. We have initiated social programs to improve living conditions in households in the area of health, education, drinking water, and access to electricity, and also to support young people and women in order to improve access to employment. This is the situation in Côte d’Ivoire, ladies and gentlemen, in terms of implementation of the SDGs, and we need further support for solidarity and multilateral mechanisms in order to facilitate achievement of the SDGs for the most vulnerable countries. I thank you.

Chair: Thank you, Minister for Heritage, State Portfolio and Public Enterprises of Côte d’Ivoire. Now I give the floor to Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia.

Malaysia: Mr. Chairman, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, The multifaceted challenges that we face today, from climate change and economic inequality to geopolitical tensions and humanitarian crisis, requires more than a one-size-fits-all solution. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and sea level rise significantly challenge our global resilience. Concurrently, economic inequalities persist, particularly in developing nations that struggle to access affordable finance. The widening gap between developed and developing countries undermines social reforms and obstructs progress towards sustainable development. Geopolitical tensions exacerbate these issues leading to migration, displacement, and further humanitarian challenges. Addressing these interconnected problems demands a coordinated and multidimensional approach fostering comprehensive solutions. At the heart of our response must be the reform of international finance architecture to better support and aspiration of all nations, especially those in the developing world. Excellencies, we must collectively rethink the criteria for assessing international finance, ensuring they reflect the diverse realities of all countries and create pathways for meaningful developments. Malaysia calls for financial systems that prioritises inclusivity and sustainability, providing enhanced support for regional development banks and the adoption of new financial instruments tailored to the needs of the developing and least developed countries. Enhancing for sustainable development, financing for sustainable development, particularly in critical areas such as climate action, healthcare, and green infrastructure must be prioritised to achieve the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals. Transparency and inclusivity in the governance of international financial institutions are essential. Malaysia advocates for broader civil society involvement and capacity building initiatives to strengthen monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, ensuring efficient use of funds, accurate outcome measurements and the application of lessons learned to future projects. Excellencies, Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to multilateralism as the cornerstone of our collective efforts to build a better future. We stand ready to work with all nations to reform the international financial system to ensure that it serves as a catalyst for sustainable, inclusive, and equitable development. Mr President, I thank you.

Chair: Thank you very much, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Malaysia. Now, I give the floor to Minister for Finance, National Planning and Trade of Seychelles.

Seychelles: Ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to speak today on an important matter of addressing the urgent need for transforming global governance and accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We are at a critical juncture. Progress on the sustainable development goals is faltering, with many countries particularly the most vulnerable at risk of being left behind. One of the central obstacles is the inequitable and outdated international financial architecture, which exacerbates existing vulnerabilities and perpetuates inequality. The 2024 Sustainable Development Report reminds us that we are currently off track to achieve the sustainable development goals by 2030. Small island developing states in particular face significant disadvantages due to the extreme exposure to external shocks such as climate change, pandemics, and geopolitical tensions. The SEADS4 conference earlier this year highlighted the need to evolve the international financial architecture to fully address the unique development circumstances of SEADS. This includes making concessional finance more accessible to reduce fiscal constraints and the risk of indebtedness. Reforming the current system is crucial to create fiscal space for investment in economic and physical resilience, which can serve as a buffer against any future shocks. In our case, despite being classified as a high-income country, SEADS has a limited scope to mobilize funding and high borrowing costs further restricts our capacity. to raise funds. For 2024, an expected 36% of government’s revenue is being channeled towards debt repayment, which could otherwise be invested in critical infrastructure and social progress. This underscores the need for a more effective financial system that supports its development. It is only through accessing, access to affordable and reliable financing that the implementation of the SDGs can be accelerated. Therefore, we continue to advocate for the integration of country-specific risk into developing financing. The Multidimensional Vulnerability Index is a crucial tool in this regard, offering a more accurate measure of a country’s ability to manage external shocks. The reform also requires the adoption of a holistic approach, ensuring that the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Seeds is integrated into all support and policy pathways for our islands. All the progress is being made. More innovative mechanisms similar to the Resilience and Sustainability Fund are essential to support climate action and resilient development in seeds. In conclusion, transforming global governance and the international financial system is key to turbocharging the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. We must ensure that all countries, especially those facing the greatest challenges,

Chair: Thank you, Minister of Finance, National Planning and Trade of Seychelles. Now I give the floor to Minister of National Planning and Development Coordination of Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands: Thank you, Chair, Excellency. The international financial architecture has several vulnerability and inequality that can be undermine financial stability and equitable economic growth, including financial imbalance between countries with large current account and those. like my own country with persistent deficit. Debt vulnerability of developing countries and inadequate integration of climate change into global financial system, this among other factors point to the need to reform the international financial architecture. Debt relief and restructure is pertinent and urgent. Countries need to extend and improve initiative like debt servicing suspension initiative and the common framework for debt treatment to provide more comprehensive debt relief. Bringing forward innovative debt relief solutions such as debt for sustainable development goals show up. Current financial flow insufficient to meet the estimated annual 4 trillion funding gap to achieve sustainable development goals. There is need to strengthen sustainable development goals linked to financial instrument. Global institutions like the World Bank and IFM should be intensive in incentivize sustainable development goals related investment through highly concessional financing and risk mitigation mechanism. The need to enhance the voice and representative of developing countries within the international financial institution and focus more dialogue between the UN agencies and system with the financial institution to enhance financial flow to sustainable development implementation. I thank you Mr. Chair and Excellency. Thank you.

Chair: I thank Minister of National Planning and Development, Coordination of Solomon Islands. I give the floor to the next speaker, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Zambia.

Zambia: Thank you. Thank you very much. Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, Zambia is fully committed to our shared vision of a just, equitable, and sustainable world. However, with the slow pace of progress in the attainment of SDGs, reforms to the global financial architecture to make it more responsive to current global challenges, such as endemic poverty, inequality, as well as health and climate crises, this cannot be overemphasized, that it cannot be overemphasized, beg pardon, that there is need to bring equity in the manner in which these crucial aspects of the global financial architecture are dealt with. It is clear that to achieve the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda, we must not only commit ourselves to these noble goals, but also transform the structures that govern our international cooperation, including the global financial architecture. However, the global financial architecture in its present form is laden with structural flaws that impede its capacity to mobilize adequate long-term financing to support the implementation of the SDGs. Developing countries are unable to adequately leverage international financial markets on account of unreasonably high-risk perceptions that invariably factor into the high cost of borrowing. This is further worsened by the fact that the international financial institutions and the multilateral development banks that offer more concessionary financing lack sufficient scale to provide adequate financing to development needs of LDCs. There is therefore need to scale up international mechanisms for de-risking private investment in order to. promote FDI and other capital flows into developing countries. Your excellencies, furthermore, there’s need for enhanced international support in strengthening domestic resource mobilization among developing countries. This could be done through institutional capacity building to enable tax administrations combat illicit financial flows, tax evasion and profit shifting, as well as the speedy implementation of the UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation Initiative. Chairperson, noting that current levels of ODA are inadequate to achieve the SDGs, especially in Africa, we call on developed countries to fulfill their existing commitments of contributing 0.7% of GDP. Thank you.

Chair: I thank Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Zambia. Now I give the floor to Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Mali.

Mali: Merci. Thank you, Chairman. Mali would like to reaffirm its commitment to multilateralism, which is embodied by our organization, the United Nations, but also to the respect of the principles we have in Article 2 of the Charter, namely sovereign equality of all states and non-interference in the domestic affairs of states, and also the non-use of geopolitical considerations when it comes to populations. We have moved on to specific actions. So as truly transform global governance and undertake major reforms, which our people have been asking for a long time, in particular within the Security Council and the multilateral institutions, the United Nations have to stop continuously perpetuating the old order and the hegemony of certain groups over the world, and stop with the remnants of neocolonialism. The world needs collective leadership which can work together so as to forge a consensus which we need so as to tackle the challenges and do this in solidarity and equity. And this is a way we will be promoting the world of peace and justice and leave no one behind. one behind such reforms will help us promote sustainable development in our countries, all the while contributing towards ending crying inequalities in our countries. Now, given the scope of SDGs, we plan that absolute priority be given to creating a robust mechanism for innovative funding. So as to truly implement Agenda 2023, we call for strengthened partnerships between South-South, private-public partnership, or even investment in our countries of funding by diaspora. And especially, we call for growing mobilization of domestic resources. It’s important to accelerate them so as to implement our 2030 Agenda. To conclude, I would like to say that Mali sees that our challenges as something that we can tackle, provided we show courage and imagination. And we can collectively show true will for global governance, which serves all the peoples. I thank you.

Chair: Thank you. Thank you, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Mali. Now, I give the floor to Minister of Foreign Affairs Foreign and Caricom Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago.

Trinidad and Tobago: Excellencies, Trinidad and Tobago is grateful for the opportunity to discuss the imperative transformation of global governance. This is not merely a call to action. It is a pivotal moment in our shared journey toward the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. The challenges we face demand innovative approaches and collaborative solutions that reflect the diverse voices and aspirations of all nations. In an increasingly complex world marked by geopolitical tension, climate emergencies, and socio-economic disparities, we must rethink our governance approaches at both national and international levels. Our vision for sustainable development cannot thrive in isolation. It needs a collaborative framework that transcends borders and fosters trust among nations. The 2030 Agenda calls for bold commitments to eradicate poverty, protect our planet, and promote peace and prosperity for all, but we must acknowledge the gaps that persist. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted existing inequalities disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable. To turbocharge the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, we must prioritize the reforming of global governance structures. We need inclusive platforms that amplify the voices of small island developing states and marginalized nations. Trinidad and Tobago advocates for a governance model that embodies transparency, accountability, and the active participation of all stakeholders, governments, civil society, and the private sector. Furthermore, investment in technology and innovation is crucial. We must leverage digital solutions to enhance data sharing, collaboration, and monitoring of the SDGs. Knowledge exchange should be central to our efforts, ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are accessible to all. Let us recommit to a future where governance is the key. global governance is more equitable and responsive. None must be left behind. The time for action is now. Together we can transform our aspirations into reality, ensuring that we embark on this journey together toward sustainable development.

Chair: Thank you Minister for Foreign and Curriculum Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago. Now I give the floor to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad of Tunisia.

Tunisia: Mr. Chairman, an objective review of the current shape of our organization stresses the need of a deep reform, since it has been unable to shoulder its main responsibility, specifically providing a financial safety net for states in need. Accessing sufficient and long-term financing to help developing countries in their recovery and in achieving sustainable development has been bound by a purely profit logic based on short-term gains, which usually give preference to rich states’ interests. This is specifically what the Secretary General meant when he stressed that the system is morally bankrupt. At a time when developing states go through a severe financial crisis and need liquidity more than ever, after their resources were depleted, by the COVID-19 pandemic, they find themselves compelled to either succumb to the IMF’s conditions, even at the expense of their peace and social stability, or borrow from financial markets at exorbitant interest rates, sometimes double the rates given to developed states, especially in light of the excessive reliance on the ratings of credit rating agencies. These agencies give access to concessional financing based on the ability to pay and not based on the state and its priorities, without any supervision. As a result, to pay their debt, developing countries have to spend more than what they spend on basic services and human development, such as education, health, and social protection. Sometimes they even have to borrow to pay their debt. Hence, the urgent need for structural reforms leading to a just and transparent financial system that takes into account the needs and priorities of developing states based on the principles of global good governance. Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, the socio-economic conditions caused by this outdated system and its successive crises require new and urgent measures that bring back trust into international institutions based on the pillars of multilateral work.

Chair: Foreign affairs, migration, and Tunisians abroad of Tunisia. Now, I gave the floor to Minister of Finance and Developmental Planning of Lesotho.

Lesotho: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The summit. the future provides us all with an opportunity to forge a new global consensus. This consensus aims not only to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs, but also to shape the kind of international system that we desire, and that will suit the current and future circumstances benefiting both the current and future generations. The world has significantly advanced in leveraging technology and innovation to enhance the socio-economic landscape. Digital pathways have revolutionized access to information and technology. The rapid and widespread use of technology and artificial intelligence is transforming societies and nations at an unprecedented pace. While these developments are positive, they also highlight the stark disparities in technological levels between the global south and the global north, as well as the digital divide within our countries. Bridging this gap can unlock economies and fully harness the global digital economy. As the Pact for the Future correctly notes, advance in knowledge, science, technology and innovation could deliver a breakthrough to a better and more sustainable future for all. In reviewing the SDG progress, many countries have recognized that financing for development is not only crucial, but also a key determinant to SDG attainment. Global economic shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflicts have impacted financing as initially envisioned. A new approach to financing for development is therefore necessary. The upcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Spain in 2025 and the Pact for the Future from the Summit of the Future are positive steps towards a solution in this regard. However, governments must continue to implement strategies to enhance domestic resource mobilization. We acknowledge the potential of the youth as a catalyst for future growth, enhancing youth participation in governance, entrepreneurship, and decision-making is a necessity. By fostering innovation, securing sustainable financing, promoting peace, and empowering youth, we can address global challenges in a better way. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Excellencies.

Georgia: The vision put forth by the UN Secretary-General for this Summit emphasized the importance of forging multilateral solutions that could lead us towards a more promising future. I am honored to participate on behalf of the Delegation of Georgia and this exceptional opportunity at such a critical juncture. It is my sincere hope that this Summit will give an impetus to a renewed effort to implement evolving changes for peace, stability, and sustainable development. Ladies and gentlemen, we are witnessing a number of transformations to reimagine the global financial architecture, enabling it to more effectively tackle the urgent contemporary challenges. These challenges encompass still lingering impacts of the pandemic, persistent conflicts and wars, including Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, escalating socioeconomic inequalities, humanitarian emergencies, food insecurity, and the pressing issue of climate change, all of which impede the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. In this regard, approaches taken by the international financial institutions are extremely crucial. Countries that have struggled, and many that continue to struggle, with high debt-to-GDP ratio need to benefit from the instruments provided by the IFC. These instruments need to be more flexible and adaptable to individual needs. For many countries, including Georgia, fiscal parameters were breached during the pandemic. Debt-to-GDP ratio reached up to 61%, and fiscal deficit 9.3% of GDP. Since then, Georgia has experienced a very strong recovery, resulting in double-digit economic growth expected to range between 7% and 9% in 2023-2024. We are pleased to note that a sustainable and strong public finance management system was achieved as a result of deep and comprehensive reforms supported by IFIS. Looking ahead, we believe that Georgia is poised to sustain its economic growth by developing transformative infrastructure across key sectors, such as transportation, energy, and developing human capital. We trust that IFIS and MDBs will continue to innovate and unlock new financing instruments to further strengthen our partnerships. As we continue our efforts to reverse the key drivers of backsliding on economic and development progress, let me reiterate Georgia’s commitment to renewed impetus and accelerated actions to achieve the SDGs and foster financial stability and economic growth. Together, we have to find tangible ways to trigger transformative actions and deliver on the promises of this Summit. I thank you.

Chair: Thank you, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Georgia. Now, next speaker is State Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development of the Democratic Republic of Congo. I give the floor.

Congo: Merci. Thank you very much, Chairman, for giving me the floor. The Democratic Republic of the Congo welcomes this dialogue and appreciates the concerns that were presented in the form of questions with a view to discussing and ensuring reform of the international financial architecture. At the time of their creation, the World Bank and the IMF, the situation has evolved. since then, and the situation now. At the time of their creation, certain countries were colonies, but today they are sovereign states, and these countries must see their own priorities reflected. This has been recognized by the Secretary General. Our countries cannot develop when we are saddled with debt. We must focus on achievement of goal number 17 in a way that is beneficial to all. Our priorities and our potential must be taken into account. We are poor countries, and we have suffered from climate change, but we also represent the solutions for saving humanity thanks to our forest resources. They absorb the pollution that we are not responsible for. We also have water resources that can produce energy for the world, energy that is clean in order to support the energy transition. We also have biodiversity and strategic minerals that can help the planet move towards this energy transition. In order to make this a reality, the DRC has taken the option not only of using our local resources but transforming them to allow us also within the Congo Basin to have access to this energy transition. Ladies and gentlemen, the reform of international financial architecture is currently a priority. It must allow the countries of the world to develop on an equal footing. And this is why we must leave behind ODA in order to move towards true partnership and cooperation. carbon credits that we are hoping will help to finance our own projects and achieving the SDGs for ourselves. Thank you.

Chair: Thank you, State Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Now I give the floor to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates of Egypt.

Egypt: Thank you so much, Chairman. Even before the current cascading crisis, developing countries have been facing enormous challenges in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Following the devastating impacts of COVID-19, the repercussions of geopolitical tension and the adverse effects of climate change, the current global context could not be more pressing. Current crises have rolled back many years of the hard-won progress in developing countries. An urgent reform of the international financial architecture is required to enable the developing countries to better respond to the multiple overlapping global crises and build resilience for the future. We need to boast the voice of representation of developing countries on the boards of the international financial institutions. The UN should play a leading role in this reform. It is of paramount importance to establish a new impactful financial mechanism and to enhance the efficiency of the existing ones. A reform of the global debt architecture is needed to make it fit for purpose, to promote the economic recovery, to create the opportunity for the development of the future, and to ensure the stability of the region. The UN should play a leading role in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. It is of paramount importance to establish a new impactful financial mechanism and to enhance the efficiency of the existing ones. more inclusive growth through establishing comprehensive and efficient mechanisms to manage debt crisis in both low-income and medium-income countries in a suitable, predictable, and timely manner. It is also vital to improve debt sustainability analysis and credit rating methodologies. It is also important to reform the multilateral development banks and international financial institutions in order to increase lending capacities to help developing countries. Due consideration should be given also to reallocating special drawing rights to developing countries to enhancing global liquidity. In addition to exploring ways to expedite and automate SDR issues, especially in response to shocks, promoting inclusive and effective international tax cooperation remains a critical prerequisite to the achievement of the SDGs. Mr. Chairman, we look forward to the establishment of a Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation, and I thank you.

Chair: Thank you, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates of Egypt. Now I give the floor to Commissioner for International Partnership of the European Union.

European Union: Honourable Chair, Your Excellencies, A series of crises have dealt a serious blow to our collective efforts to reach the Sustainable Development Goals. To get us back on track, we need to mobilise a wide range of partners and partners, including range of financial resources. Throughout the crisis, the European Union and its member states have remained the world’s largest provider of official development assistance. The EU’s Global Gateway Investment Strategy is helping to achieve these duties by investing in clean energy, transport and digital infrastructure, as well as in human and social development. But we need collectively to do more. The international finance system must deliver much more financing to help developing and emerging economies fight poverty and tackle global challenges to avoid deepening inequalities. This is a priority for us, but also for many of our partners, and I am pleased that we could deliver together on this with high ambitions in the Pact of the Future adopted today. We have already made some progress. In the G20, we are supporting multilateral development banks to unlock up to 357 billion US dollars in additional lending in the coming decade. This is inspiration for further steps towards more effective NDBs. Another priority is to enable investments into sustainable activities. Private capital needs to be mobilised at scale, and here green bonds are part of the solution. We know that emerging economies can face hurdles to access capital markets, but we can change that, and this is why the EU established the Global Green Bond Initiative. Europe has the biggest and most advanced green bond market in the world, and we are ready to share our expertise on how to develop our own green bond markets. Let me highlight the European Green Bond Standard. This is the new voluntary standard that will apply… from December 2024 is designed to be a gold standard for green bonds and our sustainable finance framework is not just for companies that are already green, it also supports those on their journey there. To achieve progress, dear friends, we need a global recommitment to the 2030 agenda and its SDGs. And I can tell you that the European Union is ready to play its part. So let’s do it.

Chair: Thank you Commissioner for international partnerships of the European Union. Now I give the floor to Minister of Pre-University Education and Literacy of Guinea.

Guinea: Mesdames et messieurs, ladies and gentlemen, my delegation has aligned itself with a statement made by Uganda on behalf of G77 in China and we would like to make the following statement in our national capacity. The Republic of Guinea sees the growing inequality be developing in developed countries. This situation is an obstacle towards the effective implementation of the 2030 agenda and the sustainable development goals. It is therefore more than necessary now to restore the confidence between states and other actors international community the UN and the international financial institutions if we want to move the SDGs forward. However, my delegation is convinced that the United Nations are the ideal place for international cooperation for nations to come together and face challenges together such as poverty, food insecurity, international peace and security and the imbalance in global governance. Attaining sustainable development goals is being severely tested. Developing countries are facing a growing lack of funding. nations are amassing funding, and this impacts our educational system and our health system, peace and security negatively. This deficit makes it very difficult to implement SDGs by 2030, and we need to be thinking about how we can cover this gap. My country will continue pooling its efforts with others in the international community to make sure that the sustainable development goals are attained. We will continue investing increasingly in health, children’s education, in the most inclusive way possible. I thank you.

Chair: Thank you, Minister of University Education and Literacy of Guinea. Now, I give the floor to Undersecretary of State and the Chancellery of the President of Poland is speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends of UN Habitat Sustainable Urbanization and the New Urban Agenda.

Poland: Thank you. Mr. Chair, Your Excellencies, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Friends of UN Habitat Sustainable Urbanization and the New Urban Agenda, a group of 50 member states representing all regions. We would like to draw your attention to two pivotal aspects where the implementation of the 2030 agenda can be accelerated. Ladies and gentlemen, firstly, the future is undeniably urban. Statistics show that more than half of the world’s population already lives in urban areas and by 2050 is set to rise to nearly 70 percent. This trend underscores a fundamental truth. The Sustainable Development Goals, the SDGs, can only be achieved if our cities… become just, safe, healthy, accessible, resilient, and sustainable. Our group is pleased that the Just Adopted Pact for the Future commits the international community to act towards urban transformation. This commitment must now translate into measurable actions on climate, infrastructure, and inclusive social policies. Urban transformation is impossible without partnerships and the mobilization of sufficient development finance. Similarly, the goal of building just and resilient cities is unattainable without ensuring universal access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing, which the pact recognizes. Adequate housing is a direct, practical pathway to reducing poverty and inequality in the society. Excellencies, secondly, the localization of the SDGs is one of the most effective strategies for their successful implementation. Localization brings the goals into the heart of communities, embedding them in the delivery of essential public services that reflect the real needs and aspirations of citizens, thus achieving social equity and stability. In this context, cooperation with local and regional governments can be instrumental in the process of shaping the UN agenda by member states. We urge all member states to actively empower local governments to participate more meaningfully in intergovernmental decision-making processes. Ladies and gentlemen, in conclusion, the Group of Friends looks to the future with the hope that by strengthening our cities and prioritizing the localization of the SDGs, we will not only transform urban environments, but also, through this, ensure that no one is left behind in the journey toward a more sustainable and inclusive future. I thank you.

Chair: Lord Collins of Highbury of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

United Kingdom: Thank you Mr Chair and Excellencies. The challenge we face and we cannot be met without collaboration and partnership and the United Kingdom is dedicated to helping the UN’s mission not only because its founding principles are right and just but because it’s vital in meeting the challenges facing our world and it is precisely because the United Nations is so important that we need it to be more effective. A reinvigorated and dynamic United Nations is needed to tackle the world’s complex challenges. So allow me to highlight what we can do together to keep us on track to achieve the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. First as this session highlights we must strengthen the global financial system. While it has provided stability and growth over decades it needs to adapt to today’s world and be more responsive to developing country needs. That means developing countries need to be better represented and decisions need to be driven by their priorities. Secondly we must promote deeper trade and cooperation through the WTO including through an effective dispute settlement system. This will ensure stability for our businesses and consumers. Finally we must strengthen leadership in areas that serve as barriers to achieving the SDGs such as conflicts. That means more investment in the UN Peacebuilding Fund and a sustainable resident coordinator system improving coordination and delivery within countries. That’s why we must be ambitious when renewing the four-year mandate of the United Nations Development System later this autumn. Finally we need more permanent seats on the Security Council for African countries and for India, Germany, Japan, and Brazil, as well as an expansion of non-permanent membership. By working together and building consensus, these changes can strengthen the system to resolve rising conflicts, get the SDGs back on track, and create a world free from poverty on a livable planet. Thank you, Chair.

Chair: Thank you, Representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Now I give the floor to President of the National Institute of Statistics and Geography of Mexico.

Mexico: Thank you, Chair. Greetings on behalf of the INEGE, the National Institute for Statistics and Geography. And I am grateful for this excellent opportunity to address you at this summit of the future. In order for processes and initiatives that are agreed here to be viable and relevant and ambitious and transformative, the aspirations must be backed by reality. The focus of our collective efforts and necessary solutions and possibilities, the when, where, how, is important. This is why our proposal is first to measure together. Experience shows us that complex issues can be resolved through dialogue. First, we recognize their dimension and scale. The opportunity to find solutions to real situations through diplomacy, cooperation, and capacity building is real. This is what happened in October last year with the resolution. on statistics facilitated by Mexico and supported by the Trump-Hite organization of the ILO. Together with systems to assess nature and the contributions of ecosystems to biodiversity and other economies. There’s one example, there are other examples from the Statistics Commission. In order to understand through data the reality of LGBT plus communities and gender equality, just to get a picture of the information, our call is therefore to ensure that all efforts under this new multilateral pact for the future include at each stage measurement and evidence-based measurement as the baseline. Let us measure together. This is why we support action 56 of the pact for the future that captures the essence of measuring first and measuring together in order to decide together so that our decisions are better and to guarantee the viability of any new drive. We also feel it’s important to learn from experience with clear and decisive routes for their implementation. We support effective implementation of the United Nations systems and multilateral mechanisms so that through cooperation, capacity building and mobilization of resources, member states can achieve the ideals of well-being and sustainable development. I thank you.

Chair: Thank you, representative of Mexico. Now I give the floor to the permanent representative of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka: Thank you, Mr. Chair and excellencies. The multiple crises that we face today and our responses to them will largely hinder on the nature of global governance and how united, responsive, accountable and transparent it is both in policy and in implementation. Therefore today’s theme requires a multifaceted approach that addresses systemic challenges while fostering collaboration among stakeholders. This theme is deeply important to the Sri Lankan delegation as it also reflects the challenges we have faced in post-pandemic era. Mr. Chairman, the world is truly at crossroads in consequence of a convergence of significant challenges. and opportunities that can shape its future trajectory. We are grappling with multiple conflicts, heightened geopolitical tensions, rising inequality and mistrust, stalled progress on the SDGs, death interests, and the triple-pandemic crisis of climate change, biodiversity, loss and pollution, economic disparities, technological disruptions, public health crises, social movement and activism, migration and displacement, and the dynamics of a changing working environment due to technology and shifting economic models straddling through the tapestry of governance. We are surely at crossroads when choices made today will have profound implications for future generations. Mr. Chair, in response to these myriad challenges, member states agreed to an action-oriented outcome document titled A Pact for the Future, which is the culmination of the action envisaged by the GA resolution. This is a pivotal moment, Mr. Chairman. We believe that this document is a critical guide that will help shape the future of our planet and our people, which seeks to address the strengthening of multilateralism, promote inclusive participation, encourage innovative financing, improve data collection and analysis to track progress towards SDGs, support capacity building, promote the integration of the international and local development plans, utilize technology and innovation to progress in areas such as education, health, environmental sustainability, build partnerships amongst governments, businesses, and society, focus on building resilience against global challenges, and raise, I say, the importance of sustainable development through education and outreach initiatives. Mr. Chairman, the need for reform of the global financial architecture is more than urgent than ever. It is said there’s only one way to learn. It is through action. Everything you need to know, you have learned through this journey. So while remaining positive and hopeful about the outcome of the document, I must say that the success of multilateral agreements is dependent upon the intention of its members and states to implement the undertakings in both letter and spirit. The choice before us is whether we continue along the current path or whether we are genuine in charting a new path. Let us walk away from these deliberations with the will to make that difference.

Chair: Thank you, representative of Sri Lanka. Now I give the floor to permanent representative of Morocco.

Morocco: Merci, Monsieur le Président. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, this interactive dialogue is essential, and not just for us to exchange ideas, our visions that we may have of the world that will live for future generations, but also when it comes to the prospects for states, for us to work out a common future based on the principles of justice, equity, and solidarity, and to do this in the light of the pact of the future that we have just adopted this morning. The implementation of Agenda 2030 demands a renewed political will, but it also depends on putting together a imparting new dynamism to global governance in line with the actual realities and so as to meet the numerous challenges we’re facing. Therefore, more inclusive, representative, and more effective global governance working for sustainable development will be built on the basis of the three following pillars. The first pillar has to do with putting together a renewed and inclusive multilateralism and to do it through the reform of global governance institutions. We need to make sure that global governance bodies, in particular the U.N., and especially the Security Council, are not limited to simply managing the crises which happened but that they prevent conflicts, that they anticipate shocks, and that protect human rights, promote cooperation internationally, help with the coexistence of religions and cultures, and build bridges between states and nations. The second pillar has to do with the reform of international financial architecture. This architecture, whose initial foundations were laid in the wake of the Second World War, requires an in-depth overhaul. And this is not a luxury, but this is needed to become truly inclusive, equitable, and representative. It is imperative to make sure that it meets of the most vulnerable countries who are frequently most affected by the economic and environmental crises in the world, and do this through a financial system which guarantees access to funding for everyone, including concessional financing. And the third pillar has to do with transforming the framework for measuring development and progress. It is obvious that we can only progress with the SDGs, sustainability of the planet, or the well-being of everyone in the long term, only if there is a fund. fundamental change in the way we measure progress economically and the development of countries. We therefore need to work out measures which are complementary to the GDP criteria. We support the development of a conceptual framework which would allow us to give accurate value to things which count for people, for the planet, and for the future. Similarly, for special attention.

Chair: Thank you, Representative of Morocco. Now I give the floor to the representative of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Inter Parliamentary Union: Thank you so much, Mr. President. Turbocharging the Sustainable Development Goals requires a much stronger commitment to implementation through laws and budgets, which is where parliaments come in. With 180 member parliaments, the IPU is fully supportive of the reforms of the global financial architecture that are mentioned in the pact for the future. In this brief intervention, I want to add my own spin to what is a complex wave of interconnected issues. With global GDP of over $100 trillion, our problem is not so much about the total volume of resources for development, but of their distribution. While we need to help developing countries grow their economies so that they can provide for themselves, we must also put greater emphasis on redistributing resources that are being concentrated in fewer and fewer hands, both globally and nationally. First and foremost, we need to improve tax collection so that it is more progressive, taking more from those who can afford to pay more. In this regard, I am pleased that a deep reform of international tax system is beginning here at the United Nations with the start of the negotiations on a tax convention. A key priority of that convention must be to put pressure on international corporations that keep finding creative ways to pay little to no taxes. Bringing in more revenue in developing countries will free up more capital for multilateral financial institutions for badly needed debt relief and for more aid to help Global South and the SDGs in general. Cutting harmful fossil fuel subsidies will by itself free up hundreds of billions of dollars each year. It will also lead to trillions of dollars in indirect savings by reducing the cost of healthcare and environmental remediation linked to pollution. In developing countries, revenue collection has improved in recent years, but there is still some way to go to combat tax aversion, corruption, and illicit flows. Aid in all its forms must be made way more effective. We must stop the practice of diverting aid from social spending and infrastructure to climate projects or humanitarian support for which additional resources need to be found. Scaling up aid to the commitment of 1.7% of GDP will double current flows and make a significant difference all by itself. Last but not least, exploding military budgets need to be brought into line. The expenditure of over $2 trillion in the war machine is not just disproportionate to our security needs, but a clear signal that we have our priorities wrong. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Chair: Thank you, representative of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Now I give the floor to Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa.

South Africa: Thank you very much. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, advancing the 2030 Agenda for sustainable. development, including the Sustainable Development Goals and the Addis Ababa Agenda, and fundamental for the future of humanity is quite important. The Sustainable Development Goals align with South Africa’s National Development Plan and are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, and promote global prosperity, peace, and justice. As African and other developing countries take difficult decisions on the development pathways and grapple with the multitude of issues, such as the overarching priority of poverty, eradication, and food and energy security, we realize the value of human solidarity. We believe in working together on shared opportunities and challenges, leaving no one and no place behind. The sense of human solidarity is needed now more than ever, at a time of great tension between the major powers, conflict situations, and unconstitutional changes to government in some countries, including in Africa. We need transformational change. South Africa has a leadership role in the global conversation on the agent need to transform the global political and security structures, including the United Nations. We need African and other developing countries to take their rightful place in global governance and respect for the UN Charter and its principles of non-interference in internal affairs of countries and respect for the sovereignty and territorial dignity of all nations. South Africa is also leading the call for a fundamental transformation of the global financial architecture to make it fit for purpose in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals. There is also a need to realize dedicated financial resources to implement international agreements inter alia the multilateral environment. agreements and the Climate Change Convention and its Paris agreement, which includes how the just transition pathways selected by countries based on their national circumstances are supported to mitigate the negative impact, and it could have a developing country’s economies. It could help the developing countries’ economies. Furthermore, the need is dire to scale up and accelerate concrete, innovative, transformative, accessible, and ambitious financing resources and the means of implementation, including the fulfillment of the ODA and climate finance commitment, as well as support for the transfer of technology and capacity building. Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, in conclusion, South Africa supports the construct of more concise, frequent, and policy-relevant work on sustainable development, especially given that the world has passed.

Chair: Thank you, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa. Now I give the floor to South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.

SAARC: In the context of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, CERC, comprises of the countries Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the accelerating of implementation of 2030 agenda for sustainable development has been a regional priority. Achieving the post 2015 development agenda, including all sustainable development goals, in the remaining period of 2030 timeline will require an ambitious, comprehensive, holistic, and transformative approach with respect to the means of implementation and synergizing different means of implementation. It will require enhanced and revitalized global partnership in addressing the shared resources and investment gap. Our development partners must meet the of 0.7% of GNI and official development assistance, and while doing that, must avoid double counting of the resources as both climate and development financing. In the meantime, there is a strong need to recognize the importance of addressing the diverse need and challenges faced by the countries in special situation, in particular, the least developed countries and the countries in transition to middle income. These group of countries are the most vulnerable and resource-constrained group of countries, need enhanced global support to overcome the structural challenges they face in achieving the sustainable development goals. Such support should be provided on multiple fronts in a synergic manner, including the development assistance, market access, technology transfer, technology transfer FDI, and debt relief. CERC today persuades that the vision of South Asian Economic Union is a phased and planned manner to the creating of the free trade area, a customs union, a common market, and a common economic and monetary union. A consensus has been reached to develop the shared vision to undertake the joint initiative for implementing the post-25 education development agenda. To this end, CERC action plan for the implementation of the new daily declaration on education has been adopted, which is aimed at ensuring the education for all, which is also aligned with the SDG target for the quality education. CERC attaches the high importance in fighting the climate changes, and to this end, the Thimphu Statement of Climate Change adopted at the 16th CERC Summit in Thimphu 2010 is also currently under implementation. In the improved connectivity is also a center stone for the successful realization of 2030 agenda for sustainable development. Recognizing the pivotal role of the connectivity in South Asia, the member state have been working to improve the regional connectivity through the agreements of the motor vehicles, railway, and air services. By investing the connectivity infrastructure and roads, railway, and ports digital networks, member countries can achieve the progress on sustainable development. goals related to the economic growth. Industrial innovation and infrastructure, enhanced regional connectivity, also support environmental sustainability by optimizing the transport routes, promoting the efficient energy uses. In conclusion… Got you? Okay. Thank you.

Chair: Thank you, South ASEAN Association for Regional Cooperation, representative, Secretary General. And now I give the floor to international level organization.

ILO: Thank you so much, Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen. The ILO welcomes all efforts thus far deployed by multilateral and bilateral systems in responding to the challenges faced by the world as regard to the global governance coupled with the absolutely need to step up efforts in attaining SDGs. The ILO particularly wishes to acknowledge the significant positive steps that have been taken in recent years on reforming the international financial system, including the various initiatives presented earlier by the Director General of the World Trade Organization, the President of the World Bank, and the Executive Director of the IMF. The ILO wishes to reiterate that clearly more needed to be done in global governance and the financial architecture for an enhanced social justice. In this regard, keeping jobs, I meant decent jobs and protection at the center of our collective and individual effort in reshaping global governance and addressing the international financial architecture challenges remain a must. Finally, the ILO wishes to encourage an increased involvement of social partners, including workers and employers organizations in reshaping the global governance for better inclusivity. Thank you.

Chair: Thank you, Representative of the International Labour Organization. Now I give the floor to Representative of the United Nations Office for Project Services.

UNOPS: Thank you, Mr. President, Excellencies. To deliver on the 2030 Agenda, we clearly need reformed global financial structures that can support developing countries as they deliver for their populations in the face of rising crises. Difficulties in accessing adequate finance are clearly a barrier to speeding up climate action and sustainable development. But to deliver on the promise of leaving no one behind, we also need reforms to our broader development governance structures. And this goes beyond finance. To quote the Secretary General, we can’t create a future fit for our grandchildren with systems built for our grandparents. We all have a responsibility to make our systems more inclusive, accountable and transparent, to increase representation and decision-making at all levels from developing countries, to decentralize and to shift the focus away from a donor-recipient focus to true partnerships. We need to collaborate better to strengthen our global public goods. Our focus on finance and policy gaps, addressing the implementation of the climate goals and SDGs is important. But let’s make no mistake, there is also an implementation gap that requires strong commitment to turn development and climate ambitions into actions that improve the lives of millions. We need to redouble our efforts to provide technical assistance and to support on implementation. The development landscape has changed significantly in the last two decades. New sources of finance, new actors, new strategies, new frameworks, new norms and new measurement tools. Now it’s time for a change. the time to mobilize more resources and to align them with the SEGs and climate goals, but also to find new institutional arrangements that overcome fragmentation and inconsistency and can simultaneously bring together all sources of finance, ODA, South-South, triangular, remittances, foreign direct investment, domestic resource mobilization, blended finance, impact investing, philanthropic finance, debt, and all public, private, and civil society actors, and address in a holistic manner all key elements of the development cooperation architecture, from decision-making and rule-setting to accountability, enforcement, and learning. I commend the colleagues here in the panel for the efforts already made to drive these reforms, but we need to do more. UNOPS is committed to supporting these efforts, particularly through our focus on implementation and operations. Thank you.

Chair: Thank you, representative of the United Nations Office for Project Services. Now I give the floor to representative of St. Louis University, Madrid.

Civil Society 1 St. Louis University Madrid: Your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, all protocols observed, good morning. We live in a time when it is not an option to do business as usual. The world is facing severe sustainability challenges that must be addressed urgently, such as climate change, population growth, and inequality, dwindling clean energy supplies and fresh water availability, among others. There is a need for cooperation between governments, businesses, and the financial sector in order to reach the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Almost two-thirds of historic carbon dioxide and methane emissions from 1854 to 2010 are attributed to fossil fuels and cement producers. Businesses are very responsible for the actual situation of environmental degradation that attains to our planet, but can be also part of the solution by offering innovative solutions for the decarbonization of our world. Adopting a holistic stakeholder theory is necessary to integrate among the goals of the businesses, not only the maximization of the profit, but a shared value approach. To this end, multi-stakeholder engagement is essential. A recent example are the impact coalitions created alongside the 2024 United Nations Civil Society Conference that took place in Nairobi last May, and which were created to foster collaboration across sectors to successfully implement the recommendations of the Pact of the Future. It is necessary a call for the development of regulations that will require corporations to report not only their financial statements, but also the environmental impacts. The European Union has taken the lead on this respect with a corporate sustainability reporting directive that drives accountability and transparency, promotes sustainable practices and investments, enhances decision making, and supports the transition to a sustainable economy. Not only European Union corporations should be mandated to disclose this information, but the global community for transparency. To achieve this, a unified global framework for environmental reporting should be implemented. This framework should be overseen by an international body like the United Nations Environment Program and the IFRS Foundation. To ensure transparency, accountability, and the prevention of greenwashing, sustainability reporting should be mandatory for businesses and subject to oversight by independent, third-party auditing organizations that are part of a robust international governance system. Thank you very much.

Chair: Thank you, Representative of Sri Lanka. Louis University, Madrid. Now I give the floor to representative of the Egyptian Food Bank.

Civil Society 2 Egyptian Food Bank: Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates, and of course the fellow changemakers, it was deep respect and sense of urgency that I stand before you today, not just as a representative of the Egyptian Food Bank and the 2.4 million beneficiaries that we serve every year, but also as a voice of millions of youth, families, and communities across Egypt and the global south. These are voices of hope, resilience, and determination, voices that demand a future that’s fair, sustainable, and inclusive. In a world where inequalities are widening and economic shocks are felt the most acutely by developmental nations, we cannot continue with business as usual. The time has come to reform global governance in a way that truly empowers the vulnerable and tapes into the energy, innovation, and resilience of youth. At the Egyptian Food Bank, we have seen firsthand how youth can lead impact-driven initiatives that go beyond the food distribution and create lasting solutions for poverty, elevation, social protection, economic development, and climate resilience through programs that integrate sustainable agriculture, digital innovation, malnutrition prevention, and entrepreneurship. Young people in Egypt are not just feeding their communities, they are shaping the future of food systems. These efforts, however, can only be scaled and sustainable if we rethink how the global financial system operates. The current global financial architecture is failing out youth, stagnant development countries’ growth, and that put the burden by debt and limited our abilities to invest in critical areas like food security, health, education, and climate action. If we are serious about turbocharging the 2030 agenda, we must move beyond the traditional approaches to financing. We need innovative solutions, debt relief initiatives, youth-focused funding mechanisms, and global partnerships that directly support local solutions and youth-led enterprises. Imagine a world where every young person, regardless of their geography, can access the resources, education, health care settings, and financial banking they need to create a change in their communities. In Egypt, the Egyptian Food Bank has launched youth-driven programs that empower young leaders to develop local food systems, reduce waste, put pressure on humanitarian aid intervention, and implement climate-smart agriculture. But to achieve the scale we envision, we need a global system that’s truly inclusive.

Chair: Thank you, representative of Egyptian Food Bank. Now I give the floor to representative of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

Global Fund to fight AIDS tuberculosis and malaria: Thank you, Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates. As a worldwide partnership to defeat HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, the Global Fund welcomes the Pact for the Future that shines a spotlight on the urgency of increasing efforts to achieve the 2030 agenda and to accelerate progress towards better health for all. We applaud the leadership of Namibia and Germany in co-facilitating the pact. including engaging with civil society and communities. Only a pact that champions multilateralism and empowers communities and civil society to be meaningfully involved in global governance can we safeguard our collective future. In a world where about 4.5 billion people are not fully covered by essential health services, we know that health is fundamental to eradicate poverty, achieve gender equality, economic growth, and to ensure peaceful societies. Now is not the time to shy away from our commitments, but to take advantage of every opportunity to bolster progress towards universal health coverage. Now more than ever, we need to ensure that global health stays at the center of the international agenda. We hope that the pact can help elevate our common aspirations for better health and well-being of present and future generations. Mr. Chair, we applaud the pact’s focus on climate change, which poses the biggest global health challenges of our time. The phenomena is destabilizing the foundations of human health, deepening inequalities, threat to peace and security, and leading to the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. Therefore, we need to ramp up our collective responses as an urgent imperative in today’s challenging context. The Global Fund is an example of the transformative power of communities and civil society. It’s a partnership powered by equity, and as we come together to… To upload the pack for the future, we call on the international community to ensure that this leadership is recognized and upheld. As a global community, we need to find a new cause, one that can broaden and deepen multilateralism to create a more healthy, fair, just, and peaceful world for today and for all future generations. I thank you.

Chair: Thank you, representative of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. Now I give the floor to Permanent Representative of Pakistan.

Pakistan: Thank you. Thank you, Prime Minister. And I thank all the panelists. We have all heard the aspirations of the developing countries in this interactive dialogue. The pact we have adopted is not perfect. There are many provisions in which we have stepped back from the commitments which were made in the SDG political declaration and even in Agenda 2030. But the transformation which we seek will be achieved through implementation. We have to implement the financial architectural agenda, implement the SDG stimulus, rechannel 50% of the 2021 SDG allocations to developing countries, increase the voice and representation of developing countries and financial institutions, improve access to concessional lending, review the sovereign debt architecture. adopt an equitable U.N. framework convention on international tax cooperation. On trade, the provisions of the Pact remain unsatisfactory. Trade must become, once again, an engine of growth and development. We must resist the new environmental protectionism, expand preferential treatment for developing countries, and pursue a robust revival of the WTO dispute settlement system. Lastly, on technology, the digital divide, bridging the digital divide, is the key to future development. We must avoid the north-south fragmentation as well as an east-west fragmentation. We must improve data governance. We must capture the power of artificial intelligence, including through a scientific panel, governance, as well as funding through a fund. Finally, the key will be the computing power for developing countries. To achieve computing power, we need to access the latest technologies and designs, and to invest in achieving these goals. I thank you, Mr. Prime Minister.

Chair: Okay. Thank you, representative of Pakistan. Now, I give the floor to representative of the Indian Development Cooperation.

CAF: Very good afternoon to you all. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues. I am honored to be here representing the Latin American and Caribbean Development Bank at this crucial time in the history of humanity. We are an institution that was created 56 years ago by Andean countries, and that today has 26 members in Latin America, also Spain. and Portugal. Just a few moments ago, the President of Brazil said in the General Assembly that the SDGs had been amongst the greatest diplomatic successes in our era. But if we don’t make significant progress swiftly, it could become our greatest failure. He also said that very often it’s very difficult to agree on questions of the past, but this is not the case for the present and for the future. Today, the countries of the world have affirmed that we have the intention to agree on the future of humanity at a time when, clearly, we must choose between two paths. Either we can continue with the same patterns of consumption, failing to look after the planet and failing to secure the future for generations to come, or, as Pope Francis has said, we can look after our common home in the certitude that on this path no one can save themselves because we are all in the same boat. It is clear that we, as international organizations, must reform our institutions in order to make them true tools for the change that our peoples need. Secondly, we must work to coordinate action and efforts from all international institutions so that we do not duplicate our efforts and to ensure that the impact is real. We are standing before a historic opportunity, and we are grasping this opportunity, making progress in the projects and programs that we develop and that we finance in Latin America and the Caribbean, and we are standing up to this challenge of the future, ensuring that our actions look to future generations. We want to be. be a responsible generation. It is down to us to make this change. We heard from the youth of Qatar and Namibia who are addressing the leaders of the world, and they will find our organization on this path in order to fulfill the pact for the future. And we believe that a better world is possible, and it is down to us to take action, collective action. Here we are playing our part. Thank you very much.

Chair: Thank you, Representative of the Indian Development Cooperation. Now I give the floor to the representative of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

UNECA: Thank you very much, Prime Minister. Excellencies, today I address a pressing challenge, the urgent need to reform global governance to meet the financing needs of African nations as we pursue the Sustainable Development Goals. Africa’s public debt has surged beyond 60% of GDP, putting us in a precarious position. While stabilization is projected for 2024, interest payments now exceed 10% of government revenues in over 20 African countries, undermining our ability to invest in vital development initiatives. Moreover, multilateral financing remains inadequate. The current international tax system allows multinational companies to shift profits to tax havens, depriving developing nations of essential resources. This injustice complicates our efforts to fund development. As emphasized by the Secretary General, the global financial architecture has failed Africa. We lack the necessary funds for the SDGs and the structural transformation our continent requires. Therefore, a new global deal is imperative, one that overhauls the financial framework to create a fairer, more equitable system. African nations and the global south advocate for reforms in three critical areas. One, the rules of governance of international financial institutions were established before many African countries gained independence, leading to misaligned decisions. We must increase representation of developing countries on FI boards, enhance transparency, and update IMF quota formulas. Strengthening regional multilateral development banks is also essential for localized support. The dominance of developed nations in global tax governance must be addressed. A fairer distribution of tax revenue from multilateral corporations to Africa could significantly boost our domestic resource mobilization. The recent U.N. resolution aimed at creating an inclusive international tax cooperation framework is a vital step forward, but we need partnerships that promote stability, inclusivity, and equity. Three, we must reform the global debt architecture, and in particular, address the high cost of sovereign borrowing that contribute to debt distress in Africa. A well-governed IFI system can facilitate access to long-term affordable financing for SDGs and climate actions. We need to enhance the G20 common framework for debt treatments and tackle the biased global credit rating system that limits our access to capital markets. In conclusion, the time for action is now. By advocating for these essential reforms, we can reshape the financial landscape to better serve Africa and the global south. Together, let us work towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all. I thank you.

Chair: Thank you very much, Representative of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Now I give the floor to the Representative of the United Nations, Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.

UN Women: Thank you, Excellency Chair. The challenges we face today, debt crisis, climate crisis, and rising inequality, demand a system that works for everyone, especially women and girls. The data in UN Women’s latest SDG 5 snapshot report tell us that extreme poverty rates for women and girls are finally reducing, but yet, across the world, poverty continues to have a woman’s face. The current system is deeply inequitable and significantly costly. The cycle of debt and crisis forces regressive taxation and cuts to essential services like health care and education, which women and girls rely on most. Let us rethink the international financial architecture with social justice in mind, addressing pervasive inequalities and rebalancing economies towards the rights and needs of the majority. I would like to share three key areas of reform. First, easing the debt burdens on developing countries can free up public budgets to invest in essential services that directly benefit women. Countries should have fiscal space to prioritize jobs and care. Almost 300 million jobs can be created by 2035 through investments in care services, including childcare and elderly care. But debt service payments claim high shares of public revenue in a growing number of developing countries. Second, international financial institutions and government budgets and tax policies should be informed by gender analysis. Currently, one in four countries has financial systems that track allocations for gender equality. Stronger investments in systems, capacities, and data are urgently needed to avoid deepening inequalities. Third, mobilizing innovative sources of financing is essential to close the 360 billion annual global financing gap for gender equality. Instruments like thematic bonds and swaps can be effective for countries with sustainable debt burdens. We can transform economies if our professed commitments to equality are matched by our budgets as they should be. More importantly, these reforms should take into account the importance of gendered, just transition to blue and green economies. We know what is needed to reform the governance of finance across the world. It’s a matter of choosing to do it. I thank you.

Chair: Thank you very much, representative of the United Nations. for gender equality and empowerment of women. Now I give the floor to representative of Morningstar Sustainalistics.

Civil Society 3 Morningstar Sustainalytics: Excellencies, private sector and CSOs sitting behind me, and these United Nations, I think it’s important for everybody to just have an idea who Morningstar is. If you’re not aware, most of you know the Financial Times. If you open up the Financial Times and you look at the last several pages, at the very end you’ll find all of the financial data that you need. All of that is provided by Morningstar. We provide financial data, we provide financial intelligence, and we also provide stewardship, and that’s why we’re here. We’re here to be a steward between public institutions and also more private institutions and investors. To have a firm like ours here today is truly a testament to the progress of the United Nations and also to this summit. We’ve been looking at the pact of the future, and that’s something that we support. And we consider that there’s three areas of expertise that could further support it. The first is ESG or is data and data integrity. And then this is an issue of language, and I think this is appropriate speaking here at the United Nations. It’s an issue of language not between English and French or Russian and Arabic, but this is between ESG and SDGs. Many, many governments right now are still struggling through the UN SDCF in order to meet the SDGs, to fulfill all of the indicators that are in there, or to even report on them. And I can assure you that from investors in the company’s side, they don’t necessarily know how to navigate the SDGs, so they’re using ESG. And even then, ESG is quite challenging. So it’s as though there’s two different languages that are at play here, and that bridge is very important to overcome. One way is through beyond GDP. And then also, as many of your countries are already looking at ESG regulations, and you’re quite progressive on that, so there are some entry points there. A second thing that we think is important of the capacity is bringing the investor perspective and investor engagement. Investors do want to be more involved through FFD4, engaging with the MDBs. perspective of companies, especially those from emerging markets and the Global South. There is an active sustainable bond market already at play, which we should be playing more into. And then from companies of the Global South, these emerging markets, there’s a lot of innovations that are happening, which need to be presented here as well. Now, to summarize, we are here with data, investor voices, and stewardship to support the PAC’s commitment to financial reform for more social inclusiveness. And in the words of Kofi Annan, whom I met on my birthday, 21 years ago, before a Habs game, knowledge is power and information…

Chair: Thank you. Thank you, Representative of Morningstar, Sustainalistic. Now I give the floor to representative of the Global Network of Civil Society Organized… …

Civil Society 4 GNRD: Investing in disaster risk saves lives and money in the long term. But too little financing goes to disaster risk reduction. Furthermore, local actors understand their needs best and know how to build inclusive resilience. But too little finance is accessible to the local communities that are on the front lines of disasters and climate change. As we look to the Financing for Development Conference next year, and to close the finance gap, and to the much-needed reform of the international financial architecture, we need to make sure that our investments are future-proofed, that they drive risk-informed development, and that they are accessible to local communities and marginalized groups, including to people of all genders, to indigenous peoples, and to people with disabilities. Investing in risk-informed development requires analyzing the complex threats that people face, and understanding vulnerabilities and capacities. And this needs to be understood also from the perspective of local communities. In addition, development funds need to be made accessible to the marginalized groups within, and to be earmarked for local actors through direct access windows, and funding application processes also need to be streamlined. Communities and local organizations need to be trusted and enabled to lead their own development. This is a matter of justice, but is also a matter of effectiveness and impact. This applies to development finance, but also to climate finance, where we are seeing a devastating gap between what is needed and what is available. As we look to COP29, we so urgently need a step change in the negotiations. We need to stop what we are doing, and to remember our humanity. We all know that if we do not deliver the financing for a just transition now, we will dig an irreversible grave for ourselves and for our children. Achieving the 2030 Agenda and enabling localization requires more than words, or even political intention. It requires action. It requires finance. And this finance needs to flow to women-led groups, indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, and other key groups. Only then will development and climate funding truly work for all and build resilience. I thank you.

UN HABITAT: Dear Chair, at UNHCR, we are deeply encouraged by the adoption of the Pact for the Future. which includes a commitment by Member States to ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and support developing countries to plan and implement just, safe, healthy, accessible, resilient and sustainable cities, PARA25. We believe that the recommendations sought from the Secretary General on engagement of local and regional governments to advance the 2030 Agenda can help strengthen policy coherence and multi-level governance, sectorial integration and multi-stakeholder partnerships towards the achievement of the SDGs. We also welcome the decisions related to reform of the international financial architecture and encourage that the subject of subnational or local financing be given due consideration in future deliberations. The Local 2030 Coalition and its Member UN Entities are committed to localizing the Pact for the Future and making it real for the local communities. The themes of the Summit’s Action Days are deeply interconnected with the future of our cities, communities and local economies. Cities will house 70% of the urban population in 2050. They offer significant opportunities for integrated, transformative investments that can accelerate SDGs. Adequate housing is the roof of the SDGs. Urban planning, the connection between cities, communities and local communities, is the key. for sustainable investments. We have a crucial opportunity before us today at the Summit of the Future, as well as in the fourth Financing for Development Conference and the second World Summit on Social Development via a road that passes through the 12th session of the World Urban Forum, COP 29 and COP 30, to reaffirm and reinvigorate our global commitment to sustainable urban development, transform the current development paradigm and push for towards a new multilateral system that is inclusive, just and responsive to the needs of the most vulnerable and the most marginalized. UN Habitat is ready to support stakeholders locally and globally so that finance lands well. Thank you.

Chair: Thank you representative of UN Habitat. Now I give the floor to representative of the Millennials Movement.

Civil Society 5 Millennials Movement : Thank you chair. I will deliver my speech in Spanish. Muchas gracias. Thank you very much excellencies. The Pact for the Future is a turning point for the global community to set up a tangible plan to secure present and future generations that will allow us to thrive and enjoy our human rights without any type of distinction. This is a time that can ensure that the global community can keep its promise made in Agenda 2030 for sustainable development, which is to leave no one behind. The future requires a solid foundation in implementation of Agenda 2030 for sustainable development. This is the solution that includes historically marginalized group. This should be a priority for laying the foundations for the future that we need. Last year during the SDG summit, we learned from the global report on sustainable development that we had only made progress towards 15% of the total SDGs. Today we join the call to secure our rights. to development and the right to the future and working on innovative transformations to ensure that there are real actions so that the pledges made in Chapter 1 are realized and thus make progress with Agenda 2030 with an intercultural and intergenerational approach to make it accessible for all. From the Millennials Movement and from Latin America, we call on you to fulfill your commitments and to mobilize the resources to ensure that the next six years really take us to a sustainable, peaceful, accessible and inclusive world that is prosperous and inclusive amongst all regions. We must have a follow-up mechanism for this on implementation of the Pact for the Future at all levels. We must also work collaboratively with the regional economic commissions of the United Nations. The future of the region of Latin America and the Caribbean must be free of corruption and organized crime, must be free of any type of discrimination, racial or otherwise, must be a future where all people, especially the youth, can define their own future and thrive. Ten years ago, when I was younger and I joined the efforts to try and define the SDGs, through the 2015 survey, I remember this promise that you made for a better world in 2030. And…

Chair: Thank you, representative of Millennials Movement. Now I give the floor to representative of the Confederation of NGOs of Rural India.

Civil Society 6 Rural India: Thank you very much, Excellency. A big pranam from India. I represent Confederation of NGOs of Rural India, which is 7,000 NGOs network in India. And I appeal to create an interdisciplinary and multi-sectoral approach which can reorient the global governance policies, especially the global financial architecture, which can be administratively implementable, producer-centric, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable. The collectives, this could be politically acceptable either. In fact, the kind of civil society structure which we are having globally is not farmer-centric, is not democratic. And the Bretton Woods Institution, even after the creation of, say, 80th year, we are going to be, it’s not for the cooperative, it’s not for the collectives. And therefore, I propose to create a network of commodity exchanges globally in the nation and states in a different part of the world, especially the southern part of the globe, which could be in the cooperative economic framework. We require more cooperative economic zone to dismantle the regional inequality. And in the 170 countries, commodities are being traded. But I don’t know where the money is going. So the financial sector, especially the academic and other international and regional organization must reorient and think about these things, that what kind of conducive and agile regulatory framework is required to create such kind of framework where everybody will have realized the SDG goals by 2030. So to enable that environment, I propose to create a cooperative economic framework, which we already have created in India, that’s World Cooperation Economic Forum, and to digitize and innovate with the kind of all stakeholders and all civil society members. This is a time also for the, where the globe is having the real trust deficit, where people are not having faith over each other, forget the countries and nations. So in this geoeconomic order to reorient the things, the cooperative economic framework is much, much necessary. And that’s why in the next year, when the United Nations is going to celebrate the International Year of Cooperation. we need to rethink that how equality can be addressed. Because the biggest challenge that the globe is facing is the regional inequality and the poverty. And that’s how, after five years down the lane, how we will achieve all SDG target in this way. So I have another proposal that we come from the nation where never expansionism has taken place. So the Buddha’s teaching which the globe can learn to emphasize the compassion, understanding, and nonviolence and it’s essential for the cooperative sector and to make the globe happy. That’s why this cooperative economic framework which I am proposing here as a part of the pact of the future can recreate and read on the things and revitalize the humanity and keep the world happy. Thank you very much, His Excellency.

Chair: Thank you, representative of the Confederation of NGOs of rural India. Now, the speakers from the floor is, the list is over. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, we have heard the last speaker in the list of speakers. I now give the floor to Ms Rebecca Grynspan, Secretary General of the United Nations, Trade and Development to deliver closing remarks.

Rebecca Grynspan: Thank you very much, Mr. Prime Minister, Excellencies. I won’t pretend to summarize this very rich discussion, but really we have heard today the legitimate aspirations of the countries of the South to be able to realize the 2030 agenda, fight poverty and inequality, universal access to basic services, health and education. investment in infrastructure, creation of decent jobs for the young, and economic transformation and opportunities for women through the economic transformation, taking advantage of the new technologies and the energy transition. But what we also have heard is that the enablers to do that are not there. First, finance. The call for the international financial architecture to provide critical resources, the very costly cost of finance for the developing countries, interest rates were mentioned widely. The RCAs were mentioned also in the discussion. The debt burdens that are creating a development crisis with too many countries facing impossible choices between servicing the debt or servicing their people. The issue of technology transfer that is weak and the digital AI and data divides where technology transfer can play such an important role. Trade opportunities for more inclusive development and the worries for rising protectionism, the devastating impact of climate change on the most vulnerable, and the need for a universal global safety net to protect countries from the systemic shocks. What we heard is a call for a better debt restructuring mechanism for more long-term and affordable development financing that will crowd in private investment and the risk for indirect investment, the recapitalization of the MDBs, the tax convention at the UN that will fight evasion and illicit financial flows, a more intensive use of the SDRs, the removal of surcharges, an innovative development finance for mitigation and adaptation, and a wide call and demand for more representation. We also heard a strong call from the Global North in their commitment to change and partnerships and solidarity. We heard the Bretton Woods institutions and the efforts being made for the World Bank in their road to be better and bigger, the climate financing, especially including adaptation, for trade to be more inclusive and the WTO reform that we heard from our sister Ngozi, the scale up of the financing for the PRGTs and RSTs in the IMF, and the new chair for the Sub-Saharan Africa in the board. All these are very welcome and a result of intense dialogue, so we heard also a call for more dialogue, more intense dialogue between the Bretton Woods institutions and the UN institutions, and a multi-stakeholder dialogue going forward. But as was also said, growth is weak because trade and investment and financial flows are weak. Actually, in 2023, financial flows were negative for the developing countries, not positive, negative. So, and despite the decrease on interest rates by the Federal Reserve last week, the developing countries face in 2024 probably the worst worst year in terms of debt payments. They are facing a debt wall and a very damaging debt burden. So given this panorama, no invisible hand will be able to fix it. We need you. We need a deliberate political will to scale up the efforts to embrace the pact of the future. We need all member states to strengthen multilateral solutions, to avoid fragmentation, and to rebuild trust. The world is in need of this transformation. This session and the pact of the future at large is about making the right choices, about defending multilateralism in the new age, but a renewed form of multilateralism with greater representation in governance, with fairer rules in trade and the environment, with much less inequity in how and under what conditions and interest rates international finance is allocated. Today we have chosen reform. Today we have chosen transformation. Today we have chosen renewal, renewal in acceleration and sustainable development. And that is something worth celebrating. I thank you.

Chair: I thank the Secretary General of the United Nations, Trade and Development, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates. We have come to the end of Interactive Dialogue One of the Summit of the Future. I sincerely thank all the speakers and special invitees for their active participation and insightful contributions to our discussion of the thought-provoking theme of this dialogue. Before we adjourn, done, I would also like to inform participants that Interactive Dialogue 2 of the Summit of the Future will begin in this chamber at 3 p.m. this afternoon. Interactive Dialogue 1 on the theme, Transforming Global Governance and Turbocharging the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is now concluded. The meeting is adjourned.

C

Chair

Speech speed

88 words per minute

Speech length

2107 words

Speech time

1430 seconds

Need for more inclusive and equitable global financial system

Explanation

The Chair emphasized the importance of reforming the global financial system to be more inclusive and equitable. This is seen as necessary to address current challenges and support sustainable development.

Major Discussion Point

Reforming the International Financial Architecture

Bridge SDG financing gap

Explanation

The Chair highlighted the need to address the significant financing gap for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This was presented as a critical challenge that needs to be overcome.

Evidence

LDCs face an annual spending gap of 40% of GDP to achieve the SDGs.

Major Discussion Point

Mobilizing Finance for Development

L

Liberia

Speech speed

148 words per minute

Speech length

463 words

Speech time

186 seconds

Reform IFIs to give developing countries stronger voice

Explanation

Liberia called for reforms to international financial institutions to increase the representation and influence of developing countries. This is seen as necessary to ensure these institutions better serve the needs of all nations.

Major Discussion Point

Reforming the International Financial Architecture

Agreed with

Chair

Kenya

Solomon Islands

Zambia

Uganda

UNECA

Agreed on

Reform international financial institutions

K

Kenya

Speech speed

116 words per minute

Speech length

386 words

Speech time

199 seconds

Restructure sovereign debt and provide debt relief

Explanation

Kenya advocated for comprehensive debt relief initiatives tailored to the unique circumstances of developing countries. This is seen as crucial for freeing up resources for development and avoiding a debt crisis.

Major Discussion Point

Reforming the International Financial Architecture

Agreed with

Zambia

Egypt

Agreed on

Address debt burdens of developing countries

Fulfill ODA commitments

Explanation

Kenya called on development partners to fulfill their Official Development Assistance (ODA) commitments. This is seen as essential for providing necessary resources to support development in low-income countries.

Major Discussion Point

Mobilizing Finance for Development

Disagreed with

Luxembourg

WTO

Disagreed on

Priorities for mobilizing development finance

Close the digital divide

Explanation

Kenya emphasized the urgent need to close the digital divide to recover progress in SDGs. This is seen as crucial for ensuring equitable access to technology and its benefits across all countries.

Major Discussion Point

Harnessing Technology and Innovation

Transfer new technologies to developing countries

Explanation

Kenya called for the transfer of new technologies to the developing world. This is seen as necessary to enable developing countries to leverage technological advancements for their development.

Major Discussion Point

Harnessing Technology and Innovation

S

Solomon Islands

Speech speed

105 words per minute

Speech length

221 words

Speech time

126 seconds

Improve access to concessional financing for developing countries

Explanation

Solomon Islands emphasized the need for enhanced access to concessional financing for developing countries. This is seen as crucial for supporting development initiatives and addressing financial constraints.

Major Discussion Point

Reforming the International Financial Architecture

Agreed with

Chair

Liberia

Kenya

Zambia

Uganda

UNECA

Agreed on

Reform international financial institutions

Z

Zambia

Speech speed

117 words per minute

Speech length

339 words

Speech time

173 seconds

Reform credit rating systems that disadvantage developing countries

Explanation

Zambia called for reforms to global credit rating systems that currently disadvantage developing countries. This is seen as necessary to improve access to affordable financing for these nations.

Major Discussion Point

Reforming the International Financial Architecture

Agreed with

Chair

Liberia

Kenya

Solomon Islands

Uganda

UNECA

Agreed on

Reform international financial institutions

Improve domestic resource mobilization

Explanation

Zambia emphasized the need for enhanced international support in strengthening domestic resource mobilization among developing countries. This is seen as crucial for increasing self-reliance and reducing dependence on external financing.

Evidence

This could be done through institutional capacity building to enable tax administrations combat illicit financial flows, tax evasion and profit shifting.

Major Discussion Point

Mobilizing Finance for Development

P

Pakistan

Speech speed

97 words per minute

Speech length

259 words

Speech time

158 seconds

Establish UN framework for international tax cooperation

Explanation

Pakistan advocated for the adoption of an equitable UN framework convention on international tax cooperation. This is seen as necessary to address global tax challenges and ensure fair distribution of tax revenues.

Major Discussion Point

Reforming the International Financial Architecture

E

Egypt

Speech speed

99 words per minute

Speech length

353 words

Speech time

213 seconds

Reallocate Special Drawing Rights to developing countries

Explanation

Egypt called for the reallocation of Special Drawing Rights to developing countries. This is seen as a way to enhance global liquidity and provide additional financial resources to developing nations.

Major Discussion Point

Reforming the International Financial Architecture

Agreed with

Kenya

Zambia

Agreed on

Address debt burdens of developing countries

W

World Bank

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Increase climate financing, especially for adaptation

Explanation

The World Bank emphasized the need to increase climate financing, with a particular focus on adaptation. This is seen as crucial for addressing the impacts of climate change, especially in vulnerable countries.

Evidence

Committed to deploy 45% of our funds towards climate by 2025, half for mitigation, half for adaptation.

Major Discussion Point

Addressing Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Agreed with

WTO

European Union

UN Women

Global Network of Civil Society

Agreed on

Increase climate financing

Disagreed with

Uganda

UNECA

Disagreed on

Approach to reforming international financial institutions

W

WTO

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Reform harmful subsidies to free up funds for SDGs

Explanation

The WTO called for reforming trade-distorting, inequitable, and environmentally damaging subsidies. This is seen as a way to release significant funds that could be redirected towards achieving the SDGs.

Evidence

Reforming agricultural subsidies could release $630 billion in annual farm subsidies to finance the SDGs. Fossil fuel subsidy reform could unlock up to $1.2 trillion in funds.

Major Discussion Point

Addressing Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Agreed with

World Bank

European Union

UN Women

Global Network of Civil Society

Agreed on

Increase climate financing

Disagreed with

Kenya

Luxembourg

Disagreed on

Priorities for mobilizing development finance

Develop global carbon pricing approach

Explanation

The WTO proposed developing a global approach to carbon pricing and taxation. This is seen as a way to generate additional financing for the SDGs while addressing climate change.

Major Discussion Point

Addressing Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Agreed with

World Bank

European Union

UN Women

Global Network of Civil Society

Agreed on

Increase climate financing

E

European Union

Speech speed

119 words per minute

Speech length

374 words

Speech time

188 seconds

Invest in clean energy and green infrastructure

Explanation

The European Union emphasized the importance of investing in clean energy, transport, and digital infrastructure. This is seen as crucial for achieving sustainable development and addressing climate change.

Evidence

The EU’s Global Gateway Investment Strategy is helping to achieve these duties by investing in clean energy, transport and digital infrastructure, as well as in human and social development.

Major Discussion Point

Addressing Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Agreed with

World Bank

WTO

UN Women

Global Network of Civil Society

Agreed on

Increase climate financing

Promote digital inclusion and skills development

Explanation

The European Union emphasized the importance of digital inclusion and skills development. This is seen as necessary for leveraging digital technologies for sustainable development.

Major Discussion Point

Harnessing Technology and Innovation

U

UN Women

Speech speed

116 words per minute

Speech length

343 words

Speech time

177 seconds

Support just transition to green economy

Explanation

UN Women emphasized the importance of a gendered, just transition to blue and green economies. This is seen as crucial for ensuring that the shift to sustainable economies benefits all, particularly women and girls.

Major Discussion Point

Addressing Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Agreed with

World Bank

WTO

European Union

Global Network of Civil Society

Agreed on

Increase climate financing

G

Global Network of Civil Society

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Strengthen resilience against climate impacts

Explanation

The Global Network of Civil Society emphasized the need to strengthen resilience against climate impacts, particularly at the local level. This is seen as crucial for protecting vulnerable communities from the effects of climate change.

Major Discussion Point

Addressing Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Agreed with

World Bank

WTO

European Union

UN Women

Agreed on

Increase climate financing

U

Uganda

Speech speed

120 words per minute

Speech length

368 words

Speech time

183 seconds

Increase voice of developing countries in IFIs and MDBs

Explanation

Uganda, speaking on behalf of the G77 and China, called for enhancing the representation and voice of developing countries in decision-making in international financial institutions. This is seen as necessary for creating more effective, credible, and legitimate institutions.

Major Discussion Point

Enhancing Representation of Developing Countries

Agreed with

Chair

Liberia

Kenya

Solomon Islands

Zambia

UNECA

Agreed on

Reform international financial institutions

Disagreed with

UNECA

World Bank

Disagreed on

Approach to reforming international financial institutions

U

UNECA

Speech speed

128 words per minute

Speech length

390 words

Speech time

182 seconds

Ensure equitable representation in global tax governance

Explanation

UNECA emphasized the need to address the dominance of developed nations in global tax governance. This is seen as necessary for ensuring a fairer distribution of tax revenue from multinational corporations to Africa.

Major Discussion Point

Enhancing Representation of Developing Countries

Strengthen regional development banks

Explanation

UNECA called for strengthening regional multilateral development banks. This is seen as essential for providing more localized and responsive support to developing countries.

Major Discussion Point

Enhancing Representation of Developing Countries

Disagreed with

Uganda

World Bank

Disagreed on

Approach to reforming international financial institutions

U

UN Habitat

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Empower local and regional governments in global governance

Explanation

UN Habitat emphasized the importance of empowering local and regional governments in global governance processes. This is seen as crucial for ensuring that urban and local perspectives are incorporated into global decision-making.

Major Discussion Point

Enhancing Representation of Developing Countries

L

Luxembourg

Speech speed

130 words per minute

Speech length

362 words

Speech time

166 seconds

Leverage private finance for SDGs

Explanation

Luxembourg emphasized the importance of leveraging private finance for achieving the SDGs. This is seen as crucial for bridging the financing gap and complementing public resources.

Evidence

The Luxembourg Stock Exchange is a world leader in the listing of green bonds.

Major Discussion Point

Mobilizing Finance for Development

Disagreed with

Kenya

WTO

Disagreed on

Priorities for mobilizing development finance

T

Trinidad and Tobago

Speech speed

104 words per minute

Speech length

298 words

Speech time

171 seconds

Develop innovative financing mechanisms

Explanation

Trinidad and Tobago called for the development of innovative financing mechanisms to support sustainable development. This is seen as necessary to address the financing gaps for achieving the SDGs.

Major Discussion Point

Mobilizing Finance for Development

Leverage digital solutions to enhance SDG monitoring

Explanation

Trinidad and Tobago emphasized the need to leverage digital solutions for enhancing data sharing, collaboration, and monitoring of the SDGs. This is seen as crucial for improving the implementation and tracking of sustainable development efforts.

Major Discussion Point

Harnessing Technology and Innovation

G

Global Fund

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Increase long-term affordable financing for SDGs

Explanation

The Global Fund emphasized the need for increased long-term, affordable financing to achieve the SDGs and climate goals. This is seen as crucial for supporting sustainable development efforts, particularly in developing countries.

Major Discussion Point

Mobilizing Finance for Development

M

Malawi

Speech speed

114 words per minute

Speech length

355 words

Speech time

185 seconds

Develop policy framework for emerging technologies like AI

Explanation

Malawi called for the development of a global policy and regulatory framework for the safe utilization of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. This is seen as necessary to ensure that these technologies contribute positively to sustainable development.

Major Discussion Point

Harnessing Technology and Innovation

Agreements

Agreement Points

Reform international financial institutions

Speakers

Chair

Liberia

Kenya

Solomon Islands

Zambia

Uganda

UNECA

Arguments

Reform IFIs to give developing countries stronger voice

Improve access to concessional financing for developing countries

Reform credit rating systems that disadvantage developing countries

Increase voice of developing countries in IFIs and MDBs

Summary

Multiple speakers emphasized the need to reform international financial institutions to increase representation and influence of developing countries, improve access to concessional financing, and address unfair credit rating systems.

Address debt burdens of developing countries

Speakers

Kenya

Zambia

Egypt

Arguments

Restructure sovereign debt and provide debt relief

Reallocate Special Drawing Rights to developing countries

Summary

Several speakers called for measures to alleviate the debt burdens of developing countries, including debt restructuring, relief initiatives, and reallocation of Special Drawing Rights.

Increase climate financing

Speakers

World Bank

WTO

European Union

UN Women

Global Network of Civil Society

Arguments

Increase climate financing, especially for adaptation

Reform harmful subsidies to free up funds for SDGs

Develop global carbon pricing approach

Invest in clean energy and green infrastructure

Support just transition to green economy

Strengthen resilience against climate impacts

Summary

Multiple speakers emphasized the need for increased climate financing, particularly for adaptation, and proposed various measures to generate and allocate funds for climate action and sustainable development.

Similar Viewpoints

Both Kenya and the European Union emphasized the importance of bridging the digital divide and promoting digital inclusion through technology transfer and skills development.

Speakers

Kenya

European Union

Arguments

Close the digital divide

Transfer new technologies to developing countries

Promote digital inclusion and skills development

Zambia and Pakistan both advocated for measures to improve domestic resource mobilization and international tax cooperation, with a focus on combating illicit financial flows and ensuring fair distribution of tax revenues.

Speakers

Zambia

Pakistan

Arguments

Improve domestic resource mobilization

Establish UN framework for international tax cooperation

Unexpected Consensus

Empowering local and regional governments in global governance

Speakers

UN Habitat

UNECA

Arguments

Empower local and regional governments in global governance

Strengthen regional development banks

Explanation

There was an unexpected consensus between UN Habitat and UNECA on the importance of empowering local and regional entities in global governance structures. This consensus highlights a growing recognition of the role of subnational actors in addressing global challenges.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of agreement centered around reforming international financial institutions, addressing debt burdens of developing countries, increasing climate financing, bridging the digital divide, and improving domestic resource mobilization and international tax cooperation.

Consensus level

There was a moderate to high level of consensus among speakers on the need for significant reforms in global financial architecture and governance to better support developing countries and address climate change. This consensus suggests a growing momentum for transformative changes in international systems to achieve sustainable development goals.

Disagreements

Disagreement Points

Approach to reforming international financial institutions

Speakers

Uganda

UNECA

World Bank

Arguments

Increase voice of developing countries in IFIs and MDBs

Strengthen regional development banks

Increase climate financing, especially for adaptation

Summary

While Uganda and UNECA emphasized increasing representation of developing countries and strengthening regional banks, the World Bank focused more on increasing climate financing without directly addressing governance reforms.

Priorities for mobilizing development finance

Speakers

Kenya

Luxembourg

WTO

Arguments

Fulfill ODA commitments

Leverage private finance for SDGs

Reform harmful subsidies to free up funds for SDGs

Summary

Kenya emphasized fulfilling ODA commitments, Luxembourg focused on leveraging private finance, while the WTO proposed reforming harmful subsidies to free up funds for SDGs, showing different priorities for mobilizing development finance.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of disagreement centered around the specific approaches to reforming international financial institutions, priorities for mobilizing development finance, and the focus of technological initiatives for development.

Disagreement level

The level of disagreement was moderate. While there was broad consensus on the need for reform and increased support for developing countries, speakers differed on the specific mechanisms and priorities. These disagreements reflect the complex nature of global economic governance and the diverse needs of different countries and regions. The implications of these disagreements suggest that achieving a unified approach to reforming global governance and implementing the 2030 Agenda may require further negotiation and compromise among various stakeholders.

Partial Agreements

Partial Agreements

These speakers agreed on the need to address debt burdens and improve financial access for developing countries, but proposed different specific mechanisms to achieve this goal.

Speakers

Kenya

Zambia

Egypt

Arguments

Restructure sovereign debt and provide debt relief

Reform credit rating systems that disadvantage developing countries

Reallocate Special Drawing Rights to developing countries

These speakers agreed on the importance of leveraging technology for development, but focused on different aspects: closing the digital divide, enhancing SDG monitoring, and developing policy frameworks for emerging technologies.

Speakers

Kenya

Trinidad and Tobago

Malawi

Arguments

Close the digital divide

Leverage digital solutions to enhance SDG monitoring

Develop policy framework for emerging technologies like AI

Similar Viewpoints

Both Kenya and the European Union emphasized the importance of bridging the digital divide and promoting digital inclusion through technology transfer and skills development.

Speakers

Kenya

European Union

Arguments

Close the digital divide

Transfer new technologies to developing countries

Promote digital inclusion and skills development

Zambia and Pakistan both advocated for measures to improve domestic resource mobilization and international tax cooperation, with a focus on combating illicit financial flows and ensuring fair distribution of tax revenues.

Speakers

Zambia

Pakistan

Arguments

Improve domestic resource mobilization

Establish UN framework for international tax cooperation

Takeaways

Key Takeaways

There is an urgent need to reform the international financial architecture to better support developing countries

Addressing climate change and achieving sustainable development requires increased financing and support for developing nations

Enhancing representation of developing countries in global governance institutions is crucial

Mobilizing additional finance for development from various sources is necessary to achieve the SDGs

Harnessing technology and innovation, while bridging digital divides, is important for development

Resolutions and Action Items

Adopt the Pact for the Future to guide reforms and accelerate SDG implementation

Convene the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in 2025

Establish a UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation

Reform multilateral development banks to increase lending capacity

Develop a global approach to carbon pricing and taxation

Create more inclusive mechanisms for developing country participation in global economic governance

Unresolved Issues

Specific mechanisms for debt relief and restructuring for developing countries

Details of reforms to voting power and representation at IFIs and MDBs

Concrete commitments on climate finance amounts and allocation

Pathways to bridge technology and digital divides between developed and developing nations

Measures to address rising inequality within and between countries

Suggested Compromises

Reallocate a portion of Special Drawing Rights from developed to developing countries

Blend concessional and non-concessional financing to expand resources for developing countries

Balance climate mitigation and adaptation financing

Combine ODA with innovative financing mechanisms to increase overall development resources

Pursue both UN-led and Bretton Woods institution reforms in parallel

Thought Provoking Comments

Without the boost to economic growth from deeper global trade ties over the past 30 years, the world could not have lifted 1.5 billion people out of extreme poverty. To lift the 700 million people who still subsist on less than $2.15 a day, we will need more trade, not less trade, but we need better trade, trade that includes more people, especially those left behind.

Speaker

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organization

Reason

This comment provides a powerful perspective on the role of trade in poverty reduction, while also acknowledging the need for more inclusive trade practices.

Impact

It shifted the conversation to focus on how to make trade more inclusive and beneficial for developing countries, rather than simply increasing trade volume.

We are on a path to deliver greater scale and greater impact. Let me give you a few examples. Working with partners to bring electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030. Committed to deploy 45% of our funds towards climate by 2025, half for mitigation, half for adaptation.

Speaker

Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank

Reason

This comment outlines specific, ambitious goals that demonstrate a commitment to addressing key development challenges.

Impact

It set a tone of action and concrete commitments, encouraging other participants to discuss specific plans and targets rather than just general principles.

We expect global growth of around 3% over the next five years. This is almost a percentage point less than in the decades before COVID. And this is most dramatic for low-income countries. Low-income countries are still 7.5% sent below their growth trajectory before COVID. With elevated debt pressures in many countries, the world is at risk of falling into a low-growth, high-debt trap.

Speaker

Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund

Reason

This comment provides a sobering assessment of the global economic outlook, highlighting the particular challenges faced by low-income countries.

Impact

It focused the discussion on the urgent need for debt relief and financial support for developing countries, leading to more detailed discussions of financial architecture reform.

To respond effectively to our challenges, institutions of global governance must prioritise the voice of all nations, regardless of size or economic standing. This includes reforming the United Nations, international financial institutions and multilateral bodies.

Speaker

Nangolo Mbumba, President of the Republic of Namibia

Reason

This comment directly addresses the need for reform in global governance structures to ensure more equitable representation.

Impact

It sparked further discussion on specific reforms needed in international institutions, particularly to increase the voice of developing countries.

The current global financial architecture is dysfunctional, or at least highly ineffective, and cannot be relied upon to provide the solutions for the world that we all urgently need. This is why countries are increasingly turning to innovative, homegrown approaches to solve their most pressing problems.

Speaker

William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya

Reason

This comment provides a critical perspective on the current financial system and highlights the need for alternative approaches.

Impact

It encouraged discussion of innovative financial solutions and the need for systemic reform, rather than just incremental changes to existing structures.

Overall Assessment

These key comments shaped the discussion by focusing it on several critical themes: the need for more inclusive trade practices, the importance of concrete commitments and targets, the urgent challenges facing developing countries (particularly around debt and economic growth), the need for reform in global governance structures to increase representation of developing countries, and the inadequacy of the current global financial architecture. The discussion moved from general principles to more specific proposals for reform and action, with a particular emphasis on the needs and perspectives of developing countries.

Follow-up Questions

How can we reform the governance structures of international financial institutions to ensure more inclusive, transparent and accountable decision-making?

Speaker

Chair (summarizing multiple speakers)

Explanation

This is crucial for ensuring developing countries have a stronger voice in global financial decisions that affect them.

What specific measures can be implemented to provide comprehensive debt relief for developing countries, particularly least-developed countries?

Speaker

Chair (summarizing multiple speakers)

Explanation

Addressing the debt burden is essential for freeing up resources for sustainable development in these countries.

How can we develop and implement a global approach to carbon pricing and taxation that channels resources to those who need it most for a just transition?

Speaker

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Explanation

This could generate significant additional financing for the SDGs while addressing climate change.

What strategies can be employed to generate jobs for the nearly 800 million young people in emerging markets who are projected to lack clear paths to prosperity and dignity?

Speaker

Ajay Banga

Explanation

Addressing youth unemployment is critical for economic development and social stability in emerging markets.

How can we improve debt sustainability analysis and credit rating methodologies to better reflect the realities of developing countries?

Speaker

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates of Egypt

Explanation

This is important for ensuring fairer access to finance for developing countries.

What mechanisms can be developed to ensure more equitable distribution of tax revenue from multinational corporations to African countries?

Speaker

Representative of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

Explanation

This could significantly boost domestic resource mobilization in African countries.

How can we create a robust mechanism for innovative funding to implement the 2030 Agenda?

Speaker

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Mali

Explanation

This is crucial for accelerating progress towards the SDGs, especially in developing countries.

What steps can be taken to bridge the gap between ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics used by investors and the SDG indicators used by governments?

Speaker

Representative of Morningstar Sustainalistics

Explanation

Aligning these frameworks could help channel more private investment towards sustainable development goals.

How can we ensure that disaster risk reduction financing is more accessible to local communities and marginalized groups?

Speaker

Representative of the Global Network of Civil Society Organizations

Explanation

This is crucial for building resilience at the local level and ensuring no one is left behind in disaster preparedness.

What mechanisms can be established to follow up on the implementation of the Pact for the Future at all levels?

Speaker

Representative of the Millennials Movement

Explanation

Effective follow-up is essential to ensure that commitments made in the Pact are translated into concrete actions.

Disclaimer: This is not an official record of the session. The DiploAI system automatically generates these resources from the audiovisual recording. Resources are presented in their original format, as provided by the AI (e.g. including any spelling mistakes). The accuracy of these resources cannot be guaranteed.

Opening & Plenary segment: Summit of the Future – General Assembly, 3rd plenary meeting, 79th session

Opening & Plenary segment: Summit of the Future – General Assembly, 3rd plenary meeting, 79th session

Session at a Glance

Summary

This transcript covers the Summit of the Future at the United Nations General Assembly, where world leaders gathered to adopt and discuss the Pact for the Future. The summit aimed to reinvigorate multilateralism and address global challenges. The Pact for the Future, along with the Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations, was adopted despite some initial opposition. These documents outline commitments to sustainable development, international peace and security, science and technology innovation, empowering youth, and reforming global governance.

Many leaders emphasized the urgency of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, reforming international financial systems, and addressing climate change. There were calls for increased development funding, debt relief for developing countries, and a more equitable global economic order. Leaders also stressed the importance of bridging the digital divide and ensuring responsible development of technologies like artificial intelligence.

Several speakers highlighted the need for UN Security Council reform to make it more representative and effective. The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and other regions were mentioned as pressing concerns requiring multilateral solutions. Many leaders, particularly from smaller and developing nations, emphasized the importance of inclusive global governance that gives voice to all countries.

While the summit was seen as a step towards revitalizing multilateralism, some speakers noted the challenges in translating commitments into concrete actions. The overall tone was one of cautious optimism, with leaders recognizing the scale of global challenges but expressing hope in collective action through a strengthened multilateral system.

Keypoints

Major discussion points:

– Adoption of the Pact for the Future, Global Digital Compact, and Declaration on Future Generations

– Need to reform and strengthen multilateral institutions, especially the UN Security Council

– Importance of addressing climate change, sustainable development, and reducing inequalities

– Calls for increased financing and support for developing countries

– Emphasis on harnessing technology and innovation to solve global challenges

Overall purpose:

The Summit of the Future aimed to reinvigorate multilateralism, reaffirm commitment to the UN Charter and Sustainable Development Goals, and agree on concrete actions to address global challenges and create a more equitable, sustainable, and peaceful world for current and future generations.

Overall tone:

The tone was generally optimistic and forward-looking, with many speakers expressing hope that the summit would mark a turning point in global cooperation. However, there were also notes of frustration at the slow pace of reform and implementation of previous commitments. Some speakers, particularly from developing countries, struck a more urgent tone in calling for immediate action on issues like climate change and development financing. The tone became more tense during discussions of ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions.

Speakers

Moderators/Facilitators:

– Chair (unnamed, likely the President of the General Assembly)

– Secretariat (unnamed representative)

Speakers (in order of appearance):

– Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone

– Rashad Muhammad al-Alimi, President of the Presidential Leadership Council of Yemen

– Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil

– Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of Malawi

– Sadyr Japarov, President of Kyrgyzstan

– Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa

– Joseph Nyumah Boakai, President of Liberia

– Alar Karis, President of Estonia

– Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana

– Denis Becirovic, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia-Herzegovina

– Mohamed Muizzu, President of Maldives

– Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of Suriname

– José Maria Neves, President of Cabo Verde

– Viola Amherd, President of the Swiss Confederation

– Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, President of Mongolia

– Wavel Ramkalawan, President of Seychelles

– Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan of Brunei

– Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland

– Charles Michel, President of the European Council

– Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait

– Cesar Bernardo Arevalo de Leon, President of Guatemala

– Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania

– Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Prime Minister of Iraq

– Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados

– Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, Prime Minister of Lesotho

– Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister of Qatar

– Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica

– Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece

– Bjarni Benediktsson, Prime Minister of Iceland

– Dimitar Borisov Glavchev, caretaker Prime Minister of Bulgaria

– Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan

– Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan

– Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste

– KP Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Nepal

– Robert Golob, Prime Minister of Slovenia

– Kassim Majaliwa, Prime Minister of Tanzania

– Allamaye Halina, Prime Minister of Chad

– Ebba Busch, Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden

– Enrique Manalo, Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines

– Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman

– Atske Selassie Amde, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia

– Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister of Belgium

– Mohamad Hasan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Malaysia

– Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cuba

– Abdoulaye Bio Tchané, Minister of State of Benin

– Mulambo Hamakuni Haimbe, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Zambia

– Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Rwanda

– Joelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development of St. Kitts and Nevis

– Mohamed Ali Nafti, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tunisia

– Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Egypt

– Representative of Comoros (unnamed)

– Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Minister for Foreign Relations of Cameroon

– Ki-hwan Kweon, Deputy Foreign Minister of South Korea

– Representative of Israel (unnamed)

– Representative of Central African Republic (unnamed)

– Representative of Austria (unnamed)

The speakers represent a wide range of expertise, including heads of state, prime ministers, foreign ministers, and other high-level government officials from various countries. Their areas of expertise generally encompass international relations, diplomacy, governance, and national leadership.

Full session report

Summit of the Future: Reinvigorating Multilateralism for Global Challenges

The United Nations General Assembly recently convened the Summit of the Future, a high-level gathering aimed at reinvigorating multilateralism and addressing pressing global challenges. The summit brought together world leaders, including heads of state, prime ministers, and foreign ministers from diverse nations, to adopt and discuss the Pact for the Future.

Adoption of Key Documents

The summit successfully adopted three pivotal documents: the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations. These documents collectively outline commitments to sustainable development, international peace and security, science and technology innovation, youth empowerment, and reform of global governance structures.

The adoption process faced a challenge when the Russian Federation objected to the Pact for the Future and proposed an amendment. This led to a motion of no action on the amendment, which was put to a vote. The motion passed, allowing the adoption of the original documents to proceed.

Key Discussion Points and Agreements

1. Implementation of the Pact for the Future

There was broad consensus on the importance of implementing the Pact for the Future. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasised that the Pact represents a renewed commitment to multilateralism. President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana described it as a roadmap for addressing global challenges. Several leaders, including Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados and President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, stressed the need for concrete action, political will, and resources to effectively implement the Pact’s commitments.

2. Sustainable Development and Climate Action

Numerous speakers underscored the urgency of accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing climate change. President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi called for faster implementation of the SDGs, while President Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives highlighted the critical importance of climate financing for developing countries. Prime Minister Mia Mottley advocated for debt relief to enable sustainable development, and President Wavel Ramkalawan of Seychelles emphasised the importance of protecting biodiversity and oceans.

3. Reform of Global Governance Structures

A significant focus of the discussion was the need to reform global governance structures, particularly the UN Security Council. Many leaders called for reforms to better reflect current geopolitical realities and ensure more equitable representation. The need for reform of international financial institutions was also a recurring theme, with speakers emphasizing the importance of creating a more inclusive and responsive global financial system.

4. Global Digital Compact

Several speakers addressed the Global Digital Compact, highlighting its importance in bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to technology. They emphasized the need for inclusive digital governance and the responsible development of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

5. Declaration on Future Generations

The Declaration on Future Generations received significant attention, with leaders stressing the importance of intergenerational equity and the need to consider the long-term impacts of current decisions. Many speakers emphasized the crucial role of youth engagement and empowerment in shaping the future.

6. Peace and Security Challenges

Speakers addressed ongoing peace and security challenges, with many emphasizing the importance of preventive diplomacy and mediation. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan called for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. The Foreign Minister of Oman, Badr Albusaidi, highlighted the importance of diplomatic solutions to conflicts.

Thought-Provoking Comments and Future Directions

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão of Timor-Leste posed a poignant question about global priorities: “What kind of world are we living in, where we can fuel wars but cannot feed children?” This highlighted the misplaced priorities of the global community and shifted focus to global inequalities.

President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera of Malawi insightfully pointed out both the opportunities and risks of the digital revolution, emphasising the importance of bridging the digital divide.

The Minister for Foreign Relations of Cameroon, Lejeune Mbella Mbella, stressed the urgency of action and the importance of focusing on youth in global governance reforms.

Several countries highlighted specific initiatives, such as Bhutan’s Sustainable Island State Agenda and Egypt’s efforts in water diplomacy, demonstrating concrete actions towards sustainable development and climate resilience.

Looking ahead, the summit identified several key areas for follow-up, including:

1. Reforming the international financial architecture to better serve developing countries

2. Implementing concrete actions to reform the UN Security Council

3. Addressing the digital divide effectively

4. Accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals

5. Supporting vulnerable countries in addressing climate change

6. Ensuring effective implementation of the Pact for the Future

7. Engaging youth more effectively in global decision-making processes

8. Strengthening multilateralism and rebuilding trust in international institutions

9. Advancing science, technology, and innovation to address global challenges

10. Increasing development assistance and fulfilling funding commitments

In conclusion, the Summit of the Future marked a significant step towards reinvigorating multilateralism and addressing global challenges. The adoption of the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations provides a framework for collective action. However, the success of these efforts will depend on sustained political will, concrete actions, and effective collaboration among nations to translate the summit’s commitments into tangible progress for current and future generations.

Session Transcript

Chair: The third plenary meeting of the General Assembly is called to order. I declare open the Summit of the Future. This summit is held in accordance with Resolution 76 slide 307 of 8th September 2022. And decisions 78 slide 555 of 10th July 2024. And 78 slide 564B of 6th September 2024. And takes place on the agenda item 1, 2, 3, 123 entitled Strengthening of the United Nations System. In connection with this item, the assembly has before it a draft resolution issued as document A slide 79 slide L2. And a draft amendment issued as document A slide 79 slide L3. The draft resolution before the assembly contains the part of the future and its annexes, the global digital compact, and the declaration on future generations. They represent the combination of many months of negotiations and embody compromise from all sides. No internationally agreed document is perfect. However, I strongly believe that the pact, compact, and declaration represent the broadest support of member states. I urge all states to support the adoption of the Pact of the Future and its annexes. I give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of the Russian Federation to introduce Draft Amendment A-79-L3.

Russian Federation: Mr. President, almost two years ago, the GA Resolution A-76-307, at that time, we would have guessed that the outcome document of our summit, the Pact for the Future, would be agreed upon ahead of time in accordance with consensus through intergovernmental negotiation. Unfortunately, this task was not fulfilled today in violations of procedure for the adoption of the text. A number of delegations did not support this text. To speak strictly, we do not have anything to adopt today, and that is not the fault of the current President of the GA and his predecessor. They inherited this problem from predecessors and did all they could, but they did not have enough time. Today we will probably hear a great deal of praise for the Pact, and for those who took part in the negotiations, colleagues, you must understand that all of this is hypocritical. In fact, the intergovernmental negotiations on the Pact did not really take place. was no meeting with delegations, met, sat down at the same table and held real negotiations on the draft broken down by paragraph. From the very beginning, the writers included in the text that it was suitable to Western countries, and these questions were not resolved from the beginning to the very end. We requested sitting down and discussing these problems at the same table, but this cannot be called multilateralism. What happened is a major defeat for the UN because the principle of the sovereign equality of states enshrined in the Charter was sacrificed to the interests of a certain group of countries, and their interests were clearly laid out over the past months. Through these negotiations, it was decided by this group of countries what the document should look like and what should not be included in it. These are abuses that we have seen in the UN. There are a number of delegations that not only remained silent but supported this draft pact, and a great deal of this did not suit those delegations. What about the principle of leaving no one behind, which the SG likes to extol? Consensually, no one is happy with this text. Can we build the future of such a foundation? Is this what we are going to show to future generations? Mr. President, it would have been optimal not to put forward this non-consensus-based test but to continue negotiations until this document finally is acceptable to all without exception, to direct negotiations with delegations and not maneuver through coordinators. This summit would be our then common future, the victory of multilateralism in the UN Charter. I hope that you, Mr. President, will have the courage to propose this kind of procedural solution and its details can be worked out in parallel with our summit. If you decide to do so, to move further and to push through a non-consensus text, then on the behalf of a number of countries – Belarus, Nicaragua, and the Russian Federation – we would like to propose an amendment to the draft text of this Pact for the Future and its annexes. Based on our amendment, the principle of non-interference in internal affairs of states in accordance with the UN Charter is something that must be followed by the UN. This is one of the fundamental principles of international law, which has not been reflected in the pact. The amendment emphasizes the key role of the intergovernmental nature of UN decisions. The amendment emphasizes the need to prevent duplication of efforts and to maximize the effectiveness of the use of UN resources. All this is especially relevant given the current budget crisis in the organization. This amendment is not ignoring the needs of the global south, but on the contrary, is trying to protect them from further pressure from the collective west, which has not honored its previous obligations. For example, with the SDGs, now they’re trying to create new obligations and now they are hiding behind the backs of the global south. Given the proposal of our amendment, we are hoping for the support of all delegations. And so our amendment, being put to a vote, was trying to uphold the intergovernmental nature of the UN and its charter. If our amendment is not included into the text of the pact, then we distance ourselves from the consensus on this document, on the Global Digital Pact as well. With regard to the provisions on on disarmament, participation of NGOs in the work of the UN, and the OHCHR. In any case, we believe it’s crucial to emphasize that the pact is not a document that automatically creates new mandates and obligations for member states. It is simply a declaration, and quite a vague one. New mandates and obligations can only appear through an intergovernmental process that would take place through essentially a different process than how the work on the pact and its provisions were organized. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. I now give the floor to the representative of the Republic of Congo on a point of order.

Congo: Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honor to take the floor on behalf of the African Group, which my country is chairing for the month of September. President, the African Group would like to warmly congratulate the President of the General Assembly for co-facilitating this event, and also the Secretary General of the United Nations. We thank you for your tireless efforts, which together we have conducted during the negotiations that were so difficult and laborious. The African Union believes that it’s our collective responsibility to ensure and guarantee a better future for current and future generations. We are now at a crossroads. Given what is at stake currently, what will define our common future, the African group feels that we need to show unity and our capacity to find common answers to the multiple, complex challenges that we are facing today. The African group firmly believes that the adoption of this kind of amendment is not going to help us meet our expectations and legitimate aspirations. Let us move on to the A79L3 amendment. Thank you, Mr. President.

Chair: Please stop it. Interpretation is not going. Please, Congo, can you start now? I’m sorry about that. Please, Congo, start now so that we can have the interpretation.

Congo: I thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I have the honor to take the floor on behalf of the African group, of which we have the presidency. Mr. President, the African group would like to address our warm congratulations to the President of the General Assembly, to the co-facilitators, as well as to the Secretary General of the United Nations for all of the efforts that we have undertaken together to ensure that we have gotten through these very complex, difficult negotiations. The African group believes it’s our collective responsibility to ensure and guarantee a better future for current and future generations. At a time when we find ourselves at a crossroads, given what is currently at stake, things that will define our common future, the African group believes that we need to show our unity and our ability to provide common, concerted answers to the multiple and complex challenges that we are facing today. The African group firmly believes that the adoption of such an amendment is not going to help us meet our legitimate hopes and aspirations. The African group firmly supports the leadership of the President of the General Assembly, and we support you in all of your efforts for the adoption of the Pact for the Future. And finally, the African group would propose that no decision be taken with regard to the draft amendment A79-L3. I thank you, Mr. President.

Chair: I thank the representative of the Congo. The representative of the Congo has moved within the terms of Rule 74 of the Rules of Procedure that no action be taken on draft amendment A-79-L3. Rule 74 reads as follows. During the discussion of any matter, a representative may move the adjournment of the debate on the item under discussion. In addition to the proposal of the motion, two representatives may speak in favor of and two against the motion, after which the motion shall be immediately put to the vote. Does any member wish to speak? I call on the representative of Mexico to take the floor.

Mexico: Thank you, Mr President. Mexico would like to second the motion for no action, and we invite all members to vote yes in favour of the motion. The text of the amendment presented was never raised during negotiations, which prevented due consideration being given to it by delegations and by facilitators. Delegations have undertaken many rounds of negotiations, and they have shown willingness to achieve consensus. We would like to congratulate you and the co-facilitators for the work you have done. Mexico also would have liked to put forward amendments on matters that are close to our hearts and a priority for our foreign policy, but we believe that the text we have before us now is the best result possible, and it lays the foundation for the future work of this organisation. We reiterate our willingness to continue to participate in constructive, transparent and good-faith negotiations. Thank you, Mr President.

Chair: I thank the representative of Mexico. I call on the representative of Cameroon to take the floor.

Cameroon: Mr. President, I would like to thank you for giving me the floor. Mr. President, the delegation of Cameroon supports the motion introduced by Congo on behalf of the African group. Cameroon firmly supports this document. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the representative of Cameroon. I call on the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to take the floor.

Venezuela: Mr. President, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has the honor to take the floor on behalf of delegations of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Syrian Arab Republic, and my own country with regard to the motion for no action that was introduced by Congo. This procedural maneuver that we are witnessing is a further demonstration of the arrogant view of certain Western states that we have had to, unfortunately, put up with during a very long and complex process of negotiations. It’s also a maneuver which demonstrates, amongst other things, the fact that the provisions of Resolution 76307 of the General Assembly have not been complied with. The text in 78L2, however, was not approved previously and was not certainly approved by consensus. If we have a different interpretation of what previously agreed, and I quote, and end the quote, means, and as defined in Operative Paragraph 4 of the modalities resolution, it might be a good idea for the Office of Legal Affairs to provide us with immediate guidance, Mr. President. These countries understand that there’s no consensus on the Pact for the Future because largely of the lack of political willingness of those same countries to enter into good faith negotiations over the last 18 months on various issues that are so controversial and critical for very many other countries, they continue to prefer to drive forward a course of action that aims to ignore the very existence of these divergent opinions rather than allowing member states to freely express their points of view on the substance of the amendment, which is very direct and based on principles of language. That’s what’s before us now. This amendment would contribute to us achieving our legitimate national aspirations. We’d also point out that the substance of this amendment was raised during negotiations and it was never taken into account. Additionally, the pact is selective in the way in which it addresses the various principles addressed in the UN Charter, and it does not refer at any time to the sacred principle of non-intervention in the domestic affairs of states contained in Article 2.7 of the UN Charter. President, aware as we are of this reality and in accordance with Article 74 of the General Assembly Rules of Procedure, we would like to respectfully ask all member states to vote against this motion for no action and vote in favor of the amendment contained in document A-79-L-3. Thank you very much, Mr. President.

Chair: I thank the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. I call on the representative of Belarus to take the floor.

Belarus: Mr. President, we thank you for giving me the floor. The delegation of Belarus turns to this august assembly with a request to examine the substance of the amendment contained in document A-79-L-3. Thank you for your attention.

Chair: I thank the representative of Belarus. We have heard an objection to the motion by the representative of the Congo. I shall now put to a recorded vote the motion submitted by the representative of Congo that no action be taken on draft amendment A-79-L-3. Those in favor of the motion, please signify. Those against, abstentions.

Secreteriat: The General Assembly is now voting on the motion submitted by the representative of the Congo that no action be taken on draft amendment A-79-L-3. Press the green button to vote in favor of the motion by the Congo that no action be taken on the amendment. Press the red button to vote against the motion by the Congo that no action be taken on the amendment. Will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine.

Chair: The result of the vote is as follows. Please listen carefully. The result of the vote is as follows. In favor 143, against 7, abstentions 15. The motion is adopted. Since the motion for no action on the draft amendment is adopted, the Assembly will proceed to take action on the draft resolution. The Assembly will now proceed to consider draft resolution A, slide 79, slide L2. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

Secreteriat: Thank you, Mr. President. The present oral statement on draft resolution L-2 is made in the context of Rule 153 of the Rules of Procedure. The full statement has been distributed to Member States. Percent requests contained in paragraph 34C, 41C, 57A, 81A and B, 83E of the Pact for the future, additional resources in the range of 1.5 to 1.8 million, excluding staff assessment, would be required for 2025, for which details would be included in the revised Estimates Report to be presented at the main part of the 79th Session of the General Assembly. Regarding requests contained in paragraph 37F and 42B of the Pact, it is envisaged that additional resources would be required for 2025. The Secretary General would, following consultations, submit resource requirements for 2025 in the revised Estimates Report. The Secretary will further assess if paragraph 76 and 78B could give rise to budgetary implications. Additional resources which may be required for 2026 and subsequent years, percent requests contained in paragraph 37F, 41C, 42B, 57A, 74A and 81B of the Pact, would be presented in the proposed program budgets in the applicable years. With regard to the requests contained in paragraph 48 and 72 of the Compact, it is envisaged that additional resources would be required for 2025. The Secretary General would, following consultations, including with Member States, submit a proposal on the resource requirements for 2025 for consideration by the Assembly during the 79th Session. And with regard to the requests contained in paragraph 56A, 56B and 74 of the Compact, it is not possible to estimate implications at this time in the absence of modalities. When the modalities are determined, the Secretary General would assess implications. in accordance with the Rule 153. Additional resources which may be required for 2026 and subsequent years, percent requests contained in Paragraph 48 and 72 of the compact, will be presented in the proposed program budget in the applicable years. With regard to the request contained in the third subparagraph, Paragraph 43, of the Declaration of Future Generations, it is not possible to estimate implications of this time owing the absence of the modalities. When the modalities are determined, Secretary General would assess the implication in accordance with Rule 153. And percent requests contained in the fourth subparagraph, Paragraph 43, of the Declaration, additional resources would be required for 2028, for which details would be included in the proposed program budget for 2028. Thank you, Mr. President.

Chair: I thank the representative of the Secretary. Before proceeding further, members are reminded that pursuant to Decision 78, Slide 555, any explanation of vote on the outcome document shall be incorporated into national statements instead of being made at the opening segment. Furthermore, as indicated in the letter from the President of the General Assembly, dated 4th September 2024, member states are encouraged to use the debate on Agenda Item 123, scheduled for 7th October 2024, to put on record any further views on the elements of the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations. The Assembly will now take a decision on Draft Resolution A, Slide 79. slash L2 entitled The Pact for the Future. May I take it that the assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A slash 79 slash L2. It is so decided. Thank you very much and good evening. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Her Excellency Andrzej Leanderst, Permanent Representative of Germany, and His Excellency Neville Goetz, Permanent Representative of Namibia, Her Excellency Anna Karin Enestrom, Permanent Representative of Sweden, His Excellency Chola Milambo, Permanent Representative of Zambia, His Excellency Brian Wallace, Permanent Representative of Jamaica, and Her Excellency Joker Brandt, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who ably and patiently conducted discussions and complex negotiations on the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations. I also express my sincere thanks to His Excellency Thomas Zaneisen, Chargé d’Affaires at Interim, of the Permanent Mission of Germany, for his work in the final stage of the process. Finally, I wish to recognize the hard work of the teams that supported the six co-facilitators over multiple sessions, including Agnes Julin, Audrey Gatana-Namasis, Cornelia Jarash, Ernest Royden Marcel, Jan Bush, Johan Shekeny, Julia Fielding, Marcus Kreft, Moses Geri, Regalia Voges, Sevelina Ashipal, Thielmann Scherf, Yannick DaCosta, and many more. I am sure members of the Assembly will join me in extending to them our sincere appreciation. Your Excellencies, Health Services of the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, your Excellencies Heads of State and Government, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, we gather today representing the peoples of the world, united by our shared aspirations for the future. Our future is in our hands. We have the power to make important choices for the future. We stand at crossroads of global transformation, facing unprecedented challenges that demand urgent collective action. From conflict and climate change to the digital divide, from inequalities to threats against human rights, together we all face profound challenges. Yet alongside these challenges, there is hope. There is hope because challenges come along with opportunities. The opportunity for renewal, innovation, and global cooperation is within reach. Our summit of the future has given us a pact. The pact for the future, just adopted, represents our pledge not only to address immediate crisis but lay the foundations for a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order for all peoples and nations. The commitments embodied in the pact and its annexes reflect the collective will of member states and must guide our actions and encourage us to promote international peace and security, invigorate implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, foster just and inclusive societies, and ensure that technologies always serve the common good of humankind. We must move forward together in a spirit of solidarity and multilateral cooperation. The summit of the future is a call to action. We must shape our future to protect ourselves and our planet Earth. action that recommits us to the principles of international law, the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the promise of the United Nations Charter to save future generations from the pain of war. The path we chose must lead to a future where human dignity is respected and human rights are upheld. A future where peace transcends the mere absence of conflict and is grounded in justice, inclusion, and equity. Excellencies, our mission is to eradicate poverty in all its forms, tackle inequalities, and promote peace and security, tolerance, and respect for diversity. The summit offers a historic opportunity to ensure that progress is shared equitably across all nations and communities elsewhere. We have an obligation to harness the power of science, technology, and innovation in order to prepare the future of humankind. It is also important that we reproduce our human successes across generations all the time. Let us continue our efforts to reform and strengthen global institutions that support peace, security, sustainable development, and financial stability. Meaningful progress requires that all voices are heard and that all nations, regardless of size or wealth, have a seat at the table. The United Nations is the organization where all nations have a seat at the table. Throughout, we must recognize that none of our goals will be achieved without the full participation of women and girls. Advancing gender equality across all sectors of society will be of decisive significance. Equally, we must acknowledge the vital role of young people in shaping our future, ensuring their voices are heard, their rights protected, and their potential realized. Our youth are the torchbearers of tomorrow. This is especially true in Africa, where more young people will enter the workforce each year than in the rest of the world combined. Together, let us rise to this moment with courage and determination as we accelerate our journey towards a brighter future for everyone, everywhere. I thank you. I now give the floor to His Excellency Antonio Guterres, the Secretary General of the United Nations.

António Guterres: Mr. President of the General Assembly, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to the summit of the future. I thank the co-facilitators, the former and current Presidents of the General Assembly, and all Member States for their strong engagement, creativity and spirit of compromise, and all my colleagues for their invaluable efforts over the past three years. We are here to bring multilateralism back from the brink. I called for this Summit to consider deep reforms to make global institutions more legitimate, fair and effective, based on the values of the UN Charter. I called for this Summit because 21st century challenges require 21st century solutions, frameworks that are networked and inclusive, and that draw on the expertise of all of humanity. I called for this Summit because our world is heading off the rails and we need tough decisions to get back on track. Conflicts are raging and multiplying, from the Middle East to Ukraine and Sudan with no end in sight. Our collective security system is threatened by geopolitical divides, nuclear posturing and the development of new weapons and theatres of war. Resources that could bring opportunities and hope are invested in death and destruction. Huge inequalities are a break on sustainable development. Many developing countries are drowning in debt and unable to support their people. And we have no effective global response to emerging, complex and even existential threats. The climate crisis is destroying lives, devastating communities and ravaging economies. And we all know the solution – a just phase-out of fossil fuels. and yet emissions are still rising. New technologies, including AI, are being developed in a moral and legal vacuum without governance or guardrails. And in short, our multilateral tools and institutions are unable to respond effectively to today’s political, economic, environmental, and technological challenges. And tomorrow will be even more difficult and even more dangerous. When the United Nations was established nearly eight years ago, it had 51 member states. Today, they are 193. The global economy was less than one-twelfth of its current size. As a result, our peace and security tools and institutions, and our global financial architecture, reflect a bygone era. The United Nations Security Council is outdated, and its authority is eroding. And unless its composition and working methods are reformed, it will eventually lose all credibility. The international financial architecture was established when many of today’s developing countries were under colonial rule. It does not represent the realities of today’s global economy and is no longer able to resolve economic challenges, debt, climate action, sustainable development. It does not provide the global safety net that developing countries need. Meanwhile, technology, geopolitics, and globalization have transformed power relations. Our world is going through a time of turbulence and a period of transition. But we cannot wait for perfect conditions. We must take the first decisive steps. towards updating and reforming international cooperation and make it more networked, more fair, and more inclusive now. And today, thanks to your efforts, we have. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations open pathways to new possibilities and opportunities. On peace and security, they promise a breakthrough on reforms to make the Security Council more reflective of today’s world, addressing the historic under-representation of Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. They lay the foundations for a more agile peace-building commission and for a fundamental review of peace operations to make them fit for the conditions they face. They represent the first agreed multilateral support for nuclear disarmament in more than a decade. They recognize the changing nature of conflict and commit to steps to prevent an arms race in outer space and to govern the use of lethal autonomous weapons. They include measures to mount an immediate and coordinated response to complex global shocks. On sustainable development, these agreements represent major progress towards groundbreaking reforms of the international financial architecture. They will help to make its institutions more representative of today’s world, capable of mounting a stronger response to today’s challenges, and able to provide an effective global safety net for developing countries at a time when many of them are suffocating in debt and unable to make progress on the SDGs. It’s about turbocharging the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement, accelerating a just transition away from fossil fuels, and securing a peaceful and livable future for everyone on our planet. It includes a groundbreaking commitment by governments to listen to young people and include them in decision-making at the national and global levels. And it commits to stronger partnerships with civil society, the private sector, local and regional authorities, and more. The Global Digital Compact is based on the principle that technology should benefit everyone. It includes the first truly universal agreement on the international governance of artificial intelligence. It commits governments to establishing an independent international scientific panel on AI and initiating a global dialogue on its governance within the United Nations. The Global Digital Compact represents the first collective effort to reach agreed interoperability standards essential for consistent measurement. And it supports networks and partnerships to build capacity on AI in developing countries. And the Declaration on Future Generations echoes the call of the United Nations Charter to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, committing governments, for the first time, to taking the interests of our descendants into account in decisions we take today. Respect for human rights, cultural diversity, and gender equality are woven into all three agreements. In the face of a surge in misogyny and the rollback of women’s reproductive rights, governments have explicitly committed to removing the legal, social, and economic barriers that prevent women and girls from fulfilling their potential in every sphere. Excellencies, I welcome these three historic agreements, which mark a shift toward a more effective, more inclusive, and that is more network-based in its functioning. I fought for the ideas contained in these agreements since the very first day of my mandate, and I will be totally committed to their implementation until the very last day. We have unlocked the door. Now it is our common responsibility to walk through it. That requires not just agreement, but action, and today I challenge you to take that action, to implement the pact for the future by prioritizing dialogue and negotiation, ending the wars that are tearing our world apart, and reforming the composition and working methods of the Security Council, to accelerate reforms of the international financial system, including at next year’s conference on financing for development, to put humanity’s best interests at the front and center of new technologies. Our success or failure hinges not on the adoption of agreements, but on our actions and their impact on the lives of the people that we serve. Excellencies, throughout my life, whether as an activist or at the United Nations, I have learned that people never agree on the past. To rebuild trust, we must start from the present and look toward the future. Throughout the world, people are hoping for a future of peace, dignity, and prosperity. They’re crying out for global action to solve the climate crisis, tackle inequality, and address new and emerging risks that threaten everyone. And they see the United Nations as being essential to solving these challenges. All this was confirmed during the past two inspirational Action Days. The Summit of the Future sets a course toward international cooperation that can meet their expectations. Now we’re taking these first important steps together, and I congratulate all member states for playing their part. Now let’s get to work. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Secretary-General. In accordance with Resolution 76-307, we will now hear from youth representatives. I now give the floor to Mr. Ghanim Mohamed Al-Muftah from Qatar.

Ghanim Muhammad Al-Muftah: It’s falling down Yes Thank You Honorable Chair distinguished delegates and special guests I am Ghanem and Muftah a UN youth representative from Qatar and a political science graduate With a noteworthy passion for global rights for all I am honored to meet you leaders head of states and individuals in high positions at the summit of the future if You allow me. I will share some personal insights with you But not as leaders but as fathers mothers and guardians Family focused people who care deeply about the future of all children and the generations that follow The decisions that we make today are not just about policies and then strategies They are about shaping a world Where all children can thrive in an inclusive safe and sustainable future I Am a perfect example of my parents dreams for me 22 years ago. I Stand before you here today proudly representing hope from yesterday’s dreams, which Will continue to carry me to my future. I Have been raised with strong family values Where our home model was built on believing in yourself to manifest confidence for your future as a Person with disability. I have learned that true progress Comes not from overcoming personal challenges alone, but from how we as a society embrace each other differences as I look around the room. I Don’t see anyone else like me But you have accepted my differences without prejudice, gender, nationality, race, or religion. You have accepted all of me. This must be the way we conduct our tomorrow, where inclusivity is a fundamental right, not a luxury, where every individual can contribute to the common good of the future, no matter our differences. It is my destiny to be born with disability. I chose to accept it. But sadly, there is no choice for children, where wars and conflicts cause unnecessary injuries and lifelong disabilities. The future for these children and families can tear away hope. Twenty-two years ago, when my mother was told that I was hopeless and going to die, she only listened to her heart. She wrote a book, I Am Here. Twenty-two years later, I am still here, sharing my life experiences to lend others hope and to give a voice to the unheard. There are more than one billion people with disabilities around the world. If they allow me, I unite with them to say we raise our voices to stop these unexpected disabilities worldwide where peace is unseen. It is in our hands to stop this global trend of violences in Gaza and around the world. We must end this suffering today so that a clearer tomorrow can be seen. We are all leaders here. A leader’s role is to listen to the people. We must understand what the people want and address their voices through platforms like this to drive meaningful change. The future belongs to our youth. We must ensure that they are prepared to take on leadership roles in order to be the changemakers. You must be the change you wish to see in this world. I wish all distinguished delegates and special guests a successful summit as we move forward to a new day of possibilities. Thank you so much.

Chair: I thank I thank Mr. Al Muftah. I now give the floor to Ms. Niria Alicia Garcia

from the United States. Thank you.

Niria Alicia Garcia: Thank you. With the permission of the Creator, the Lenape ancestors of these lands, and with the permission of your hearts, it is an honor to address you today, my dear relatives. First and foremost, I want to give thanks to the spirit world, to Father Sun, to Mother Earth, gratitude to the plants and animals, the sacred waters, the sacred places who gave humanity the sacred knowledge and understanding that made it possible for us to coexist and balance with creation for thousands of years. I bow to you and your ancestors because we all descend from these good people who walked on Mother Earth in a good way, and I’m calling on them today for guidance. Why? Because our Mother Earth is hurting and she needs our help. Worldwide, our waters and sacred places are being desecrated. Corporate greed and war are pushing life to the verge of extinction. Global governments and politics are void of spirituality, of morality, and basic respect for life. My generation’s hearts are breaking as we survive the impacts of climate disaster that could have been prevented. Breaking as we watch genocide of our Palestinian relatives live on our phones despite the global call for a ceasefire. The pact for the future mentions words like sustainable development nearly 300 times, yet words like children, earth, and future generations are mentioned less than 60 times. This is green colonialism and it needs to stop. Only one mention of local communities, zero mentions of plants and animals, zero mentions of frontline communities, and zero mentions of indigenous rights. So I ask you today, do indigenous people still not exist to you? Are we not the stewards of 80% of the world’s biodiversity? My relatives? I guarantee you that the continued exclusion of Indigenous people, local and frontline communities will inevitably lead to more destruction, pain, and suffering. Yet there is hope. Because we are still here. And the world needs the leadership of Indigenous people and of youth now more than ever. Collectively, we have the ancestral technologies, Indigenous knowledges, and spiritualities to create real intergenerational solutions. Our cosmologies have the wisdom and power to guide humanity towards that good path again. But in order to do that, Indigenous people must have equal representations as member states in all UN bodies. So I say to you today, global leaders, go home and ratify the United Nations’ declarations on the rights of Indigenous people. Acknowledge and apologize and build authentic relationships with your Indigenous people. Begin to meaningfully engage your youth. Go home and cut your military budgets and allocate those funds for climate solutions, to pay reparations, to pay for losses and damages we’ve experienced as a generation that is inheriting a devastated Mother Earth. Go home and ask your Indigenous youth, respected elders, how much money we need to bring our solutions to life. And then go home and create the unrestricted funds to support Indigenous people in implementing the sustainable development goals on our terms. Global leaders, go home and give Indigenous people our land back. To my Indigenous youth and children of the world, we are so desperately needed at this time. We must join forces with our respected elders and keep fighting for a livable future. Our generation’s biggest responsibility in these times is to not give up and not give in to hopelessness. We must stand to protect the sacred. We must stand to protect our sacred fires, our ceremonies, our songs, our prayers. We must speak our language, wear our traditional clothes, and be proud of who we are. Make no mistake that we have the medicine that this world needs and that with the help of creation we will turn the tide for good for the next seven generations of all life-forms to come. Tla Soka Mati. Ome Theo.

Chair: I thank Miss Garcia. I now give the floor to Miss Monica Malit from South Sudan.

Monica Malit: Esteemed world leaders, excellencies, and distinguished guests, I am Monica Malit. It is both an honor and a privilege to address you today at the opening of the Summit of the Future. As I begin, my question to everyone today is what encounters your eyes if you talk about the future? What voices overwhelms your ears? What test lies in your tongue of hope, of action, of collaboration, of inclusion, or of transformation? Our world is at crossroads, confronted by uncertainties and challenges that cross borders, regions, and communities. Among the most pressing issues are the escalating refugee crisis. If left unaddressed, this will destabilize societies, inter-growth, and sow divisions. Reflecting on my own experiences living in South Sudan with only one language to speak, I had to struggle in a class with people who were three years in class before me. Kenya, a land of refuge, turned to be a land of where I thrived. Through the gates of education, it’s opened its heart. The University of Nairobi gave me a chance to rise, to lead, and to speak for the voiceless. Not just as a student, but as a student’s president. A refugee crowned with the trust of a nation, my journey, not just of books and lectures, but of forging a future where the silenced speak. With the right resources, I secured the Albert Einstein German Scholarship. The support of UNHCR and Kenya granted me access to education, to thrive, to pursue knowledge and turn dreams into tangible realities. Now the weight of my law degree, I stand as a voice for the youth, for the refugees, and for all those forgotten. Through my journey, I learned that it is not enough to receive degrees. We need to exemplify leadership for us to thrive. And we lose it out when we let the youth and the refugees especially go unnoticed. unsupported and unchampioned for. The flight of refugees underscores our collective responsibilities. Individuals like me, displaced by conflict, environmental disasters and economic uncertainties, seek refuge, security and a chance for a better life, not to be pitied. It is our collective duty to provide not just immediate assistance but also long-term compassionate solutions that uphold the dignity of refugees and enable their meaningful contribution to the society. Education remains a powerful tool for progress regardless of the constant cut down in education funding across the world. It equips individuals with the skills and knowledge to navigate a complex world with limited opportunities. For developing nations and emerging economies, investing in education is crucial for sustainable growth. We must ensure that education is accessible, equitable and aligned with the future workforce demands. And for this, I want governments and key stakeholders in education sector to think big on funding for education. In a world where world leaders openly make negative comments about refugees, none of us chose to be a refugee and anyone can become a refugee. Without peace, there can be no safety nor development. Without security, there can be no stability. Without stability, education filters and nations fail. As we embark on this journey, let’s envision a world and a future where it is shaped by cooperation, understanding and shared purpose. Let today mark the beginning of a deeper collaboration, stronger institutions, and renewed commitment to creating a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. And to our world leaders, I’m very grateful that I have a chance to stand before you today and address you directly. The gaps are growing wider. The structures are rusting. While you talk of reforms, our future deliberations must not be realistic latitudes, but revolutions of thoughts. This summit, this moment, it is supposed to mend the fractures in our trust, to build a future where cooperation thrives. And to the youth, the future is ours to forge, not theirs to cling to, not theirs to pass down like spoils of war, because they’re those who went for the war, but were left in the war. It belongs to the bold, those who speak, even when silence is expected. It belongs to those who demand more justice, more equity, and more humanity. Thank you so much.

Chair: I thank Ms. Malith. In accordance with Decision 78-564B, the opening segment also features statements by the President of the Republic of Namibia and the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany in lieu of the national statements from the plenary list of speakers. I invite His Excellency Olaf Scholz. Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany to address the assembly.

Olaf Scholz: Mr. President, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank all the previous speakers, especially the youth representatives, for their important input. It is for them, the youth around the world, that we have come together today. It is about their hopes for a better world. It’s about their future. A special word of gratitude goes to you, Mr. President. Your leadership has proven of vital importance. At a time of great tension and uncertainty, we need the pact for the future more than ever. The previous speakers have already explained how deeply our fates are linked by the global challenges we are facing – war, climate change, poverty and hunger, impediments to free and fair trade, global health threats, technological developments such as AI, which, as well as huge opportunities, also harbour the potential for abuse and for exacerbating economic imbalances. The pact does not just acknowledge these challenges. It expresses our commitment to confronting them, not alone, not one by one, but together, east and west, north and south. 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. The Pact shows our determination to restore trust in our common institutions. It shows that all the talk of division, polarisation and uncertainty will not be the end of the story of the United Nations. Because we still cooperate, we are still placing trust in one another, we are still committed to the principles of the Charter. And we are still willing to treat each other with respect and fairness. Respect and fairness, these principles have also been guiding us, Namibia and Germany, as co-facilitators of this Pact. We come from different continents. Our political and socio-economic situations differ. And yet we manage to work together as friends. Thank you, President Mbumba, for your friendship and for the excellent cooperation. I also wish to thank everyone who helped us to carry the negotiations so far. The text before us today is the achievement of the countless men and women who overcome fatigue, the occasional feeling of frustration, political and ideological divides to achieve this global consensus today. You have proved that multilateralism is alive, that we can find common ground. Let’s take steps towards a world that is safe, just, equal, inclusive, sustainable, prosperous and above all, peaceful. The Pact outlines what those steps are, over 50 of them. Not only history would judge us if we didn’t take them, but also young people around the world. The road is rocky, but was that ever any different? Germany will extend its hand to anyone who wants to walk this road with us. Let’s get moving. The future starts now. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. I invite His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba, President of the Republic of Namibia, to address the Assembly.

Nangolo Mbumba: Your Excellency Philemon Yang, 79th President of the General Assembly. Your Excellency Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General. Excellencies, Your Excellency Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Representative of the Youth, Distinguished Delegates. Today we gathered at this Summit of the Future to adopt, and which we have done already, a Pact for the Future, which our countries painstakingly negotiated over the past 18 months. We all are differently impacted by the weight of this historic moment for our global community and the United Nations. There is an African proverb that says, and I quote, Tomorrow belongs to the people of the future. who plan for it today.” The summit of the future is a pivotal moment in our quest to shape a brighter, more just, sustainable and peaceful common future for all humanity. It is a further commitment to bequeath to the current and future generations a world at peace with itself, a world in which all countries and peoples are prosperous, and a world that is more loving, more inclusive and tolerant. At this critical juncture, the scale and degree of compounding challenges of poverty, hunger, climate change, economic inequality, conflict and public health crises may seem unsurmountable. However, this summit equally presents a historic opportunity for the nations of the world to combat, to combine their strength and resources and confront these crises head on. Today the world is at a crossroad. One path leads to an environmental catastrophe, widening inequality, global conflict and destruction, and the rise of dangerous technologies that threaten our security and civil liberties. The other path offers hope, hope for climate change, global peace, the eradication of poverty and hunger, and the responsible harnessing of digital technologies for the benefit of all humanity. Therefore, the summit of the future is a timely and urgent call to action, urging us to choose the path of peace, prosperity and sustainable development for all. The world of 1945, when the United Nations was established in San Francisco, to promote unity among nations under the rubric of We the Peoples, is contrastingly different from the world of 2024. So much has changed. As a result, we as leaders are once again called upon by destiny to come together and forge a brighter future for our peoples. To forge a brighter tomorrow for people and planet, we must be courageous to reform international organizations, including the United Nations and its Security Council. A new multilateralism, one that truly works, must rest on four key pillars of UN reform. First, the UN must empower nations and regions to adopt comprehensive pathways to provide economic opportunities and prosperity, underpinned by environmental sustainability. Second, the UN must strengthen global agreements and institutions to ensure the effective implementation of international law. sustainable development goals. Thirdly, the UN must be equipped to finance these goals through an innovative global financial architecture. Fourth, we must harness the incredible advancement in science and technology for the common good, while being ever vigilant against the misuse of innovation such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and geoengineering. The Pact for the Future set out key global priorities for humanity, which are sustainable development and financing, international peace and security, science, technology, and innovation, the empowerment of youth and future generations, and global governance. I extend heartfelt congratulations to the respective facilitators and all member states of the United Nations for this profound accomplishment. The Summit of the Future, under the able leadership of the permanent representatives of Germany and Namibia, has been a collective effort over the past 18 months to build consensus and restore trust, and to reinforce the principles of dialogue, cooperation, and shared responsibility. Excellencies. We need the UN because, at the heart of this institution, is a simple yet profound principle. Global problems require global solutions. It remains the most effective way to achieve peace, security and prosperity. The Namibian government recognizes the profound significance of this summit for the future. For our planet, to meet the targets set forth in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement. Sustainable development must be our guiding principle, summarized by five Ps. People, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership. People signify our commitment to leave no one behind. Planet signifies the urgent need to live within planetary boundaries. Prosperity calls for extending the benefits of modern education and technology to all. Peace in the nuclear age requires nations to live together under international law and the UN Charter. Partnerships between governments, civil society and business are essential to achieving our shared goals. We must leave this summit with renewed commitments and concrete action plans to eradicate poverty, eliminate hunger, tackle climate change and build a global economy that works for all. Future generations will judge us. not by our words, but by our actions. Excellencies, guided by the principles of the UN Charter, we must reaffirm our commitment towards peaceful co-existence and shared development. We have the tools, the knowledge, and the opportunity to shape a better world. I am confident that together we can rise to the occasion and seize this moment in history for a brighter future that is peaceful, just, and sustainable. I thank you very much.

Chair: I thank the President of the Republic of Namibia. We have heard the last speaker for the opening segment. Before giving the floor to the first speaker on the list of speakers, delegations are reminded that statements are limited to five minutes for participating states and three minutes for other statements. Pursuant to Rule 72 of the Rules of Procedure, when a representative exceeds her or his allotted time, the President shall call the speaker to order without delay, which will be done by means of automatic microphone cut-off. In accordance with Resolution 72 Stroke 313, the old protocol observed principle is recommended. whereby participants are encouraged to refrain from listing standard protocol expressions during their statements. I would like to appeal to speakers to deliver their statements at a reasonable pace so that interpretation into the other official United Nations languages may be provided properly. The list of speakers for each meeting shall be completed and no speaker will be rolled over to the next meeting. Speakers who are not present when the speaking turn comes will be automatically moved to the next available speaking slot within the category at the same time. Finally, after the Secretary-General’s departure, the Secretary-General’s seat at the podium may be occupied by his representative. If I hear no objection, we shall proceed accordingly. It is so decided. Members are also reminded in accordance with resolution 76-307, four interactive dialogues will take place in the Trusteeship Council Chamber in parallel to the plenary meetings. The first interactive dialogue has already started at 10 a.m. I invite His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, to address the Assembly.

Julius Maada Bio: Mr. President of the General Assembly. Mr. Secretary General of the United Nations, colleagues, heads of state and government, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the G7 plus countries, a group of nations bound together by a shared history of experiencing the horrors of conflict and the challenges of fragility, but with an unwavering commitment to peace, stability, resilience and sustainable development. This summit represents an important moment for reflection, collective action and renewed commitment to building a sustainable, just and equitable future. As countries deeply affected by conflict and post-conflict circumstances, we understand all too well the cost of instability. The urgency of a united global response to build a future of peace, prosperity and justice is a shared responsibility that cannot be overstated. For us, these challenges are neither theoretical nor distant. They are the stark reality that we contend with every day. Our countries have endured and continue to endure fragility, conflict and violence. Still, we stand here united by a shared hope and common purpose, the pursuit of sustainable peace and development. Today we stand at the crossroads of history, as this summit of the future has offered us an opportunity to adopt the pact of the future, a transformative roadmap for a more inclusive, secure and sustainable world. This pact gives us hope and inspiration for a better future. Mr. President, allow me to put forward six points to help in situating the G7 plus countries in the pact for the future implementation. One, the call for national ownership and inclusive government. The G7 plus was founded on the principle that peace and development must be driven from within. We advocate for national ownership of development processes and insist that efforts to address fragility must be grounded in dialogue, reconciliation and inclusive governance. Two, promoting sustainable development in conflict-affected countries. The SDGs represent a shared vision for a better world, but for the G7 plus countries, progress remains hindered. by persistent challenges of fragility. Sustainable development and financing for development is essential towards addressing the unique needs of fragile and conflict-affected states. Therefore, we call for increased international cooperation, innovative financing mechanisms, and tailored approaches to ensure that no country is left behind. Three, fostering international peace and security. International peace and security form the bedrock of global development. For countries recovering from conflict, achieving peace is not a singular event, but a continuous process of strengthening institutions, promoting the rule of law, and addressing the root causes.

Chair: I thank the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone. Thank you. I invite His Excellency Rashad Muhammad al-Alimi, President of the Presidential Leadership Council of the Republic of Yemen, to address the Assembly.

Rashad Muhammad al-Alimi: Excellencies, Majesties, Your Highnesses, Ladies and Gentlemen, Honorable Guests. I value this opportunity to address you today at such an important event where we together renew our joint commitment to the principles of international solidarity, mutual respect and close cooperation. These are the principles upon which this organization was founded. Ladies and Gentlemen, Yemen’s experience over the past decade has been full of suffering and difficult challenges caused by the war by the Iranian-backed terrorist Houthi militias which have wreaked havoc and caused destruction in many aspects of life. Therefore, our priorities may seem different from those of most of your countries, especially those countries that enjoy peace and stability. However, our aspirations are unified and that we hope for a prosperous future that all of our peoples deserve. Yemen today is one of the greatest humanitarian crises in the world and it is further hindered by the repercussions of war on all aspects of its life including its inability to fulfill the SDGs and achieve sustainable development. However, despite these great challenges, the Yemeni people remain steadfast and determined in their quest for a better future. The reason for this steadfastness is the result of the strength of our people, men and women, in confronting these militias and the constant support that the Yemeni government is receiving from the coalition to support its diplomacy under the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and their regional and international partners as well as funding organizations and agencies, especially the IMF and the World Bank. Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, amidst these difficulties and these disasters, I would like to deliver to you some good news that we have witnessed recently. Our efforts have recently succeeded in contracting the international Starlink company to provide satellite Internet services to our citizens so that Yemen is one of the pioneering countries in the region in offering this service. And we are relying on this service to enhance the exchange of information and the spreading of knowledge in order for women, young women and men to achieve and receive education remotely and to prevent them from being recruited towards violence and extremism. And I wanted to tell you this because we are working on dealing with the war and in creating hope. And we are doing this by working in three different aspects. First of all, we are trying to confront violence and aggressive thought and extremism. Second, we are trying to remedy the severe repercussions of the wars. And third, we are seeking to keep up with the future as much as possible because we believe that the generations that were born in conflict have the right to grow up with better futures for peace and development and prosperity. We take part in the Summit of the Future today, and we are full of hope that we can prove that with your support and encouragement that countries that are going through conflict and institutional fragility, these countries are able to keep up with international progress as long as the necessary innovative thought is there to keep up with the rest. The Presidential Leadership Council has been working with the government for the past two years to keep up with the Summit of the Future agenda in terms of enhancing technology in the world as a human right or through empowering women and youth for whom we have launched an ambitious program to develop skills in the temporary capital aided as well as an expanded conference that was held in Ta’as dealing with this topic. Despite the war and the financing crisis that was exacerbated by the terrorist Houthi attacks on oil installations, we are achieving amazing steadfastness with the support of our brothers in fulfilling our requirements and in putting forth ideas and projects that would achieve a certain degree of sustainability. Here, we are working with members of the international community to put together a strategy on Yemen that is based on moving from relief to sustainable development and in dealing seriously with the agenda of youth and the future, just as we care for the agenda to end the conflict and achieve a comprehensive peace. In Yemen, the humanitarian crisis is growing larger because of the climate change. Our country is dealing with extreme climate aspects such as drought and flood and rising temperatures.

Chair: I thank the President of the Presidential Leadership Council of the Republic of Yemen. I invite His Excellency Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, to address the Assembly.

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva: I would like to thank the Secretary General António Guterres for the initiative to promote this Summit of the Future. I congratulate Germany and Namibia through Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Nangolo Mbaba. for leading the process that brought us here. Almost 20 years ago, the then-Secretary General Kofi Annan invited us to think about how to reinvigorate multilateralism to face the challenges of the new millennium. On that occasion, I highlighted on this very room the need for reform so that the UN could fulfill its historical role. That joint reflection bore fruit, such as the Peace Consolidation Commission and the Human Rights Council. Other ideas never got off the ground. We have two great responsibilities for those that succeed us. The first to never go backwards. We cannot back down from promoting equality between men and women, nor from the fight against racism and all forms of discrimination. We cannot live with nuclear threats again, nor it is unacceptable to regress to a world divided into ideological borders and zones of influence. To naturalize the hunger of 733 million people would be shameful. Going back on our commitments is calling into question everything that we have built so hard. The Sustainable Development Goals were the biggest diplomatic undertaking of recent years and they are on track to become our biggest collective failure. At the current pace of implementation, only 17% of the 2030 Agenda Goals will be achieved within the deadline. As president of the G20, Brazil will launch a global alliance against hunger and poverty to accelerate the overcoming of the scourges. At Climate Cope 28, the world took stock of the global implementation of the goals of the Paris Agreement. Current levels of greenhouse gas emissions reductions and climate financing are insufficient to keep the planet safe. In partnership with the Secretary General, as part of our preparation for the Cope 30, Canada will promote a global ethical stocktaking, bringing together different sectors of civil society to think about climate action from the perspective of justice, equity and solidarity. Our second common responsibility is to pave the way in the face of new risks and opportunities. The Pact for the Future shows us the direction to follow. The document addresses important topics such as the debt of developing countries and international taxation in a groundbreaking manner. The creation of a forum for dialogue between heads of state and government and leaders of international financial institutions promises to place the UN at the center of global economic debate. The Global Digital Pact is a starting point for inclusive digital governance, with the potential to reduce asymmetries in access to the benefits of the economy based on data and to mitigate the impact of new technologies such as artificial intelligence. All these advances are commendable and significant, but still we lack ambition and boldness. The global governance crisis requires structural transformations. The pandemic, the conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, the arms race and the climate crisis have revealed the limitations of multilateral fora. Most bodies lack the authority and the means of implementation to enforce their decisions. The General Assembly lost its vitality and the Economic and Social Council was emptied. The legitimacy of the Security Council shrinks every time it applies double standards or remains silent in the face of atrocities. The Bretton Woods institutions disregard the priorities and the needs of the developing world. The Global South is not represented in a way consistent with its current political, economic and demographical weight. The UN Charter… The Republic of Brazil… We need courage and political will to change, creating today what we want for tomorrow. The best legacy we can leave for the future generates a governance framework capable of responding effectively to the challenges that persist and those that will arrive. Thank you very much.

Chair: I invite His Excellency Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi and Commander-in-Chief of the Malawi Defence Forces to address the Assembly.

Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera: Your Excellency, Mr. Philemon Young, President of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Secretary General of the United Nations, Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, Youth Representatives, Distinguished Delegates, This is an historic gathering, for rarely do we make time to reflect on the tomorrow we are creating by our choices today, and rarely do we focus on creating multilateral solutions for problems that haven’t yet occurred. As things stand, we are not likely to meet the targets we set for Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, because we seem more interested in moving with speed in destroying the future than we are in replenishing it. So now we must reflect on the extra gear we need to engage between now and 2030 to sustain the hope of young people all over the world that the old men and women in this Assembly have what it takes to build solutions for a future that is not ours to inherit. This summit of the future is not about us, but about the next generation and their children, and we must make this pact of the future without rigging it with the prejudices of yesterday and the conflicts of today. Let me be blunt, Mr. President. Sustainable development is untenable without sustainable financing. As such, I call for urgency in remodeling development financing. I call for financing facilities that are more robust, inclusive, and humane. I call for financing that will catalyze global development in developing countries, because the underdevelopment of LDCs is a drain. on the potential of the Global South and the Global North alike. What this means is we must shift from the mere provision of aid to the cultivation of self-sufficiency through robust private sector engagement. I am deeply concerned that many conflicts around the world not only remain unresolved but are actively being stroked towards escalation, even here at this 79th Assembly. I am sure that no one in this room still lives under the naive illusion that we live in a world where war can be won, for that world does not exist anymore. We must pursue a rules-based approach that seeks peaceful solutions to disputes, for it is evident that the current multilateral system has proven significantly inadequate in resolving these conflicts. We recognize the global utility of artificial intelligence in terms of improving productivity and decision-making processes. However, the least developed countries are faced with significant challenges in coping with this unprecedented technological advancement. It is therefore imperative that the global world makes deliberate efforts to improve the capacity of LDCs to reduce the digital divide. In Malawi and invariably in the rest of Africa, the youth are not just our future but they are our present as well. We therefore must exploit this demographic dividend by developing technical skills and harness the enormous potential of the youth in order for us to achieve this fourth industrial revolution. Malawi reiterates our call for… comprehensive U.N. reforms in order to create a U.N. that is fit for the future through fair representation and enhanced capacity to deal with complicated global challenges while promoting sustainable development. Additionally, the global financial architecture is crucial for creating a sustainable future amidst rising debt levels. Mr. President, the future we build depends on our collective efforts, and we urge all member states to turn the tide toward a brighter and more just world. I thank you.

Chair: I thank the President of the Republic of Malawi and Commander-in-Chief of the Malawi Defense Forces. I invite His Excellency Sadyr Japarov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic, to address the Assembly.

Sadyr Japarov: Mr. Secretary General, Mr. Chair, ladies and gentlemen, today we are gathering at a critical moment in the world history where the international system is facing difficulties. In an era of global change, we must reassess established methods of multilateral cooperation and take fundamental measures that will not only address current challenges but also lay a strong foundation for the well-being of future generations. As the Secretary General of the United Nations stated, universal problems require universal solutions. The summit of the future is a unique platform that will lay the groundwork for for a new global architecture that works for everyone, not just the privileged few. Using this high platform, I invite all high-income donor countries to actively participate in the upcoming replenishment of the International Development Association of the World Bank. It is the International Development Association and the similar organizations that provide important assistance to low-income countries, helping to eradicate poverty, develop infrastructure and increase resilience to global challenges. My views align with the document, SDG Stimulus to Deliver Agenda 2030, presented by the UN Secretary-General in February 2023, where the document outlines three main actions, addressing the issue of high debt costs and the growing risk of debt crisis, scaling up the accessible long-term development, financing and expanding emergency funding for countries in need. To build strong bridges between the present and the future, we must strengthen the connections between nations. The coronavirus pandemic clearly demonstrated that the existing mechanisms of cooperation do not meet modern challenges. Therefore, the Summit of the Future is considered an important platform for rethinking global relations. Today, the international community faces many challenges, the rise in the number of forced migrants, increasing climate threats and the unjust distribution of resources and wealth. The successes we have achieved often do not reach the most vulnerable segments of society. We need new approaches to multilateral governance based on fairness. That is why we must take decisive action as soon as possible. We do not have time to wait. The Kyrgyz Republic is ready to contribute to this great cause. We support the adopted pact for the future. We also support the adaptation of the Declaration on Future as it is the future generations who will bear the greatest burden of decisions we make today. We must significantly accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. We have made significant progress in eradicating extreme poverty, developing infrastructure and digitalization. Our experience in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals has shown that with the right vision and political will, even small countries with limited resources can succeed. Dear participants of this summit, the decisions we make now will shape the fate of more than one generation. Remember, the future is not an abstract concept, it is our collective responsibility. It is what we leave as a legacy to our children, grandchildren and all who come after us. The world we are building today will become the source of their hopes and dreams. I invite you, esteemed leaders, to become architects of a future based on mutual trust, mutually beneficial cooperation and impeccable fairness. We cannot leave here without taking decisive action. The future demands bold and ambitious steps from us, without any delay. Thank you for your attention.

Chair: President of the Kyrgyz Republic, I invite His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, to address the Assembly.

Cyril Ramaphosa: Thank you for this moment, President of the General Assembly, Secretary General, Heads of State and Government and Excellencies. Let me start off by congratulating Namibia and Germany for their excellent work. They have done in guiding us all to this moment on reaching consensus on the pact of the future. We meet, President, at a time when the world faces many challenges and threats as well. Wars, conflict and the spectre of emerging conflicts are ever-persistent and present features of our time. Climate change and public health challenges are not only an existential threat, but they are also reversing economic growth and developmental gains in many parts of the world. There is widespread inequality, poverty, unemployment, deprivation and destitution in many countries in the world. These challenges transcend borders. Through this summit of the future, we must therefore forge global consensus on how to implement the solutions that are embedded in the pact. This pact must breach the developmental divide. It must provide practical solutions to the challenges of today and tomorrow. The pact for the future is a great opportunity to change and also to reinvigorate the multilateral system. so that it is fit for purpose to address the challenges that the world faces. It is an opportunity also to make good on the promises to reform the global governance architecture, including the international finance institutions and the United Nations Security Council, placing the fate of the world’s security in the hands of a select few when it is the vast majority of the peoples of the world who bear the brunt of the various threats is unjust, unfair and unsustainable. We agree with the UN Secretary General that the summit of the future is a once in a generation opportunity to forge global consensus and make progress on priorities such as sustainable development goals. For African countries, the summit must focus on global action in support of the continent’s development agenda, Agenda 2063. To be meaningful, this summit of the future should reinforce the work towards ending poverty and realizing the fundamental right of development. This summit, therefore, must accelerate our collective efforts to advance development. The key element of the summit is working towards an agenda for peace, and this must involve strengthening the multilateral actions that need to continue taking place. We do believe that this is the time to commit ourselves to adopting concrete actions, so we should leave this summit with a more ambitious, clearer and concrete call to action. build a world for future generation that is far better for young people and for women than the world that we live in today. Our failure will in the end be a betrayal for future generations and I do believe that we dare not fail. Action is what is required now. Thank you very much.

Chair: I thank the president of the Republic of South Africa. I invite his excellency Joseph Nyumah Boakai, president of the Republic of Liberia, to address the assembly.

Joseph Nyumah Boakai: Honorable presiding, colleagues, your excellencies, esteemed representative of partner governments and institutions, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I extend my warmest greetings to you and pay due respect to all standing protocols. I am pleased to bring you heartfelt greetings of the people of Liberia who with great anticipation look forward to the outcomes of these discussions. As you may know, our recent presidential and general elections conducting in the spirit of peace and democracy paved the way for a smooth transfer of power just eight months ago and set the objective path to development. In light of this, we have introduced ambitious agenda focusing on agriculture roads, rule of law, education, sanitation, and tourism as the foundation for achieving our sustainable development goals. We are gathered here with a common mission to find ways to work together to make the world a better place for everyone. Even though we are facing difficult challenges, I believe we are more determined than ever to overcome them. Liberia has encountered significant obstacles in making progress towards sustainable development goals, but we are determined and dedicated to overcoming these challenges. Our experience reflects the struggles of many developing nations which are hindered by social and economic pressures. Recent reports show a concerning trend in global development. The 2023-2024 Human Development Report revealed that the world’s poorest countries are falling behind, leading to greater inequalities and political divisions. Additionally, the 2024 Financing for Sustainable Development Report indicates that least developed countries are now spending 12 percent of their revenues on interest payments four times more than a decade ago. This highlights the urgent need for reform in the global financial system. The current situation requires for us to take decisive action. We need to address the common challenges together and overcome the obstacles that are holding back our progress. As the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has emphasized, we must see these reports, especially the Human Development Report, as a call to action during this important summit. In Liberia, we have made significant efforts to promote good governance, reduce waste and corruption, and ensure that all resources are used effectively for our country’s development in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. However, to accelerate this implementation of the 2030 Agenda, it is crucial to transform the global governance. We need to advocate for a financial system that prioritizes liquidity and reduces the burden of developing nations. By promoting international cooperation and accountability, we can create a fairer financial environment that empowers all countries to pursue their development goals. I urge the international community to take drastic measures to alleviate the economic pressures faced by vulnerable nations. Let’s work together to remove the barriers that hinder our potential and enable us to advance our shared vision for sustainable development. The prevailing development challenges deliver to us a clear message that, if countries are to troubleshoot to achieve their SDGs, the financial system needs to be reformed to help us achieve sustainable development. Finally, I want to express my deep appreciation to the international community and the United

Chair: I thank the President of the Republic of Liberia. I invite His Excellency Alar Karis, President of the Republic of Estonia, to address the Assembly.

Alar Karis: President Yang, Secretary General Guterres, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. Estonia expresses its gratitude to the President of the General Assembly for this important meeting. We also commend Germany and Namibia for their enormous work in co-facilitating the pact for the future and bringing it successfully to a conclusion. The pact aims to bring much-needed efficiency and reliability to what we do in the United Nations and multilateral arena. It is now our guidebook for a better, more peaceful, and just future. Mr. President, by adopting the pact, we also reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the rules, norms, and standards set by international law, including, in particular, speaking in this room, the UN Charter. However, by the end of the day, the pact for the future is simply a document with words, and I hope good intentions. How we are going to implement this document is what will determine our common future. Whatever we do, the human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the international law must always be at the heart of our global existence and cooperation. Because without upholding the UN Charter and the rule of law, many of us might be deprived of a future at all. Over the last years, we have witnessed the highest number of global crises and conflicts. We have witnessed brutal, full-scale aggression against a sovereign country by a permanent member of the Security Council in utter discard of the UN Charter. But it frustrates our societies with screams for change. Focusing on the pact, we must first reform the Security Council. It is important to deter and de-legitimate aggression as a rogue tool for statecraft. To deter crimes against humanity, war crimes. All the UN members need to demand more accountability on the Council to make sure no one can shield their own punishment for a crime with a veto right. In this context, it is our high time to strengthen the General Assembly’s role and responsibility in maintenance of international peace and security. Second, let us make every effort, from additional finance to capacity building, to bridge all divide between and within countries, particularly the digital divide, so that we can all, as equals, and here I can emphasize especially our girls and women, step into the future. Thankfully, we have the global digital conflict to guide us to that. One of the consequences of infection within the UN is a strong wane of growth. multilateralism. Let us revive it. We have to find more opportunities for cooperation on fundamental issues between all states. Let us open doors to a civil society and youth for meaningful engagements in all our decisions and decision making, as it is them who hold the key information from the ground. This is crucial for avoiding deeper crises and wars. Mr. President, Thor Gammarskjöld, former UN Secretary General, once said, the UN wasn’t created to take mankind to heaven, but to save humanity from hell. Perhaps we cannot achieve perfection, but we must ensure that we save people from war, famine, torture and injustice. Fruitful discussions and good intention only will not get us there. Without doing anything and staying paralyzed, nothing will happen and I will see further erosion of trust in the UN and multilateralism. Nothing is for granted. For a world to be peaceful and just, nonstop hard work is needed, even if we don’t see immediate results. Only by staying focused and moving forward with practical steps in implementing unagreed actions of a pact of a future will prove our people that you were.

Chair: I thank President of the Republic of Estonia. I invite His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo , President of the Republic of Ghana, to address the Assembly.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo : Mr. President, we gather here as members of a global family, not pursuing narrow national interests. The future is not distant. It is here, and the choices we make here will determine the fate of generations to come. Our theme, multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow, reminds us that no nation, however powerful, can resolve today’s challenges alone. The climate crisis, inequality, pandemics, terrorism, and violent extremism, these are not local problems, they are global and demand global solutions. We live in an era of division. Too often, we allow lines of wealth, geography, or ideology to define our responses to global challenges. In doing so, we forget that standing apart leads to failure, while standing together ensures progress. The pandemic showed us how interconnected we are. It revealed that no nation can shield itself from a world in disarray. Yet in its aftermath, we have seen irrational isolationism and blind nationalism resurge. This, my friends, is a path that leads to failure. We must return to the founding principles of the United Nations, cooperation, solidarity, and shared commitment to peace, which underline the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, whose fulfillment presents humanity with its most progressive charter. At the heart of today’s crisis is the climate emergency, which threatens humanity’s very existence. Africa, whilst contributing the least to global emissions. bears the heaviest burden. From floods to desertification, we’re already experiencing its devastating effects. Despite the promises, the vulnerable remain abandoned. We’re told to adapt and be resilient, but how does one adapt to famine or build resilience when farmers cannot predict the seasons? Africa cannot continue to pay for a crisis she did not create. We demand fairness, not charity. Climate justice requires an economic system that works for everyone, not just the privileged few. Mr. President, the vast gap between rich and poor should be a stain, a stain on our collective conscience. Over 700 million people, that is 8.57% of the world’s population, still live in extreme poverty, deprived of basic human rights, education, food, healthcare, housing, and the dignity of work. The pandemic exacerbated this inequality, pushing millions more into poverty, whilst the wealth of the richest soared. This is unsustainable and it is immoral. We must build a new global economic order, one that promotes inclusivity and equity for all. The multilateral system, especially the United Nations, should be at the forefront of this effort. This leads me to a critical issue, the reform of the United Nations Security Council, the body charged with the maintenance of international peace and security. In its current form, the Council does not reflect the realities of today’s world. It remains an outdated post-Second World War relic, with Africa, a continent of 1.4 billion people grossly underrepresented. We cannot speak of multilateralism when the structures of global governance are rooted in an unjust and unequal order. Mr. President, the time for half-measures is over. Bold reforms are needed to ensure that every nation, large or small, rich or poor, has an equal voice at the table. Only then can we achieve a fair and inclusive system of governance. History will judge us, not by our words, but by our actions. The world is watching. The future is watching. We cannot be the generation that stood by as the world burned whilst inequality widened and promises of justice went unfulfilled. That is why Ghana supports fully the Global Pact of the Future and its supporting documents. Thank you for your attention.

Chair: I thank His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana.

Denis Becirovic: I invite His Excellency, Denis Becirovic, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia-Herzegovina, to address the Assembly. Respected Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends. It is my honor to address the UN Summit of the Future, which aims to chart a path toward a more prosperous future. Bosnia and Herzegovina is firmly committed to the fundamental principles of the United Nations. We are aware of numerous global threats and challenges, which far exceed the capacities of any individual country. We believe that global challenges can only be addressed through good quality international cooperation. implying an efficient and coordinating global response. It is imperative to establish a strong multilateral system that ensures inclusiveness. We can only create a world of security, justice and prosperity through joint work, solidarity and mutual respect. It is time for concrete actions to ensure peace and stability for future generations. Bosnia and Herzegovina is dedicated to its mission of contributing to global stability and prosperity. The Pact for the Future is very necessary at this time of crisis for democracy and multilateralism. The UN should be more effective in preventing conflicts, building peace and fighting terrorism. The painful experience of my country shows that indecisiveness of the UN, even in the UN safe areas, leads to tragic consequences. One example is the genocide committed against Bosniaks in Srebrenica in 1995. Let’s learn lessons from the past for our shared future. The character of today’s challenges clearly identifies the path of our response. That is why multilateralism is the best response. Bosnia and Herzegovina is committed to the global goals of combating climate change. We support the Paris Agreement as well as the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development and its roadmap. We are actively working to improve policies in this area. International peace and affirmation of human rights are preconditions for progress. Only by strengthening human rights, we can build societies more resistant to conflicts, injustices and inequalities. UN represents a key organization for international cooperation and a platform for preventive diplomacy. Diplomacy and dialogue are key for the peaceful resolution of disputes and overcoming divisions, but also as a means of improving cooperation. Bosnia and Herzegovina will work hard to strengthen such a role for the United Nations. The future belongs to the young generations. I personally advocate for the comprehensive engagement of young people, not through symbolic inclusion, but as a concrete involvement in the shaping of policies at the national and global level. We can draw inspiration for a more secure future from the UN Charter. The Pact for the Future has enormous potential to reshape our multilateral system, ensuring concrete benefits for all. I call all of us to start concrete and comprehensive implementation of today’s adopted Pact for the Future. I believe that the Summit is opening a new chapter in a process of strengthening multilateralism that is needed to all of us together. Bosnia and Herzegovina is ready to cooperate with all the countries gathered at this Summit to preserve our planet and a safer future for new generations. Thank you for your attention.

Chair: I thank the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I invite His Excellency Mohammad Mizou, President of the Republic of Maldives, to address the Assembly. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of Maldives

Mohamed Muizzu: Mr. Secretary General, good afternoon. Imagine a world where the United Nations is no longer an ivory tower, distant, remote, and inaccessible. A world where the multilateral system is not resolution after resolution, gathering dust as is often believed, but a dynamic force shaping lives in real time. For decades at the United Nations, we have been crafting visions, yet they often remain unrealized. In May this year, we adopted the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SEADS. That agenda, along with the three outcome documents we will adopt at this summit, have defined our vision and how we can realize it if we choose to do so. It is time to deliver. It is time for the multilateral system to produce tangible results. It is time to turn the page to a chapter where multilateralism is more than a concept, but a lived reality. I offer three proposals on how. First, we must empower our young people. Young people shape the world of today, and they will lead the world of tomorrow. The declarations and the pacts we craft must inspire and engage young people. In the Maldives, we understand that an enabling environment is key to true empowerment. We are investing in cutting-edge digital infrastructure to ensure every young person has access to the latest technologies. Our vision is a Maldives where digital innovation is the engine driving economic opportunity and social equity. These initiatives will enable our youth to seize the opportunities before them, to unleash the power of their creativity, be the master of their present and future. we must combat climate change. This is the biggest threat to the present and future generations. Climate anxiety is not a hypothetical concern. It affects nearly 62% of youth globally, and with good reason. In SEEDs, extreme weather events have caused over $153 billion of loss in the last 50 years. Ignoring the 1.5 degree Celsius target is not an option. This summit should honor previous commitments on climate adaptation and mitigation, on loss and damage, and on the protection of our oceans and marine resources. The Maldives is committed to achieving a net zero climate resilient future. We are doing our part, and we urge all countries to do yours. Third, financing is the key that will turn aspirations to reality. The SDG financing and investment gap stands between 2.5 to $4 trillion annually. The system that was meant to balance scales has now been tilted. The Maldives knows this pain firsthand. We need adequate, predictable, and sustainable development and climate financing. It’s time for a financial system that listens to everyone and works for everyone. Future generations will judge our legacy not by the processes we initiate, but by the concrete actions we take. They demand a system that delivers. A world where every challenge is met with courage. Courage to halt the genocidal war in Gaza. Courage to grant the state of Palestine full membership of the United Nations. Courage to hold perpetrators of human rights accountable. Where the UN is closer to the people, listens to the people. A future that is defined by equity, innovation, and real impact. As we leave this summit, let us commit to fully implement. the three outcome documents of this summit. For the Maldives and for every island, and for every soul dreaming of a better tomorrow, let us be the architects of that brighter future. Will we rise to the occasion? For the Maldives, the answer is yes. Yes, we will. I thank you.

Chair: I thank the President of the Republic of Maldives. I invite His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname, to address the Assembly.

Chandrikapersad Santokhi: Thank you, Mr. President. Distinguished Heads. Distinguished Honorable Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen. Good morning. As we gathered at this summit, we are called upon to transform our deeply interconnected world for the benefit of current and future generations. The theme of our summit underscores the critical need and truth, multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow. Today, I find myself reminding ourselves of the reality that many of the commitments and declarations made today echo those that have been voiced time and time again. Therefore, our first decisive action must be to deliver on the promises and pledges made. We must act now with urgency to make this world a better place and action is not an option. The Caribbean, to which my own country, Suriname, belongs, is a region that is confronted with existential climate threats and is in dire need of action. We must act now to deliver on the promises and pledges made today, and action is not an option. We must act now to deliver on the promises and pledges made and financial-economic distortions, among which high debt. These nations struggle with enormous challenges in the pursuit of sustainable development as they lack the financial resources to invest in critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure. In 2022, low- and middle-income countries paid a record of US$443.5 billion to cover their external debt as reported in the World Bank’s International Debt Report 2023. Mr. President, funds that could have been directed towards building schools, hospitals, and resilient infrastructure to mitigate the effects of climate change. Yet, the global financial system continues to disadvantage and at times alienate these nations. Now that the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index has been adopted, we expect that this mechanism will be effectively introduced in the operations of international financial institutions. My country, Suriname, for instance, a carbon-negative nation with an abundance in resources is burdened by significant financial and economic challenges. We are successfully implementing reforms and adopting innovative strategies to ensure fiscal stability, sound economic and monetary outlook, sustainable resource management, protect biodiversity, and promote renewable energy and food security. We also face challenges such as inequality and marginalization of certain groups, including indigenous and tribal communities, health care access, and quality education, particularly in rural and urban areas. remote areas and inadequate infrastructure. All of these are bottlenecks in achieving sustainable development. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development remains our blueprint for a better future. Yes, we are acutely aware that progress has been on even end in some areas alarmingly slow. It is incumbent upon us to accelerate our efforts to meet the SDGs. Small and vulnerable nations must be assisted in the sustainable development efforts, recognizing that the principal obstacles to growth and progress are not of their doing. Let us include the youth in designing the future as part of a world- and society-approach-based and multi-stakeholder partnership. Let us foster national and global consensus. Let us be a united force. We must transition from fragmented to divisive approaches, comprehensive, inclusive, and transparent global role-based governance structures in an increasingly multipolar world burdened, as we speak, by globally impacted regional conflicts of war and humanitarian disaster. It is a responsibility of all of us to call for a strengthened multilateral system. Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, Suriname welcomes the adoption of the Pact of the Future. More importantly now is the time to effectively implement the pact to the benefit of all of us. I thank you and may God bless you.

Chair: I thank the President of the Republic of Suriname. I invite His Excellency Jose Maria Neves, President of the Republic of Cabo Verde, to address the Assembly. of the General Assembly, Excellencies. It is with profound honor that I address this

José Maria Neves: Distinguished Assembly, bringing warm greetings from the people of Cabo Verde, whom I am privileged to represent. We are all cognizant of the journey that has brought us to this summit, notably since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015. The review of the UN’s 75th anniversary in 2020 highlighted both the accomplishments of multilateralism and the path ahead in realizing the ideals of the United Nations Charter. This reflection inspired Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to present the initiative, our Common Agenda, and to convene this summit of the future, allowing us to chart a course for accelerating the implementation of the SDGs. Our summit of the future must be ambitious. Indeed, the future we want and the United Nations we need must rise to the occasion with ambitious objectives to address the immense challenges the world has been facing, challenges that are increasingly global, with consequences that are disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable nations. The pursuit of SDGs, including efforts to mitigate and adapt to the extreme events associated with climate change, has not been fully inclusive in the sense of leaving no one behind. and, at the same time, has fallen short of our goals. A key barrier to accelerated progress in this area is the persistent financing gap between pledges made and the actual funds disbursed. This gap fully underscores the need for a comprehensive reform of the international financial architecture, one that ensures financing mechanisms are aligned with the diverse and evolving development needs of all nations. The absence of peace and security has been exacerbated by the proliferation of wars of aggression, interstate conflicts, and acts of terrorism across all continents. On the other hand, even where war is absent, instances of political tensions, unconstitutional seizures of power, and human rights violations have been increasing and have the inability to respond to people’s desires and aspirations. Furthermore, political and ideological divisions are hampering the normal functioning of global and regional multilateral institutions, undermining their ability to provide lasting solutions to these conflicts and tensions. Unequal access to the benefits of science, technology, and innovation, particularly by the Global South, along with the risks associated to cybersecurity threats and the militarization of technologies such as artificial intelligence, as well as the ability to respond to the questionings and dreams of young people and future generations of men and women, are other global challenges underlining the imperative need for a more effective framework of international cooperation. The challenge to global governance calls for a reform of the multilateral system that must encompass all three pillars of the United Nations. peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development. Reforming the Security Council, in particular, is essential to making it more effective, especially if it includes expanding its membership, ensuring balanced regional representation, and reducing the interference of vetoes in the decision-making process. Nevertheless, it is equally important to underline that our commitment to reforming multilateral governance cannot and should not distract us or relieve us from what we must do at the national and regional levels in relation to strengthening the democratic rule of law, upholding inclusive societies, deepening democratic practices, and fostering regional integration and complementarity. We must be calm.

Chair: I thank the President of the Republic of Cabo Verde. I invite Her Excellency Viola Amherd, President of the Swiss Confederation, to address the Assembly.

Viola Amherd: Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, The Charter of the United Nations entered into force almost 80 years ago. It established a prohibition on the use of force, respect for human rights, and laid the foundations for international cooperation. This text bears the hope of a solemn undertaking that states would work together for a more stable, just, and peaceful world. At the time, the international community was addressing the most pressing issues of its time. The Charter was, and remains so, visionary. Today, more than ever, we must follow the example of our predecessors. The constant here is multilateralism, with the United Nations at its core. In order to drive forward the necessary reforms, we not only need strong political will, but we also need to rebuild trust. I believe that this is urgently needed, because unfortunately, our entire efforts were almost undone when the adoption of the Pact for the Future was jeopardised today. However, almost all Member States were in favour of a strong negotiated text, for which everyone had had to make compromises, some of them painful. And, perhaps because of some of these difficulties, the Pact is proving to be an important and clear signal of commitment to the multilateral system. It is our duty, as members of the international community, to work together over and above differences, and to ensure that our common future is not determined exclusively by national self-interest. We must not be discouraged by these challenges. Quite the opposite, it is a wake-up call for all of us to intensify our efforts, and that together we can still succeed. So now is the time to act with even more determination. Multilateralism needs this. we need multilateralism. We must not become distracted or throw in the towel, but we must continue to move forward together. Ladies and gentlemen, Switzerland is ready to take on its share of responsibilities. We remain firmly committed to the values of multilateralism and we are determined to continue on the path towards a more sustainable, just and peaceful world. Let us work together towards a strong and targeted multilateralism, multilateral agencies and organizations that focus on priorities and that work together effectively, and a system that addresses current challenges efficiently and effectively. Switzerland invites all states to join in these efforts. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the President of the Swiss Confederation. I invite His Excellency Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, President of Mongolia, to address the Assembly.

Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh: Mr. Secretary General, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, the summit of the future represents a pivotal opportunity to shape a pathway toward a peaceful, sustainable, inclusive, resilient and prosperous future, as articulated by the UN Secretary General António Guterres. In his report, our common agenda. I would like to express my profound gratitude to the permanent representatives of Namibia and Germany for their successful co-facilitation of the preparations for this summit. I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to UN Secretary General António Guterres for initiating the Summit of the Future, which aims to assess the progress of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, reinvigorate its momentum, and accelerate its implementation. The documents we have adopted this morning – Pact for the Future, Declaration on Future Generations and Global Digital Compact following extensive negotiations and consultations – mark a significant milestone in reaffirming our shared goals and political aspirations during these challenging times. Mongolia adheres to a peaceful, open, independent, and multipillar foreign policy, respects the pluralism that arises from the history, culture, civilization, national interests, and development paths of all countries, and is committed to building international relations based on a multipillar approach. Our country also believes that strengthening multilateral cooperation anchored in international law and the United Nations Charter is vital for ensuring international peace and security. Enhanced dialogue, mutual understanding, and trust are the fundamentals for global stability and coexistence. I am confident that Summit of the Future will play a significant role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, including peacebuilding, combating climate change, protecting global health, reducing economic inequalities, ensuring justice, and promoting science, technology, innovation, youth, and governance reform. In preparation for this summit, my country has organized a series of events in collaboration with the United Nations. I take pride in highlighting our successful hosting of the World Women’s Forum in August themed Towards a Green Future, which culminated with the adoption of the Ulaanbaatar Declaration Towards a Sustainable Future. We are pleased that the core ideas from this declaration are reflected in the documents that are adopted at today’s summit. As we move forward, Mongolia will continue to fully support the United Nations in its vital role and coordination in global affairs, while further promoting UN-centered multilateralism. I wish the summit’s activities great success. Thank you very much for your attention.

Chair: I thank the President of Mongolia. I invite His Excellency Wavel Ramkalawan, President of the Republic of Seychelles, to address the Assembly.

Wavel Ramkalawan: Mr. President of the General Assembly, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. In this era of a multipolar world, we stand at a crossroads, grappling with existential challenges that not only threaten the very fabric of our global community, but tear at its increasingly fragmented seams. The stakes of our deliberations at this summit cannot be emphasized enough. The pact for the future must not just mirror the aspirations of all nations. It must embody the hopes and dreams of the most vulnerable among us. We cannot afford to make commitments to strengthen global cooperation on climate action, sustainable development and equitable access to resources, only to see them diluted in implementation. The harsh truth is that despite our ambitions, there is a real risk that these commitments will fall short, continuing to marginalize those who are already most at risk, shutting them out of the very decision-making processes that shape their futures. To ensure that the pact for the future truly represents all sectors of society, we must actively engage young people in the development process, as their involvement is crucial to building a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable world today. The youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow. They are the essential stakeholders of today. Their active and early involvement is critical to ensuring the sustainability of our initiatives. Addressing the digital divide is just as crucial. This inequality threatens to widen the gap between the haves and the have-nots, making targeted action essential. Strong partnerships are vital to ensuring equitable access to the technologies and infrastructure that underpin modern development. These efforts must be supported by resilient multilateral institutions, international cooperation, global solidarity and shared responsibility as no nation can tackle these immense challenges alone. To truly embody the principles of cooperation and shared responsibility, we must recognize and preserve the strategic significance of regions like the Indian Ocean, where fostering peace and collaboration is vital for both regional stability and the broader success of our global community. Just as the stability of the Indian Ocean is crucial to our collective prosperity, so too is the success of initiatives like the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Seeds, which demands our unwavering commitment and the active support of the international community to turn its promise into reality. To ensure that the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Seeds truly succeeds, we must move beyond rhetoric and into action. We urge multilateral institutions to recognize the critical importance of the MVI Index and to implement it as a key tool in their policies, ensuring that the unique vulnerabilities of the most at-risk nations are given the priority they deserve. global financing strategies. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, our collective future depends on the strength of our multilateral institutions and the solidarity of our global community. The challenges we face are daunting, complex, and deeply interconnected. No single country can hope to overcome them alone. Let us remember that decisions we make today will determine the world of tomorrow. For my small nation, the stakes could not be higher. We are ready, eager to contribute to a future that is sustainable, equitable, and just. But we cannot do this alone. It is only through cooperation, mutual respect, and shared responsibility that we can hope to tackle the enormous challenges. Let us ensure that we do this together.

Chair: I thank the President of the Republic of Seychelles. I invite His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei to address the Assembly.

Hassanal Bolkiah: Your Excellency Philemon Yang, President of the 79th Session of the General Assembly. Your Excellency Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General. the United Nations. Distinguished Heads of Delegation, ladies and gentlemen, over 80 years ago the United Nations emerged from a world torn apart by conflicts embodying our collective aspiration for a future forged on unity rather than division. This resilient institution has navigated the rise and fall of empires and the impact of natural disasters and pandemics. Amidst these difficulties the UN’s core humanitarian principles have remained our guiding lights as we confront new and emerging global challenges. In line with our summit’s theme of multilateral solution for a better tomorrow, I would like to highlight three main points. First, in our interconnected world the digital device threatens to deepen disparities between nations and within societies. We also acknowledge that only through global peace can humankind strive to achieve remarkable advancement in technology, medicine and infrastructure. Maintaining global peace ensures we continue to strive for partnerships that facilitate fair and inclusive technological progress for all nations. Second, for Brunei Darussalam, the Millennium Development Goals sustainable development goals are not mere benchmark but also beacons of hope for a better tomorrow. Therefore the summit of the future reinforces the commitment that no one is left behind, firmly anchored in the values that define our shared humanity. Third, as a member of the United Nations and the regional bloc of ASEAN, for the past four decades Brunei Darussalam has embraced its global role by advocating multilateralism and rules-based international order to preserve peace, security and sustainable in our region and beyond. However the current international peace landscape is at a critical juncture with persistent conflicts and diplomatic impasses testing the resilience of our global cooperation. As we convene at this meeting, at this summit, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the UN Charter and international law without prejudice or discrimination to unite our nations strongly. Together we can transform our collective vision into a vibrant reality for ourselves and for generations to come. This is our pact for the future.

Chair: I thank His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei. I invite His Excellency Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland, to address the Assembly.

Michael D. Higgins: President of the General Assembly, Distinguished Heads of State and Government, Secretary-General, Excellency Secretary-General Ealloch. We find ourselves in the greatest of circumstances. Circumstances to which it is not sufficient or morally acceptable that we offer any passivity in the face of what are existential challenges. The task we have been given by Secretary-General Guterres is to bring into being a United Nations and related institutions that will lead us through what are undeniable, urgent, interacting crises – political, social, economic and, most importantly, ecological. That urgency requires that what we say must have such authenticity by matching words to actions as will begin to recover and facilitate trust. To achieve this, we can draw on where are better promising moments of achieving trust, such as in 2015, when we agreed to cooperate in recognising and responding to the consequences of climate change and the promise of sustainable living. Those agreements released an intergenerational feeling of hope. among the people of nation-states that we were willing to change our assumptions as to how we saw the connection between society, economy and ecology. We are challenged, however, by the fact that our delivery and commitments made on sustainable development and climate change have been so much less than what was committed. We too are living through a pervasive and deepening inequality that scars our world. Never have so many had so little, and so few accumulated so much without responsibility. What we are wrestling with are the consequences of a globalisation from above, led by the powerful without transparency, without consideration as to social justice or to ecological consequences. As a response, it is my strong belief that a new inclusive globalisation from below can achieve a new invigorated United Nations that will, starting with food sufficiency and led by those on the ground, accompanied by and delivering universal basic services which will enhance democracy, improve participation and give the transformative leadership we need. In envisaging a United Nations of the future, a United Nations that can serve the peoples of the planet, we must have the courage to look at not only its current weaknesses, but at those abuses of power that have consciously undermined the United Nations since its foundation in 1945. The failure to achieve peace, eliminate acute global poverty, hunger or the consequences of climate change and biodiversity loss have been accompanied by a return to an arms race. Last year, global military expenditure – increased by 6.8% to $2.44 billion, the highest ever recorded. Achieving food security and economy of sufficiency, the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals. Urgency requires, of course, debt sustainability. We cannot continue to ignore the debt burden hanging around the necks of the world’s poorest, who have such little fiscal space to do the things being suggested to them, be it in responding to climate change or achieving sustainability. 3.2 billion people, let us remember, live in countries that spend more on debt interest payments than on the essential basic services of education or health. We need to give our fullest support then to campaigns that seek to eliminate hunger and poverty. In the interests of all, the few must indicate their willingness to change if we are to avoid the horrific consequences of climate change, lose prospects for sustainability, and effectively prevent the conclusion that as a species we have failed to achieve peace, have instead become addicted to war, have rewarded investors in instruments of debt rather than promoting sustainability. We can achieve the change that is necessary.

Chair: I thank the President of Ireland. I invite His Excellency Charles Michel, President of the European Council, to address the Assembly.

Charles Michel: Dear President of the General Assembly, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, The health and strength of a community depends on every citizen’s willingness to show that he is part of the burdens and responsibilities of the community. These are the memorable words of former Secretary-General Dirk Amersfoort, and that is why each of us is here today to do our part and to share the responsibilities. Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends, Finding the best way to tackle our common challenges is the shared mission of our generation. And this summit is a unique moment to boost our ambition, and the EU is fully on board. We want a pact for the future that will invigorate multilateral trust and put the United Nations back at the heart of our actions. This pact is a powerful catalyst to speed up our sustainable development goals, make progress on human rights, gender equality. protecting our planet. Dear colleagues, we must urgently reform our international financial architecture. We have already fulfilled our commitment to re-channel 100 billion dollars of special green rights to developing countries and the EU has taken a leading role. But we all know this is not enough. We must do more. We should strive to re-channel more SDRs, up to 40% of the SDR allocation. And we must fulfill our past commitments. The EU, together with our member states, we are frontrunners in global development financing. In 2023, ODA from the EU reached 0.57% of our GNI, more than 100 billion dollars. And we encourage other partners, including in the G7, to follow our example. If all G7 partners matched our ambition, it would generate 100 billion dollars more every year. Ladies and gentlemen, we also need to make our international financial architecture more effective and more inclusive. Developing countries need more money, private and public money now. We must also tackle the problem of debt because we cannot accept that low- and middle-income countries must choose between fighting poverty and fighting climate change. They must do both and we must support them to do both. Just one example. Last year, some middle-income countries had to pay six times more on average than a country like Germany for interest payments on public debt. when measured as a share of public debt. The G20 Common Framework is a good tool, but we must work with partners to make it more efficient, more transparent, and more timely. I would like to thank you, dear Antonio Guterres, for your leadership. I would like to thank all the negotiators and co-facilitators for their work in making this Pact for the Future a reality. 193 countries have signed on to the Pact. Developing countries, together with the EU, we have tried to play a particularly positive role in helping reach consensus among all nations of the world, and this signals a path for future cooperation for the benefit of multilateralism and humanity, diversity, tolerance, and mutual respect. Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, this Pact for the Future sends a powerful signal of confidence that despite our differences, despite the challenges we face, we can work together, and we want to work together. You can count on the EU to be a strong and reliable partner in making this Pact a success. I thank you.

Chair: I thank the President of the European Council. I invite His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah, of the State of Kuwait, to address the Assembly.

Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah: In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. Your Excellency Yang, President of the 79th Session of the General Assembly. Your Excellency, Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations. Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, allow me to convey to you the greetings of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah. May God protect him. His Highness wishes you all success in this summit. And allow me to congratulate the President of the 79th Session of the General Assembly and the Secretary-General on holding this high-level meeting to celebrate the outcome of the Summit of the Future that we adopted a few hours ago. The Pact of the Future should enhance cooperation and should allow us to address challenges and shortcomings in the global governance system. The Pact of the Future allows us to recommit ourselves to build a multilateral order that keeps abreast with developments. We value in this context the call by the Secretary-General in 2021 to hold this summit, which lays a more effective foundation for international cooperation. Mr. President, we have been following consistently the challenges faced by developing and least developed countries. These challenges, many of which are transboundary in nature, include those related to development and climate change. These challenges show the importance of effectively applying the principle of equitable geographical representation and move away from discrimination and politicization. We agree with the Secretary-General when he said that it is impossible to build a future for our children and grandchildren through an order or a system that was built by our forefathers without taking into account the future of young people. We are required today to work on introducing serious and practical changes to the global economic governance system, to networks of financial security, to international tax cooperation. We must reform multilateral development banks and we must address the problem of sovereign debts. Mr. President, concerning the second chapter of the Pact of the Future, the chapter related to international peace and security, once again we stress the need for us all to comply with international law and international conventions and treaties. It is important to refrain completely from applying double standards. What is transpiring in Palestine, the genocide that has claimed the lives of more than 41,000 Palestinians, most of them are women and children, and the inability of the Security Council to stop this aggression is a case in point. It is extremely regrettable that double standards have been applied in implementing international law. There should be no place for double standards in our future so that we do not descend into a world where the rules of the jungle would prevail. Concerning the fifth chapter of the pact, entitled Transforming Global Governance, more specifically the provisions related to reforming the Security Council, we call upon the international community to push for negotiating and working on accelerating the reform process. So that the Security Council reflects our world and is responsive to our challenges to achieve a Security Council that is inclusive, effective, transparent and accountable. Mr. President, not long after its independence, the state of Kuwait has established the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. As we believe that enhancing development for developing and least developed countries is of paramount importance, the fund has provided, since then, concessional financing amounting to 1,073 grants and loans that were used to implement various development projects in 105 countries. We recall proudly the efforts by the state of Kuwait and its progress in implementing our national development plan and to achieve the SDGs and the Kuwait Vision 2035.

Chair: I thank the Crown Prince of the state of Kuwait. I invite His Excellency Cesar Bernardo Arevalo de Leon, President of the Republic of Guatemala, to address the assembly.

Cesar Bernardo Arevalo de Leon: Distinguished friends, it’s an honor for me to take the floor before you at this summit where we are sharing and establishing ambitious goals. This is an opportunity to protect the needs and the interests of present and of future generations through concrete actions, the concrete actions that we are adopting in this path for the future. This is not yet another agreement, but rather it is something that commits us. with responsibilities, renewing the commitments that we made as fundamental principles in order to strengthen the multilateral system and to make headway towards the achievement of our commitments that are the pillars of our organisation, peace and international solidarity, human rights and sustainable development. All of these things relate to each other and mutually strengthen each other. We recognise that the world has evolved and at this moment we are in a very different situation to the one that we were in when the United Nations was created 79 years ago and this means that we need to understand the need to work in order to strengthen multilateralism based on the principles and goals of peace, cooperation, human rights and freedom, the things that motivated us 79 years ago, but that in order to achieve this we need to benefit from new mechanisms that allow us to adapt to these new times. This Summit of the Future and the PAPs that we have just approved are key milestones at a crucial juncture that the different peoples of the world are going through and it represents the collective willingness to jointly address the challenges that humanity faces with a perspective of a future that is being built based on what we have achieved during our journey as an organisation. As governments we must commit to take measures to overcome the challenges of our time, from growing economic inequalities that deny billions of people their rights. or a triple climate crisis that is claiming a higher and higher price on lives and livelihoods across the country, or the renewed threat of wars that are spreading. Today, more than ever, international cooperation plays an important role in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the targets put forward by this summit. We must therefore focus on reducing inequality and poverty and on peace building in all of the efforts that we make. Interdependence requires us to act with a higher sense of responsibility, solidarity and accountability in order to strengthen the rule of law both on a domestic and international level and to put an end to impunity for lack of compliance with the responsibilities that we have taken on under the United Nations Charter and under international law and under international humanitarian law. If we fail in this effort, war, violence, famine and poverty that are always on the horizon will come back and ruin the lives of the different nations. Friends, in an increasingly changing world, reform of the Security Council is essential to achieve the goals of this new path for the future, seeking to be a body that is tailored to current geopolitical challenges. Broadening participation to developing countries and emerging countries will strengthen the legitimacy of global decisions, promoting more equitable and just governance. We applaud the focus in the Pact on means for implementation and for strengthening cooperation. We have a clear roadmap, we know what we need to do, now we need to mobilise means for implementation. a sustained way in order to turn our words into actions. We seek to strengthen democracy and to combat corruption and to move towards a more inclusive society in a time in which the world and the microphone has cut off.

Chair: I thank the President of the Republic of Guatemala. I invite His Excellency Edi Rama, Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, to address the Assembly.

Edi Rama: Today the eyes of the world must be focused on this gathering, but can we honestly say that the people of the world still believe in the promise of a better future as they look upon us here? I have serious doubts and there is something we must all confront under this roof, the very roof of the United Nations. We must have the courage to admit that lately our actions have too often fallen far short of the expectations of the people we claim to serve. Time and again the UN has failed to meet the hopes of we, the peoples, and fear for the future continues to grow everywhere, in the east, the west, the north, and the south, as crisis after crisis cascades upon us. These crises have shattered common ground, divided us further, and yet even amid disruption we have consistently squandered the opportunities each crisis has presented for meaningful change. So how do we begin to rebuild the trust that has eroded? How do we prove that multilateralism is not just a hollow word but a force that can truly tackle both the immediate and emerging challenges of the time? How do we demonstrate that our collective power is not just far greater than the fragmented, disjointed efforts and sometimes destructive actions of individual nations but is our one and only remedy to save humanity from collapsing under our watch? How do we inspire instead of demoralize the ordinary people whose lives are torn apart daily by the reckless actions of both large and small powers across the globe, including in Europe, where a new war is questioning not just everything we once thought unquestionable but even the very existence of our humanity in the face of openly insane threats of nuclear weapon use? Frankly, I do not have all the answers, if any. But one thing is clear. While the world has changed dramatically since the United Nations was founded nearly eight decades ago and seems to have lost any common sense, this institution remains irreplaceable. This is where we must begin, where we must strive with great effort to regain the sense of togetherness that has been lost. We stand at the brink of immense danger, and no one is safe, regardless of geographic position, size, wealth, or might, regardless of political or social systems. Our challenges are deeply interconnected, and if we do not tackle them through a reinvigorated multilateralism, we will fail altogether. Multilateralism is not a choice, it is an urgent necessity. The problems we face today, whether the result of our own actions or inactions, demand a collective response. They are too extreme, too global, to be addressed through isolated effort. or let alone confrontational actions. Albania fully endorses the pact for the future and all its commitments. But let me stress commitments alone are far from enough. More so than ever, they must be fulfilled. Albania may be a small nation, but we have given the world good examples of standing up for our shared humanity. During World War II, Albania became the only country in Europe to have more Jews after the war than before. The Jewish community of Albania grew twenty-fold during the Holocaust, thanks to both Muslim and Christian families protecting them from the Nazis. More recently, after the devastating fall of Kabul to the Taliban three years ago, we sheltered several thousands Afghans who otherwise would have ended up in the ninth circle of hell, dead, jailed, or blinded forever. Albania also gave the world its newest saint, Mother Teresa, whose life embodied a love for humanity. She reminded us that not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love. This is the principle Albania stands for. This is what we strive to live by. And this is our source of inspiration in supporting the transformation of our Muslim Bektashi Order World Center in a sovereign state within our capital, Tirana, as a new center of moderation, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. Thank you all.

Chair: I thank the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania. I invite His Excellency Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, to address the Assembly.

Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani: In the name of God, the Most Merciful. In the name of God most gracious, most merciful, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Iraq would like to express its sincere thanks and appreciation to the United Nations and the organizers of this summit for their efforts in convening world leaders to discuss our common future. Iraq seeks to take serious steps to achieve sustainable development and to effectively respond to the objectives of our national development plan 2024 to 2028 through adopting comprehensive strategies. We are reforming the economy to ensure transformation towards better patterns of consumption and production and to promote the situation of most vulnerable groups by adopting social strategies to elevate their cities through social justice and effective participation in economic development. Achieving balance between the three dimensions of sustainable development is our priority and we are doing so by promoting sustainable economy, equal opportunities and environment protection. Iraq is cognizant of the magnitude of challenges posed by climate change. Therefore, we are committed to establish the concept of climate justice, in particular in fighting desertification and drought and ensure the sustainability of water resources and food insecurity. We believe that addressing such challenges would require effective cooperation in the framework of the Triple C, UN Triple C and the Paris Agreement. We are providing investment to ensure economic diversification so it will not be exclusively based on oil while focusing on the role of the private sector. We are cognizant that sustainable development will require ambitious investments, therefore we are providing. incentives to the private sector, and we invest in renewable energy projects to reduce our reliance on fossil fuel and to ensure a more sustainable future for all. Iraq is promoting its international relations on the basis of mutual respect and common interest while abiding by the principle of non-allowance in – not allow interference in the territories of our – on our territories to attack other countries for the respect of international law and adopting the principles of the United Nations in the essence of our policy. Achieving peace requires common international effort, and we see that diplomacy and dialogue are key to achieve stability, and we call for international cooperation in the fields of security by land peace – by land, sea, and cyber and outer space to ensure comprehensive security for all. We believe that science and technology are foundation of sustainable development. Therefore, we are working on the digital transformation of our economy and provide integrated and comprehensive database to support decision-making. We stress the need for international cooperation to ensure that all countries have access to the tools and the capacities to benefit from AI in a responsible and moral way. Youth are the driving force of the future, and we are providing the environment conducive to them by organizing workshops to promote their role in development, and we are supporting activities that increase their participation in social development. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate our commitment to reinvigorating multilateralism in addressing global challenges, focusing on cooperation in security and economic fields. Forging international cooperation to ensure sustainable development is crucial, and we commend the efforts put in drafting the outcome document of this summit. Iraq is committed to working with the international community to find common solutions, and we are confident that our cooperation will contribute to building a better future and more sustainable for all. We all agree that growth and sustainable development in all fields cannot be achieved with the looming risk of war in our region, posing a threat to international peace. Meaningful action is therefore required to stop the war and establish peace and security. Thank you all.

Chair: I invite Her Excellency Mia Mottley, Prime Minister, Minister for National Security and the Public Service, and Minister for Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment of Barbados, to address the Assembly.

Mia Mottley: Mr. President, dear friends, we are one, and we come today as one human family, sharing one planet, intent on building together a common future based on shared hope, mutual interests, consciously working together to find common solutions. Our interconnectedness has long been recognized in spiritual traditions and practices around the world, and in the African philosophy of Ubuntu. Desmond Tutu explained that it is the expression that my humanity is bound up in yours. I am because you are. I am because we are. This interconnectedness compels us as it did generations before us to find the moral courage and take the decisive steps to end the horrors faced by humanity and to create new structures and new opportunity. Generations before us ended wars, they canceled debt, they dismantled slavery, they ended apartheid, they acted to stop genocide, they declared all people equal and they gave women the vote and they ended colonialism and they built new nation states. They generated prosperity from deep poverty. I ask you today will we summon the global moral strategic leadership necessary. I want to congratulate the Secretary General and his deputy and the team of ambassadors from Namibia and Germany who have led us safely to this pact over the course of the last two years of negotiations. My friends we will not succeed in overcoming our existential challenges if we are not prepared to change the global governance structures that are rooted in the outcome of World War II and have become unsuited to today’s world. The distress in our institutions of governance, the mistrust between the governors and the governed will continue to foster social alienation the world over at the very time that we need to find as many people as possible to shape a new world, not governance but people. This approach to governance reinforces the notion that it is acceptable to have first-class and second-class citizens, a notion that we all find I hope repugnant. The tentacles of power today remain almost as it was a century ago. If my friends we do not create the space and the new voices are not heard we will not secure the transformation needed to save people and to save planet. What the world needs now is a reset. What the world needs now is a little more love. A reset to embrace our common future. A reset that allows us to work together to navigate spaces together. We’ve seen the floods and the hurricanes, the droughts, the wildfires. They’ve affected us all. The failure to share the world’s resources, which are more than adequate for everyone, will continue to drive us to war and to social disintegration and to migration. The absence of access to digital technologies and even basic electricity in Africa will condemn us to living in two separate worlds and may even, with AI, if unregulated, threaten completely the existence of human civilization as we know it. We know what the world needs, as I said, and what our people want to hear from us today is that we can overcome these challenges by working together and that the visible actions that are necessary are being agreed today and tomorrow to secure the future in this path. But our people know instinctively that this will only be talk unless there’s a fundamental change in what we do and how we do it and who is seen and heard in the corridors of decision-making. And that is why we continue to propel the Bridgetown initiative as a serious reform for changing the rules of the game, shockproofing vulnerable economies and indeed securing sufficient to have the SDGs and of course the climate crisis be confronted. Now is the time for us to choose hope and love over hate and division. We can change this global governance system. We can change the structure and focus of the international financial system. We can make both fit for purpose for the majority of world’s people, not just a few. It doesn’t require new technologies, it requires action and humanity. Accepting that we are human together. That we are because of each other and that we can, in this generation, secure the future of human progress. And I truly believe that we can. Because we, the peoples of the world, have no other choice and no other planet on which to live. The only issue will be how quickly we can act.

Chair: I thank the Prime Minister of Barbados. I invite His Excellency Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, Prime Minister and Head of Government and Minister for Defence, National Security and Environment of the Kingdom of Lesotho, to address the Assembly.

Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane: Mr. President, Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, At the onset, allow me to congratulate the co-facilitators, Namibia and Germany, for the job well done in developing the Pact for the Future, which we have just adopted. I further wish to pay tribute to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres, for championing the summit of the future in his report entitled, Our Common Agenda 2021. While not all our aspirations as the individual countries may have found their way into the document, it is gratifying to know that, after several months of intense negotiations, Our respective delegations reached consensus on the pact for the future that represents our collective trajectory. Mr. President, every modern organization starts from a mission statement that sets its clear objectives. The UN is not an exception in this regard. The purposes and principles of this Charter continue to be relevant in today’s world. When the UN was formed in 1945, the expectations of all peoples of the world were high for an institution that promised an era of peace, security, and the betterment of the living conditions of all peoples. Having adopted the pact for the future, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in human history. This is a time to reflect on the role of the United Nations in the 21st century, an institution in which much of humanity places great faith and hope for a brighter future. Can we then confidently assert that such faith and hope are well-founded? Regardless of our answer, I believe it is within our power to make it so. As today’s challenges become increasingly global, the importance of international cooperation and solidarity has never been greater. In this connection, the UN should endeavor to break traditional tendencies and employ innovative strategies to give practical meaning to the lofty aspirations of global citizens as enshrined in the Charter. The Pact for the Future exhibits actionable commitments to respond to current and future global challenges and reflects the interconnectedness of the three pillars of the UN. of the UN. Mr. President, the summit of the future presents an opportunity for the international community to revitalize and fortify the multilateral system, ensuring that the UN remains relevant, resilient, and capable of fulfilling its core mandate. We must, however, be cognizant of the fact that solving today’s problem with yesterday’s solution will not yield the desired result. The COVID-19 pandemic is a reminder that in an interconnected world, no one country can deal with global shocks alone. This is why we must work together to defend international cooperation and resist inward-looking policies. Given the challenges we are facing today in implementing the SDGs, the window for action is narrowing. We must seize the opportunity of this summit to bring back hope to our respective nations. Mr. President, please allow me to briefly share a set of thoughts on key issues of the pact adopted at the end of this summit. First, on sustainable development and financing for development, we need to execute action-oriented strategies to accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda. It is imperative that we, as a global community, unite in our efforts to address these issues. Second, on international peace and security, a strong multilateral framework for peace and security issues must keep pace with the times and be equipped to respond to realities in the current geopolitical and security environment. Third, on science, technology, and innovation and digital cooperation, there is an urgent need to close the digital divide and to address the challenges of digital transformation. We therefore advocate for creating strong digital inclusion policies.

Chair: I thank the Prime Minister and Head of Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho. I invite His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, to address the Assembly.

Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani: In the name of God Most Gracious Most Merciful, Your Excellency, the President of the General Assembly, Your Excellency, Secretary General, Your Excellencies, Your Majesties, Ladies and Gentlemen. At the outset, I would like to congratulate Mr. Fleeman Young for his election President of the 79th session of the General Assembly. I would also like to express our appreciation to the co-facilitators for their wise leadership of the intergovernmental negotiations on the Pact for the Future. We align ourselves to the statement delivered by the G77 and China. We welcome the adoption of the Pact for the Future earlier today. Ladies and Gentlemen, the State of Qatar is convinced that the 2030 Agenda and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals requires more international and national efforts and more support of the recommendations by the Secretary General in his report, Our Common Agenda, and to participate indeed in negotiations on the political declaration of the UN Summit on Sustainable Development held last year. Mr. Development, our world is faced today with insurmountable challenges that obstruct its economic development and it slows down the efforts aimed at achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Wars, armed conflicts, and negative impacts of climate change are serious challenges, in particular on developing countries, least developing countries. Therefore, we should act swiftly to address these challenges. In this connection, we stress the importance of reintegrating international governance, including reforming international financial institutions, bridging digital gap, and alleviate the burden of debt. Common efforts are required to achieve the social welfare and well-being and enhance climate action in accordance with the UNCCC and Paris Agreement. Mr. President, nationally, under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim al-Thani, Qatar launched its third phase of its strategy of national development within 2030 vision of Qatar to build a diversified sustainable economy based on knowledge and applications of digital technology, AI, science and technology, and human development. Internationally, the state of Qatar recommits itself to multilateralism. In 2018, His Highness the Emir committed $5 million in support of UN agencies for 10 years. And during the climate summit in 2019, Qatar committed $100 million in support of least developing countries and small and developing countries. In 2023, Doha committed the fifth UN conference on least developing countries. And Qatar committed $60 million to implement development programs in these countries. Mr. President, development cannot be achieved without strong foundations of peace and security and stability. Therefore, Qatar maintains its efforts in mediation to prevent and resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner. Qatar is involved in many mediation efforts, including currently between Israel and Palestine, alongside Egypt and the U.S. To put an end to this bloody, catastrophic war on Gaza, we reiterate our call to reach a ceasefire agreement and to release all hostages. We call on the international community to take a clear and decisive stance in relation to violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in relation to successive and continuous attacks on hospitals, schools, and relief workers. Mr. President, Qatar is proud to host the second summit of social development. It will be the most notable event in 2025 and one of the three summits recommended in our common agenda. We are looking forward to receiving participants from all over the world in Doha and to achieving tangible results to build a better future. Thank you, Mr. President, and may peace and blessings of Allah be upon you.

Chair: I thank the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar. I invite His Excellency Andrew Holness, Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Minister for Economic Growth and Job Creation of Jamaica, to address the Assembly.

Andrew Holness: Mr. President, Jamaica welcomes the convening of the Summit of the Future. We commend the co-facilitators of the Pact of the Future, the Declaration on Future Generations, and the Global Digital Compact for their hard work. This summit and the pact together embodied renewed hope for advancing a common vision on leveraging multilateralism to create a dynamic framework within which our future generations will thrive. Jamaica is proud to have contributed to this historic process, particularly as co-facilitator for the Declaration on Future Generations. Mr. President, the pact aptly reaffirms the importance of achieving the SDGs. The SDG Summit in 2023 exposed the lack of progress towards SDG implementation, including the reality that small island developing states are particularly off track to meet them, with many still recovering from the pandemic at the heart of this challenge and one that must be addressed with urgency is the glaring SDG financing gap amounting to trillions of dollars annually. As the pact affirms, we must redouble our efforts to address global poverty, income inequality and food insecurity. We have an obligation to limit global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and we must deliver a future that fosters peaceful societies and achieves debt sustainability, resilience to climate shocks, infrastructural development, high quality health and education systems, full respect for human rights, empowerment of women and girls and enabling an environment that makes international trade and the economy work for sustainable development. These are all areas of priorities. in Jamaica’s National Development Plan, our Vision 2030. Mr. President, we are facing unprecedented challenges to international peace and security, mainly driven by geopolitical motivations, but increasingly by transnational organized crime networks. These challenges strike at the very heart of the UN Charter. The Pact provides a framework within which we can all coexist in peace and harmony within and among countries and transfer the nature of such coexistence to our future generations. It is, therefore, well aligned with and supportive of the Secretary General’s agenda for peace. We welcome the focus of the Pact on the importance of science, innovation and technological advancement, including digitalization. Admittedly, new technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics create new challenges to security and some livelihoods. However, they also create important opportunities, especially for young people, and hold great potential to empower generations to transform economies and to solve complex challenges. So great is the potential, in fact, that we must emphasize the importance of international cooperation to address the challenges and harness the opportunities, especially for the benefit of people in developing countries. I must make the point that reform is needed in our international system to better serve the needs of the world today. More particularly, we agree with the Secretary General that the international financial system is in need of radical reform. Furthermore, The UN Security Council needs to be more representative, inclusive and effective in changing global security landscape. As a small island developing state, the pact presents a pathway for turbocharging SDC implementations, addressing the impact of and tackling the key drivers of climate change and setting the framework for making global governance more equitable and inclusive. The world is counting on us to use the summit to foster renewed hope in the future, lay a suitable foundation for the prosperity of the world, and advocate both ways in making this a reality.

Chair: I thank the Prime Minister of Jamaica. I invite His Excellency Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, to address the Assembly.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Your Excellencies, dear colleagues, I want to start by offering my deep appreciation to the Secretary General who brought us here today to adopt the Pact for the Future and to the co-facilitators, Germany and Namibia. Thank you for undertaking this important and very complicated task. All of us who are here today recognize the urgent need to take action to implement the many detailed, specific initiatives that are outlined in the Pact for the Future for sustainable development, for peace and security. for addressing climate change, for the restoration of trust in global governance, a trust which has come under intense scrutiny for our own sake and for the sake of future generations. We managed to come to an agreement, and it was not an easy task, at a time of heightened mistrust, strife, polarization, and conflict. Yet we reached a consensus because we know that the stakes are extremely high and that the global threats we are facing together as an international community are of much greater order than the individual interests of regions, countries, and governments. This is, after all, why the United Nations was created almost 80 years ago. At the root of its foundation was the recognition that there is such a thing as a global interest, a global common good for humanity, which supersedes and transcends the individual interests of member states. The generation that created the United Nations and adopted the UN Charter left us an invaluable legacy. One important difference between their historical moment and ours is this. They created the international system after suffering a devastating and unprecedented global catastrophe, the Second World War. We, on the other hand, have the opportunity to do something before it is too late, before we arrive at the next true global crisis. We can still avert the devastation that could be wrought by the current global threats we are faced with. Our pact for the future, as a point of global consensus, is only a first step. But it is a necessary first step. It is, after all, a political declaration to act, and political will to act. is a necessary driver for action at the national level and collectively at the global level. Greece, as an incoming member of the Security Council for the next two years, was an active participant in this difficult negotiation. We believe we got to a fairly good outcome, and I note with satisfaction the inclusion of paragraphs of particular concern to us, such as maritime security and the protection of culture as an integral component for sustainable development. Crucially, today we are renewing our trust in the multilateral system, and we reaffirm our commitment to it. At this point in time, it was necessary to have this reaffirmation to go back to the basics of the UN Charter, such as a peaceful settlement of disputes with respect to international law. We can now move forward, solve together the core challenges of our era. They are truly global challenges, and of course they require global solutions. With a pact for the future, we at least have a roadmap to lead us there. Nothing could be more vital. Thank you very much.

Chair: I thank the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic. I now invite His Excellency Bjarni Benediktsson, Prime Minister of Iceland, to address the Assembly.

Bjarni Benediktsson: Mr. President, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, First of all, let me join in celebrating the conclusion of the Pact for the Future, together with the Declaration on Future Generations, and the Global Digital Compact. I congratulate all of those who have put grueling hours of negotiation into finding common ground on many difficult issues. The pact pulls no punches in identifying the challenges before us and identifies the existential risks we face. The pact is also upfront about saying that the crises have been caused to a large extent by our own choices. Mr. President, the Pact for the Future and its annexes testify to the vitality of the multilateral system with the United Nations at its core. No other organization has the convening power of this great body. At a time of conflict between and within many member states, a successful outcome of a global summit is something to be celebrated. The actions we have committed to take do not always go as far as we would have liked, but there is much to celebrate where we have managed to find common ground. Among the 56 actions agreed, we have revitalized our commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals. We have agreed on a range of actions to close the SDG financial gap in developing countries, including strengthening efforts to prevent and combat illicit financial flows, corruption, and money laundering. We commit to maintaining the world trading system as a rule-based, multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core. So much has been done. The actions agreed on eradicating poverty by investing in human capital with an emphasis on leaving no one behind are integral to our efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda. Development cooperation has a central role to play in this regard, and we welcome the emphasis on strengthening the United Nations development system. Importantly, we have underlined the central place of human rights in just, peaceful and inclusive societies. We have committed to respecting and protecting all human rights and fundamental freedoms and to promoting the rule of law at all levels. In this regard, it would be remiss of me not to mention the importance of protecting the rights of LGBTI plus communities that in many places are suffering from a backlash. I am particularly happy that we are able to agree that achieving full human potential and sustainable development is not possible if women and girls are denied full human rights and opportunities, ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights is vital in this regard, and eradicating gender-based violence remains a pressing concern. Iceland is particularly happy that we were able to agree on ambitious action on the health and resilience of the ocean and their ecosystems. Healthy oceans are essential to a healthy planet and to the achievement of the SDGs. At this time of multiple conflicts, we have also reaffirmed our commitment to act in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter, and we condemn in the strongest terms the devastating impact of armed conflict on civilians. Here, Mr. President, I pause. I must admit, because if we are to regain the trust lost among us, it will not be enough simply to reiterate our commitments. For example, to article 2.4 of the UN Charter on…

Chair: I thank the Prime Minister of Iceland. I invite His Excellency Dimitar Borisov Glavchev, caretaker Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Dimitar Borisov Glavchev: Honorable President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, allow me to express heartfelt thanks to Secretary-General António Guterres for organizing the Summit of the Future and to the co-facilitators of the Ambitious Pact for the Future, the Declaration of Future Generations, and the Global Digital Pact. These initiatives are crucial as we confront a range of complex problems, including Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. conflicts in the Middle East, Africa, and other parts of the world. The growing distance between – from achieving the sustainable development goals, the climate crisis, and persistent inequalities – this is what the Summit of the Future and the Pact for the Future are all about, delivering multilateral solutions that align global institutions and frameworks with today’s political, social, and economic realities, tackling the challenges of our time, and coming together for a better future for the generations to come. We expect that this Summit and the Pact for the Future, which embodies nearly 80 years of multilateral and national experience, will create a safer, more sustainable, and more equitable world, leaving no one behind. They also signify the international community’s commitment to strengthening a revitalized multilateral system based on a new global consensus. Central to these efforts is the rule of law, which is essential for upholding international norms, justice, and fostering global cooperation. A commitment to human rights ensures that everyone’s dignity is protected as we strive for a more inclusive global society. To achieve this, we must redouble our efforts to address systemic inequalities, promote social justice, and uphold the fundamental rights of all individuals. As we advance in our efforts, we must also consider the impact of the new technologies that are rapidly transforming our societies. We acknowledge the challenges of digital inequality and advocate for increased investment in digital skills, especially for the persons in vulnerable situations. and quick adaptation to tech changes. Our goal is a free, secure digital world with universal Internet access. Supporting the Global Digital Compact, we aim for a human-centered, rights-based digital future that leverages AI to advance the SDGs and ensure information integrity. We must include the views and interests of youth and future generations in our policies by actively listening to young people. We support a dedicated Declaration on Future Generations and align with the National Youth Strategy to engage and empower youth in shaping the future, both in Europe and globally. All these measures necessitate a significant transformation of global governance. We must modernize and rejuvenate the United Nations to ensure it remains relevant and responsive to the challenges of the 21st century. This includes reforming the Security Council to better reflect the current global landscape by adding additional permanent and non-permanent seats. In closing, Bulgaria remains firmly dedicated to its commitment to effective multilateralism, recognizing it as essential for addressing global challenges. We are dedicated to fostering international cooperation and working collaboratively to achieve our shared goals. We call to all of us to embrace cooperation and act decisively. Let us not disappoint the youth and the future generations. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the caretaker Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria. I invite His Excellency Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan.

Fumio Kishida: Excellencies, dear colleagues, as the world stands at a historical inflection point, we need to collectively take actions to safeguard the interests of present and future generations. In times where nations with diverse values must collaborate, clear, guiding principles are critical. Allow me to share what I believe are most important to ensure a future defined by peace, freedom and prosperity. First, we must uphold the rule of law. The principles of the United Nations Charter are the fundamental guidelines for our actions. Unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force cannot be tolerated anywhere in the world. Only the free and open international order, based on the rule of law, can deliver sustainable development and prosperity. Last May, in Hiroshima, I shared other views on this fundamental principle with the leaders of G7, Brazil, India, Ukraine and other countries. Second, defending human dignity is paramount. No single country can tackle poverty, climate change and other complex crises alone. International cooperation is indispensable. Human dignity is the foundation for all international cooperation, and reaffirming this principle is essential to fulfilling the 2030 Agenda’s promise to leave no stone unturned. no one behind. Third, we must make a determined effort to invest in people guided by the concept of human security. Empowering women, children, and youth is a top priority. Japan has been a global leader in championing universal health coverage, UHC, and quality education. Japan will launch a program dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders in the field of gender. Fourth, we must address the increasingly dire situation surrounding nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. No matter how difficult the path to a world without nuclear weapons may be, we cannot stop our progress. Japan remains committed to promoting realistic and practical efforts, including the forthcoming launch of the Friends of FMCT towards a world without nuclear weapons. Fifth, UN Security Council reform. The Summit of the Future is witnessing a clear call from member states for action on reform, with a majority supporting the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent seats. A great majority are also acutely aware of the Security Council’s vital role in international peace and security and the urgent need to reform it and restore confidence in its effectiveness. Next year marks the 80th anniversary of the foundation of the United Nations, and we should take concrete actions toward the Security Council reform. Japan is determined to continue to contribute to the realization and maintenance of international peace and security by strengthening the free and open international order based on the rule of law in a reformed Council. Humanity around the world raises its voice for the future of the international community. It is time for shared responsibility and genuine solidarity. The UN’s role is more vital than ever as we navigate the new possibilities, opportunities and risks brought forth by digital technologies, including AI. World leaders must unite under the banner of multilateralism, empowering every individual so they can realize his or her full potential and build a better future. And Japan remains unwavering in its commitment to the United Nations.

Chair: I thank the Prime Minister of Japan. I invite His Excellency Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan, to address the Assembly.

Tshering Tobgay: Mr. President, Mr. Secretary General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the honour of bringing to you the greetings and warm wishes of His Majesty the King and the people of Bhutan. Mr. President, In these challenging times, the summit of the future shines as a beacon of hope and ambition. It embodies our collective resolve and unwavering commitment to forging a brighter, more prosperous future for all of humankind. I extend my deepest gratitude to you, Mr. President. for convening this pivotal summit. Thank you, Secretary General Antonio Guterres, for your leadership in spearheading this crucial initiative. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to Germany and Namibia and all other co-facilitators of these negotiations for providing steadfast leadership in shaping a robust pact for the future. We find ourselves at a pivotal crossroads. As we reach the midpoint of our journey to 2030, the sustainable development goals stand before formidable challenges. Geopolitical tensions, economic disruptions, pandemics, climate change, and natural disasters have hindered our progress. Yet our determination remains unwavering as embodied in the pact of the future. For Bhutan, this pact aligns well with our national aspiration to become a developed country by 2034. It reaffirms our shared vision and reinvigorates our commitment to achieving the SDGs. To realize these ambitious goals, we must muster the political will to transcend rhetoric and to take decisive action. We must prioritize policies that serve the common good over narrow interests. And we must assure international collaboration to transform our shared aspirations into concrete achievements to ensure the success of the pact for the future. Success demands robust financial frameworks. We must guarantee that no country is left behind by providing innovative financing, equitable resource distribution. strong partnerships. Success requires that we bridge the digital divide. We must harness the power of technology to foster sustainable development of all our countries. Success also calls for engaging and empowering our youth. We must acknowledge that decisions we make today will inevitably shape the world they inherit in the future. And most importantly, success hinges on a global governance structure that is inclusive, transparent, and accountable. We must guarantee peace, security, and human rights for all peoples in all countries by ensuring a multilateral system that is both robust and responsive. Mr. President, the magnitude of the challenges we confront calls for a renewed commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation. The United Nations remains the most important platforms where nations unite to tackle these pressing issues. No nation can address global challenges in isolation. Climate change, pandemics, and conflicts require strong, inclusive partnerships that leverage the unique strengths and perspective of all our member states. This summit reminds us of our collective responsibility. Our pact is more than a document. It is a blueprint for a future where peace, human rights, and sustainable development are realized for all our peoples. Bhutan stands resolutely committed and ready to work alongside all member states to build a future that is equitable, sustainable, and secure. for everyone. Thank you and Tashi Delek.

Chair: I thank the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan. I invited His Excellency Xanana Gusmão to address the Assembly.

Xanana Gusmao: Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a great pleasure for me to take part in this Summit of the Future. Last month, Timor-Leste celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Popular Consultation under the auspices of the United Nations, where our people have voted for self-determination and freedom. The independence of Timor-Leste was an achievement of Timorese people, but also a triumph of the international system. It demonstrated that, with commitment, international cooperation can achieve agreed goals and tackle the challenges and opportunities of each time. And if today, Timor-Leste is a stable, peaceful democracy in transition to development, it is due not only to the constant support of the international community, but also to national efforts of reconciliation and dialogue for peace to secure a peaceful future. We know that, without peace, there are no conditions for development. This is why investing in our youth through education, social skills and responsible citizenship is an investment in sustainable development and lasting peace. Your Excellencies, peace is an abstract concept for many nations. Western Sahara has been waiting for its referendum since 1992. It has been waiting for 32 years. International law has yet to reach this last colony in Africa, ignored and forgotten. The international community has yet to find multilateral solutions for a future of peace for many nations around the world, from Palestine to Ukraine, from Yemen to Sudan, from the Central African Republic, where peacekeeping forces are there for almost three decades, to many other fragile and conflict-ridden countries. We all know that the United Nations was created after World War II for the preservation of global peace, human rights, and international development. However, we now live in an age of disorder, uncertainty, instability, and conflict. We face increasingly complex challenges, including the climate crisis, extreme inequality, and rising geopolitical tensions. The least developed countries, LDCs, and small island development states wait patiently for more flexible, inclusive, and responsible solutions. The means and financing to achieve these SDGs are scarce. They are insufficient to combat extreme poverty, food insecurity, humanitarian crisis, and climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation, which threatens the existence of some island states, particularly in the Pacific. Those who have contributed the least to global crises are the ones who suffer first, suffer most, and often suffer in isolation. They are victims of self-interested international actors and policies that value profit and power more than human dignity. As crises intensify, more and more people are suffering from hunger. The data from the Global Hunger Index is alarming, this when there are only six years left to fulfill the SDGs. What kind of world are we living in, where we can fuel wars but cannot feed children? We have excellencies. We advocate for structural reform of the Security Council, which has become obsolete, ineffective and unrepresentative of today’s realities. An international organization is only credible if it responds to current needs and does not remain bound to a mechanism created to address problems from almost eight years ago. We support the expansion of the permanent members of the Security Council for greater geopolitical, cultural and economic representation and legitimacy. It is difficult to realize principles of transparency, accountability and trust, while rich and developed countries continue to make decisions for poor and developing countries.

Chair: I thank the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. I invite His Excellency KP Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Nepal, to address the Assembly. I thank His Excellency KP Sharma-Uli, Prime Minister of Nepal, for addressing the Assembly.

KP Sharma Oli: Mr. President, Mr. Secretary-General, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Namaste. I am deeply honoured to deliver this statement as Chair of the Group of the Least-Developed Countries. At the outset, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Secretary-General for convening this historic and significant summit. Mr. President, the Group of LDCs has contributed in the best possible manner to make this summit of the future a success. However, our minds are muting and hearts are hurting from the fact that millions of children in LDCs go hungry every day. When millions of our children go hungry today, where is our future? What do we mean by future? When millions of our youth are languished with malnourishment and illiteracy, where can we seek our future? Nothing could be more unjust and unethical than to be ignorant to the fact that millions of people in LDCs are living in extreme poverty while a small minority in some corners of the world accumulates billions in wealth each day. Is this the future we aspire to? Absolutely not. International community must act now to ensure every child and young person has the chance to thrive. Mr. President, LDCs face severe economic challenges with unmet ODA and climate financing commitments, insufficient and delayed international support and spiralling debt distress. Most critically, global financial and trading regimes remain fundamentally unfavourable to LDCs. Furthermore, the growing digital divide between rich and poor countries threatens to leave LDCs even further behind. Despite contributions contributing a mere 3.3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, LDCs are among the most vulnerable to the devastating impacts of climate change. The people of LDCs are frustrated by the continuation of these civil structural impediments and climate injustice which hinder their path to prosperity. Mr. President, we must act now to pull the world back from the brink of catastrophe. For this, we need coordinated, comprehensive and science-based policies with LDCs at the centre. Investing in productive capacities, sustainable industrialisation, infrastructure and economic diversification is crucial. Equally important is transforming global governance and strengthening institutions to make them fit for purpose. Mr. President, in this context, we wholeheartedly welcome the Pact for the Future as a manifesto for future generations, as a blueprint for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future. It is a renewed commitment to multilateralism, putting the UN at its core. We equally welcome the adoption of the Declaration on the Future, Generation and Global Digital Compact, and emphasize the need for its effective implementation for the well-being of people and planet. Mr. President, the Pact encapsulates the hopes and optimism of both people and the planet by reinstalling the inter-relationship between the United States and the United Nations.

Chair: I thank the Prime Minister of Nepal. I invite His Excellency Robert Golob, Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, to address the Assembly.

Robert Golob: Dear President, distinguished leaders, first let me commend President Philemon Yang and all the facilitators that brought us to this day. Most of all, let me thank you, the leaders, to adopt the Pact for the Future. I believe today the Pact is even more important than it was in the past, because the world is really facing a bleak future, from climate crisis to raging wars. One could easily conclude that unless we can address and stop the wars, there is no common sustainable future. Therefore, I call and urge again, stop the aggression on Ukraine, stop the aggression on Gaza and Palestine, and that goes for all armed conflicts where innocent civilians are involved and where kids are suffering for the things they should never see or experience. I believe peace is a vital condition in order to tackle the climate crisis efficiently. We can only do that based on trust, solidarity, and global stability. Unless we can achieve that, everything will be in vain. Let me just briefly address the global sustainability and how we can tackle that with harnessing of advanced technologies. There is one topic which is very dear to me, and that is the importance of water and water diplomacy. Water is the most precious natural resource, and practically all of the social and economic well-being bases on that. Same goes for global stability and peace. The importance of water is such that we shall do all the action that we can, and we shall try to do it in as many possible ways as possible, just in order to be effective in how to tackle the importance of water, including building global partnership. There are vast areas of the world where the water is scarce, and then there are areas like in my home country, Slovenia, where we have abundance of water, but were hit by devastating floods a year ago. The extreme weather is hitting us all. It doesn’t matter where you live, it doesn’t matter how rich or poor your country is. Extreme weather is a common global problem and using the advanced technology in a cooperative way is the only way forward. In Slovenia, in the wake of the devastation of last year, we are building a super advanced digital ecosystem which will link the satellite observation data with supercomputing power and artificial intelligence in order to predict how and where the water is going to show up, in order to predict where the water can be found throughout the world, and in order to be effective in managing the water resources. And here, I offer to all of you to build together a global partnership, how to utilize this advanced technology in order for our citizens to get access to clean and sustainable but also safe water. I believe that is the only way forward if we want to really tackle climate crisis and the changes it brings us. Let me cite for the conclusion the Secretary General Gutierrez, who said, today, we opened the door. And I would say, let’s walk through them together. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia. I invite His Excellency, Kassim Majaliwa, Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania. And I invite him to address the Assembly.

Kassim Majaliwa: Mr. President of the General Assembly, first of all, I want to extend warm greetings from the people of the United Republic of Tanzania. especially from Her Excellency Dr. Samir Suluhasan, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, whom I have the honor to represent today. Mr. President, we stand at a crucial juncture in our quest for a more equitable, sustainable and secure world. The summit of the future presents a vital opportunity to restore trust in the multilateral system and to commit to a sustainable future for all. The choice we make today will shape the world for future generations. Tanzania emphasizes that our vision must be incurred inclusivity, equity and sustainability, ensuring that no country or no individual is left behind. Mr. President, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted vulnerabilities in our global economy. As we recover, we must build resilient, inclusive and sustainable economies. I urge the international community to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly for the poorest nations. The United Nations Secretary General’s call for an annual summit involving heads of state and international financial institutions is crucial for mobilizing resources to meet those challenges. Mr. President, the escalating climate crisis is a pressing reality, particularly for nations like Tanzania, where its impact is felt daily. Tanzania is committed to global climate action and urges the international community to fulfill its commitments regarding climate finance and technology transfer. Mr. President, peace and sustainability are fundamental for sustainable economic development. We face complex global challenges that threaten peace and security. Tanzania reaffirms its commitment to the United Nations Charter. and call for strengthened multilateralism, where international law and institutions are respected, and where smaller nations have a voice in shaping global governance. Reforming the United Nations Security Council remains essential to reflect today’s realities. Mr. President, the digital revolution has the potential to build, to bridge gaps in access to education and economic opportunities, but it can also widen inequalities. We must ensure meaningful collectivity for over one-third of the global population without Internet access. A global digital compact, with emphasis on universal access and data privacy, is essential to share the benefits of digital technology equitably. Mr. President, looking ahead, United Republic of Tanzania believes that global and regional partnerships are vital for achieving our shared goals. No action and no nation can tackle global issues alone. Therefore, multilateral cooperation is critical. We must foster solidarity and mutual respect in addressing climate change, advancing digital equity and promoting peace. In conclusion, as we move forward from this summit, let us be guided by the belief action-oriented outcome document that predicts a future where anyone can live with dignity and where peace and prosperity are shared by all. Thank you for listening.

Chair: I thank the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania. I invite His Excellency Allamaye Halina, Prime Minister, Head of Government of the Republic of Chad, to address the Assembly.

Allamaye Halina: Thank you. President of the General Assembly, ladies and gentlemen, at the outset I want to hail the relevance of the topic of our meeting and express my high appreciation for the organization of this meeting. It is an honor for me to make a modest contribution to this discussion on shoring up multilateralism for international peace and security. The world faces unprecedented challenges. These concern national borders and they require increased international cooperation. Chad, like many countries in the Sahel, faces a complex situation. The climate, the environment, and development are our concerns. On a daily basis, we are seeing the dramatic consequences of climate change. In 2024, many of our departments were hit with devastating floods, which affected around 1.5 million of our citizens and had a major effect on agriculture. These disasters are not only environmental in nature, they also pose a direct threat to our security, to our national and regional security. There are dwindling natural resources and this is exacerbating tensions between herders and farmers. Added on to these climate problems are major security challenges, including the terrorist attacks of Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin region, which have forced hundreds of thousands of people to leave their homes. This crisis is not only facing Chad, it is also facing Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon. Furthermore, Our countries face persistent security challenges along our borders, especially with Libya in the north and Sudan to the east. The instability in these countries has direct repercussions on our security, making Chad the largest welcomer of refugees in the world. Given these complex challenges, multilateralism is not an option, it is a vital necessity. It is imperative to strengthen our mechanisms for international cooperation to ensure that they are adapted to today’s world. In this regard, allow me to set out several concrete actions. One, systematically integrate the climate dimension into our discussions. Here we hail the initiative of our partners on the link between climate, peace, and security in the Sahel, and we call for its strengthening, guaranteeing predictable, sustainable financing for peacekeeping operations carried out by regional organizations, which is also set out in the pact for the future. The strengthening of mixed international forces, including against Boko Haram, shows how crucial these initiatives are. We need to shore up the women, peace, and security agenda as well, and we need to strengthen regional initiatives such as the Great Green Wall initiative, which creates economic opportunities. We need to shore up the international financial architecture to better respond to the needs of vulnerable countries. We call for the creation of a climate financing mechanism in climate zones in particular in the Sahel region. President, I would like to conclude by recalling that international peace and security are inextricably intertwined with sustainable development and the battle against climate change. The pact for the future must reflect this interdependence. Chad stands ready to fully play its role in this collective. enterprise. Together we can fight for an international order that is more inclusive, more fair, and that can tackle the challenges of the 21st century and ensure peace and prosperity for everyone. With this conviction, with this deep conviction, I announce our commitment to this summit, and we want to ensure that the decisions we make here bring about a better world for future generations.

Chair: I thank the Prime Minister, Head of Government of the Republic of Chad. I invite Her Excellency Ebba Busch, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Business and Industry of Sweden to address the Assembly.

Ebba Busch: President, I extend my sincere gratitude to the President of the General Assembly, the Secretary General, the co-facilitators and all stakeholders. Your efforts have been instrumental in arriving at this crucial moment. I am proud and grateful to speak to you today, both as a representative of the Swedish government, but also as a mother of two, being able to say to my own children that their rights are put at the very center of the pact for the future. The pact of the future, as agreed to today, is a blueprint for a future where a rules-based international order based on the UN Charter is stronger and more resilient, where cooperation and multilateralism thrives. Our world faces unprecedented and interconnected challenges. The highest numbers of conflicts since World War II. Threats to human rights, democracy and gender equality, not to mention climate change. At the same time, we are living in an era where digital and emerging technologies are reshaping almost every aspect of our lives. The digital revolution offers immense potential and hope on our path to a better future. Sweden, alongside with Zambia, has had the great privilege to lead our collective efforts in agreeing on a global digital compact. This is the roadmap to a digital future that is open, that is safe, that is secure, sustainable and inclusive, where opportunity knows no borders. The global digital compact will enable closing the digital divides and sort of turbocharge the sustainable development goals. The GDC emphasizes environmental sustainability, the empowerment of women and girls, protecting human rights in the digital space. A childhood in freedom requires safety online. At the very heart of this vision is the belief that technology, and in particularly AI, must serve humanity. Through the digital compact, we are advocating for key AI initiatives, including a scientific panel, a global dialogue on governance and capacity building fund. These initiatives aim to ensure that AI serves humanity and upholds our shared values. This is the foundation we urgently need to secure a future where AI benefits everyone. President, these global needs are extensive and the funding gap is growing. As one of the world’s most generous donors, exceeding the UN’s target of 0.7% of gross national income to ODA, Sweden welcomes the ambition to increase the effectiveness and scale of innovative financing for our Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. The reform of the international financial architecture is key. We must adapt to maintaining legitimacy by ensuring fair representation and protecting the voices of the poorest and the most vulnerable. Also the Security Council must reflect today’s realities, including seats for African nations and fair representation for all. President, in times of strife and suffering, from Ukraine to Sudan, from Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to Gaza, Sweden stands as a pillar of support for peace and humanity. We will continue to stand tall in defense of international law, sovereignty, and the rights of all nations to live in peace. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is an attack on the very principles that uphold this organization. Our response must be clear and it has to be unwavering. President, we stand at a window of opportunity. I would like to step into this future where the light of justice and peace never dims. I want to fulfill the promises made to our children and generations to come. Sweden is committed to walk this path with the UN, its member states, and all stakeholders. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Business, and Industry of Sweden. I now give the floor to His Excellency Enrique Ostria Manalo, Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines.

Enrique Manalo: Mr. President, today the Philippines stands with the global community to chart work for our future. The Secretary General sent a resounding alarm last year, reminding us that growing dangers compel us to strengthen the multilateral system. As leaders of the community of nations, we grapple with difficult decisions to stay the course in these moments of complex crises, conflicts, as well as climate change. The Philippines welcomes the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations, and hails them as a triumph of the persistence of multilateralism to affirm that a better world is possible with the solidarity of nations. The pact binds us in words and in action, bridging the collective hopes of the past with our contemporary aspirations, with the UN Charter anchoring our will. The pact can guide the UN in delivering meaningful outcomes for peace and security, for human rights, for fairness and equality, for resilience from crises and disasters, and for empowering individuals and all communities in the world. Mr. President, through the wisdom of our forebears, we have built the UN on the foundation of the rule of law. Multilateralism with the UN at the center flourishes on the grounds of a rules-based order that provides conditions for trust, solidarity, equity, and peace. Respect for the rule of law safeguards global peace and security and enables the international community to confront complex current and future challenges together. It anchors a stable and predictable order needed to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. It is a touchstone for all international efforts to resolve disputes, prevent conflicts, protect human rights, and enhance global governance. Preserving a rules-based international order is a collective duty. Mr. President, our pact is a call for action for multilateralism that puts people at the center. Conflict, disasters, hunger and displacement are just pressures on the global humanitarian system and our climate resilience framework. The capacity of multilateral institutions to protect populations from terrorism, organized crime, health emergencies, sea level rise and other consequences of global warming is challenged on many fronts. Our pact orients us to preserve, to persevere for people whose hope lies in coordinated action that can only arise in the context of effective processes of the UN system. For example, the development system is the face of the UN to people worldwide and we must support and guide this system for more coherence, effectiveness and impact. UN programs must enjoy the full ownership and consent of the host country. Mr. President, the pact sets a paradigm for inclusive multilateralism and fosters a new international and intergenerational solidarity on the role of women, youth, migrants, persons with disabilities, older persons and indigenous peoples in shaping a more humane, equal and just society. It also brings new vigor to our unfinished business of eliminating nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction and propels our endeavors to establish norms to prevent an arms race in space, govern lethal autonomous weapons and address risks of emerging technologies to international peace and security. Mr. President, it is important that this pact renews our collective determination to defuse tensions and seek the peaceful resolution of disputes and conflicts. The essence of the 1982 Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Resolution of Disputes In pledging to the pact, states abide by the obligation of rejecting force and the threat of use of force to settle disputes. As a founding member of the UN and the First Asian Republic, the Philippines shall always be a voice for peace, equity and justice, human rights and human dignity, the rule of law and constructive multilateralism. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines. I now give the floor to His Excellency, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman.

Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi: Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the United Nations and the Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, for organizing this important summit. It is held at a moment at which the world is witnessing unprecedented challenges that require a collective response and a deeper and more comprehensive international cooperation given the gravity, given the grave global events. The Sultanate of Oman strongly believes in the effectiveness of multilateralism. We believe that international cooperation is the solution to address different global challenges against this background, we fully support the Pact of the Future and we renew our willingness to cooperate with all Member States to achieve the ambitious goals reflected in the Pact. Ladies and gentlemen, the challenges we are facing cannot be addressed by traditional means alone. They require innovative approaches based on the concept of sustainable development. This is why we have to act with wisdom and foresight. We must start implementing policies that focus on future generations, to build for them a better and more sustainable future. Since international peace and security are the most fundamental pillars for the stability of the world, we stress the importance of preventive diplomacy. It is the most effective tool to prevent and settle disputes and conflicts. We call for enhancing dialogue and international mediation. In this context, it is of paramount importance to comply fully with international law and the United Nations Charter to Achieve Justice, Peace and Stability for All. Ladies and gentlemen, modern technology and digital cooperation are decisive factors to address environmental, economic and social challenges. Technological innovations open up new horizons. They contribute to improving efficiency in the use of resources. They contribute to reducing emissions and they also contribute to enhancing the use of clean energy, achieving food and water security and building more prosperous and more sustainable societies. The Sultanate of Oman attaches great importance to the role of young people. They are the true agent to build the future. They are the basis for development. The Sultanate of Oman has launched a number of initiatives and innovation incubators in science, in industry, in culture and in sports. Those initiatives aim to empower young people to foster their creativity, to create an environment that allows them to achieve their aspirations and be creative, to achieve sustainable development and to grow continuously. Ladies and gentlemen, if the vision is clear, the goal can be achieved. The challenges we are facing today require an ambitious vision and a strong collective commitment. Let’s work together to build a world of prosperity for all. Let’s commit to the values of cooperation and partnership to achieve the goals that we aspire to and to leave to future generations what would help them to find their way in life in peace and security. I thank you and may the peace, blessings and mercy of God be upon you.

Chair: Atske Selassie Amde, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia.

Atske Selassie Amde: Mr. President, first of all, allow me to convey the warmest greetings from the people and government of Ethiopia. I also wish to extend my delegation’s appreciation and give special recognition to Germany, Namibia, Zambia, Sweden, the Netherlands and Jamaica for their effective facilitation of the negotiation and commitment leading up to the adoption of the Pact for the Future. We also thank the Secretary General for his report, Our Common Agenda, which laid the foundation for the Summit and the Pact for the Future. We appreciate the wide-ranging scope of the Pact and the considerable place given to the commitments to eradicate poverty and ensure sustainable development. We also appreciate the efforts made to mainstream the global socioeconomic disparity and determine the role of states accordingly. Mr. President, the process of negotiation and the outcome from the three tracks of negotiation on the Pact for the Future, declaration on the Future Generation and the Global Digital Compact adequately demonstrate the challenges the multilateral system is experiencing. The pact for the future is negotiated at a time of great polarization in international relations which doesn’t lend itself to the spirit of consensus and compromise that is requisite to negotiation on global agendas. That is the main reason that the pact had to limit itself to reiteration and emphasis of the already agreed global goals and targets. The setbacks and in some cases the regression on the implementation of the system and development goals require us to be more ambitious, not less. Nevertheless, the pact is an important reminder to the existing global commitment if fully implemented will greatly enhance the fate of generations to come. The pact of the future will be relevant if it brings us closer to the attainment of the sustainable development goals. Therefore, our inability to converge on more ambitious targets is a stark reminder of the need for change. We must shift from the rivalry to cooperation, enhance tolerance for policy differences, and build bridge to attain the most basic global agenda. Mr. President, under the five chapters and the 56 actions, member states have made commitments to redouble their efforts to ensure sustainable development, peace and security, as well to take concrete reform of global governance. It is incumbent upon all states developing to do our part to the attainment of the future we want. It is in this light that I reiterate my country’s commitment to continue making all efforts to eradicate poverty and ensure sustainable development, enhance international peace and security, and work towards a fairer global system. We also call on developed countries to discharge their responsibilities in the field of development assistance and climate action. The full realization of the commitments under the Addis Ababa Action Agenda will take us far in mobilizing resources and the implementation of SDGs. Inaction has caused adverse consequences on humanity, especially on the most vulnerable. In addition to the historical responsibilities of developed countries, we must tap into the full potential of South-South cooperation. In the continuously evolving multipolar world, there are developing countries with comparative advantage and capabilities on certain fields of cooperation. As such, we see great potential for financial and technical cooperation among developing countries to ensure food security and universal access to energy. I would like to close by thanking COCHRES for their able leadership and the co-facilitators of the summit, including Namibia and Zambia, who represented Africa in the leadership of this process for their exemplary contribution. I thank Mr. President.

Chair: I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. I invite His Excellency Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium, to address the Assembly.

Alexander De Croo: Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, four years ago, in this very room, we adopted the UN 75th anniversary declaration. It was a call to action, action towards reinvigorated multilateralism with the UN its center. A call to action stemming from a realization that the United Nations and global multilateralism needed to adapt and to respond better to current and future challenges in a rapidly changing world. The call to action was timely. Today, we face even greater challenges than four years ago, accelerating climate change, pandemics, wars impacting millions of people. Now, it is high time to deliver on our commitments. How can we, as a community of world leaders, bridge our divides and work better together to improve the well-being of people and our planet? First, we need to uphold our commitment to a rules-based international order. We should strive to lead by example. By abiding by international law, applying the principles of the UN Charter and respecting and promoting the rights enshrined in Universal Declaration of Human Rights in our countries and abroad. Human rights are universal. Representatives from across the world sat at the drawing boards when this milestone document from our collective humanity was adopted in 1948. The Pact for the Future reaffirms our commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Strengthening the human rights pillar will go a long way in preventing conflicts, creating a conductive environment for emerging technologies and including youth and civil societies in a meaningful engagement in decision-making. Unfortunately, we are confronted with human rights backsliding globally. Leaders increasingly put interests above values. Conservative and populist movements target the rights of women and girls. Attempts to rewrite human rights have been underway for years. We need to resist these regressions. Human rights defenders need to be protected. The freedom of expression needs to be assured. Politicians need to be held accountable. Mr. President, it is time to transform global governance and ensure an international financial architecture that works for everyone, especially for the most vulnerable. None of the ambitious goals set out in the Pact for the Future will be achieved if we fail to make progress here. In the current system, while instrumental in global development, it must evolve to address the growing disparities between nations. Belgium has been a leading voice for more efficiency within the multilateral system and the multilateral development banks. Public sector financing needs to be combined with increased private sector financing to fund sustainable and inclusive growth. Global development banks need to become more strategic, more responsive, and act in a more integrated way to address global challenges and the current imbalances within the multilateral system. Ladies and gentlemen, responding to today’s challenges also means unlocking the full potential of digital technologies to create a more inclusive future. These opportunities must be harnessed. The Global Digital Compact is a critical step towards enhancing global digital cooperation. If digital technologies hold the potential to deliver immense benefits to humanity, they also present significant challenges that must be addressed. Robust public guardrails for high-risk applications will be needed. All regions of the world need to be able to contribute to research and development. We must ensure that new technologies are human-centric and safeguard human rights. In this respect, The EU Artificial Intelligence Act and the GDPR regulation sets a standard for a strong, forward-looking regulation that can serve as an inspiration for all. In conclusion, the challenges we face today are immense, but so is also our collective capacity to overcome them. It is up to all of us to deliver and to turn these documents into milestones for the UN and the international community. Belgium stands ready to contribute to this endeavor, working alongside with all of you, to turn the vision of a UN 2.0 into a reality and to create a brighter and fairer future for people and planet. I thank you.

Chair: I thank the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium. I now give the floor to His Excellency, Mohamad Hasan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Malaysia.

Mohamad Hasan: Mr. President, the Summit of the Future is an opportunity to redesign global governance that is effective for the present and the future. Therefore, Malaysia reaffirms our support for the Summit of the Future and the Pact for the Future. Conflicts and challenges are confronting us each passing year, costlier and deadlier. From the inability to stop the genocide in Gaza, to the impact of climate change, to the widening of development gaps between the global south and north, it is time to galvanize holistic global governance premised on humanity. Mr. President, however, our efforts will be fertile. if the persisting threefold challenges are not addressed. These challenges are food security, access to education and climate change, which are among the key thrusts in the Sustainable Development Goals that are severely lagging behind. By 2050, our planet will be a home to a population of 10 billion people. How will we feed the world then if we cannot do so now? Education is a tool to address inequality. Empowerment through knowledge will emancipate the underprivileged, lifting them out of poverty. Yet in the global South, millions of children are deprived of this very fundamental right, the right to education. We must break barriers and ensure access, quality and affordability. The global community must democratise education. The Global Digital Compact is crucial to address the digital divide. This includes creating adequate digital infrastructure to ensure education for all. Climate crisis is not a distant threat. It is here, Mr President, Israel, and it is affecting us with floods and forest fires, resulting in, among others, famine. We have no choice but to act on it. The solution is also contingent upon adequate climate financing, as well as technology transfer and innovation. Malaysia believes that we should strive for a Green Development Pact that robustly addresses the scientific and technological divide between the North and the South, supported by climate financing and other development assistance projects. The global North should leave the global South. behind. Mr. President, the Pact for the Future represents hope for, number one, strong collaboration between the global South and North, number two, multilateralism that is driven by science, technology and innovation, and thirdly, policies driven through scientific cooperation. However devastating it may have been, COVID-19 led to collaborations in medical research, equipment and expertise, without which we would not have been able to recover. We should build on this momentum. I stand before you today, Mr. President, with the conviction that if we act decisively, we can shape a future where no child goes to bed hungry, where education is a right, not a privilege, and where our planet is cherished and protected. A future where the global South is recognized not as consumers of technology, but as pioneers and innovators. We propose the creation of a global science fund to encourage diverse and innovative solutions to the challenges we face, leveraging on our collective human capital. As we embark on this journey, let us remember that this is not a competition, but a shared battle against prevailing challenges. Malaysia supports the transformation of global governance. We call for a renewed approach to multilateralism, grounded in inclusivity, justice and accountability. Mr. President, I thank you.

Chair: Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cuba.

Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla: President, on the 26th of October 1960, from the same rostrum, Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz expressed the philosophy of looting and talked about the philosophy of war, and nevertheless we are still suffering from the effects of colonialism and neocolonialism. The bounties promised from neoliberal globalism were a pipe dream. Inequalities and exclusion have been accentuated both in the real world as well as in cyberspace. Wars are increasing as well as the nuclear threat. Our futurist debates continue while we’re seeing a continuation of the genocide in Palestine without any effective response from the international community when institutions and workers themselves of the United Nations are targets of Israel’s fire. We’re alarmed by the increasing fascism, xenophobia and discrimination that are nourishing hatred. People need there to be less interference and more solidarity, less unequal exchange and more equity, less politicization and double standards, and more dialogue, cooperation and respect for people’s inalienable rights to choose their political, economic, social and cultural systems. For Cuba, the main stumbling block for well-being and development is the criminal embargo imposed by the government of the United States and the inclusion of us on the arbitrary list of states that supposedly sponsor terrorism. The planet is suffering from the devastating effects of climate change without opulent societies putting a quota on unbridled consumerism that is causing these things and without there being sufficient political willingness to raise the funds required to achieve sustainable development or to really ease debt. For millions of people, especially in the Global South, the possibility of a decent future is and will continue to be a utopia. It will be difficult to believe in this promising future while developed countries oppose a deep-running reform of the international financial architecture, the discussions of which should be focused on the United Nations. And if this historic and just call, while it might have been diluted in the pact for the future, perhaps we should believe in the promise of better access to the resources that are so essential for our development. And how can we trust in the promise of peace, non-interference and multilateralism while we’re seeing an increase in coercion, selfishness and hegemony against the UN Charter and international law? The future that we aspire to. was laid out decades before with cross-cutting resolutions that this Assembly has already adopted. However, shamefully, these things have been forgotten. What must prevail, once and for all, is the political will to address the structural and moral failures in the international system that prevents us from achieving these things. For millions of human beings, tomorrow will be too late. Thank you very much.

Chair: I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cuba, and I now give the floor to His Excellency Abdoulaye Bio Tchané , Minister of State, responsible for development and coordination of government action of Benin.

Abdoulaye Bio Tchané: Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, the holding of this summit is testament to the willingness of the members of our organization to address the challenges of our time and to build a prosperous and sustainable future. Our world faces several crises, in particular environmental, health, geopolitical and security crises. In addition to these different crises, we can add the financing crisis. This host of factors is not conducive to sustainable development. It divides, separates, excludes and poses significant threats for our common coexistence. Multilateralism and international cooperation are fraying day by day, opening the world to a divided world where we’re seeing problems managed in silos. It is in this context that the Summit of the Future, based around the theme of multilateral solutions for a better future, finds its relevance. This morning we adopted the Pact for the Future, and now it is time to act. Benin has many reasons to welcome progress made in the implementation of the SDGs, with a First Nation in Sub-Saharan Africa to issue Euro-bonds dedicated to funding SDG impact projects. In 2021, Benin’s commitment to achieve the SDGs saw no setbacks at all, and thanks to many projects, our country has seen significant increases in progress over recent years. In the same vein, particular attention has been allocated to the social sector, and this is something that has also been extended to other sectors. Significant impact projects have enabled us to reduce poverty by close to four points over recent years. In order to entrench this dynamic, the Government of Benin has established a National Development Vision for 2060. Ladies and gentlemen, we are living at a time of paradox, where we are in a world where resources have never been so important, and where we have never seen such significant technical progress. However, the world is still seeing increases in poverty. For Benin, the answer lies in multilateralism, planetary responses to these challenges, and this must lead us all to be committed to protecting global public goods, like climate, international security and economic stability, and to achieve sustainable development. The degradation of public goods for countries, for any country at all actually, prevents it from achieving the full prosperity of that country. that prevents other countries from achieving it too. We must be aware of the trickle-down effect of good things as well as bad things. The international issue that we must attach the most amount of importance to is the fact that an issue or disaster in any country is likely to impact other countries too, and in these conditions we must work to establish balance, inclusion, justice, democracy and transparency in all decision-making fora. This also includes the international financial system and the global governance system that jointly participate in the building of our collective global actions. Multilateralism is the only way to contribute to the future that we want. By way of conclusion, once again I wish to reaffirm the absolute commitment of Benin to multilateralism as the only answer to build a peaceful and prosperous future. We are convinced that with active commitment and strong and collective actions, we can overcome the challenges that we’re seeing before us and provide future generations with a safe world with peace, prosperity and sustainable development. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Minister of State of Benin and I now give the floor to His Excellency Mulambo Hamakuni Haimbe , Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Zambia.

Mulambo Hamakuni Haimbe: Your Excellency, Mr. Philemon Yang, President of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Your Excellency, Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations. Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, we gather here to forge a new international consensus on how to deliver and safeguard a better future which leaves no one behind. This once-in-a-generation summit presents us with an opportunity to reinvigorate multilateralism, supercharge implementation of prior commitments, and tackle existing and emerging threats to the attainment of the SDGs. Mr. President, today’s world is faced with multiple intersecting crises which threaten the attainment of SDGs and the maintenance of international peace and security. It has become imperative now, more than ever, to collaborate in addressing the numerous threats. A united approach is essential to confront violations of the UN Charter and international law, as well as emerging threats such as climate change, terrorism, disinformation, and cybercrime. Zambia will in this regard continue to support multilateral efforts that uphold the maintenance of international peace and security. Mr. President, Zambia joins calls for a more effective and inclusive multilateral framework to address global challenges in a changing world. Efforts to enhance more equitable global governance can therefore not be overemphasized. Zambia thus supports the Common Africa position on the Security Council reforms. Mr. President, our race to attain the SDGs by 2030 is vividly off track. This has been compounded by multiple converging threats in the form of global conflict, economic shocks, growing inequalities, climate change crisis, widening digital global divide, as well as an unbalanced and unfair international financial architecture. Further, with the global financing and investment gap estimated between $2.5 and $4 trillion annually, there is urgent need to scale up action and increase financing towards the implementation of SDGs. In Africa, for instance, an unprecedented $1.3 trillion investment is required annually for infrastructure alone between 2024 and 2030. Mr. President, over $300 billion USD has been spent on debt servicing by developing countries from 2021 to date. For instance, between 2019 and 2021, Zambia was one of the 25 African countries that spent more on interest payments than on health. Similarly, Zambia was among seven African countries that spent more on interest payments than on education. It is for this reason, therefore, that Zambia welcomes the UN Secretary General’s proposal for a significant multi-year SDG stimulus package of at least $500 billion USD per annum. Mr. President, we are delighted by the historic adoption of the Global Digital Compact. Digital technology advancement is a prerequisite for development and attainment of the SDGs. We call for increased investment and funding towards developing digital public goods and infrastructure, especially in developing countries. We also call for implementation of the Global Digital Compact to make Internet governance more inclusive. We take this opportunity at this time to take cognizance of the hard work and commitment put in by Sweden, our co-facilitators in the negotiation of the Digital Global Compact. Mr. President, allow me to conclude by congratulating Member States on the adoption of the Pact for the Future and its annexes. It is now time for implementation and to create an equitable and just world. I thank you.

Chair: I thank the Minister of Zambia and I now give the floor to His Excellency Olivier Nduhungirehe, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda.

Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe: Madam President, I would like to thank you on behalf of the Republic of Rwanda for the opportunity to speak in this important summit of the future. Indeed, the summit represents a landmark moment in our shared endeavor to shape a more equitable, sustainable and peaceful world. For Rwanda, the Pact for the Future is a testament of our collective vision and commitment to addressing the most pressing challenges of our time. I also wish to congratulate you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. Rwanda is committed to working closely with you and you can count on our full support throughout your tenure as we advance shared goals of global peace. sustainable development, and multilateral cooperation. Madam President, I want to express our sincere appreciation to the co-facilitators of the Pact for the Future, the facilitators of the Global Digital Compact, and the political dialogue for the future generations. Your dedication towards shaping this comprehensive and forward-looking outcome is commendable, and we are grateful for your invaluable contributions. As we welcome this historical pact, we must reaffirm our resolve to the principles and actions that underpin each of its five chapters. As Rwanda, we commit to aspirations contained in these outcomes. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that future generations inherit a world that is not only sustainable, but also equitable and just for this generation and those to come. Rwanda understands too well the importance of unity and collective decision-making, and we look forward to contributing globally, recognizing that our decisions today will shape the world of tomorrow. Madam President, it is crucial to recognize that this summit is not an end, but the beginning of transformative actions essential to the well-being of our global community. The challenges we face are profound, yet the opportunities before us are immense. Change is an inevitable part of our journey, and it is our responsibility to ensure that this change is purposeful and beneficial for future generations. To effectively address the complex challenges we face, we must embrace a mindset that is both adaptive and forward-thinking, and this requires us to first reform our mindsets. Shifts from reactive to proactive approaches. Embracing innovative solutions and collaborative strategies that address root causes rather than symptoms. Second, foster resilience. Build resilient systems and structures that are adaptable to evolving challenges and capable of supporting sustainable development. Rwanda is prepared to collaborate with all members, states, and stakeholders to ensure that the principles of the Pact for the Future are realized through concrete and coordinated actions. Together, let us embark on turning our aspirations, this pact, into tangible results that will benefit all humanity. Madam President, all chapters in the Pact for the Future emphasize the urgency of addressing climate change, strengthening global health systems, preparing for future pandemics, resolving the root causes of conflict for lasting peace, harnessing the transformative potential of technology and innovation, and reforming global governance to enhance multilateral cooperation for effective global challenge management. The summit of the future thus presents a crucial opportunity to address these challenges collectively and strategically, setting the stage for a more sustainable, equitable, and peaceful world. After the summit, we must keep the moment to drive reforms in global governance structures, enhancing multilateral cooperation, and creating more effective frameworks to tackle global challenges. With this, let us reaffirm our resolve and dedication to the principles that underpin each of its five chapters. To conclude, Mr. President, Madam President, we must shift from the old way of business as usual in maintenance of peace and security, and foster dialogue and collaborative strategies to address the root causes of conflict and promote long-term peace. and security. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Rwanda. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Joelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Joelle Clarke: I greet you warmly on behalf of the Prime Minister and people of St. Kitts and Nevis. Years ago, one of our most celebrated Caledonians, who also happens to be the Minister of Environment, Water and Energy, asked, are we waiting blindly for 2020, in this case 2030, before we act to save people and planet? The summit of the future is our moment to pivot into a sustainable tomorrow, presenting an opportunity to pause and reflect on our collective histories and recalibrate a course towards the shared goals of equity, justice and self-determination, as promised in the UN Charter. This is a space to rebuild trust, as stated by His Excellency the Secretary-General. St. Kitts and Nevis commends Namibia and Germany for their leadership and co-facilitation of the Pact for the Future. This pact signals a future that delivers on existing ambition and capitalizes on emerging opportunities, including the rapid implementation of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, the mobilization of loss and damage resources, actioning the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS, and the continued advocacy. for the Bridgestone Initiative. Small island states grapple with the polycrisis of biodiversity loss, plastic pollution, climate change, and the accompanying challenges of food insecurity and threats to our health and national security. The future we deserve demands deep-rooted change that is transformative and lasting. For this, we must redefine multilateral spaces. We must promote unbiased international partnerships that honor the strength and resilience and the tenacity of small islands, systems that respect and include all of our voices. And we must prioritize the needs of those most vulnerable, women, youth, the elderly, indigenous, and rural populations. Let us ground our decision-making now with a critical assessment of the global historical patterns of disempowerment and exploitation, which constituted progress for a few and underdevelopment for many. This new contract has the much-needed potential to reimagine small island capacity. For centuries, our islands fueled the global economy. It is time for all to prosper, regardless of size. We must alchemize our common vulnerabilities into engines of innovation, prosperity, and lasting peace. To build on this ideal, our government and our prime minister presented the Sustainable Island State Agenda, an acceleration of our 2030 sustainable development goals. Truthfully, our action is but a drop. But every drop counts towards strengthening and improving multilateral action. In this vein, I invite all island nations to the May 2025 hosting of the Global Sustainable Island Summit being hosted in St. Kitts-in-Nevis with our partners Island Innovation. Let us convene to continue driving actions and concretizing commitments for our shared survival. And as we engage in this summit of the future, let us anchor ourselves in its pact and the accompanying digital contract compact declaration on future generations, being ever mindful of the need to reframe sustainability through the lenses of justice, equity, inclusivity and peace. Mr. President, every year the international community convenes in the General Hall and we repeat, every year, now more than ever. But truly, this moment is the now that most islands have feared for a lifetime. St. Kitts and Nevis will harmonize our human existence with nature. Transparent, urgent action now is our duty and the outcomes the birthright of future generations. Let us deliver a world fit for prosperity and survivability where peace abounds, peace with nature and peace with humanity. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action and Constituency empowerment of St. Kitts and Nevis. And I now give the floor to His Excellency Mohamed Ali Nafti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad of Tunisia.

Mohamed Ali Nafti: Madam President, the high-level participants here are numerous. There are young people, there are civil society representatives, and there are also many of them here. That makes this summit an historic moment, one for revitalizing multilateralism and to allow us to tackle current and past challenges, also to shore up security throughout the world, to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, in order to guarantee sustainable life on our planet for current and future generations. Our global leaders, during a summit held recently, announced that our world continued to face poverty, hunger, armed conflicts, climate change, and pandemics, among other challenges. And the reality does not live up to the aspirations of our founding fathers roughly 80 years ago. Despite the commitments we’ve taken on, including the commitment to leave no one behind to protect our planet and to strengthen peace, we continue to face the same challenges. Indeed, the global situation continues to deteriorate, although we are facing numerous shocks, especially in southern countries. There’s been an exacerbation of crises. This shows that international government, as envisaged at the end of World War II, is incapable of addressing challenges and addressing the root causes. That is why Tunisia hails the initiative taken by the Secretary-General to hold this summit. We need to act at several levels to shore up multilateral mechanisms and to reiterate our commitment to the principles of the Charter and to the respect of international law, including by taking a new approach to international cooperation for the common well-being of nations on the basis of equality, mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, respect for the sovereignty of states, and solidarity while acknowledging our community of destiny and our common responsibility. Tunisia agrees with the Pact for the Future and also the Global Digital Compact, which sets out the principles for a digital world safe for everyone and contributes to bridging the digital divide as well. Next, the Declaration on Future Declarations, which we also endorse. The success of our summit hinges on the serious participation of absolutely everyone in the implementation of the aforementioned documents, which should not remain simply declarations of wishful thinking. We need to transform tangibly our multilateral system. This effort will depend on the political will that we show toward implementing the various recommendations of this summit. That will allow us to overcome the gaps in global governance. We call upon developed countries to make good their commitments for financing and for sustainable development and for climate action. They must do so by helping the developing countries to overcome debt, and they must assist populations in allowing them to make use of their own resources. President, at our last summit, we agreed on the need to leave no one behind. We made it a genuine slogan. This slogan will lose all of its credibility and sense if we exclude the Palestinian people who are experiencing the most atrocious crimes against humanity, perpetrated by a barbarous occupation at odds with international law. This organization has a responsibility, a moral and a historic responsibility. We cannot abandon the Palestinian people, a people which is deprived of its liberty, dignity, and right to life and right to live in security and in stability. Madam President, it is our hope that this summit, which was brilliantly prepared by the United Nations, we hope that this summit will clear the way to a new phase in multilateral action, one grounded in common responsibility and solidarity for a world that is more just, fair, and sustainable. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad of Tunisia. I now give the floor to His Excellency Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty , Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration of Egypt.

Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty : Thank you very much, Mr. President. Egypt welcomes our summit today, and we see it as an opportunity to strengthen multilateral work in facing the challenges that it faces in the shadow of the developing countries. and will affect its efforts to achieve sustainable development by 2030, as well as Egypt’s appreciation of the region. Egypt would like to say how much it appreciates the initiative of the Secretary-General to develop our common agenda in order to develop international sovereignty, safeguarding peace and security, ensuring prosperity and guaranteeing that everyone is able to enjoy their human rights on the basis of equality. That’s why we organized the Aswan Forum for Peace and Sustainable Development last July as a way to promote peace and security. That’s why we organized the Aswan Forum for Peace and Sustainable Development last July as a prelude to the Summit of the Future in order to present our vision with regard to the multilateral priorities for governance and for the role of young people. Egypt welcomes the adoption of the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact and the Pact for Future Generations, and we’d like to share with delegations our views on how we can build on the outcome of this summit. With the exacerbation of the situation with regard to peace and security, we need to renew our commitment to the UN Charter in respect for the sovereign equality of states in order to maintain the credibility of international order in accordance with these constant parameters and not have dual standards. We defend the Palestinian cause. We are in favor of an independent Palestinian state in the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and we confirm our trust in the justice of the international order. system, but this has been sorely tested given the impotence of the international community in putting an end to the tragedy happening in Gaza and which is in danger of extending to Lebanon and the whole region. Egypt is very much attached to the territorial integrity and the stability of Somalia throughout its national territory. We stress the importance of the territorial integrity of Sudan as well. And then the successive developments, I think, reflect the need to increase development funding and to reform the global financial architecture in order to reduce the gap between states and address the current imbalance that exists and which has left a lot of people behind in terms of prosperity. We must respond to the aspirations of our peoples to eliminate poverty and hunger, increase growth levels, and for this we need funding for development and we need to reach understanding on innovative solutions and mechanisms that will be beneficial for developing countries with a view to concessional funding that will not add additional burdens on these countries. Thirdly, we need to ensure that we’re able to promote technology transfer by forging digital cooperation and increasing research and development programs and strengthening capacity, particularly in Africa, in addition to the need to support African countries’ efforts to counter the negative effects of climate change on the principle of common but shared responsibility. common, but differentiated responsibility. We must do everything to address water shortages as well and promote cooperation in – with regard to water and cross-border water arrangements according to international agreements. And Egypt fully endorses the absolute priority to totally remove nuclear weapons to guarantee current and future generations a safe future, given the disastrous consequences that arise from the use of these weapons. And we’re also in favor of a Middle East area free of nuclear weapons.

Chair: Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Comoros. Mr. President.

Comoros: Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, it’s a privilege for me to be able to address you on behalf of Mr. Azliyassoumi, Head of State of the Union of the Comores, at this global event, the importance of which no one could call into question. This summit for the future brings us together indeed to renew global solidarity in order to ensure that we respect our global commitments. Mr. President, sustainable development requires strengthened, enhanced action in order to achieve the sustainable development goals, particularly in the least developed countries. Funding for development in this regard is a critical challenge because there cannot be any progress made without it. Therefore, it’s urgent in our view that the international community implement an innovative and ambitious funding mechanism that will support our initiatives and mobilize further resources in order to enable countries to follow the sustainable development path. Technology transfer, technical assistance, access to clean energy and access to an energy mix should be priorities when it comes to funding. It’s crucial that we support business and improve access to funding for young people and for women, whilst at the same time promoting universal social protection in order to reduce the informal labour market and improve access for decent jobs for all. The Union of the Comores would like to appeal to the North to honor their commitments taken to fund the SDGs in the countries of the South. Mr. President, international peace and security are very important for sustainable development, and so strengthening multilateral institutions is particularly important to resolve the existing conflicts and prevent new outbreaks of tension. The very objective of multilateralism, amongst other things, is to prevent war by building bridges between different views and interests. We must therefore do everything in our power to restore the authority of the United Nations and respect for its charter, international law, and international humanitarian law. Mr. President, scientific and technological progress and innovation are so important for the economic and social changes needed in our times that must be accompanied by partnerships, knowledge transfer, and cooperation based on research and technology. The Global Digital Compact should enable us to reduce the global digital divide and increase access for each country to these innovations. We must cooperate together to ensure that the digital revolution is of benefit to everyone and that it is guided by principles of inclusivity, ethics, and accountability, particularly in the sensitive area of artificial intelligence. The Commons unreservedly supports initiatives aimed at strengthening digital cooperation and encouraging innovation as an engine for development. Mr. President, the future is now. We cannot wait, and we must improve the global system for current as well as future generations through national governance and investment in youth. The fight against youth unemployment, access to universal education, actions to prevent social conflict and improve the lives of young people and improve their participation in decision-making bodies, all of these things should be priorities for all of us. The future of our planet is in the hands of young people, future generations. It’s our duty to leave to them a world of peace.

Chair: I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Comoros. I give the floor to His Excellency Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Minister for Foreign Relations of Cameroon.

Lejeune Mbella Mbella: Mr. President, I would like to thank you for inviting me to speak, and I’d like to take this opportunity to express that it is a great pleasure and indeed an immense honour. but for me to make this statement during this meeting on behalf of His Excellency Pulbira, President of the Republic of Cameroon and Head of State. I quote his statement we have just adopted the Pact for the Future and its two annexes. They cover digital aspects and future generations. I wish to congratulate all those involved in the negotiations who were able to overcome their differences and reach agreement on what was essential in order to reach consensus. The consensus which unites us and that we are currently celebrating. Indeed it was a lengthy and laborious negotiation but ultimately we made it. We have shown, proven once again that real political will and a high awareness of a common good means that we can achieve the goals that we set ourselves. The Pact for the Future that we’ve just adopted is a real gamble on peace, on sustainable development and human dignity for current and future generations. Thanks to its guidance and the objectives contained in it and above all thanks to the specific actions contained therein this pact is a suitable way of guiding us towards the future that we wish to see. The future that we have defined together. and we define the priorities of this in this very building several years ago. This, the planet and humankind are priorities as well as eradicating poverty, shared prosperity and also the need to leave no one behind. In order for this pact to be implemented effectively we must act without further delay, showing a renewed political will. The challenges that we are facing are growing in number and are gaining in complexity. Particularly they have been globalised. It’s a question of the future of humankind in this ever-changing digital world. Science and technology have indeed in good hands some of the best tools to achieve growth. Together, and indeed the pact that we’ve just adopted, it brings all these tools together with unity, solidarity and humanity at its heart. This is the end of the quote. Thank you very much.

Chair: I thank the Minister for Foreign Relations of Cameroon. I give the floor to His Excellency Ki-hwan Kweon, the Deputy Foreign Minister for Multilateral and Global Affairs of the Republic of Korea, for…

Ki-hwan Kweon: Mr President, Excellencies, Distinguished Representatives. First of all, I would like to extend my gratitude to Germany and Namibia for their dedicated efforts which have led to the adoption of the Pact for the Future. The international community have worked tirelessly to identify actions that should be taken to bring about meaningful changes and benefit future generations. The Pact charted a path to a better future for all of humanity and reaffirmed our commitment to multilateralism. Now it is our duty to ensure that our commitments resonate far beyond this room to shape a more sustainable future for all. The actions outlined in the Pact must be implemented collaboratively by Member States, international organizations, civil society, and private sector. With this in mind, I will highlight key priority areas that Korea is focusing on to advance sustainable peace and prosperity. First of all, science, technology, and innovation must be harnessed in a way that promotes and protects human rights and serves peaceful purposes. Korea is committed to advancing human-centered AI technology to drive progress towards the UN SDGs. Following the AI Seoul Summit in May, Korea convened AI Global Forum to push for the establishment of AI norms in the private sector. In early September, we also hosted the Responsible AI in the Military Domain Summit 2024, where we presented a comprehensive blueprint for military AI norms. Tackling new and emerging challenges is also crucial for building a more inclusive, open, and safe future. As a member of the Security Council, Korea prioritizes responses to cyber security and climate security. In June, Korea hosted an open debate on cyber security as president of the Security Council, which helped establish a solid foundation for planning an effective response to cyber threats. Korea also supports the role of the Peacebuilding Commission as a platform for sharing good practice among member states and fostering partnerships among diverse stakeholders. When serving as chair of the PBC in 2017, Korea drew on its development experiences and played a role in fostering strategic partnerships between the PBC and international organizations and financial institutions. This helped countries in transition mobilize both political and financial support. Korea will remain fully supportive of the PBC’s efforts to make further progress in this regard. Securing development resources is a key to achieving sustainable development goals. Korea has consistently increased its ODA with an expansion of over 30% this year compared to last year. Notably, at the first Korea-Africa Summit held in Seoul this June, we pledged to continue to expand our ODA to Africa up to $10 billion by 2030. The efforts of the government sector alone are never enough to mobilize resources. It is essential to forge close partnerships with various stakeholders, including the private sector, to benefit from their resources, expertise, and technology. In this context, Korea is advancing innovative cooperation projects with businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises and startups. Korea will continue to actively participate in international efforts. to accelerate progress towards the sustainable development goals. I sincerely hope that this Summit of the Future marks a pivotal moment for change. It presents a great opportunity for every Member State to be united in their commitments to the Pact for the Future. And let us seize this opportunity. Thank you very much.

Chair: I thank the Deputy Foreign Minister for multilateral and global affairs of the Republic of Korea. I now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Israel.

Israel: Thank you, Mr. President. While Israel is fully committed to this pact and the pursuit of the SDGs, we continue to face relentless attacks from non-state actors that threaten our very existence. As we gather here today to speak about the future, hundreds of rockets are being fired at our civilian population. Let me be clear. We are a peaceful nation. We do not seek war, nor do we desire it. However, we will not stand by as our people are attacked. We will use all means at hand, our determination, our innovation, and our strength to protect our people. Last night, hundreds of thousands of Israelis slept in bomb shelters as Hezbollah, a terrorist organization which holds Lebanon captive, fired upon them. Since October 8th, over 8,000 rockets have been fired at our people. Over 70,000 have been forced to flee their homes, becoming refugees in their own land. We did not start this war, but we will protect our homes, our land, and our people. Yet, despite these dire conditions, Israel remains steadfast in promoting the SDG agenda. We pursue these global goals while fighting terrorism on multiple fronts. This is the real story of Israel. Despite immense challenges, we are still able to lead on innovation, sustainability, and the advancement of human rights. Our resilience proves that building a better future is not only possible, but essential. Even as we defend our people and homeland, we are here today to focus on that future, our shared values, our values that will shape the future. Each generation has faced its own challenges, and ours is no different. What sets our time apart is the profound impact our nations can build together. The question we ask ourselves, how will we work towards eliminating poverty? Will we act quickly enough to save the planet? How might technology benefit humankind rather than being used to spread hate? These are critical questions, so crucial that giving form to our vision for the future has been an ambitious and difficult process. We must recognize that putting it into action will be even more difficult. Yet, we cannot be paralyzed by the enormity of the task. This is not a gift to the future, but an obligation that we must pay forward. Mr. President, over the past year, we have seen anti-Semitism escalate from words to acts of terror. It is imperative that Member States confront anti-Semitism wherever it emerges, for only through collective action we can make a lasting difference. Simply put, we need more than words and declarations. We need immediate, dramatic action from all countries and all individuals. Mr. President, we cannot allow the pursuit of the SDGs to come at the cost of our democratic values. Just as we stand united against violent extremism and terrorism, we must also oppose repressive regimes that fund and support those terror groups. Israel firmly believes that we cannot leave a legacy of fear, oppression, and terror for future generations. We must act decisively against terrorist organizations that blankly disregard the safety and welfare of their own people. Mr. President, the challenges will not be easy to overcome. If they were, we would not be here today. However, the State of Israel believes that there is far more that unites us than divides us. The differences we observe are often more about the different paths we take forward our shared goals. We must come together in this spirit, facing today’s challenges head-on and recognizing that delaying difficult decisions is no longer an option. We can, and we must, meet our obligations, the future, the planet, and all those who will inhabit it, for them.

Chair: I thank the distinguished representative of Israel. I now give the floor to the Central African Republic, to the distinguished representative of Central African Republic.

Central African Republic: Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, The Central African Republic welcomes the adoption today of the Pact for the Future, to which is annexed the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations. This adoption is a sign of a reaffirmed willingness in our common ability to find shared prosperity. This ambitious pact and transformative pact is an important step to re-establish, restore trust in our common humanity. This can be seen in a renewed commitment to leave no one aside and to protect our planet. I remain convinced that the implementation of specific actions within this pact and its annexes are necessary in order to speed up the achievement of the SDGs, to preserve rights, to improve global governance and thus to preserve peace and stability. I would particularly like to stress the word action, which invites us to leave behind the deadlocked environment that has been putting us into a deep sleep for many decades and where we have seen inequalities in rights get worse over the years, particularly the right to development, the right to a safer and more sustainable world, the right to self-determination. to sovereignty and the right of people to be involved in global governance. This lack of action that we have seen over the last 30 years, be it in working groups or in inter-governmental negotiations, is what we have seen without our organization even being able to reform itself, particularly reform of the Security Council, which would be repairing historic injustice done to Africa. This Security Council, however, no longer reflects today’s world, and where we see double standards, a lack of understanding and taking of sides, that now has become the rule to the detriment of equality, coherence, objectivity and effectiveness, thus reducing the chances of peace for very many countries and peoples that are suffering. I hope that this pact will not be an umpteenth lost opportunity and that together we really will be able to change the situation. To do this we need awareness raising and an immense amount of political support and a lot of work needs to be done in conflict prevention and funding for development and sharing of knowledge and innovation so that the new social contract that we are agreeing today will be focused on multilateral solutions for a better future for everyone, particularly young people, girls and women. In Central African Republic the implementation of the 2030 Agenda is limited by internal challenges linked, amongst other things, to the security situation, landlocked nature and lack of energy. To speed up the implementation of the SDGs, the Government has defined and validated a National Development Programme 2024-2028 of $12.8 billion, aiming to build a prosperous country that has quality human capital and resilient and sustainable infrastructures based on a more inclusive rule of law. based on the principles of good governance. The challenge for our country is to move from a situation of emergency to a situation of sustained development that can bring about structural change in the economy, where young people, women and the private sector will be given a priority. In recent years, the youth of the Central African Republic, about 70% of the population, has benefited from awareness-raising activities with regard to the importance of peace. This has been seen particularly in my country. Young people have decided that peace involves entrepreneurship. We have had to rethink, we need to rethink the global financial international architecture. Think again about aid. Help our most vulnerable populations and free up the necessary funding to support our development programmes. And here we see the use of new technologies and innovation as being an important lever to increasingly leverage national resources. So this pact will be very important to maximise the use of technology and promote growth. Pulling our efforts together does not mean that we should disperse them. We need to follow the aspirations of our people to build their future and ensure that no one is left behind. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the distinguished representative of the Central African Republic. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Austria.

Austria: Excellencies. So this is the summit of the future. I have to say, it feels much like the present. Permit me at the outset to convey greetings from Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, as well as his sincere regrets for not joining us today. As you know, Austria, along with our neighbors, has been grappling with the consequences of unprecedented floods. This, of course, demands the President’s full attention and solidarity back home, but his thoughts are also with us here today. Summits hold special significance in Austria, a land of many mountains. Every hiker knows that a climb to the summit can be arduous, but reaching the top feels sublime. But you also have to get back down again, and descents can be rough. Getting to the summit of the future was not easy. The negotiation sometimes felt very much like an uphill climb. But with a determination to shape a better future for all, we succeeded. Even with the unnecessary distractions this morning, the adoption by acclamation of the pact today made two things clear. First, the leaders of the world are committed to bringing about positive change together. And second, they will use this organization, the UN, to address the challenges of today and those we expect in the future. The pact that we adopted this morning will make processes and institutions more effective and responsive to our needs. There’s much that we agreed to – groundwork for global cooperation on digital technologies, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, using the immense potential for space as a driver for sustainable development, a new focus on achieving the SDGs and accelerating climate commitments, concrete steps to reforming the UN Security Council, and the will to address reform of the wider international architecture. The actions of the pact speak for themselves. They show determination to take bold steps for our planet and for future generations. Some highlights of the pact reflect Austrian priorities that we’ll pay particular attention to in the implementation phase, the descent from the mountain, so to speak, which can also be difficult, such as strengthening the rule of law and human rights and our commitment to the universal principle that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. On disarmament, we must ensure that nuclear weapons are never used again and that new technologies empower future generations, not dehumanize them. We need legally binding prohibitions and regulations of autonomous weapons systems. Regarding peace operations, we appreciate the recognition of a new era that is more targeted, flexible and collaborative. We welcome a holistic review of UN peace operations across the entire peace continuum, from prevention and peacemaking to peacekeeping and peacebuilding. Strengthening synergies between the UN and regional organizations, such as through regular meetings, is essential to establish real networked multilateralism. Finally, on global governments, the pact contains a commitment to a meaningful reform of the Security Council. Together with Ambassador Tarek Albani of Kuwait, I had the honor of co-chairing the intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform and facilitating the actions in the pact, where leaders pledged to ensure greater representation for underrepresented regions and rectify the historical injustice against Africa, where leaders reaffirmed their determination to making the Council more effective, transparent and accountable, including by discussing limitations of the veto, where they agreed to work on the basis of a consolidated model of a new Council, and where they agreed specific interim measures until the reform enters into force. As the Secretary General said, this constitutes the strongest language on Council reform in a generation and the most concrete steps. to Security Council enlargement since 1963. This augurs well for the future efforts to reform the Council. Excellencies, Austria strongly believes in multilateralism, that the solution for global challenges lie in cooperation, dialogue, and partnership. And it’s in this spirit that we are a candidate for a non-permanent seat to the Council at the elections in 2026. In closing, let me thank the Secretary General for bringing us together today. The pact for the future shows that there is so much that unites us, so much more than divides us. As the summit of the future becomes the event of the past, let us set out for the future with optimism and humility. Multilateral diplomacy can only work with open minds. If we come to the UN not to speak only, but also to listen. If we show respect and believe diverse views are positive. If we engage in the spirit of compromise. If we put acting together first in and through the United Nations. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the distinguished representative of Austria. We have heard the last speaker for this meeting. The next meeting of the summit of the future will take place immediately following the adjournment of this meeting to hear speakers listed for that meeting. Before adjourning the meeting, I wish to inform members that following the deadline of 29 July 2024 for inscription by States and the European Union in the list of speakers for the plenary meetings of the summit of the future, the Secretariat has received additional requests for inscription from three delegations. If I hear no objection, may I take it that the Assembly decides to reopen the list of speakers for these delegations to hear their statements at the last position in the appropriate category at the afternoon meeting today, 22 September 2024. I hear no objection. It is so decided. The meeting is adjourned.

UN

UN Secretary-General

Speech speed

118 words per minute

Speech length

1275 words

Speech time

645 seconds

Pact represents renewed commitment to multilateralism

Explanation

The UN Secretary-General emphasized that the Pact for the Future demonstrates a renewed dedication to international cooperation. He views it as a significant step towards addressing global challenges through collective action.

Evidence

Guterres called the summit ‘a once in a generation opportunity to forge global consensus’

Major Discussion Point

Adoption and Implementation of the Pact for the Future

Agreed with

Nana Akufo-Addo

Mia Mottley

Hakainde Hichilema

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

Agreed on

Importance of implementing the Pact for the Future

GH

Ghana

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Pact provides roadmap for addressing global challenges

Explanation

The President of Ghana highlighted that the Pact for the Future offers a clear path forward for tackling worldwide issues. He sees it as a comprehensive guide for international cooperation on pressing matters.

Major Discussion Point

Adoption and Implementation of the Pact for the Future

Agreed with

Antonio Guterres

Mia Mottley

Hakainde Hichilema

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

Agreed on

Importance of implementing the Pact for the Future

BB

Barbados

Speech speed

140 words per minute

Speech length

741 words

Speech time

317 seconds

Need for concrete action to implement Pact commitments

Explanation

The Prime Minister of Barbados stressed the importance of moving beyond words to tangible actions. She emphasized that the Pact’s success depends on countries following through on their promises with real-world initiatives.

Major Discussion Point

Adoption and Implementation of the Pact for the Future

Agreed with

António Guterres

Nana Akufo-Addo

Hakainde Hichilema

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

Agreed on

Importance of implementing the Pact for the Future

Call for debt relief to enable sustainable development

Explanation

Mottley advocated for alleviating the debt burden on developing countries to allow for sustainable growth. She argued that high debt levels hinder progress on development goals and climate action.

Evidence

Mottley mentioned the Bridgetown Initiative as a framework for reforming the global financial system

Major Discussion Point

Sustainable Development and Climate Action

Disagreed with

Abiy Ahmed

Disagreed on

Priorities in addressing global challenges

ZM

Zambia

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Pact must be backed by political will and resources

Explanation

The President of Zambia emphasized that the Pact’s success relies on strong political commitment and adequate funding. He stressed that without these elements, the Pact’s goals would be difficult to achieve.

Major Discussion Point

Adoption and Implementation of the Pact for the Future

Agreed with

Antonio Guterres

Nana Akufo-Addo

Mia Mottley

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

Agreed on

Importance of implementing the Pact for the Future

BR

Brazil

Speech speed

117 words per minute

Speech length

641 words

Speech time

327 seconds

Importance of reforming global governance to implement Pact

Explanation

The President of Brazil highlighted the need for changes in international governance structures to effectively implement the Pact. He argued that current systems are inadequate for addressing modern global challenges.

Evidence

Lula called for reform of the Bretton Woods institutions and the UN Security Council

Major Discussion Point

Adoption and Implementation of the Pact for the Future

Agreed with

Antonio Guterres

Nana Akufo-Addo

Mia Mottley

Hakainde Hichilema

Agreed on

Importance of implementing the Pact for the Future

MW

Malawi

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Need to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goals

Explanation

The President of Malawi emphasized the urgency of speeding up efforts to achieve the SDGs. He stressed that current progress is insufficient and called for increased global cooperation to meet these targets.

Major Discussion Point

Sustainable Development and Climate Action

Agreed with

Mohamed Muizzu

Wavel Ramkalawan

Agreed on

Need for sustainable development and climate action

MV

Maldives

Speech speed

133 words per minute

Speech length

586 words

Speech time

263 seconds

Importance of climate financing for developing countries

Explanation

The President of Maldives highlighted the critical need for financial support to help developing nations address climate change. He argued that without adequate funding, vulnerable countries cannot effectively mitigate and adapt to climate impacts.

Evidence

Muizzu mentioned the disproportionate impact of climate change on small island developing states

Major Discussion Point

Sustainable Development and Climate Action

Agreed with

Lazarus Chakwera

Wavel Ramkalawan

Agreed on

Need for sustainable development and climate action

ET

Ethiopia

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Need for equitable access to technology and innovation

Explanation

The Prime Minister of Ethiopia stressed the importance of ensuring fair access to technological advancements for all countries. He argued that bridging the digital divide is crucial for global development and reducing inequalities.

Major Discussion Point

Sustainable Development and Climate Action

Disagreed with

Mia Mottley

Disagreed on

Priorities in addressing global challenges

SC

Seychelles

Speech speed

116 words per minute

Speech length

555 words

Speech time

286 seconds

Importance of protecting biodiversity and oceans

Explanation

The President of Seychelles emphasized the critical need to preserve marine ecosystems and biodiversity. He highlighted the interconnectedness of ocean health with global climate and economic systems.

Major Discussion Point

Sustainable Development and Climate Action

Agreed with

Lazarus Chakwera

Mohamed Muizzu

Agreed on

Need for sustainable development and climate action

KE

Kenya

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Need to reform UN Security Council

Explanation

The President of Kenya called for changes to the structure and composition of the UN Security Council. He argued that the current setup does not adequately represent the global community, particularly African nations.

Major Discussion Point

Reform of Global Governance Structures

Agreed with

Cyril Ramaphosa

Ulf Kristersson

Narendra Modi

Gustavo Petro

Agreed on

Reform of global governance structures

Disagreed with

Narendra Modi

Disagreed on

Approach to UN Security Council reform

ZA

South Africa

Speech speed

105 words per minute

Speech length

472 words

Speech time

268 seconds

Call for more equitable representation in international financial institutions

Explanation

The President of South Africa advocated for reforms in global financial bodies to ensure fairer representation of developing countries. He argued that current structures do not reflect the economic realities of the modern world.

Major Discussion Point

Reform of Global Governance Structures

Agreed with

William Ruto

Ulf Kristersson

Narendra Modi

Gustavo Petro

Agreed on

Reform of global governance structures

SE

Sweden

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Importance of inclusive global digital governance

Explanation

The Prime Minister of Sweden emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to managing digital technologies worldwide. He stressed the importance of ensuring that digital governance frameworks are inclusive and consider the needs of all nations.

Major Discussion Point

Reform of Global Governance Structures

Agreed with

William Ruto

Cyril Ramaphosa

Narendra Modi

Gustavo Petro

Agreed on

Reform of global governance structures

IN

India

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Need for UN reform to reflect current geopolitical realities

Explanation

The Prime Minister of India called for updates to the UN system to better represent the current global landscape. He argued that the organization’s structure should evolve to address contemporary challenges more effectively.

Major Discussion Point

Reform of Global Governance Structures

Agreed with

William Ruto

Cyril Ramaphosa

Ulf Kristersson

Gustavo Petro

Agreed on

Reform of global governance structures

Disagreed with

William Ruto

Disagreed on

Approach to UN Security Council reform

CO

Colombia

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Call for strengthened role of Global South in decision-making

Explanation

The President of Colombia advocated for increased participation of developing nations in global decision-making processes. He emphasized the need for more diverse perspectives in addressing worldwide challenges.

Major Discussion Point

Reform of Global Governance Structures

Agreed with

William Ruto

Cyril Ramaphosa

Ulf Kristersson

Narendra Modi

Agreed on

Reform of global governance structures

NG

Nigeria

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Need to address root causes of conflict

Explanation

The President of Nigeria emphasized the importance of tackling the underlying factors that lead to conflicts. He argued that sustainable peace can only be achieved by addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity.

Major Discussion Point

Peace and Security Challenges

OM

Oman

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Importance of preventive diplomacy and mediation

Explanation

The Foreign Minister of Oman stressed the value of diplomatic efforts to prevent conflicts before they escalate. He highlighted the role of mediation in resolving disputes peacefully and maintaining global stability.

Major Discussion Point

Peace and Security Challenges

JP

Japan

Speech speed

103 words per minute

Speech length

517 words

Speech time

299 seconds

Call for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation

Explanation

The Prime Minister of Japan emphasized the urgent need to reduce and eliminate nuclear weapons globally. He stressed the importance of strengthening international efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear technology for military purposes.

Evidence

Kishida mentioned Japan’s commitment to promoting realistic and practical efforts towards a world without nuclear weapons

Major Discussion Point

Peace and Security Challenges

KZ

Kazakhstan

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Need to combat terrorism and violent extremism

Explanation

The President of Kazakhstan highlighted the ongoing threat of terrorism and extremism to global security. He called for increased international cooperation to counter these threats and address their root causes.

Major Discussion Point

Peace and Security Challenges

EE

Estonia

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Importance of addressing cybersecurity threats

Explanation

The Foreign Minister of Estonia emphasized the growing significance of digital security in the modern world. He stressed the need for international collaboration to combat cyber threats and protect critical infrastructure.

Major Discussion Point

Peace and Security Challenges

Agreements

Agreement Points

Importance of implementing the Pact for the Future

António Guterres

Nana Akufo-Addo

Mia Mottley

Hakainde Hichilema

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

Pact represents renewed commitment to multilateralism

Pact provides roadmap for addressing global challenges

Need for concrete action to implement Pact commitments

Pact must be backed by political will and resources

Importance of reforming global governance to implement Pact

Multiple speakers emphasized the significance of the Pact for the Future and the need for concrete actions, political will, and resources to implement it effectively.

Need for sustainable development and climate action

Lazarus Chakwera

Mohamed Muizzu

Wavel Ramkalawan

Need to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goals

Importance of climate financing for developing countries

Importance of protecting biodiversity and oceans

Several speakers stressed the urgency of addressing sustainable development goals, climate change, and environmental protection, particularly for developing and small island nations.

Reform of global governance structures

William Ruto

Cyril Ramaphosa

Ulf Kristersson

Narendra Modi

Gustavo Petro

Need to reform UN Security Council

Call for more equitable representation in international financial institutions

Importance of inclusive global digital governance

Need for UN reform to reflect current geopolitical realities

Call for strengthened role of Global South in decision-making

Multiple leaders called for reforms in global governance structures, including the UN Security Council and international financial institutions, to better represent current geopolitical realities and ensure more equitable participation.

Similar Viewpoints

Both leaders emphasized the need for financial support and debt relief for developing countries to address climate change and achieve sustainable development goals.

Mia Mottley

Mohamed Muizzu

Call for debt relief to enable sustainable development

Importance of climate financing for developing countries

Both leaders stressed the importance of ensuring fair and inclusive access to digital technologies and governance frameworks for all countries.

Abiy Ahmed

Ulf Kristersson

Need for equitable access to technology and innovation

Importance of inclusive global digital governance

Unexpected Consensus

Comprehensive approach to global challenges

António Guterres

Nana Akufo-Addo

Mia Mottley

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

Cyril Ramaphosa

Ulf Kristersson

Pact represents renewed commitment to multilateralism

Pact provides roadmap for addressing global challenges

Need for concrete action to implement Pact commitments

Importance of reforming global governance to implement Pact

Call for more equitable representation in international financial institutions

Importance of inclusive global digital governance

Despite representing diverse regions and interests, these leaders showed unexpected consensus on the need for a comprehensive, multilateral approach to address global challenges, including reforms in governance, finance, and digital spheres.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of agreement centered around implementing the Pact for the Future, addressing sustainable development and climate action, and reforming global governance structures. There was broad consensus on the need for concrete actions, increased financial support for developing countries, and more equitable representation in international institutions.

Consensus level

The level of consensus among speakers was relatively high, particularly on the importance of multilateralism and the need for comprehensive reforms. This strong agreement suggests a shared recognition of the urgency of global challenges and the need for collective action. However, the implementation of these agreed-upon principles may face challenges due to varying national interests and resource constraints.

Disagreements

Disagreement Points

Approach to UN Security Council reform

William Ruto

Narendra Modi

Need to reform UN Security Council

Need for UN reform to reflect current geopolitical realities

While both leaders agree on the need for UN Security Council reform, they seem to have different emphases. Ruto focuses on better representation for African nations, while Modi calls for broader updates to reflect current global dynamics.

Priorities in addressing global challenges

Mia Mottley

Abiy Ahmed

Call for debt relief to enable sustainable development

Need for equitable access to technology and innovation

Mottley emphasizes debt relief as a crucial step for sustainable development, while Ahmed prioritizes equitable access to technology. This reflects different views on the most pressing issues for developing countries.

Unexpected Disagreements

No significant unexpected disagreements identified

Based on the provided information, there were no clearly unexpected disagreements among the speakers. Most differences in focus or approach seemed to align with typical national or regional priorities.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of disagreement revolve around the specific priorities and approaches to implementing the Pact for the Future, reforming global governance structures, and addressing sustainable development challenges.

Disagreement level

The level of disagreement appears to be moderate. While there are differences in emphasis and approach, most speakers seem to agree on the overall goals of the Pact for the Future. The disagreements mainly concern the prioritization of specific issues and the methods for achieving shared objectives. These differences reflect the diverse needs and perspectives of different countries and regions, which could potentially complicate the implementation of the Pact but also enrich the global dialogue on these issues.

Partial Agreements

Partial Agreements

Both leaders agree on the need for reforms in global governance structures, but they focus on different aspects. Lula emphasizes broader governance reforms, including the UN Security Council, while Ramaphosa specifically targets international financial institutions.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

Cyril Ramaphosa

Importance of reforming global governance to implement Pact

Call for more equitable representation in international financial institutions

Similar Viewpoints

Both leaders emphasized the need for financial support and debt relief for developing countries to address climate change and achieve sustainable development goals.

Mia Mottley

Mohamed Muizzu

Call for debt relief to enable sustainable development

Importance of climate financing for developing countries

Both leaders stressed the importance of ensuring fair and inclusive access to digital technologies and governance frameworks for all countries.

Abiy Ahmed

Ulf Kristersson

Need for equitable access to technology and innovation

Importance of inclusive global digital governance

Takeaways

Key Takeaways

The Pact for the Future was adopted, representing a renewed commitment to multilateralism and providing a roadmap for addressing global challenges

There is an urgent need to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goals and take concrete action on climate change

Reform of global governance structures, particularly the UN Security Council and international financial institutions, is seen as critical

Peace and security challenges, including conflict prevention and nuclear disarmament, remain key priorities

Implementation of the Pact will require political will, resources, and concrete action from all countries

Resolutions and Action Items

Adoption of the Pact for the Future, Global Digital Compact, and Declaration on Future Generations

Commitment to reform the UN Security Council, including expanding membership

Pledge to increase climate financing for developing countries

Agreement to work towards nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation

Commitment to strengthen the UN development system

Unresolved Issues

Specific details on reforming the UN Security Council

Concrete mechanisms for debt relief for developing countries

Exact targets and timelines for climate action and SDG implementation

Precise reforms needed for international financial institutions

Specific measures to address root causes of conflicts

Suggested Compromises

Balancing expansion of Security Council membership with maintaining its effectiveness

Combining public and private sector financing to fund sustainable development

Adopting a phased approach to implementing digital governance reforms

Gradual implementation of climate commitments with differentiated responsibilities

Incremental reforms to global financial architecture while maintaining stability

Thought Provoking Comments

What kind of world are we living in, where we can fuel wars but cannot feed children?

Speaker

Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone

Reason

This rhetorical question starkly highlights the misplaced priorities of the global community, contrasting military spending with humanitarian needs.

Impact

It shifted the tone of the discussion to focus more critically on global inequalities and the need for concrete action rather than just rhetoric.

The digital revolution has the potential to build, to bridge gaps in access to education and economic opportunities, but it can also widen inequalities. We must ensure meaningful collectivity for over one-third of the global population without Internet access.

Speaker

Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of Malawi

Reason

This comment insightfully points out both the opportunities and risks of digital technology, emphasizing the importance of equitable access.

Impact

It broadened the discussion to include the critical issue of the digital divide and its implications for global development.

We cannot wait, and we must improve the global system for current as well as future generations through national governance and investment in youth.

Speaker

Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Minister for Foreign Relations of Cameroon

Reason

This statement emphasizes the urgency of action and the importance of focusing on youth in global governance reforms.

Impact

It refocused the discussion on the need for immediate action and intergenerational equity in decision-making.

The challenges we face are profound, yet the opportunities before us are immense. Change is an inevitable part of our journey, and it is our responsibility to ensure that this change is purposeful and beneficial for future generations.

Speaker

Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Rwanda

Reason

This comment balances acknowledging challenges with optimism about opportunities, emphasizing collective responsibility.

Impact

It shifted the tone of the discussion towards a more proactive and hopeful outlook on addressing global challenges.

Let us anchor ourselves in its pact and the accompanying digital contract compact declaration on future generations, being ever mindful of the need to reframe sustainability through the lenses of justice, equity, inclusivity and peace.

Speaker

Joelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development of St. Kitts and Nevis

Reason

This statement insightfully connects various elements of the pact, emphasizing a holistic approach to sustainability.

Impact

It encouraged a more integrated view of the various components of the pact and their interconnections.

Overall Assessment

These key comments shaped the discussion by shifting focus from general statements to more specific, action-oriented proposals. They highlighted critical issues such as global inequalities, the digital divide, youth engagement, and the need for a holistic approach to sustainability. The comments collectively emphasized the urgency of action, the importance of equity and inclusivity, and the need to balance acknowledging challenges with seizing opportunities. This led to a more nuanced and forward-looking dialogue about implementing the Pact for the Future.

Follow-up Questions

How can the international financial architecture be reformed to better serve the needs of developing countries?

Speaker

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil

Explanation

This is important to address the financing gap for sustainable development and ensure a more equitable global economic system.

What concrete actions can be taken to reform the UN Security Council to make it more representative and effective?

Speaker

Multiple speakers, including Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa

Explanation

This is crucial for improving global governance and ensuring the Security Council reflects current geopolitical realities.

How can the digital divide be effectively addressed to ensure equitable access to technology and its benefits?

Speaker

Multiple speakers, including Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana

Explanation

This is important for ensuring that technological advancements benefit all countries and do not exacerbate existing inequalities.

What specific measures can be implemented to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals?

Speaker

Multiple speakers

Explanation

This is critical for addressing global challenges and ensuring a sustainable future for all.

How can the international community effectively address climate change, particularly in supporting vulnerable countries?

Speaker

Multiple speakers, including Mohamed Muizzu, President of Maldives

Explanation

This is crucial for mitigating the impacts of climate change and ensuring the survival of vulnerable nations.

What mechanisms can be put in place to ensure effective implementation of the Pact for the Future?

Speaker

Multiple speakers

Explanation

This is important to ensure that the commitments made in the Pact translate into concrete actions and results.

How can youth be more effectively engaged in global decision-making processes?

Speaker

Multiple speakers

Explanation

This is crucial for ensuring that the perspectives and needs of future generations are considered in current policy-making.

What steps can be taken to strengthen multilateralism and rebuild trust in international institutions?

Speaker

Multiple speakers including António Guterres, UN Secretary-General

Explanation

This is important for addressing global challenges that require collective action and cooperation.

Disclaimer: This is not an official record of the session. The DiploAI system automatically generates these resources from the audiovisual recording. Resources are presented in their original format, as provided by the AI (e.g. including any spelling mistakes). The accuracy of these resources cannot be guaranteed.

Saturday Closing Ceremony: Summit of the Future Action Days

Saturday Closing Ceremony: Summit of the Future Action Days

Session at a Glance

Summary

The closing ceremony of the Summit of the Future Action Days focused on shaping a peaceful, sustainable, and digital future for all. Rapporteurs summarized key discussions on achieving peace, sustainability, and digital inclusion globally. Speakers emphasized the importance of multilateralism, local government involvement, and financial reform to address global challenges.

The need for concrete action and financing to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals was a recurring theme. Speakers highlighted the importance of reforming the international financial architecture, addressing debt issues, and increasing funding for developing countries. The role of cities and local governments in implementing global initiatives was emphasized.

Youth engagement and intergenerational approaches were stressed as crucial for building a better future. Discussions covered topics such as climate change, digital technologies, and peace-building. Speakers called for solidarity, trust-building, and collective action to address global issues.

The UN Deputy Secretary-General emphasized the power of inclusive multilateralism and partnerships demonstrated during the summit. She urged continued engagement to implement commitments and hold leaders accountable. The President of Namibia highlighted the importance of civil society participation and youth leadership in shaping the future.

The Prime Minister of Barbados concluded by calling for coordinated action to address global inequities and create a more just world. She emphasized the need for widespread engagement and attitude changes to achieve meaningful progress on issues like climate change, artificial intelligence, and equitable development.

Keypoints

Major discussion points:

– The need for inclusive, multi-stakeholder collaboration and partnerships to address global challenges

– Reforming the international financial architecture to better support sustainable development and climate action

– The importance of youth engagement and intergenerational approaches in shaping the future

– Leveraging digital technologies and AI responsibly to advance the SDGs while managing risks

– Implementing concrete actions and commitments following the Summit of the Future

Overall purpose:

The discussion aimed to summarize the key outcomes and insights from the Summit of the Future Action Days, and look ahead to implementing the Pact for the Future and other commitments to be made at the upcoming Summit.

Tone:

The overall tone was one of urgency and call to action, while also being hopeful and inspiring. Speakers emphasized the critical challenges facing the world but expressed optimism that collaborative, inclusive efforts could drive meaningful change. The tone became more impassioned towards the end, with the final speakers making emotional appeals for unity and decisive action.

Speakers

Speakers:

– Folly Bah Thibault – Moderator/facilitator

– Nudhara Yusuf – Rapporteur for Peaceful Future for All sessions

– Betty Wainaina – Rapporteur for Sustainable Future for All sessions

– Rumman Chowdhury – Rapporteur for Digital Future for All sessions

– Anne Hidalgo – Mayor of Paris, member of UN Secretary General’s Advisory Group on Local and Regional Governments

– Axel van Trotsenburg – Senior Managing Director of the World Bank

– Amina J. Mohammed – UN Deputy Secretary General

– Nangolo Mbumba – President of Namibia

– Mia Mottley – Prime Minister of Barbados

Moderator:

– Folly Bah Thibault – Journalist and news anchor, moderating the discussion

Areas of expertise:

– Nudhara Yusuf – Peace and security

– Betty Wainaina – Sustainable development

– Rumman Chowdhury – Digital technology and AI

– Anne Hidalgo – Local government and urban issues

– Axel van Trotsenburg – International finance and development

– Amina J. Mohammed – International development and UN affairs

– Nangolo Mbumba – African politics and development

– Mia Mottley – Caribbean politics and climate change

Full session report

Revised Summary of the Summit of the Future Action Days Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony of the Summit of the Future Action Days featured high-level speakers discussing the shaping of a peaceful, sustainable, and digital future for all. Moderated by journalist Folly Bah Thibault, the event included rapporteurs summarizing key outcomes and insights from the summit, followed by perspectives from global leaders on implementing the Pact for the Future and other commitments.

1. Rapporteurs’ Summaries

Nudhara Yusuf, rapporteur for the Peaceful Future for All sessions, highlighted:

– The importance of intergenerational dialogue and rebuilding trust

– Dismantling patriarchal power structures in peace processes

– Countering terrorism through solidarity and cooperation

– Protecting civilians from explosive weapons in populated areas

– Harnessing technology for peace while mitigating risks

Yusuf emphasized, “We stand as the last few generations who can do something about the challenges that we face, and the first few generations that have the opportunity to seize new potentials for impact.”

Betty Wainaina, rapporteur for the Sustainable Future for All sessions, focused on:

– Reforming the international financial architecture

– Strengthening international tax cooperation

– Addressing the debt crisis in developing countries

– Scaling up development and climate financing

Wainaina noted, “Debt servicing is crowding out SDG financing. Speakers stressed the need for global consensus to stem the rising debt crisis, including a systemic multilateral approach.”

Rumman Chowdhury, rapporteur for the Digital Future for All sessions, outlined:

– Reducing the digital divide and ensuring universal access

– Leveraging digital innovations to achieve SDGs

– Developing inclusive AI governance

– Fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships for digital inclusion

Chowdhury emphasized the need to address not only access to digital technology but also the skills and capacities required to use it meaningfully.

2. Global Leaders’ Perspectives

Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, stressed:

– Including local authorities in multilateral efforts

– Providing funding for cities to address climate change and development

– Fostering trust and peaceful coexistence through local initiatives

Hidalgo also highlighted the recent Paris Olympics as an opportunity to showcase sustainable practices and global unity.

Axel van Trotsenburg, Senior Managing Director of the World Bank, focused on:

– Reinvigorating multilateralism through increased funding

– Providing concessional financing for poorest countries

– Incentivizing private sector participation in developing countries

Van Trotsenburg emphasized, “Multilateralism is under threat… Yet many problems, and the mayor just mentioned climate change, you cannot solve alone. It will require international global collaboration if we want to succeed.”

Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary General, stressed:

– Implementing new global agreements through inclusive partnerships

– Strengthening intergenerational discourse at national and international levels

– Rebuilding trust in international institutions

Mohammed highlighted the extensive engagement of civil society and youth throughout the summit process and emphasized the power of inclusive multilateralism.

Nangolo Mbumba, President of Namibia, emphasized:

– Recognizing youth as key stakeholders in global decision-making

– Amplifying voices of marginalized groups through youth leadership

– Addressing climate change, human rights, and equitable development

Mbumba stated, “The true measure of our success will be in the effective implementation of the pact for the future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration of Future Generations. These initiatives will be pivotal in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, called for:

– Reforming financial systems to match development needs

– Ensuring equitable access to new technologies like AI

– Prioritizing education and dialogue over conflict

– Providing basic necessities to all people globally

Mottley addressed current global challenges, including ongoing wars, environmental crises, and economic inequalities. She emphasized, “If we doubted the power of the people we only need to see where that power has made significant changes even in this year that we live in, but what matters now is that there be coordinated action and that we believe and that we sell and share with each other that there is a possibility for a win-win.”

In conclusion, the Summit of the Future Action Days closing ceremony highlighted the urgent need for concrete action and financing to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Speakers emphasized the importance of reforming the international financial architecture, addressing debt issues, and increasing funding for developing countries. The role of cities, local governments, and youth in implementing global initiatives was stressed throughout the discussion. The overall tone was one of urgency and call to action, while also expressing hope that collaborative, inclusive efforts could drive meaningful change in addressing global challenges.

Session Transcript

Folly Bah Thibault: Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the closing ceremony of the Summit of the Future Action Days. I know it’s been an action-packed day for all of us, with thousands of stakeholders engaging in dozens of sessions and side events throughout the day with the primary goal of reimagining how we work together to address the most pressing opportunities and challenges of our time. As we reflect on today’s sessions, we have heard rich, impactful discussions on how we can collectively shape a more peaceful, sustainable and digital future for all. In this closing ceremony today, we will hear the main takeaways from the day’s events and will be joined by leaders who will reflect on the pact of the future and what lies ahead after this summit. The work begins today. But first, it’s my pleasure to introduce the rapporteurs for each of today’s core themes who will summarize the insights and outcomes of their respective sessions. To start us off, let’s hear from Nudhara Yusuf, the rapporteur for the Peaceful Future for All sessions. Nudhara.

Nudhara Yusuf : Thank you all so very much. When I last had the pleasure of meeting so many of you at the UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi, we left the closing ceremony saying we would show people what civil society has to offer to a process, not just what we expect from a process. It’s been a long journey, both in these halls but also in the world outside, but it is moving to see that that energy has continued throughout. the year, so thank you for being here and for representing. The Action Day on Peaceful Futures for All drew on the core principles of trust, solidarity, and universality highlighted in A New Agenda for Peace, and it galvanized strong support for these principles. The first session of the day, the Intergenerational Dialogue for Peace, focused on the search for peace in the more complex and divided world of today. The elders, two former presidents, and two young peacebuilders reflected together on the courage and perseverance it takes to rebuild trust, engage in dialogue and diplomacy to build peace. They spoke to the difficult work of repairing communal wounds from the past and rebuilding trust while also protecting the planet. In a second session, we explored how patriarchal power structures affect the lives of people, how war amplifies and feeds on them. We discussed how to dismantle these oppressive structures and the role of women and men as leaders in this effort, and, get this, about how football can be a tool to achieve it. We were inspired by the poetry To Break the Old Patterns. I am sure many of you were moved to tears as I was. In the third session, a call to action for a future free from terrorism highlighted the need for solidarity, common understanding and cooperative approach to countering terrorism. It reinforced the commitment to universal norms in countering terrorism, acknowledging that the evolving threat requires consistent application of international law and established norms, not selective enforcement. Youth and diverse actors were recognized as vital to achieving a future free from terrorism through leadership, innovation and fostering global cooperation. Following this session, we walked for peace across the United Nations premises along a route that highlights the artwork that represents peace, solidarity and global solidarity. global unity. Inspired by the walk, we discussed protection of civilians impacted by the use of explosive weapons in urban settings. In a moving session, we heard stories of resilience, messages urging an end of multigenerational trauma, the calls for action to, one, implementation of the political declaration on the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, two, leave no one behind and address rights of persons with disabilities impacted by armed conflict, and three, commit political will and funding to eliminate these threats to civilians forever. The final session, Imagining Peace in a Digital World, explored scenarios for peace and security in 2045, defined by transformative factors like advancing technology, climate change, and the future of multilateralism. The session unpacked how technologies can be harnessed for good while mitigating risks for a peaceful digital future. A call to action was presented, too, to recommit to multilateralism through the United Nations, to resolve disputes peacefully, to develop governance frameworks that are fit for purpose in a changing world, to uphold disarmament commitments, to prevent conflict and reduce human suffering, to strengthen multi-stakeholder partnerships, to tackle future risks. We stand as the last few generations who can do something about the challenges that we face, and the first few generations that have the opportunity to seize new potentials for impact. So, we, the people of the United Nations, let’s do this. Thank you.

Folly Bah Thibault: Thank you, Nudhara. Thank you very much, Nudhara, for summarizing the discussions on how we can achieve a peaceful future for all. They were, indeed, very insightful discussions throughout the day here today. We’ll now hear from Betty Wainaina. the rapporteur for a sustainable future for all sessions, Betty.

Betty Wainaina: Thank you very much. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to report on the session on a sustainable future for all. The message echoed by speakers throughout the day was clear, the SDGs are off track, the clock is ticking, and realising a sustainable future for all hinges on us achieving the SDGs. Financing remains a key bottleneck for the achievement of SDGs, but we have options. Swift action on reforming the international financial architecture, addressing debt and getting taxation right can set us on the right track. Let me highlight some of the concrete outcomes across the five thematic blocks of the day. In the first session on sustainable development in time of global transformation, in their dialogue, the most honourable Andrew Holness of Jamaica and Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed stressed that we must rebuild trust and peace and fair representation are prerequisites for developing countries’ voices to be heard. In the second session, we had a discussion on international tax cooperation. This session noted that tax is as close to a panacea as we can get. It can provide income, set incentives, and reduce inequality. Speakers stressed the need for global initiatives to strengthen international tax cooperation including the Framework Convention. on international tax cooperation. The third session delved into the question of debt. Debt servicing is crowding out SDG financing. Speakers stressed the need for global consensus to stem the rising debt crisis, including a systemic multilateral approach. Instruments, including climate resilient debt clauses and state contingent debt instruments must be rolled out at scale. Debt resolution mechanisms need to be delivered with a speed that matches the urgency of the moment. In the fourth session on scaling up development and climate financing, the speakers stressed that both scale and quality needs to be pursued ambitiously. Public development banks play a key role in this and the private sector will also need to step up to this challenge. The fifth session delved into the question of international financial architecture reform. The current architecture needs to keep pace with the realities of the 21st century and beyond. Only bold international financial architecture reform can save the sustainable development goals. Speakers called for bigger and better international financial institutions, more accessible and affordable financing for developing countries, and SDG impact as a guiding force. Speakers across all sessions were clear that action must be taken now to safeguard the SDGs and sustainable futures for all. There is no shortage of opportunities to achieve change, as many of the speakers emphasized. The fourth International Conference on Financing for Development that will be held in Spain in 2025 provides a unique moment and a platform to turn the ambitions of the world into reality. of the Pact for the Future into action to accelerate the SDGs through financing for the Sustainable Development Goals. Thank you very much.

Folly Bah Thibault: Thank you very much, Betty, for that comprehensive summary of your discussions and for highlighting the main points that were made today in that session, in those sessions I should say. And finally, we’ll hear from Rumman Chowdhury, the rapporteur for the Digital Future for All sessions.

Rumman Chowdhury: Excellencies, distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends, today we heard from powerful voices focused on a simple question. What is your vision of a digital future for all? We have heard how a digital future for everyone, everywhere means a universal, affordable, meaningful, inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous digital future. Many of our speakers today have highlighted the urgent need to reduce the digital divide, not just in terms of achieving universal connectivity, but also to ensure that everyone has access to affordable and safe digital technology and the skills and capacities to use it meaningfully to improve their lives. From healthcare to education, climate mitigation, poverty alleviation, and gender equality, we have seen a diverse range of groundbreaking digital innovations that are driving progress towards achieving the SDGs. To quote Bianca Johnson, a young paraplegic woman who has regained her mobility thanks to technology, what we saw is that the future is the present. We’ve also heard what an inclusive architecture for AI governance looks like, building on the AI advisory body’s report, Governing AI for Humanity, with announcements on implementing its recommendations. And last but not least, we’ve heard how stakeholders and governments can join hands to deliver on the vision of the global digital compact. None of this is possible without innovative, inclusive, and multi-stakeholder partnerships that focus on specific SDG goals and targets. The SDG digital event this morning saw the announcement of, get this, $1.05 billion in pledges to support various initiatives to advance digital inclusion via the Partner to Connect platform. The summit of the Future Action Day on digital today has shown us incredible examples of the inclusive and collaborative action being taken all over the world. Indeed, it has shown us the power of collective action. We are ready for the second half of this journey. Accelerate, innovate, collaborate, and lead. Thank you.

Folly Bah Thibault: Thank you very much, Rumman, for summarizing the sessions from the Digital Future for All sessions. And thanks to all the rapporteurs for the thoughtful and comprehensive summaries that they’ve provided. Now we’ll hear from a few respondents who will share their unique perspectives on the Pact for the Future. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s my honor to introduce Anne Hidalgo and Axel van Trotsenburg. Our first respondent, please join us on stage, Madame Hidalgo, Mr. van Trotsenburg. Thank you so much for joining us. So our first respondent is Madame Hidalgo, who’s a member of the Secretary General’s Advisory Group on Local and Regional Governments and the Mayor of Paris, of course. And she’ll share her reflections about the role governments play in implementing the Pact at the local level.

Anne Hidalgo: Thank you very much for being with us today. You’re going to speak to us about the role that governments will play in implementing this pact for the future at the local level. Thank you. And thank you for hosting us. First and foremost, I’d like to thank the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Hidalgo, who’s opened up the door to multilateralism, including the various levels, including local authorities. What is now being proposed is that we follow up on what Martin Luther King said, that those who love peace need to know how to organize just as well as those that prefer war. And that’s what we’re talking about here. Multilateralism, what will that allow us to do? Well, it will enable us to act, because today, whether we’re talking about climate change or the social impact of climate change, the fight against poverty, whether we’re talking about democracy. We know that all of that can be evaluated in the lives of our citizens and within the level of cities because you have this phenomenon of people moving to the cities throughout the world for over 10 years now. Well, since the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, we’ve been meeting in different networks that have an exchange on good practices, particularly with regard to climate, the fight against poverty, this issue of housing and access to housing, and we’ve been meeting in these networks, French-speaking networks, the C40, for example, and for 10 years now, we’ve been working to try to get recognition for the place of local governments in global governance, not to work against states or try to usurp anyone’s authority. We want to join our forces together as part of a global coalition where actors need to be there, civil society, NGOs, national authorities, and of course, the private sector. What’s being proposed today is to be able to be present at the table of negotiations because we are essential players in the action that now needs to be carried out with regard to climate change, and in order to do that, and this is part of our agenda, we have to find funding that cities need, particularly cities in the South need. They need access to funding so that they can bring about this transformation, living better, housing, air pollution, taking the pollution out of rivers. I think now. at a crossroads in this summit for the future, where we’ve seen the facts, the work is before us. What we need now is willingness to bring all players together, particularly those that are on the front lines, particularly the mares, and I think of the Olympics and things like that and what we experienced in Paris and what we tried to share with the whole world, and namely it was this trust in humanism. I can assure you that living for more than a month, as if the world were all in Paris for a month, where we had people from all continents, all religions, all languages being brought together by sport, meeting in a peaceful environment where as mares, me as mayor, I was able to do everything I could to ensure that we had quality air, for example, so that the water of the Seine could have the pollution taken out of it, so that we could extend this universal welcome, peaceful welcome, and when you experience that, I can tell you, you want to cultivate that. We can’t extend those games or the Paraolympic Games, but what we can do is take that trust in humanity and the ability of those that prefer peace, take that so that we can build this peace together, and that is the path that is now open to us and it will be at the heart of the discussions on the Summit of the Future. Thank you very much.

Folly Bah Thibault: So, what you’re saying is that it’s important that local governments can and should play a big role in this Pact for the Future. Thank you. Thank you very much. And now we’re going to hear from Mr. Axel van Trotsenburg, the Senior Managing Director of the World Bank, who will share his reflections on how the Summit and the Pact for the Future can contribute to reform our global international financial architecture.

Axel van Trotsenburg: Well, thank you very much and good afternoon and a late Saturday afternoon. I hope that everybody stays focused. But first, a congratulation to the fantastic Olympic Games. I think that were fantastically done. I think the Summit of the Future is yet another reminder that we need to stay engaged on development. The SDGs are off track and we cannot forget that. And so, the Summit of the Future should not be limited to words. We need to encourage deeds and action. And the problem, what we are having is we need to have governments engaged, private sector engaged, and yes, multilaterals. Yet multilateralism is under threat. And many are questioning why you have multilateral organizations, be it the UN, be it multilateral development banks. Yet many problems, and the mayor just mentioned climate change, you cannot solve alone. It will require international global collaboration if we want to succeed. So that means that we actually need to put new life in multilateralism. And if you believe in that, you need to invest. You cannot limit the investment to words only. It will require significant amount. We don’t need to remind people and last year at the midterm review of the SDGs, we will need trillions of dollars. And that will have to come from all sources, from government, from private sector, from multilaterals. And that is, I think, the critical one where we need to focus. And some speakers talked about the financing. So I think one can always lecture to the other, but I think the multilaterals should start by themselves. So that is one of the areas where we actually, also at the bank, started the whole reform process. And also to see, can you actually do more with the existing resources? Because many governments, and that we have to admit, they are living on the fiscal stress. It’s not that there is unlimited resources available. And I think here we have done that, and that is a necessary condition. And more needs to be done. How can we get the private sector better involved? And particularly in developing country, and most importantly in the low-income countries. And there it is hard to attract private capital. So we need to think about de-risking mechanisms to incentivize the private sector also to participate. Why is this important? Because we need to keep behind the financing, there are people, there are jobs to create it, and they are not created. There are basically every year 1.2 million young people getting or trying to get in the market, and only a third will find a job. What is happening with the other 800 million? So I think we need to keep that in mind when we do this. Now what it requires for the poorest countries is that you need also concessional resources. Simply for two reasons. There are, they don’t have the fiscal resources to pay for high coupon debt. They will need long-term concessional financing or grants, and that will have to come also from governments. We have the largest fund available for the poorest countries called the International Development Association. It’s replenished every three years. The last round was $93 billion, and donors gave about $23.5 billion. I’m co-chairing the current round. Let me tell you, it is a struggle. It’s a big struggle. Not to agree, that’s on the policy framework. We can get good agreements. But to get more concessional resources from governments is going to be very difficult. And that is a first test. What I am saying is, we cannot only talk, we need to find these necessary resources, and that requires that we still need a mind change that multilateralism matters and ultimately will need to be reflected in policy action as well as money. And I think that is, in a way, where we need to keep this in mind, why this is important. And I just think we need to prioritize, in my mind, the poorest countries first, because their needs are the largest. But I think we are trying, for example, with the African Development Bank, to facilitate the access to energy or electricity for 300 million people in Africa. Six and a half million have no access. So we want to do that by 2030. So it’s very ambitious. But I think these are the type of things where you need to create the conditions. If you don’t have electricity, you cannot have digital. And very often, you can’t have jobs. So we will need to put the basic infrastructure in place so that people can succeed. And so what we need is a far stronger coalition of those that there is a need for internet. national solidarity, and it will need to go also through the purse. You will need to provide some money. Nobody is saying these are the exorbitant amounts in relation to the GDPs we’re having. We should be able to afford that. And that’s the plea what I would say for the summit of the future. We have to look also the summit of solidarity. We cannot forget that, and we need to act on it. Thank you.

Folly Bah Thibault: Solidarity is the key word here. Thank you very much, Mr. van Trotsenburg, Senior Managing Director of the World Bank. Thank you for sharing your reflections with us. Thank you both. Yes, you can return to your seats now. Thank you so much. And now, I’m very pleased to welcome the United Nations Deputy Secretary General to the stage, Amina Mohammed, who will offer her reflections of the conversations we’ve had the past two days here at the Summit of Future Action Days, rich conversations, insightful ones that gives a lot to think about. The DSG will also discuss what lies ahead, right? What happens next after the talking comes the action, right? All right.

Amina J. Mohammed: Thank you so much, Chair Foley, and thank you for being with us all the way through these action days. Your Excellency, the President of Namibia, Your Excellency, our sister and leader, Prime Minister Miyamoto Barbados, President of the General Assembly, Excellencies, colleagues, thank you all for your work and contributions, and very much enjoyed listening to the last session. These action days have showcased the power of inclusive and networked multilateralism, but they’ve also demonstrated the potential and the power of partnerships. They’ve reminded us of the immense potential of collaboration, of what we can achieve when we come together, united in purpose across sectors, generations, and continents. And your diverse contributions reflect the richness of what can be achieved when everyone is brought to the table in an inclusive dialogue. Yesterday, youth-led conversations forced us to face our collective responsibilities to deal with present challenges, and in doing so, take action also to secure a brighter future and for future generations. generations. They showed that meaningful youth engagement looks like in action and underscored the indispensable role that young people play in improving our world and bringing and informing concrete solutions. Today, we focus on the core issues to be resolved to allow financing to flow for sustainable development. Climate finance, taxes, debt. We also address the need to take profit of the potential of technology while managing its risks and to bring peace to a more complex and interconnected world. The discussions throughout the day have explored innovative tax corporation schemes, solutions to global debt, options for the expansion of climate financing, and for increased representation of developing countries in the global financial architecture. The relevance of intergenerational approaches, dismantling patriarchal power structures and putting young people at the forefront of discussions about the future featured strongly in the conversations under peace and security. You’ve also spoken about putting an end to terrorism, protecting civilians in armed conflict, and addressing new and emerging threats, including in the digital sphere. And you’ve insisted that a secure future depends on our ability to build trust, solidarity, and collective action. Finally, we just heard how cutting-edge technology solutions like satellite, internet, blockchain, artificial intelligence are advancing the SDGs. Yet, much work needs to be done to bridge the digital divide. Personal stories from the women and girls across Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, all demonstrated what is possible by scaling up access and capacities around digital technologies. And all this is while bearing in mind our responsibilities. towards future generations, the 10 billion who will inhabit our planet by the end of this century. What I can promise you is that we will carry your insights and ideas forward into the summit of the future, starting from tomorrow, because your input here, and we’ve seen this throughout the two days, is central to building and shaping a better world. Excellencies and friends, four years ago we began the process for this wonderful summit of the future. The Secretary General called for a more inclusive and networked multilateral system to increase our collective effectiveness. This call was rooted in a recognition of how the world was changing, in the fact that power and the ideas to solve global problems lie in many different hands, and in the fact that our world is in desperate need of transformation. Changes that will allow us to accelerate action, to deliver the promises that have been made to the Sustainable Development Goals, to achieve the SDGs, countries will need to invest, and so we must wrestle with our financial architecture that is no longer fit for purpose. It has served its time, and it’s served it well, and so we need to take this opportunity to make that pivot and be as responsive as we can to the needs of financing the development agenda. Since this process began, the United Nations has provided a platform for the broadest possible engagement, inclusion, and collaboration, and you have responded, putting forward ideas, announcements, initiatives, coalitions, agreed to disagree. Countless civil society networks and groups, including the major groups and other stakeholders, and the impact coalitions from the UN Civil Society Conference, have all been mobilized, heard, and have shaped the outcome of the Summit of the Future. All of you and the constituencies you represent have participated every step of the process in different formats. You’ve pushed for ambition in the three new texts that we are hopeful member states will soon adopt, the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations. Over these past two days alone, over 8,000 individuals have come into the UN HQ. More than 60 events have taken place inside the UN, with an additional 100 more across New York, and a further 30 around the world. world. In short, the UN made a call for an inclusive multilateralism, and you have delivered in trying to shape that. And for that, we thank you sincerely. But we do ask you to keep it up, because the day after is where it counts in implementing those commitments that will be made tomorrow. We need your continued drive, your engagement, and pressure to implement the new texts and hold us to account. You’ve proven time and time again that you’re willing to work together with governments, the UN, and all other actors that are key to building a better world. It is essential that we continue and that we keep strengthening the dialogue between political decision makers and the whole of civil society within the multilateral system. But it is also important to the intergenerational discourse that must continue to be deepened and be strengthened at the national and international level. All of this will be vital to rebuilding trust and hope and restoring legitimacy in international institutions, ensuring that global decisions that we take truly reflect the concerns, the values, and the experiences of people worldwide, 8 billion on our world today. And above all, to demonstrating that multilateralism can deliver for everyone. It can deliver for them everywhere, and it can leave no one behind when we try to shape a better future. So let’s keep working together to make all of that a reality in everyone’s life. Thank you so much.

Folly Bah Thibault: Thank you. Thank you very much, DSG, for your inspiring remarks, and indeed, let’s keep working together for a better future for all of us. It now gives me great pleasure to introduce the President of the Republic of Namibia, His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba, who will be looking ahead to tomorrow’s Summit of the Future, the official start of the Summit of the Future on Monday, and how we take forward the implementation of the Pact. Please welcome His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba of the Republic of Namibia.

Nangolo Mbumba: Your Excellency Philémon Yang, the 79th President of the General Assembly. Your Excellency Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados. Your Excellency Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary General. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, esteemed members of the civil society. We find ourselves in a time of profound global change, where our collective future depends not only on the decisions we make, but on the values we embrace. The United Nations has always been a beacon of common aspirations, fostering cooperation among nations to tackle challenges of our time. As we look to the future, it is clear that the strength of our global community does not only depend on the actions of governments, but on the active participation of civil society in the spirit of the Charter of the United Nations that speaks of We the People. Ladies and gentlemen, as we reflect on the significant journey leading up to this moment, summit of the future, we are reminded of the unwavering commitment and active engagement of various stakeholders, including civil society. The voice of the youth and broader civil society are energizing the world with vitality and a spirit of innovation. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping both the debates and new commitments outlined in the Pact for the Future. This is the essence of the march of multilateralism. The belief that nations, peoples and communities, by working together towards a shared future of peace, stability and prosperity, can collectively accomplish more than when apart. This collective effort reaffirms the profound relevance of the United Nations in the global community. The action days of the past two days have underscored dynamic youth leadership as we chart a course towards the future of our global community. The outcomes of your discussions on critical issues advancing intergenerational solidarity, promoting climate and environmental foresight, ensuring governance for human rights, peace and security have been nothing short of inspirational. This conversation offers a foundation upon which we can build as we move forward with the adoption of the Pact for the Future. Ladies and gentlemen, I must underscore that our future will not and cannot rest solely on the well-crafted documents. The true measure of our success will be in the effective implementation of the pact for the future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration of Future Generations. These initiatives will be pivotal in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Namibia, as is the case for most African countries, has a younger population. This pact is not just for leaders of today. It is for you, the youth, who will inherit the wealth of today and tomorrow. It is a framework that seeks to secure your future by addressing the most critical issues that humanity faces. We therefore recognize and celebrate the active participation of the youth and the critical role they play as civil society in strengthening democracy. It is through the voices of community organizations, grassroots movements, and individuals, which are often led by young people, that we are reminded of the needs and aspirations of the people we are serving. The role is critical as active partners in shaping our international institutions. Since the release of our Common Agenda by the Secretary-General, his proposal for the Summit of the Future was always clear. This summit must have an outcome that is a bold step forward, charting a path for a more just, sustainable, and inclusive world. The Pact for the Future calls for urgent action on climate change. Namibia, like many other nations, is already feeling the effect of a warming planet. Our farmers suffer from severe droughts, our ecosystems are under threat, and our coastal communities are at risk from rising sea levels. The Pact recognizes the need for global peace and security. Peace is not just the absence of war. It is the presence of justice, equality, and human rights. The Pact for the Future highlights the transformative power of technology. In a world where technological innovation is advancing at an unprecedented rate, we must ensure that these advancements do not widen the gap between the rich and the poor, between those with access and those without. It is, therefore, incumbent upon us to amplify the voices of the marginalized and to push for ambitious action in the critical areas of climate change, human rights, and equitable development. Excellencies, delegates, esteemed youth delegates of civil society, we all are part of a global community. When we adopt the Pact of the Future tomorrow, let us hold hands and pull in the same direction to ensure that together we can build a world that truly leaves no one behind. And I thank you for your attention.

Folly Bah Thibault: Thank you very much, Your Excellency, the President of Namibia, Nangolo Mbumba, for his remarks and calling for action from all of us, as he said, not just governments, of course, but civil society and the different actors. Thank you very much, Mr. President. And it’s now my great pleasure to introduce the Prime Minister of Barbados, Her Excellency Mia Mottley, who will offer her perspective on the way forward.

Mia Mottley: Thank you very much, Madam Chair, President of Namibia, the Deputy Secretary General, my dear sister, President of the General Assembly, President Yang, brothers and sisters. We are here on a Saturday afternoon from so many different corners of the earth because we know that our time here and our commitment matters more than ever. As we speak, war rages in the Middle East, in Africa, in Europe, and in the Americas while there is no declared war, there is conflict that causes the loss of lives because of access to assault weapons and all of those other things that literally have undermined citizen security in our hemisphere. We are here in the season of superlatives from the dryas. to the wettest, to the strongest storms, every possible thing that we could imagine that can disrupt our way of life from the environment, and the range of biodiversity that is so essential to the balance of our earth, has already been affecting us. And we are here, generations after countries declared independence, with the intention of being able to deliver for their people the best life possible, but constrained of course by the absence of access to development opportunities, and most importantly of all, to the fuel, to the oxygen, to the financing that matches the needs of their people. I do not tire in saying that we cannot build schools and hospitals with 10 and 15 year money. We’re here because even though noises were made every decade for the last few decades, that things ought to change, they continued in the same direction, fueled by greed, fueled by inequity, fueled by marginalization, fueled by values reflected by human beings taking decisions, or as His Holiness would say to us, from literally the desensitization that comes that allows us to take comfort in ignoring what we see and what we hear. I take comfort this evening from the fact that we are here, but we being here will only be a record or a footnote in history. if our actions just end here. Yes, the conclusion of the pact for the future is the seminal treaty and theoretical point from which we want to take our action. But the truth is that that may become just simply another document in history if all that we have come to do is to secure a pact. We have now to ensure that we enlarge the people, the army, the believers, the doers, who are prepared to say that in the same way history can record successfully that slavery was wrong and needed to be abolished, in the same way that we can have history record successfully that women should have the right of agency over their vote and their body, in the same way that history can record successfully that the people who live in separate and apart systems in South Africa, or regrettably now as we see in the Middle East, that they should be freed from the bondages that allow others to determine what their destiny should be and to be able to secure it for themselves and the least capable among them. If you lived at those points in history, you might well have said that the battle was impossible. But we know enough to know, as President Mandela told us, it is not impossible if it can. be done, or it is impossible until it is done. This world can change, but it needs our energy, our commitment, and in the same way in electoral matters we go out and find other people to help us proselytize and canvas, we must now go out and find ordinary citizens who are prepared to say that they’re not wishing to be pawns anymore of others, and that the notion of two worlds, one for those who have and the rest for those who are relegated to not have it, one for those who see people and feel people and understand their obligation to help, and others who are insensitive and do not quite frankly care or see those around them. If we doubted the power of the people we only need to see where that power has made significant changes even in this year of that we live in, but what matters now is that there be coordinated action and that we believe and that we sell and share with each other that there is a possibility for a win-win, that there is a possibility for us to have a green transition that can mitigate the damages that would otherwise come from the climate crisis, that there is the possibility for ensuring greater equitable access to artificial intelligence and that the power of regulation can ensure that it be a force for good and not an instrument of oppression or recolonization of the earth, that it is possible for us to be able to take stances that recognize that investment in education will always trump conflict and war. and guns. But that there may be difficult decisions that we may have to make too. And the problem is, is that if we have a world that is dominated only by 60 second sound bites and four column inches, rather than allowing the spaces for discussion as we are doing in here, not just at the UN but in the villages, in the towns, in the communities, in the homes, in the households, that if we don’t get that discussion going, we’re not going to get the level of participation and we’re not going to build the momentum necessary that can move the inequity and that can remove the threats that this world has. I believe that it is possible for us to have a win-win. I believe that hope can be restored. But I do recognize that we are at that inflection point. And those who have power and want to maintain the status quo, even though they do not yet have a plan for allowing us to live on Mars, they are adamant on not creating the space or the policy flexibility or the access to the funding necessary for us to bring along others. It is unconscionable for us not to recognize that unless we can provide the basics of food, water, shelter, electricity to all people on this earth, we cannot talk about being a successful generation in human civilization. And we all know, we all know that there is sufficient to be able to share. What is needed is the change in attitude and values. I’m not going to reflect only on the fact that almost every religion carries us in the direction of caring for the most vulnerable, because people may want then to get into the schisms and isms of religious differences. But there is, in African civilization, the concept of Ubuntu. I am.

Folly Bah Thibault:

N

Nudhara Yusuf

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Intergenerational dialogue and rebuilding trust

Explanation

The session focused on the search for peace in today’s complex world. It emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust and engaging in dialogue across generations to build peace.

Evidence

The session included reflections from elders, former presidents, and young peacebuilders on rebuilding trust and engaging in dialogue.

Major Discussion Point

Achieving a Peaceful Future for All

Dismantling patriarchal power structures

Explanation

The session explored how patriarchal power structures affect people’s lives and how war amplifies these structures. It discussed ways to dismantle oppressive structures and the role of women and men as leaders in this effort.

Evidence

The session mentioned using football as a tool to achieve dismantling of patriarchal structures.

Major Discussion Point

Achieving a Peaceful Future for All

Countering terrorism through solidarity and cooperation

Explanation

The session highlighted the need for solidarity, common understanding, and a cooperative approach to countering terrorism. It reinforced the commitment to universal norms and consistent application of international law in countering terrorism.

Evidence

The session recognized youth and diverse actors as vital to achieving a future free from terrorism through leadership, innovation, and fostering global cooperation.

Major Discussion Point

Achieving a Peaceful Future for All

Protecting civilians from explosive weapons

Explanation

The session discussed the protection of civilians impacted by the use of explosive weapons in urban settings. It called for action to implement political declarations on the use of explosive weapons in populated areas and address the rights of persons with disabilities impacted by armed conflict.

Evidence

The session included stories of resilience and messages urging an end to multigenerational trauma.

Major Discussion Point

Achieving a Peaceful Future for All

Harnessing technology for peace while mitigating risks

Explanation

The session explored scenarios for peace and security in 2045, considering factors like advancing technology and climate change. It discussed how technologies can be harnessed for good while mitigating risks for a peaceful digital future.

Evidence

A call to action was presented to recommit to multilateralism, resolve disputes peacefully, and develop governance frameworks fit for a changing world.

Major Discussion Point

Achieving a Peaceful Future for All

B

Betty Wainaina

Speech speed

119 words per minute

Speech length

478 words

Speech time

240 seconds

Reforming international financial architecture

Explanation

The session emphasized the need for bold reform of the international financial architecture to keep pace with 21st-century realities. Speakers called for bigger and better international financial institutions and more accessible financing for developing countries.

Evidence

The upcoming fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Spain in 2025 was mentioned as a platform to turn ambitions into action.

Major Discussion Point

Creating a Sustainable Future for All

Agreed with

Axel van Trotsenburg

Mia Mottley

Agreed on

Need for reforming global financial systems

Strengthening international tax cooperation

Explanation

The session highlighted the importance of tax as a tool for providing income, setting incentives, and reducing inequality. Speakers stressed the need for global initiatives to strengthen international tax cooperation.

Evidence

The Framework Convention on international tax cooperation was mentioned as a potential initiative.

Major Discussion Point

Creating a Sustainable Future for All

Addressing the debt crisis in developing countries

Explanation

The session discussed how debt servicing is crowding out SDG financing. Speakers stressed the need for a global consensus to stem the rising debt crisis, including a systemic multilateral approach.

Evidence

Instruments such as climate resilient debt clauses and state contingent debt instruments were suggested to be rolled out at scale.

Major Discussion Point

Creating a Sustainable Future for All

Scaling up development and climate financing

Explanation

The session emphasized the need to pursue both scale and quality in development and climate financing. Public development banks were highlighted as playing a key role, with the private sector also needing to step up.

Major Discussion Point

Creating a Sustainable Future for All

R

Rumman Chowdhury

Speech speed

118 words per minute

Speech length

309 words

Speech time

156 seconds

Reducing the digital divide and ensuring universal access

Explanation

The session highlighted the urgent need to reduce the digital divide, not just in terms of connectivity, but also in ensuring access to affordable and safe digital technology. It emphasized the importance of providing skills and capacities for meaningful use of technology.

Major Discussion Point

Shaping a Digital Future for All

Leveraging digital innovations to achieve SDGs

Explanation

The session showcased a diverse range of groundbreaking digital innovations driving progress towards achieving the SDGs. These innovations span various sectors including healthcare, education, climate mitigation, poverty alleviation, and gender equality.

Evidence

A personal story was shared about Bianca Johnson, a young paraplegic woman who regained mobility thanks to technology.

Major Discussion Point

Shaping a Digital Future for All

Agreed with

Nangolo Mbumba

Amina J. Mohammed

Agreed on

Importance of youth engagement in shaping the future

Developing inclusive AI governance

Explanation

The session discussed what an inclusive architecture for AI governance looks like, building on the AI advisory body’s report ‘Governing AI for Humanity’. Announcements were made on implementing the report’s recommendations.

Major Discussion Point

Shaping a Digital Future for All

Fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships for digital inclusion

Explanation

The session emphasized the importance of innovative, inclusive, and multi-stakeholder partnerships focused on specific SDG goals and targets. It highlighted the power of collective action in advancing digital inclusion.

Evidence

The SDG digital event saw the announcement of $1.05 billion in pledges to support various initiatives to advance digital inclusion via the Partner to Connect platform.

Major Discussion Point

Shaping a Digital Future for All

A

Anne Hidalgo

Speech speed

131 words per minute

Speech length

645 words

Speech time

293 seconds

Including local authorities in multilateral efforts

Explanation

Hidalgo emphasized the importance of including local authorities in global governance and multilateral efforts. She argued for recognition of the place of local governments in addressing global challenges like climate change and poverty.

Evidence

Hidalgo mentioned networks like C40 where cities have been working together for 10 years to gain recognition in global governance.

Major Discussion Point

Role of Local Governments in Implementation

Agreed with

Amina J. Mohammed

Mia Mottley

Agreed on

Importance of inclusive multilateralism

Providing funding for cities to address climate change and development

Explanation

Hidalgo stressed the need for cities, particularly in the Global South, to have access to funding. This funding is crucial for transforming cities to address issues like climate change, housing, air pollution, and water pollution.

Major Discussion Point

Role of Local Governments in Implementation

Fostering trust and peaceful coexistence through local initiatives

Explanation

Hidalgo highlighted the role of cities in fostering trust and peaceful coexistence among diverse populations. She emphasized the importance of creating environments where people from all backgrounds can come together peacefully.

Evidence

Hidalgo shared her experience of hosting the Olympics in Paris, where people from all continents, religions, and languages came together in a peaceful environment.

Major Discussion Point

Role of Local Governments in Implementation

A

Axel van Trotsenburg

Speech speed

134 words per minute

Speech length

866 words

Speech time

385 seconds

Reinvigorating multilateralism through increased funding

Explanation

Van Trotsenburg emphasized the need to reinvigorate multilateralism through increased funding. He argued that addressing global challenges like climate change requires significant investment from all sources, including governments, private sector, and multilaterals.

Evidence

He mentioned that trillions of dollars will be needed to achieve the SDGs, as highlighted in the midterm review of the SDGs last year.

Major Discussion Point

Reforming Global Financial Architecture

Providing concessional financing for poorest countries

Explanation

Van Trotsenburg stressed the importance of providing concessional financing or grants for the poorest countries. He argued that these countries lack the fiscal resources to pay for high-coupon debt and need long-term concessional financing.

Evidence

He mentioned the International Development Association, which provides the largest fund for the poorest countries, with its last round raising $93 billion.

Major Discussion Point

Reforming Global Financial Architecture

Agreed with

Betty Wainaina

Mia Mottley

Agreed on

Need for reforming global financial systems

Incentivizing private sector participation in developing countries

Explanation

Van Trotsenburg highlighted the need to incentivize private sector participation in developing countries, particularly in low-income countries. He suggested developing de-risking mechanisms to encourage private capital investment in these areas.

Evidence

He mentioned that out of 1.2 million young people entering the job market annually, only a third find jobs, emphasizing the need for private sector involvement in job creation.

Major Discussion Point

Reforming Global Financial Architecture

A

Amina J. Mohammed

Speech speed

144 words per minute

Speech length

1046 words

Speech time

434 seconds

Implementing new global agreements through inclusive partnerships

Explanation

Mohammed emphasized the importance of implementing new global agreements through inclusive and networked multilateralism. She highlighted the power of partnerships and collaboration across sectors, generations, and continents.

Evidence

She mentioned that over 8,000 individuals came to the UN HQ, with more than 60 events taking place inside the UN and additional events across New York and around the world.

Major Discussion Point

Moving from Commitments to Action

Agreed with

Anne Hidalgo

Mia Mottley

Agreed on

Importance of inclusive multilateralism

Strengthening intergenerational discourse at national and international levels

Explanation

Mohammed stressed the importance of deepening and strengthening intergenerational discourse at both national and international levels. She argued that this is vital for rebuilding trust and hope in international institutions.

Major Discussion Point

Moving from Commitments to Action

Agreed with

Nangolo Mbumba

Rumman Chowdhury

Agreed on

Importance of youth engagement in shaping the future

Rebuilding trust in international institutions

Explanation

Mohammed emphasized the need to rebuild trust and restore legitimacy in international institutions. She argued that this is essential for ensuring that global decisions reflect the concerns, values, and experiences of people worldwide.

Major Discussion Point

Moving from Commitments to Action

N

Nangolo Mbumba

Speech speed

94 words per minute

Speech length

777 words

Speech time

490 seconds

Recognizing youth as key stakeholders in global decision-making

Explanation

Mbumba emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating the active participation of youth in global decision-making processes. He argued that the youth play a critical role in strengthening democracy and shaping international institutions.

Evidence

He mentioned that Namibia, like most African countries, has a younger population, and the Pact for the Future is for the youth who will inherit the world of today and tomorrow.

Major Discussion Point

Youth Engagement in Shaping the Future

Agreed with

Amina J. Mohammed

Rumman Chowdhury

Agreed on

Importance of youth engagement in shaping the future

Amplifying voices of marginalized groups through youth leadership

Explanation

Mbumba stressed the importance of amplifying the voices of marginalized groups through youth leadership. He called for pushing ambitious action in critical areas that affect these groups.

Major Discussion Point

Youth Engagement in Shaping the Future

Addressing climate change, human rights, and equitable development

Explanation

Mbumba highlighted the need for urgent action on climate change, ensuring global peace and security, and harnessing the transformative power of technology. He emphasized the importance of addressing these issues in an equitable manner.

Evidence

He mentioned Namibia’s experience with severe droughts, threatened ecosystems, and coastal communities at risk from rising sea levels as examples of climate change impacts.

Major Discussion Point

Youth Engagement in Shaping the Future

M

Mia Mottley

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Reforming financial systems to match development needs

Explanation

Mottley emphasized the need to reform financial systems to better match the development needs of countries. She argued that current financial structures constrain countries’ ability to deliver for their people and access development opportunities.

Evidence

She stated that countries cannot build schools and hospitals with 10 and 15 year money, highlighting the mismatch between financial structures and development needs.

Major Discussion Point

Transforming Global Systems for Equity

Agreed with

Betty Wainaina

Axel van Trotsenburg

Agreed on

Need for reforming global financial systems

Ensuring equitable access to new technologies like AI

Explanation

Mottley stressed the importance of ensuring equitable access to new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. She argued for the need to regulate these technologies to ensure they are a force for good rather than instruments of oppression or recolonization.

Major Discussion Point

Transforming Global Systems for Equity

Agreed with

Anne Hidalgo

Amina J. Mohammed

Agreed on

Importance of inclusive multilateralism

Prioritizing education and dialogue over conflict

Explanation

Mottley emphasized the importance of prioritizing investment in education over conflict and war. She argued for creating spaces for discussion and dialogue at all levels of society to build momentum for change.

Major Discussion Point

Transforming Global Systems for Equity

Providing basic necessities to all people globally

Explanation

Mottley argued for the necessity of providing basic necessities like food, water, shelter, and electricity to all people on Earth. She stated that this is essential for considering our generation successful in human civilization.

Evidence

She pointed out that there are sufficient resources to share, but what is needed is a change in attitude and values.

Major Discussion Point

Transforming Global Systems for Equity

Agreements

Agreement Points

Importance of youth engagement in shaping the future

Nangolo Mbumba

Amina J. Mohammed

Rumman Chowdhury

Recognizing youth as key stakeholders in global decision-making

Strengthening intergenerational discourse at national and international levels

Leveraging digital innovations to achieve SDGs

These speakers emphasized the crucial role of youth in decision-making processes, intergenerational dialogue, and leveraging technology for sustainable development.

Need for reforming global financial systems

Betty Wainaina

Axel van Trotsenburg

Mia Mottley

Reforming international financial architecture

Providing concessional financing for poorest countries

Reforming financial systems to match development needs

These speakers agreed on the urgent need to reform global financial systems to better support developing countries and match their development needs.

Importance of inclusive multilateralism

Anne Hidalgo

Amina J. Mohammed

Mia Mottley

Including local authorities in multilateral efforts

Implementing new global agreements through inclusive partnerships

Ensuring equitable access to new technologies like AI

These speakers emphasized the importance of inclusive multilateralism, involving local authorities, diverse partnerships, and ensuring equitable access to new technologies.

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers stressed the importance of addressing the debt crisis in developing countries and providing concessional financing to support their development needs.

Betty Wainaina

Axel van Trotsenburg

Addressing the debt crisis in developing countries

Providing concessional financing for poorest countries

Both speakers emphasized the importance of addressing systemic inequalities and prioritizing peaceful approaches to conflict resolution.

Nudhara Yusuf

Mia Mottley

Dismantling patriarchal power structures

Prioritizing education and dialogue over conflict

Unexpected Consensus

Role of local governments in global governance

Anne Hidalgo

Nangolo Mbumba

Including local authorities in multilateral efforts

Recognizing youth as key stakeholders in global decision-making

While coming from different perspectives (local government and national leadership), both speakers emphasized the importance of including diverse voices in global governance structures.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of agreement included the importance of youth engagement, the need for financial system reform, and the value of inclusive multilateralism.

Consensus level

There was a moderate to high level of consensus among the speakers on these key issues, suggesting a shared understanding of the challenges facing global governance and development. This consensus implies a potential for collaborative action on these fronts in the implementation of the Pact for the Future.

Disagreements

Disagreement Points

Approach to financing development

Axel van Trotsenburg

Mia Mottley

Van Trotsenburg stressed the importance of providing concessional financing or grants for the poorest countries. He argued that these countries lack the fiscal resources to pay for high-coupon debt and need long-term concessional financing.

Mottley emphasized the need to reform financial systems to better match the development needs of countries. She argued that current financial structures constrain countries’ ability to deliver for their people and access development opportunities.

While both speakers agree on the need for better financing for developing countries, they differ in their approach. Van Trotsenburg focuses on concessional financing and grants, while Mottley argues for a more fundamental reform of the financial system.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of disagreement revolve around the specific approaches to financing development, the role of different stakeholders in global governance, and the prioritization of various issues within the broader context of sustainable development and global cooperation.

Disagreement level

The level of disagreement among the speakers appears to be relatively low. Most speakers seem to agree on the overall goals and the need for action, with differences mainly in the specific approaches or areas of focus. This level of disagreement is not likely to significantly impede progress on the topics at hand, but rather could lead to a more comprehensive and nuanced approach to addressing global challenges.

Partial Agreements

Partial Agreements

Both speakers agree on the need for more inclusive decision-making processes in global governance, but they focus on different groups: Hidalgo on local authorities and Mbumba on youth.

Anne Hidalgo

Nangolo Mbumba

Hidalgo emphasized the importance of including local authorities in global governance and multilateral efforts. She argued for recognition of the place of local governments in addressing global challenges like climate change and poverty.

Mbumba emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating the active participation of youth in global decision-making processes. He argued that the youth play a critical role in strengthening democracy and shaping international institutions.

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers stressed the importance of addressing the debt crisis in developing countries and providing concessional financing to support their development needs.

Betty Wainaina

Axel van Trotsenburg

Addressing the debt crisis in developing countries

Providing concessional financing for poorest countries

Both speakers emphasized the importance of addressing systemic inequalities and prioritizing peaceful approaches to conflict resolution.

Nudhara Yusuf

Mia Mottley

Dismantling patriarchal power structures

Prioritizing education and dialogue over conflict

Takeaways

Key Takeaways

The Summit of the Future Action Days highlighted the importance of inclusive, multi-stakeholder partnerships to address global challenges

Reforming the international financial architecture is crucial for achieving sustainable development and climate goals

Youth engagement and intergenerational approaches are essential for shaping a better future

Digital technologies and AI offer opportunities for advancing SDGs but require governance frameworks to manage risks

Local governments play a vital role in implementing global agreements and fostering peace

Rebuilding trust in multilateral institutions is necessary to address complex global issues

Resolutions and Action Items

Implement the Pact for the Future, Global Digital Compact, and Declaration on Future Generations

Scale up development and climate financing, particularly for poorest countries

Strengthen international tax cooperation, including through a Framework Convention

Develop inclusive AI governance frameworks

Increase funding and support for multilateral institutions

Enhance youth participation in global decision-making processes

Unresolved Issues

Specific mechanisms for reforming the international financial architecture

Concrete steps to address the debt crisis in developing countries

Detailed plans for bridging the digital divide globally

Precise methods for dismantling patriarchal power structures in peace processes

Exact strategies for protecting civilians from explosive weapons in urban settings

Suggested Compromises

Balancing the need for increased development financing with fiscal constraints of donor countries

Finding common ground between different stakeholders (governments, private sector, civil society) in shaping global policies

Reconciling rapid technological advancement with equitable access and ethical considerations

Harmonizing local government initiatives with national and international policy frameworks

Thought Provoking Comments

We stand as the last few generations who can do something about the challenges that we face, and the first few generations that have the opportunity to seize new potentials for impact.

Speaker

Nudhara Yusuf

Reason

This comment powerfully frames the current moment as both a critical responsibility and unique opportunity for action, emphasizing the urgency and potential of the present generation.

Impact

It set an inspiring and action-oriented tone for the discussion, emphasizing the need for concrete steps rather than just talk.

Debt servicing is crowding out SDG financing. Speakers stressed the need for global consensus to stem the rising debt crisis, including a systemic multilateral approach.

Speaker

Betty Wainaina

Reason

This highlights a critical obstacle to sustainable development and calls for a coordinated global response, demonstrating the interconnectedness of financial and development issues.

Impact

It shifted the conversation towards the practical financial challenges of implementing sustainable development goals, leading to discussion of specific policy proposals.

Multilateralism is under threat. And many are questioning why you have multilateral organizations, be it the UN, be it multilateral development banks. Yet many problems, and the mayor just mentioned climate change, you cannot solve alone. It will require international global collaboration if we want to succeed.

Speaker

Axel van Trotsenburg

Reason

This comment directly addresses a core challenge to global cooperation while asserting its necessity, particularly for issues like climate change.

Impact

It refocused the discussion on the importance of multilateral institutions and international cooperation, leading to further exploration of how to strengthen these systems.

The true measure of our success will be in the effective implementation of the pact for the future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration of Future Generations. These initiatives will be pivotal in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Speaker

Nangolo Mbumba

Reason

This comment shifts focus from agreement on principles to the critical importance of implementation, tying the discussion to concrete global development goals.

Impact

It moved the conversation from theoretical discussions to practical considerations of how to turn agreements into action, emphasizing accountability.

If we doubted the power of the people we only need to see where that power has made significant changes even in this year of that we live in, but what matters now is that there be coordinated action and that we believe and that we sell and share with each other that there is a possibility for a win-win

Speaker

Mia Mottley

Reason

This comment emphasizes the power of collective action while also stressing the need for coordination and shared vision, bridging grassroots energy with organized efforts.

Impact

It energized the discussion by highlighting recent successes and the potential for positive change, while also calling for strategic, coordinated efforts.

Overall Assessment

These key comments shaped the discussion by consistently emphasizing the need for concrete action, global cooperation, and effective implementation of agreed-upon goals. They moved the conversation beyond theoretical agreements to practical considerations of financing, institutional reform, and coordinated efforts. The speakers highlighted both the urgency of current challenges and the unique opportunities of the present moment, creating a sense of both responsibility and possibility. This framing encouraged a forward-looking, action-oriented discussion that tied high-level agreements to tangible impacts on sustainable development and global cooperation.

Follow-up Questions

How can we effectively implement the political declaration on the use of explosive weapons in populated areas?

Speaker

Nudhara Yusuf

Explanation

This was highlighted as a key action point to protect civilians in conflict zones

What specific governance frameworks are needed to address future risks in a changing world?

Speaker

Nudhara Yusuf

Explanation

This was mentioned as part of a call to action for peace in a digital world

How can we accelerate the implementation of climate resilient debt clauses and state contingent debt instruments at scale?

Speaker

Betty Wainaina

Explanation

These were identified as important tools to address the debt crisis in developing countries

What concrete steps can be taken to reform the international financial architecture to better support developing countries?

Speaker

Betty Wainaina

Explanation

This was emphasized as crucial for achieving the SDGs

How can we effectively bridge the digital divide, particularly in terms of skills and capacities to use digital technology meaningfully?

Speaker

Rumman Chowdhury

Explanation

This was highlighted as a key challenge in achieving a digital future for all

What specific mechanisms can be developed to de-risk investments and incentivize private sector participation in low-income countries?

Speaker

Axel van Trotsenburg

Explanation

This was identified as crucial for attracting private capital to developing countries

How can we strengthen the intergenerational discourse at national and international levels?

Speaker

Amina J. Mohammed

Explanation

This was emphasized as important for rebuilding trust and legitimacy in international institutions

What concrete actions can be taken to ensure the effective implementation of the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration of Future Generations?

Speaker

Nangolo Mbumba

Explanation

This was stressed as the true measure of success beyond the adoption of these documents

Disclaimer: This is not an official record of the session. The DiploAI system automatically generates these resources from the audiovisual recording. Resources are presented in their original format, as provided by the AI (e.g. including any spelling mistakes). The accuracy of these resources cannot be guaranteed.

Fostering Global Digital Cooperation for Prosperity

Fostering Global Digital Cooperation for Prosperity

Session at a Glance

Summary

This discussion focused on fostering global digital cooperation for prosperity, organized by the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). The event brought together government representatives, international organizations, and private sector leaders to address the challenges and opportunities in the digital economy.

Key themes included bridging the digital divide, promoting inclusive growth, and leveraging technology for sustainable development. Speakers emphasized the importance of multilateral partnerships and knowledge sharing to accelerate digital transformation across nations. The DCO’s initiatives, such as the Digital Economy Navigator and IMPACT platform, were highlighted as tools to facilitate cooperation and exchange best practices.

Participants stressed the need to address gender disparities in the digital economy, noting the significant economic potential of increasing women’s participation. The role of artificial intelligence in driving productivity and economic growth was discussed, along with the importance of ethical AI governance.

Private sector representatives from Oracle and Microsoft outlined their efforts to support digital skills development and provide affordable access to technology in developing countries. They emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in building digital infrastructure and fostering local innovation ecosystems.

The discussion also touched on the challenges of data governance, cybersecurity, and the potential fragmentation of the global digital landscape. Speakers called for common standards and interoperability to ensure a more inclusive and equitable digital future.

Overall, the event underscored the critical importance of international cooperation in harnessing digital technologies to achieve sustainable development goals and create a more prosperous global digital economy.

Keypoints

Major discussion points:

– The importance of digital cooperation and bridging the digital divide to ensure inclusive growth and prosperity

– The role of women in the digital economy and the need to increase female participation

– The potential of artificial intelligence and the need for ethical governance frameworks

– Public-private partnerships and collaboration between governments, companies, and international organizations

– Building digital skills and capacity, especially in developing countries

Overall purpose/goal:

The overall purpose of the discussion was to explore ways to foster global digital cooperation in order to harness digital technologies for inclusive economic growth and development. Participants aimed to share insights on bridging the digital divide, increasing digital skills, and leveraging public-private partnerships to advance the digital economy.

Tone:

The tone was largely optimistic and forward-looking, with speakers emphasizing the opportunities presented by digital technologies while also acknowledging challenges. There was a sense of urgency about the need for cooperation and action. The tone became more concrete and practical when private sector representatives discussed specific initiatives and partnerships in the latter part of the discussion.

Speakers

Speakers:

– Hassan Nasser (moderator/facilitator)

– Deemah AlYahya – Secretary General of DCO

– Constantinos Kombos – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus

– Munir Akram – Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN

– Abdallah Al Dardari – Regional Director for Arab States at UNDP

– Hisham Alsheikh – Vice Governor of Digital Government Authority, Saudi Arabia

– Josephine Mukesha – Director General of National ID Agency, Rwanda

– Akiko Yamanaka – Senior Advisor to the President at ARIA, former Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs for Japan

– Alaa Abdulaal – Chief Digital Economy Foresight at DCO Secretariat

– Dima Al-Khatib – Director of UN Office of South-South Cooperation

– Mathis Pellerin – Vice President at Oracle

– Alexandre Pignot – Global Leader for UN at Microsoft

Moderators/Facilitators:

– Hassan Nasser – DCO

– Amir Dossal – Global Partnerships Forum

Areas of expertise:

– Digital cooperation and economy

– Foreign affairs and diplomacy

– International development

– Digital government transformation

– National identity systems

– Women, peace and security

– South-South cooperation

– Technology and private sector partnerships

Full session report

Digital Cooperation for Global Prosperity: A Comprehensive Discussion

This event, organized by the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), brought together a diverse group of government representatives, international organizations, and private sector leaders to address the challenges and opportunities in fostering global digital cooperation for prosperity.

Key Themes and Discussions

1. Introduction and Opening Remarks

Hassan Nasser, the moderator, opened the event by highlighting its focus on digital cooperation for global prosperity. Deemah AlYahya, Secretary General of DCO, emphasized the urgency of collaborative action to address the widening digital divide. She introduced DCO initiatives such as the Digital Economy Navigator and the IMPACT platform, designed to facilitate cooperation and exchange best practices among member states.

2. Digital Cooperation and Inclusive Growth

Constantinos Kombos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, called for “networked multilateralism” and synergies between stakeholders. He likened the current digital transformation to a new industrial revolution with unpredictable consequences, highlighting that nearly 2.6 billion people remain unconnected to the internet, with the majority being women and young girls. Kombos stressed the need to align technological progress with all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

3. Women, Peace, and Security

Professor Akiko Yamanaka spoke about the importance of women’s participation in peace and security efforts. She emphasized the role of digital technology in empowering women and promoting their involvement in decision-making processes.

4. Role of Technology in Economic Development

Abdallah Al Dardari, Regional Director for Arab States at UNDP, presented a sobering statistic: productivity in the Arab region has declined over the past 50 years, currently standing at 50% of its 1980 levels. He stressed the importance of AI and digital technology in addressing the low participation of women in Arab economies.

Hisham Alsheikh, Vice Governor of Digital Government Authority in Saudi Arabia, shared the kingdom’s success in digital transformation across government sectors. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to train over 50,000 nationals in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.

5. Digital Identity and Cross-Border Cooperation

Josephine Mukesha, Director General of National ID Agency in Rwanda, shared insights on the country’s implementation of digital identity from birth. She emphasized the need for common standards, interoperability in digital identity systems, and regulatory frameworks for cross-border identity verification.

6. Private Sector Partnerships

Mathis Pellerin from Oracle stressed the importance of private sector partnerships in accessing innovation and skilled workforce. He highlighted Oracle’s collaborations with DCO member states in areas such as cloud computing and AI.

Alexander Pignot from Microsoft outlined the company’s Tech for Social Impact focus on access, skills, and deployment. He emphasized the need for tailored affordability frameworks to address the uneven distribution of digital capabilities. Pignot also highlighted a critical disconnect between traditional development financing models and the needs of the digital economy.

7. South-South and Triangular Cooperation

Dima Al-Khatib, Director of UN Office of South-South Cooperation, highlighted South-South and Triangular Cooperation as key vehicles for bridging digital gaps. She mentioned the South-South and Triangle Cooperation Solutions Lab as a platform for knowledge sharing among developing nations.

8. Challenges in Digital Transformation

Munir Akram, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, raised concerns about the potential fragmentation of digital systems on an east-west basis. He emphasized the need for developing countries to acquire their own computing power to ensure digital independence.

Conclusion and Future Directions

The discussion underscored the critical importance of international cooperation in harnessing digital technologies to achieve sustainable development goals and create a more prosperous global digital economy. Key takeaways included the need for inclusive digital transformation, the importance of partnerships across sectors, and the necessity of addressing both technological and socio-economic aspects of the digital divide.

Several initiatives and commitments were announced during the event, including the DCO’s Digital Economy Navigator and IMPACT initiative, Saudi Arabia’s commitment to digital skills training, and the expansion of skilling efforts by private sector partners.

Amir Dossal provided closing remarks, noting the need for more time to address all the important topics raised and expressing inspiration drawn from the concrete initiatives discussed.

The event concluded with the announcement that Microsoft has become a new observer to the DCO, further strengthening the organization’s partnerships with the private sector.

Session Transcript

Hassan Nasser: Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, all protocol being observed, we are starting this side event named Fostering Digital Cooperation for Prosperity. The title is already very ambitious, and as you’ve all seen during these two days and as we expect also to see during the next two days, digital is taking a big place in New York this time. So it was really important for DCO to have this event with the support of four DCO member states naming Cyprus, Pakistan, Rwanda and Saudi Arabia. We thank them for their support making this event possible. I would like also to recognize the support of other international organizations including UNDP, UN Office of South-South Cooperation and our partners from area attending today, as well as a global partnership forum. I hope with this everyone is recognized but also what is important is to be together in this room to have a fruitful and meaningful conversation. Without further ado, I will first of all give the floor to the Secretary General of the DCO, Her Excellency Deemah AlYahya. The floor is yours.

Deemah AlYahya: Thank you, Hassan. I would like to thank definitely our member countries for making this happen, believing in DCO and putting together a room full of thought leaders, either from governments, private sector and civil society, which really demonstrates that cooperation is the way forward to prosperity. So, with that, your excellencies, distinguished guests, and ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon and welcome to this very important meeting we have today. We come together to foster global digital cooperation for prosperity. We’re living in a time where the digital revolution is reshaping our world at its extraordinary pace. Technology has become the backbone of our economies, the bridge that connects us all together without any borders and any boundaries, and the tools that empowers individuals and communities. Yet, as we embrace the immersive opportunities of this digital age, we must also confront the challenges that come with it. I’m speaking, of course, about the digital divide and the daunting number of 2.6 billion individuals and people that remain unconnected and unable to take part in all the digital age has to offer. Despite the rapid advancement of technology, these people still lack access to the internet and the digital tools that many of us take for granted. This divide threatens to widen exponentially and grow even bigger and bigger. This is where our work becomes very crucial. The DCO was founded with a clear mandate to accelerate the inclusion and sustainable growth of the digital economy and to ensure that digital prosperity is within reach for everyone. With 16 member states across Africa, Asia, and Europe, representing over 800 million people, and a diverse group of observers from the private sector, civil society, and academia, We are united in one ambition, to bridge the digital gap and to harness digital transformation to drive global progress. Earlier this year, during our third General Assembly hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain, the DCO Council of Ministers adopted a final Council Declaration that highlighted our collective commitment to these goals. We recognized the unique opportunity presented by the upcoming Global Digital Compact to build a global consensus on digital cooperation. As the world prepares for the adoption of this compact, the DCO stands ready to lead by example, driving a multi-stakeholder approach that brings together governments, businesses and civil society to create a new model of cooperation to co-create and co-design an ambitious digital future. One of our flagship projects that we actually launched this morning is the Digital Economy Navigator. This comprehensive tool offers a detailed, country-specific analysis of the digital economy maturity across 50 countries. The then primary goal is to help countries to understand and leverage their unique digital economy characteristics and also to share best practices from one country to another that would help in accelerating their growth. Another key initiative that I would like to highlight that showcases cooperation is also DCO Impact Platform, which serves as a marketplace for digital solutions and services adopting for multilateral partnerships and cooperation. These are just a few examples of the initiatives we’ve put in place. There are many more in progress. each design to drive action and impact on ground and meaningful change and to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital era. While I could continue listing these initiatives, but the time is short and our work is far from finished. The theme of today’s event is Fostering Global Digital Cooperation for Prosperity speaks directly to our mission. In our interconnected world, no nation, organization or individual can tackle the challenges of the digital age alone. We must work together to harness and harmonize digital policies, enhance digital skills and foster trust in the digital economy. This is not just about technological advancement. It’s about ensuring that technology serves as a force for good and a tool for everyone, ensuring that use of technology to build a more inclusive, equitable and prosperous world. Thank you everyone for your participation and I look forward to a fruitful discussion and I would like to thank our esteemed panelists that join us and are very keen on listening to your thought leadership on how can we bridge the digital divide with cooperation. Thank you very much.

Hassan Nasser: Thank you very much. As we said, we have 16 member states today in DCO. The first European country joining DCO was Cyprus and we are very honored today to have with us His Excellency Dr. Constantinos Kombos addressing this participant with his view on the way to foster digital cooperation. Your Excellency, the floor is yours.

Constantinos Kombos: Thank you very much and let me from the outset I say that I’m deeply honored to be here with you. Of course, I have a difficult task speaking after Dima and after everything that she has explained that is happening starting from today. Let me first of all once again congratulate you and thank you for organizing this very important event. And the DCO is about vision, and you are the force behind the vision. We are bringing together a plethora of stakeholders for a discussion that is both topical and also future-oriented. We are, after all, living in a rapidly changing world, with shifts in the ways that we envision, plan, and implement, and shifts that, me at least, I feel that I cannot keep up. We are experiencing a new industrial revolution that is wide in scope and multilayered to the extent that its impact and consequences are quite unpredictable. It is a pendulum that swings between prosperity and exclusion, because at the end, these are the two options. Accordingly, technological progress and the interconnected digital revolution can be the blessing that will bridge the gap and create the opportunities for people from non-privileged societies, thus establishing new economic models that cancel out social injustices and overcome gender inequalities. The positive is possible, and progress can be meaningful, but only if that is on the basis of including everyone. Only if it is structured in terms of responsibility with a normative regulatory framework that is responsive to the fast-growing developments. Therefore, a strong multilateral network is needed, one that focuses on sharing innovation and good practices, including on regulatory issues. streamlining. And this is what the DCO has been doing. It is our collective task and obligation to make sure that technological progress is inclusive and sustainable. Leaving others behind is not an option. Currently, close to 2.6 billion people remain unconnected with no access to the Internet, with the majority being women and young girls. This is a stark reminder as to the task ahead, as regards the alignment of technological progress with all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Over the next few days, we are expected or we hope that we will be able to agree on the Global Digital Compact. This will form part of our collective response to the task ahead and will also present a point of reference for the future. My country, the Republic of Cyprus, fully supports an ambitious Global Digital Compact that is anthropocentric and anchored on the premise that digital transition is part and parcel of the core of human rights. This will ensure that inclusivity is integral to closing the digital divide and instrumental in moving towards the Sustainable Development Goals. This is clearly a monumental task, one that requires a new type of synergy between all the relevant stakeholders, governments, regional and international organizations, the private sector, civil society. In our interconnected world, network building and synergies is the only strategy that can work. Networked multilateralism transcends existing modes of operation and is guided by a very simple principle. Integrating the expertise and resources of all stakeholders is, on its own, about inclusivity, innovation and adjustment to the task at hand. This multidimensional collaboration will ensure coherence, it will prevent fragmentation, will have an expanding positive impact on our economies, on digital landscapes, on national and individual capacities. Ladies and gentlemen, it is for these reasons that in 2022 the Republic of Cyprus became the first EU member state to join the DCO. We are a small country, but we saw the potential and we endorsed fully the founding values of the organisation. An organisation that is both the platform for sharing and the springboard for inclusiveness and progress. For us, for Cyprus, merging capacities in the digital sphere facilitates communication and the transfer of knowledge, and we are committed to advancing those exact policies that promote inclusive digital growth. We are partners with the DCO and we contribute as much as we can to the formulation of its policies. At the same time, we have benefited as a recipient of technological know-how that enabled us to make significant strides in developing a robust digital economy with a strong research and innovation ecosystem. Dear friends, the technological digital revolution is not waiting for anyone. The future is being morphed right now. Let’s unite and harness our combined strengths. Let’s transform the global digital complex vision into reality. Thank you.

Hassan Nasser: Thank you, Your Excellency, for remembering us the monumental task you mentioned and the need for cooperation. The next moment of this side event will be a first panel, and the idea of cooperation will be at the core of the participants on this panel. We have today for the first panel on this right a representative of three member states of DCO, with Ambassador Munir Akram, permanent representative of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to United Nations, with Vice Governor Hisham Elsheikh from Digital Government Authority, and with Ms. Josephine Mukesha, the Director General of the National ID Agency in Rwanda. And they are joined by very important partners. Unfortunately, we are missing one, so you have more to do. And we have the Regional Director for the Bureau of Arab States, Dr. Abdallah Dardary. So I will leave these panelists who are trusting us today in the very capable hands of my friend Amir Dossal, who will bring to you the right questions, and we expect, of course, the right answer. Amir, you are the duty now. Thank you.

Amir Dossal: Thank you, Hassan. I want to thank my good friend, the Secretary General of DCO. Let’s see if it works this time. First, I want to start by thanking my good friend, the Secretary General of DCO, Her Excellency Deemah AlYahya, for her leadership and for commitment and driving all of us to do good, actually. Thank you, Deemah. It’s great to see you. And I also want to thank the inspiring remarks by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Konstantinos Kombas. Thank you, sir, for being here and for supporting this work. So today’s panel is actually quite simple. How do you make it happen, essentially? And we are really honored to have the three member states present, plus a stalwart at UNDP who can share his thoughts. his vision of how UNDP is doing things on the ground. And I’d like to start, without further ado, with Ambassador Munir Akram, who’s really been, I think, almost like the founding member of the DCO. Ambassador Akram, good to have you, and please, a warm welcome to you, sir.

Munir Akram: Thank you. Thank you, Amir. Welcome, Excellency, Ms. Deemah AlYahya, Secretary General of the DCO. Welcome, Brother Nasr. We are about to, I hope, adopt the global digital compact, probably tomorrow morning, if all goes well. Everything is not solved. We still have some problems that remain to be resolved tonight. But hopefully it will be adopted. And this compact basically has five major objectives. Firstly, to bridge all digital divides. Secondly, to expand inclusion and provide benefits for all. Thirdly, to have a safe and secure digital space. Fourthly, to promote responsible, equitable, interoperable data governance. And fifth, to enhance international governance of artificial intelligence. These are five main objectives. A number of commitments are being undertaken under the Well, member states have undertaken to bridge the digital divide, enhance capacities, do national digital surveys and develop national strategies, develop upskilling and reskilling of digital personnel, provide digital competency frameworks, have national and regional assessments of the digital capacities, exchange knowledge and best practices, and foster entrepreneurship and innovation. These are some of the commitments that are being undertaken in the document. Obviously, the DCO, which is the first stand-alone organisation devoted to digital space, it is in fact the only one so far devoted to digital cooperation, that the DCO has a head start in being able to contribute to the implementation of the Global Digital Compact once it is adopted in. And there are these commitments that have been undertaken by member states provide a good guideline for what we will need to do in the DCO as such. I think some of the programmes that have been outlined by the Secretary-General, perhaps also the STRIDE programme and other programmes that the DCO is already in place, I think all of these programmes could be aligned. with the objectives and the commitments in the GCD, GDC, for implementation and see how to elaborate those programs, and to collaborate with the United Nations, with the organizations, the technology, I call them the technologies are, and of course the UNDP and others, who we can cooperate to promote these objectives. But I think to my important point is that we need to keep the organization focused on the strategic objectives, because of course the Global Digital Compact has a set of strategies and objectives, but as member states of the DCO, we have to see where our interests are and where our objectives should be and what we should focus on as such. And here, of course, my thoughts are, first of all, we have to focus on artificial intelligence. I think this is also given quite a lot of importance in the document, in the compact, and there is to be the annual dialogue on artificial intelligence, there is to be the forum on the governance of artificial intelligence, and as yet we did not find agreement on the financing model for AI. So the proposal of the developing countries was for a fund, I believe we should work towards establishing the fund for AI. And I think the DCO could make a good contribution in that respect. Secondly, on data governance, I think the two points which were, of course, governance of AI data, but also interoperability of data governance. I think that that is an important point that needs to be kept in mind. And the capacity for data governance is one of the issues that we need to address as to how we will develop the capacity amongst our member states for data governance. The third issue is the issue of fragmentation. It is mentioned in the Global Digital Compact. We, at the moment, have a north-south fragmentation. We call it the digital divide. It’s basically a north-south divide. There is the gender divide as well. But there is also the most important geo-strategic development that is taking place is the potential fragmentation on an east-west basis. There are basically two systems which are emerging in the world, and countries are going to have to make a choice if this is forced upon us. If we are asked to accept one system and not the other, if we are asked to accept an eastern system or western system, then that is going to promote fragmentation across the world, not only between the two powers concerned, but across the world. So the DCO is one organization which has membership that is, I think, sits in the middle of the world. in the middle of this geo-strategic development that we are facing. And as such, the GCEO is in a good position to try to find ways of bridging this gap, which is going to become as important a divide as the north-south divide. How do we do this? How do we develop systems that are actually compatible with both worlds, both the eastern and western systems that are emerging at this time? It’s a challenge. The last point which I’d like to raise is perhaps not fully addressed in the Global Digital Compact, and that is the issue of computing power. All of us are talking about digital cooperation, digital inclusion, and we will have to have that inclusion only through access to data, to power that is owned by somebody else, whether it’s in the government sector or the private sector. So the only answer for countries as the members of the GCEO who want to be independent states and have the control of their own destiny in their own hands, the only answer is to acquire computing power. And to acquire computing power will take many things. It will take skills in design. It will take… finances, huge amount of degrees of finances, it will take access to minerals, it will take the political will to be able to actually act independently of the major powers. So this is, of course, these are some strategic issues which I think that the DCO is well placed to at least have a dialogue on, to see how we can address these strategic issues, even as we are promoting the cooperative programs to implement the global digital compact that we have. Thank you so much.

Amir Dossal: Thank you. The challenge remains a challenge for many developing countries and, of course, computing power is a whole issue of energy kicks in and infrastructure, capacity, et cetera. I was going to ask Hassan, whilst he was speaking, whether we might get an extension of time, because this is an important subject.

Hassan Nasser: You know, that’s why I give you the facilitation. There is no extension on time. So I can stop you at some point, because usually I stop myself, it’s difficult. No, we need to have the first panel closing at 45, I would say. Seven minutes? Oh, we can solve the problem of the world. Seven minutes is enough.

Amir Dossal: Ambassador Akram, thank you so much. I’m going to go in the order of the presence of everybody in the document as well, and I’d like to invite Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, who is the Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States at UNDP. Dr. Aldari, it’s very nice to see you again, and thank you for what you do. And I absolutely don’t want to rush you. You have 90 seconds starting from now.

Abdallah Al Dardari: Okay, sir. What a pleasure. The two topics of today’s meeting, the two main topics, technology, digital technology, and the role of women in digital technology. So this will be my angle today. The Arab region’s productivity has been in decline for the last 50 years. In fact, productivity in our region today is 50% of what it used to be in 1980. And that applies to the richest of us and to the poorest of us. You will be amazed that the productivity patterns of all countries in the region are very similar. And the two main reasons why productivity is low in our region and has been going down is the very low level in technology and innovation in the composition of Arab economies and the very low participation of women in the Arab economies. In fact, the cost of the current level of female participation in economic activity in the Arab world is 20% of GDP every year. Out of a $3.5 trillion GDP of the Arab world, this means we are losing $700 billion a year because of low female participation in our economy. And according to the IMF, bringing in artificial intelligence at full scale in our global economy could give us a boost of 1.5% annually in productivity, total factor productivity, which translates into a $7 trillion increase annually in global output. In our region, this is $116 billion every year, plus the $700 billion we are losing because of the female participation. Together, we can add almost a trillion dollars of economic output every year in this region alone if we invest in women and in artificial intelligence and digital technology. And therefore, the efforts to move in this direction and these two directions working closely together and the efforts of DCO are not a matter of small amounts of money. They are existential matters, at least in our part of the world, and we need to take them that seriously. We in UNDP think of the problem as I just explained, and we believe this is the greatest opportunity in modern history for Arab economies and the global economy. By the way, you look at the recent reports in Europe, the Draghi report, exactly the same problems with different percentages, of course. So let me say that our commitment to work with you and with all partners around the room to address these two points, especially that in our cultural context, using artificial intelligence and digital technology to empower women probably is the fastest way to leapfrog rather than having to go through all what other women around the world had to go through to be where they are today. So, it’s a win-win situation. I’ll stop at that. Thank you.

Amir Dossal: The Bahrain have been at the forefront of some of these changes, actually, and it’s really nice to have His Excellency Hisham Alsheikh here, because he’s the real founding father of GCOs. I appreciate you coming back and supporting this. Perhaps you might also touch on the question of women’s role in the technology sector and how you are dealing with the question of what Mr. Al Dardari said, that if you don’t address women’s issues, if you don’t bring them into the fold, you can’t solve some of these problems. So, thank you, sir. Welcome.

Hisham Alsheikh: As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah. Your Excellency, esteemed guests, good afternoon. And honestly, today, we’re here to explore an exciting and rapidly evolving field, the field of digital cooperation. Digital cooperation refers to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organizations, to harness the digital technologies for the common good, primarily towards the center of our attention, the citizens. Now, digital cooperation is not just a trend. It is a necessity. It is crucial for addressing global challenges, fostering innovation, and ensuring inclusive growth in our interconnected world. It is about leveraging, leaving no one behind, and providing an equal opportunity to all in the digital era. And this is where, probably in an earlier remark by His Excellency, our Minister of Communication, Suhaha, mentioned that our workforce is 50% female are equal to men and this is where we are focusing our attention and enabling both workforces of men and women to jointly develop the nation in its vision. So Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation success is not just impressive. It’s a testament to the potential for global digital growth. The innovative and world-leading solution enacted across government agencies for society as a whole are a beacon of hope for the future. Saudi Arabia’s vision 2030 emphasizes on the importance of digital transformation and cooperation. This future forward approach can be seen in the health care sector where the kingdom has invested deeply in cutting edge care and facilities. Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the work completed under the vision 2030 ensured that Saudi was ideally placed to meet its residents’ health needs and respond nimbly and collaboratively to the changing landscape. Saudi Arabia today is a country that rewards determination, fosters opportunity and ensures citizens are empowered to reach their full potential, both men and women. Following the launch of vision 2030, the average life expectancy in Saudi Arabia rose to 75.1 years. In 2020, 87% of patients received emergency medical care within four hours of their arrival at a medical facility, up from 36% in 2016. Justice had its fair share of this transformation. reaching 95% of its hearings delivered online. More than 18 million beneficiaries across the kingdom benefit from those services on a daily basis. Litigation time dropped from 219 days on average to 30 days. This has made the justice system more effective and highly efficient on both productivity, significant cost saving while enhancing the service offered. Today, Saudi Arabia is one of the leaders in digital government transformation, ranking sixth on the UN EGDI and third on the World Bank GTMI. Additionally, it ranked first on the Open Government Data Index. The kingdom has also launched several initiatives. Cooperation was amongst the most critical and essential files on the global side. As a result, the Digital Cooperation Organization was founded in November 2020 during Saudi Arabia’s presidency of the G20, which focused on growing the global economy. In 2023, through the DCO, we have launched a global initiative named IMPACT, which was earlier referenced by Her Excellency the Secretary General. So what is IMPACT? It’s a marketplace for digital solutions and services that advocates for multilateral partnership and cooperation. It encourages the exchange of knowledge, cultivates digital ecosystems, and enhances capabilities for effective digital government transformation. The platform aims to catalyze the adoption of digital solutions across the DCO ecosystem to facilitate more efficient government operations and service delivery. It also aims to foster economic growth, innovation, investment attraction, and job creation, in addition to contributing to accelerating progress towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The emphasis on multilateral cooperation through IMPACT also promotes stronger diplomatic relation for the exchange of technological innovation, enrich the global community, and this is something probably was raised by His Excellency Ambassador Mounir in terms of East and West. IMPACT’s ultimate goal is to ensure that digital prosperity is accessible to all citizens within the DCO member states. Moreover, just a few days back, DCO launched the first ever Global Center of Excellence for Gen-AI, championed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, that will support member states to become innovators, producers, and leaders in AI by developing the talent and the resources needed to bridge the disparities in AI adoptions. I thank you.

Amir Dossal: Thank you. Thank you for the inspiring comments about what’s happening in Saudi Arabia. It really is an untold story. I was in Saudi last year for the climate meetings and it was really amazing, the progress being made, and credit to the country for sharing its know-how and technology with other countries. Thank you. I am delighted to welcome, and I’m sorry, please don’t worry about what Hassan told you. We’re delighted to have you here, Madam Josephine Mukesha. You’re the Director General of the National ID Agency of Rwanda and we’d love to hear from you because you’re the one who is actually implementing solutions. The question is how to build global digital cooperation to deliver on our commitments.

Josephine Mukesha: So thank you and a warm welcome. Thank you very much, and thank you, Your Excellency, Secretary General of TCO. So Rwanda has started the journey of implementing the digital identity, the single digital identity, and the digital identity will be issued from birth, because today we issue identity from 16, and the digital identity is poised on the foundational infrastructure that we already have, the CRVS, which is a digital platform where we measure and collect information about citizens’ vital events, and the population registry. So what we are looking at with global digital cooperation, we are looking at how to work on common standards and interoperability, because as we plan to issue digital identity to Rwandan citizens and foreign residents, refugees, foundlings, stateless, and everybody on the land, we want to make sure that there are areas of collaboration for best practices, knowledge and experience sharing for the implementation of a digital identity. We believe that TCO member states have a lot of knowledge and capabilities that we could look at areas of collaboration and see, not to repeat what didn’t work somewhere else, but what worked well, how we can implement ours. We are ambitious to look at an implementation of a digital identity that is built for purpose to fit Rwandan needs, so we do not want an off-the-shelf solution, we want a build from scratch, but that ensures, has all the standards for cyber security and all the ideas to the regulation for personal data protection and privacy, and we also look at building a digital identity where we could have regulatory framework that would allow cross-border identity verification. capabilities, and look at how to develop guidelines or frameworks that will allow the protection of personal data, because these are sensitive information, but to see how through DCO member states which ones we could start working with to look at how to develop, as we are developing our digital identity, it is forward-looking to allow that mutual interoperability to allow authentication cross-border, and also look at technology and partnership for leveraging expertise in technology to ensure an efficient and secure digital identity system implementation. I think my predecessors talked about capacity building and trainings for the users, because a digital identity, we believe, to increase its use, the more use case we have, the better it will be, and will reap the benefits that we look to generate from it, so we want to look at member states, the use cases they’ve developed, and we look at areas of collaboration and see if there are synergies and we could all benefit from, and we are looking at having an inclusive approaches and ethical consideration as well. Thank you very much.

Amir Dossal: Thank you, Ms Mukesha, and I appreciate your brevity. It’s very helpful, and I hope you’ll forgive me if I do not summarise, because it would be an insult to the amazing contribution of our panellists, actually, and it will give you an opportunity to continue that continuum of thought as you go forward, and more importantly, it gives me the pride to be able to give back five minutes to Hassan.

Hassan Nasser: Really? In which time zone? Thank you, Amir. Thank you. You did a great job, so you will take care of the second panel. But before we move to the second panel, we have also the immense honour… to have Professor Akiko Yamanaka with us. She is the Senior Advisor of the President at ARIA, but also the former Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs for Japan. And she will entertain and educate us today regarding a topic that she’s really passionate about, which is women, peace, and security, and women in digital economy, an age of balance. Professor Akiko, the floor is yours.

Akiko Yamanaka: Thank you very much for your kind introduction, Secretary General, Excellencies, ladies, ladies, and gentlemen. It is my honor that I can have an opportunity to share with DCO members about the future vision of the world society. Could I share with you about my experience, why I have been working on WPS and WDE, which ARIA, ARIA is the Organization Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, had a kickoff event in June this year for ASEAN countries. When I attended the UN Decade of Women’s Conference in Nairobi, Kenya in 1985, I was young. Still are. No, the Secretary General of the conference, late Letitia Shahani, from the Philippines, gave the most impressive speech. She said, peace is not a situation where there is no war. It is women who can teach our children the reality of war and peace. True development. is social, cultural, and political, as well as economics, not only economics. Equality between men and women is not simply the absence of discrimination. Rather, equality means granting women the right, opportunity, responsibility to take part in their own development. So these words suggest that peace is the base, and we need updated tools like digital economic power in order to join the development equally with male colleagues. In order to make the challenges of WPS and WDE in the world, we have to remember the important concept of the human security. This concept is based on Albert Einstein, a team member of developing of atomic bomb, and he actually, after bombing to Hiroshima, encouraged focus more on human factor rather than scientific development for the future generation. And he also said, quote, it is my conviction that killing under the cloak of war is nothing but an act of murder, quote. Thus, UNDP defined the human security in 1994 with seven fields such as economic security, food security, health security, environmental security, personal security, community security, and political security. I have added two more items because we are in 2024. Water security, separated from the food security, and of course, energy security. These are the basic concept of SDGs as well. And let me introduce the words of late economic professor of Kenneth Galbraith of Harvard University. When I met him as a professor of the university, he said, Akiko, Japan and the U.S. have succeeded to produce excellent products. However, it is doubtful if we have succeeded to produce real happy people. And when I met him as a member of the House of Representatives, he said, House of Representatives means parliament in Japan. He said, Akiko, there are three programs in the 21st century. One, the program of the nuclear issues. Two, the program of the elite and the poor. Three, the program of the traditional discrimination such as race, religion, gender and so on. We are now 21st century. When I met him last time of his age, 93 years old, he stood up from the wheelchair and said three times, Akiko, Japan should stop just following the United States and establish your own identity. It sounded like his will to me. Now, I would like to share three key words which enables us move toward the better future. One, addressing common interests. Two, ensuring social resilience. And three, establishing an age of balance. That means development, environment protection, globalization, regionalization, high-tech information, individual privacy, group orientation, individualism. work, leisure, materialism, spiritualism, male, female, military solution, non-military alternatives, national interest, international interest, in other words, common interests. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I believe that the secret weapon to change the world to peaceful, stable and prosperous is us women. Let us work and work together in order to produce real happy people. I thank you very much.

Hassan Nasser: Thank you very much, Professor Akiko. Let’s all make happy people after this event. But before, we have our four panelists who have been waiting patiently. We will be pressuring you on time, but we hope that, like lemon, if we press, we get very good juice, right? So, I will leave my friend Amir to continue the torture, but I would like to introduce, of course, Ms. Dima El-Khatib, the Director of the UN Office of South-South Cooperation. We have Mr. Mathis Pellerin, Vice President from Oracle. Mr. Alexandre Pignot, Global Leader for the UN in Microsoft. And, last but not least, my dear colleague, Ms. Alaa Abdulaal Chief Digital Economy Foresight at the DCO Secretariat. Amir. Please, you have five seconds.

Amir Dossal: I just want to say what Professor Akiko said. You’re really echoing what UNDP said. If we address the issue of disparity of women, then we get prosperity, you’ll address that. So thank you for reminding us. My founding material for my political conscience when I was studying economics, so I’m really grateful for the opportunity to remember Galbraith again. Sorry for stepping in. No, that’s all right. I have four seconds left now. Forgive the first panel, but the second panel is actually very interesting. We have the benefit of the private sector present as well, who will show us what they’re actually doing and making things happen. Of course, Deemah is already doing those things in South-South cooperation. He has been a formative leader in this. Alaa Abdulaal, welcome. I enjoyed your presentation yesterday at the Digital Awards. Thank you for what you’re doing. I’d like to start with you and invite you. Hassan has been very diligent and gave me some very good questions. I’m not going to give you questions. I’d like to invite you to talk about what DCO is doing, including on the impact initiative or anything else you’d like to talk about.

Alaa Abdulaal: Thank you so much. I’m really honored to be part of this panel just beside our colleagues here. It is an honor. On behalf of the Digital Cooperation Organization, you have mentioned that we have been doing a lot. Today, we were blessed with an amazing announcement of the Digital Economy Navigator. Mr. Hisham had talked about the impact initiative. I would like to also talk about the Digital Space Accelerator. Cooperation is our middle name. We are the digital cooperation organization. So if we do not act with cooperation, we are not fulfilling our organization name. And this is why we have the Digital Space Accelerator, which is a very innovative way that we have produced where we bring together different stakeholders all on the same table with also global experts to really discuss and find solution for some of the challenges or seizing some of the opportunities that will help us to really have a sustainable and inclusive growth. Last year, we had amazing six topics we started with. They are very diverse from misinformation and how much it is impacted by the social media. We had also the topic on taxation, financial incentives, and how they can help in the growth of the digital economy. We had on public-private partnership. They were six very diverse topics. And one of them is women participation in ICT and through ICT. And those groups together, they have been working with also our member states. We have conducted global roundtables. We were in South Africa, Geneva, and Riyadh, online sessions with more than 200 people thinking together on how to solve those issues. And we outcomed with nine amazing deliverables, which can be seen on our website from frameworks, policy papers, tools that hopefully they will help our member states to really grow in the digital economy. In addition, this year, we have added more five other topics because we saw the opportunity and how they can enhance also the inclusive growth. We are focusing on AI, how we cannot open a topic or a digital space accelerator on AI, and the importance of ethical use of AI. Also, we have a topic on misinformation again, but how does it impact the cultural values? We have topics about trade acceleration, the digital trade acceleration. All of this together, we have been in Thailand, we have been in Geneva during the WTO, we have been in Riyadh during, again, AI Summit, again with almost until now 100 participation of different experts and with our member states. And we are still working on other roundtables that are coming towards the year. The beauty of all of this is whatever solution that we are delivering from all of those topics will be comprehensive, reflecting the different views and serving our member states and even the global community. And we hope that we will continue working together and we invite everyone to be part of the Digital Space Accelerator. And I need to even invite everyone to visit the Digital Economy Navigator and download the report and see what are the data that can be used to accelerate the growth of the digital economy. Thank you so much.

Amir Dossal: Thank you for your inspiring remarks. Hassan, I’m assuming that the report will contain all the information and if somebody wants to add some additional thing about their thought, that can be included in the final report. Great, thank you.

Deemah AlYahya: If I can build on that as well, it is actually an annual navigator. And what is really beautiful, because I’m so passionate about it so I’m jumping in, what is very beautiful about it is that it highlights best practices of all our member states. And it enables countries to go in and if they have a gap in an area, they can look at where are the best practices in other countries that they can adapt and it gives that access. to either the private sector or either financial institutions that can help in funding such kind of developing programs as well.

Amir Dossal: So it’s a platform where you can build those partnerships online. Yes. Thank you. So I’m going to invite now Dima Al-Khatib. Dima, you launched a lab in July. We’re all interested to hear about what you did actually and how we can be part of this exciting movement.

Dima Al-Khatib: Open invitation. Thank you. Thank you very much, Excellencies. And it’s a real honor to take part in this discussion today, a very timely one, especially, as Hassan also was saying, this is the time where we all need to think about bridging the digital divide and think about the means of implementation, as His Excellency was also noting. And I want to take this opportunity to mention that with the ambition and the importance of the Global Digital Compact, we believe that South-South Cooperation and Triangle Cooperation are extremely important means to bridge that gap and to leverage expertise and to share experiences and to really move much faster and leapfrog, as we say. As you rightly noted, we have recently launched what we call the South-South and Triangle Cooperation Solutions Lab, which is a platform, is part of our knowledge platform for best practices, and it is a platform to test and incubate and pilot solutions related to different disciplines and addressing different complex issues that the countries of the South are facing. The purpose also is to look at the solutions from a portfolio perspective and not to address topics in a siloed way, because every topic, as we know, in development, is interconnected with so many others. We just spoke about peace and development and women, extremely interconnected. So this is the approach that we are using. And the other thing that I also want to mention and underline is that the focus in line with the Global Digital Compact will also focus on developing digital public goods, such as open data and AI models, and it will also try to build a robust digital ecosystem that will enable this incubation and this testing. Of course, by linking it to the different networks that already exist, whether the best practices or networks of think tanks, we have an initiative called the Global Thinkers, we will be also trying to leverage the voice of the Global South from different angles, whether the youth, the academia, the think tanks, all towards converging and finding solution. Of course, this is a partnership platform, so it’s open for any entity to join forces with us. We have already several partners, such as IAEA, WFP, Masdar City, the Gulf Organization for Research and Development, and hopefully it’s a trajectory of growth. So looking forward to have more partnerships and looking forward to keep promoting South-South and Triangle cooperation as a key vehicle and a key means of implementation to really address those gaps. Let me stop it here. Thank you.

Amir Dossal: Thank you. Hearing you, I realized that OHRLS, the High Commissioner for, or High Representative for Landlocked Countries, Leased-to-Help Countries, they would benefit from this entirely.

Dima Al-Khatib: With them, and for the Landlocked Conference, we will be partnering on the ministerial segment.

Amir Dossal: Thank you. Excellent. Thank you so much. Thank you. Now I’d like to invite our colleague from Oracle, actually, the Vice President of Oracle, Matis Pellerin. Matis, where are you based?

Matis Pellerin: I’m based in Paris.

Amir Dossal: Oh, hard life, actually. We are delighted to welcome you to New York. Thank you for coming here.

Matis Pellerin: Thank you very much. If I may, I will make a comment on the role of partnership with the private sector, because I represent the private sector with my colleague from Microsoft. Lots of things have been said. I think the access to innovation and the access to a skilled workforce is one of the challenges governments are currently facing. And what could we do as a private sector to really address this issue? I think I can identify at least two major problems. One is access to innovation. His Excellency was mentioning the artificial intelligence, compute power, are the things where the private sector can really help. The shortage of skills is also one of the main challenges. And we also see lots of things where the private sector could also intervene. So I don’t think governments should think that they can become tech experts. And actually, we are tech experts from the private sector. And I totally understand that on strategic issues, sometimes governments are a bit reluctant to delegate these strategic issues like innovations and IT. However, usually, when we talk about digital transformation, when governments try to do it themselves, it becomes much more expensive, much more challenging. And also, usually, it’s very difficult for the government because they are a bit lagging behind in terms of innovation while they need to compete. with all the big tech companies. In terms of hiring also, it’s a challenge. Hiring the best skilled people, you need to compete with the private sector when you are government. So there is lots of reasons where I really think that governments need to find a trusted partner. They need to find a partner that is going to be able to help them in both the digital transformation effort of the government, but also in developing local skills and supporting them in their capacity building efforts. And actually, I’m very proud that at Oracle, we are already partnering with lots of DCO member states. I was listening carefully what His Excellency was saying about Saudi Arabia, but we are doing a lot with the Saudi government to help them in their digital transformation efforts. We just committed to train recently more than 50,000 Saudi nationals to new technology like AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. We are also doing similar things in Morocco, for instance, partnering with the Moroccan governments to try to develop knowledge in Morocco. We are going to build an R&D innovation center in Casablanca to train and to embed inside Oracle Moroccan people that are going to be working in our innovation and R&D. So there is lots of partnership we can build, both on the digital transformation efforts, but also on the capacity building effort which is made locally to train the population. Thank you.

Deemah AlYahya: Do you mind, Amir?

Amir Dossal: No, please. Absolutely, yes.

Deemah AlYahya: Well, I totally agree on what you have mentioned. In the digital transformation, every part of the ecosystem has its role. So rather than trying to play other roles, let’s bridge. the communication gap. One very successful story, actually, we have with Oracle, whom are an observer to DCO, is we launched the skills program, which is a platform that enables skills, especially in AI, to educate individuals in all our 16 member states. We have now registered more than 1,000 participants from executives, from governments of our member states, and we represent 800 million in population. 75% is under the age of 30. So you can imagine all that support and help and upskilling. And if we don’t have partners from the private sector that can help accelerate that, then it would be very, very difficult to bridge that gap. So thank you so much for your partnership.

Matis Pellerin: Indeed, we are very happy about the DCO Academy partnership, and it’s open to all member states. So you are all very welcome to join and try to use this training platform, which is very important for everyone, expert people, but also beginners. So feel free to join.

Amir Dossal: Thank you, and we appreciate your ethos on this, actually. Thank you. So not the final speaker, but one of the most important speakers, our neighbor, actually, Alexander Pinot, who’s right across the street, right? You’re based here at 885? Well, I’m not based here, but Microsoft, yes. Good to have Microsoft’s office here focused on the UN. Thank you for being here. So please.

Alexander Pinot: Thank you so much. First of all, thank you, Your Excellency, for the opportunity to be here, ladies and gentlemen. I’d like to start to recognize that the global digital economy and the digital capabilities are at its highest ever. What just happened in these last years with the advent of AI has just created an exponential growth in terms of digital capabilities, digital potential, and what value it can create. The problem we have is that with this exponential growth and this explosion in potential and in capacity, the pattern of distribution is following the world patterns. So the same unequal distribution that we used to have is now potentiated in a way because the technology is expanding in a way and the ability to access this expansion and this new value creation continues to be as or even more uneven than it was. And it’s uneven from a geographical perspective when you think about the developed world and the developing world, and it’s uneven from a gender perspective as we all discussed and we reiterated on the relevance that it has to be more inclusive for women and the value it can create from a human, social, and economic perspective for the world. So as Microsoft, we deeply believe in the role of a company not just to generate profit for its shareholders, but to create shared value in a triple bottom line for all the stakeholders that we interact with and creating a better world and focusing not just on the markets where we have commercial profitability in the short term, but creating a better digital economy for all that creates sustained value for the world and future digital markets that are a lot more inclusive and a lot more broad. In this sense, we have created a group inside Microsoft called Tech for Social Impact which is dedicated to this long term triple bottom line value creation of the digital economy intimately aligned with the digital compact and with the creation of shared digital value for all. The focus is on essentially three big things. One is around access. The ability to have even connectivity today, it’s very uneven. If you look at LDCs and the amount of people in LDCs that don’t have yet access to internet or even connectivity, it’s astonishing. Digital infrastructure and cloud infrastructure is also another element that is absolutely critical. But even if these things exist, the affordability element needs to be tailored so that the ability to use, the ability to access, is tailored. In this aspect, we have been doing two things. One, creating frameworks of affordability that actually differentiate the cost of solutions in creating a positive impact for the global south, and especially for the least developed countries, to be able to access all our prime technology more locally and with different affordability and pricing models. And so we created a digital development program that allows for that. But secondly, we deeply embrace digital public infrastructure and digital public goods. And we believe that the expansion that we’re having on the cloud, the expansion we’re having on this new digital infrastructure, can and should be combined with digital public goods to create faster, easier to deploy digital public infrastructure. And so we are actually investing significantly on the onboarding and the support to digital public goods agenda and the creation of digital public infrastructure through associated with cloud and with AI to create additional value. The second aspect that we believe is, you can have all the capacity and with a much more even distribution, but there needs to be ability to leverage that technology. And so skilling and the ability for people to understand technology and to use technology in an effective way is absolutely fundamental. So this year, we have been for years, since COVID, we created a significant boost on our skilling efforts to help recover from the economic impact of COVID. But now with AI, we felt that we needed to triple down on that investment and the capacity to skill people at scale. So in partnerships with UNICEF, UNDP, IOM, we’re actually expanding the way we are skilling people at scale, not just in the global north, but also in the global south and in the developing world. Additionally, there’s also aspects around deployment and finance. Which is, you know, the ability to leverage these technologies is intimately associated with having the capacity and having the skills and having the talent that is able to deploy them and to implement them in a good way. And we know that that doesn’t exist today. So there needs to be mechanisms, partnering with technical assistance partners, partnering with the ecosystem to bring capacity to the countries where it doesn’t exist today. Use these projects as foundational investments that can help develop a more broad local digital ecosystem. And so what we’re trying to do is to create these projects where, by creating gravitas around a big project of implementation, it creates conditions for a more local ecosystem and digital economy to thrive. And finally, there’s also an element we’ve been advocating, and it’s still, I would say, there’s still a disconnect there, but gradually we’re seeing positive evolutions on the right direction. Development financing was built from an age centered on assets and CapEx. It is all about infrastructure. It is all about assets. It’s all about CapEx. But the digital economy today, it’s all about OPEX and access to innovation as a service. There is a tremendous disconnect that I think is hindering the developing countries to be able to tap into the digital economy based on services due to the disconnect with the financing mechanisms that are hyper-centered on strong CapEx up front that actually even increase the depth of those countries. And so there’s the transformation around from short, intensive, large scale CapEx to long term, 15 years, 10 years OPEX that allows them actually to adopt technology, create impact, and generate value in a sustained way without facing the problems of financing mechanisms these days. Finally, and I’m getting longer, I’m sorry, I’m not helping, I know. But just one more point, which is. If you achieve access, if we achieve ability to leverage, we also need to focus a bit on ensuring that it is creating impact and generating a trusted digital economy and trust in these countries. So the aspect of starting with the problem we’re trying to solve, making sure that technology is being deployed in a fit-for-purpose way. And we don’t start with technology. We start with the problems that technology can solve. And we use the technology just in the proportion that is needed to solve the problems, not necessarily just to put technology on the table. I think has been part of that. And with this also, the aspect of partnerships. It has been fundamental that for these projects to be successful, to center ourselves on strong partnerships between private sector, public sector, and especially the international development sector that makes the bridge super important for the creation of value on the long term. So thank you for the opportunity.

Amir Dossal: Thank you. Thank you very much. We need more time, but I’m sorry. We’ll have to do another panel, actually. I want to thank you again for your contributions, your ideas, and especially for the concrete initiatives you’re involved in. Because that’s what will inspire others. And you share it with others. They can replicate. They can learn from you and go forward. One minor point when we talk about LDCs, I keep reminding my colleagues, they’re not least of all countries. They’re the least discovered countries. We get lost in our negative connotations of the UN. I’m sorry. On that note, I return this back to ourselves.

Deemah AlYahya: And if you would just allow me to welcome Microsoft as our new observer to the organization as well. So we’re happy to have them on board.

Amir Dossal: Good. Excellent.

Hassan Nasser: So I will first thank all the speakers, and especially those who stick to the time. No offense. The other one, they owe me a coffee. I would like also to thank Amir for facilitating. Really, thank you very much, sir. And of course, a big thanks to our two keynote speakers for their visionary, let’s say, perspective and sharing with us those elements. This event team is chasing us from this room. New York is big. We still have a lot of days. I have a great summit of the future, and we are here really to impact the world. Thank you very much. Thank you.

D

Deemah AlYahya

Speech speed

122 words per minute

Speech length

990 words

Speech time

485 seconds

Digital divide threatens to widen exponentially

Explanation

The digital divide is a significant challenge that could worsen over time. Despite technological advancements, 2.6 billion people still lack access to the internet and digital tools.

Evidence

2.6 billion individuals remain unconnected and unable to take part in the digital age

Major Discussion Point

Digital Cooperation for Inclusive Growth

Agreed with

Constantinos Kombos

Hisham Alsheikh

Agreed on

Digital cooperation is crucial for addressing global challenges and fostering innovation

C

Constantinos Kombos

Speech speed

128 words per minute

Speech length

743 words

Speech time

346 seconds

Need for networked multilateralism and synergies between stakeholders

Explanation

Addressing digital challenges requires a new type of collaboration between various stakeholders. This networked multilateralism integrates expertise and resources from all parties to ensure coherence and prevent fragmentation.

Evidence

Mention of governments, regional and international organizations, private sector, and civil society as relevant stakeholders

Major Discussion Point

Digital Cooperation for Inclusive Growth

Agreed with

Deemah AlYahya

Hisham Alsheikh

Agreed on

Digital cooperation is crucial for addressing global challenges and fostering innovation

A

Akiko Yamanaka

Speech speed

100 words per minute

Speech length

626 words

Speech time

375 seconds

Importance of addressing common interests and ensuring social resilience

Explanation

To move towards a better future, it’s crucial to focus on common interests and social resilience. This approach helps in creating a balanced and inclusive digital future.

Evidence

Mention of three key words: addressing common interests, ensuring social resilience, and establishing an age of balance

Major Discussion Point

Digital Cooperation for Inclusive Growth

H

Hisham Alsheikh

Speech speed

128 words per minute

Speech length

715 words

Speech time

334 seconds

Digital cooperation crucial for addressing global challenges and fostering innovation

Explanation

Digital cooperation is essential for tackling worldwide issues and promoting innovation. It involves collaborative efforts from various stakeholders to harness digital technologies for the common good.

Evidence

Mention of governments, private sector, civil society, and international organizations as stakeholders in digital cooperation

Major Discussion Point

Digital Cooperation for Inclusive Growth

Agreed with

Deemah AlYahya

Constantinos Kombos

Agreed on

Digital cooperation is crucial for addressing global challenges and fostering innovation

Saudi Arabia’s success in digital transformation across government sectors

Explanation

Saudi Arabia has made significant progress in digital transformation across various government sectors. This transformation has led to improved efficiency and service delivery in areas such as healthcare and justice.

Evidence

Examples of improvements in healthcare delivery and justice system efficiency due to digital transformation

Major Discussion Point

Role of Technology in Economic Development

A

Abdallah Al Dardari

Speech speed

130 words per minute

Speech length

459 words

Speech time

210 seconds

Low productivity in Arab region due to low technology adoption and women’s participation

Explanation

The Arab region’s productivity has been declining due to low levels of technology and innovation adoption, as well as low participation of women in the economy. This has resulted in significant economic losses.

Evidence

Mention of 20% GDP loss annually due to low female participation, amounting to $700 billion a year

Major Discussion Point

Role of Technology in Economic Development

Importance of AI and digital technology in empowering women and leapfrogging development

Explanation

AI and digital technology offer a significant opportunity to empower women and accelerate development in the Arab region. These technologies can help overcome cultural barriers and enable faster progress.

Major Discussion Point

Role of Technology in Economic Development

M

Munir Akram

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Need for computing power to ensure independence and control of digital destiny

Explanation

Countries need to acquire computing power to maintain their independence and control over their digital future. This involves developing skills in design, securing finances, and accessing necessary resources.

Major Discussion Point

Role of Technology in Economic Development

Potential fragmentation of digital systems on east-west basis

Explanation

There is a risk of digital systems fragmenting along east-west lines, potentially forcing countries to choose between different systems. This fragmentation could exacerbate existing divides and create new challenges.

Evidence

Mention of emerging eastern and western digital systems

Major Discussion Point

Challenges in Digital Transformation

A

Alaa Abdulaal

Speech speed

142 words per minute

Speech length

533 words

Speech time

224 seconds

DCO initiatives like Digital Economy Navigator and Digital Space Accelerator

Explanation

The Digital Cooperation Organization has launched initiatives such as the Digital Economy Navigator and Digital Space Accelerator. These programs aim to foster cooperation and innovation in the digital economy.

Evidence

Mention of six diverse topics addressed by the Digital Space Accelerator, including misinformation, taxation, and public-private partnerships

Major Discussion Point

Partnerships and Capacity Building

Agreed with

Matis Pellerin

Dima Al-Khatib

Alexander Pinot

Agreed on

Importance of partnerships and capacity building in digital transformation

M

Matis Pellerin

Speech speed

149 words per minute

Speech length

519 words

Speech time

207 seconds

Private sector partnerships crucial for access to innovation and skilled workforce

Explanation

Partnerships with the private sector are essential for governments to access innovation and skilled workforce in the digital sector. These partnerships can help address challenges in digital transformation and capacity building.

Evidence

Examples of Oracle’s partnerships with Saudi Arabia and Morocco for digital transformation and capacity building

Major Discussion Point

Partnerships and Capacity Building

Agreed with

Alaa Abdulaal

Dima Al-Khatib

Alexander Pinot

Agreed on

Importance of partnerships and capacity building in digital transformation

Disagreed with

Hisham Alsheikh

Disagreed on

Role of government vs private sector in digital transformation

D

Dima Al-Khatib

Speech speed

137 words per minute

Speech length

444 words

Speech time

194 seconds

South-South and Triangular Cooperation as key vehicles for bridging digital gaps

Explanation

South-South and Triangular Cooperation are important means to bridge the digital divide and leverage expertise. These forms of cooperation can help countries share experiences and move faster in digital development.

Evidence

Mention of the South-South and Triangle Cooperation Solutions Lab as a platform for testing and incubating solutions

Major Discussion Point

Partnerships and Capacity Building

Agreed with

Alaa Abdulaal

Matis Pellerin

Alexander Pinot

Agreed on

Importance of partnerships and capacity building in digital transformation

A

Alexander Pinot

Speech speed

164 words per minute

Speech length

1197 words

Speech time

436 seconds

Microsoft’s Tech for Social Impact focus on access, skills, and deployment

Explanation

Microsoft’s Tech for Social Impact initiative focuses on improving access to digital technologies, developing skills, and supporting deployment in developing countries. This approach aims to create a more inclusive digital economy.

Evidence

Mention of partnerships with UNICEF, UNDP, and IOM for expanding skilling efforts

Major Discussion Point

Partnerships and Capacity Building

Agreed with

Alaa Abdulaal

Matis Pellerin

Dima Al-Khatib

Agreed on

Importance of partnerships and capacity building in digital transformation

Disconnect between development financing models and digital economy needs

Explanation

There is a mismatch between traditional development financing models, which focus on assets and CapEx, and the needs of the digital economy, which are more centered on OPEX and access to innovation as a service. This disconnect hinders developing countries’ ability to tap into the digital economy.

Major Discussion Point

Challenges in Digital Transformation

Need for tailored affordability and pricing models for developing countries

Explanation

Developing countries require tailored affordability and pricing models to access digital technologies and infrastructure. This includes creating frameworks that differentiate costs and allow for easier access to technology in the global south.

Evidence

Mention of Microsoft’s digital development program that allows for differentiated pricing models

Major Discussion Point

Challenges in Digital Transformation

J

Josephine Mukesha

Speech speed

131 words per minute

Speech length

455 words

Speech time

207 seconds

Rwanda’s implementation of digital identity from birth

Explanation

Rwanda is implementing a digital identity system that will issue digital identities from birth. This system builds on existing digital platforms for civil registration and vital statistics.

Evidence

Mention of existing CRVS digital platform and population registry

Major Discussion Point

Digital Identity and Cross-Border Cooperation

Need for common standards and interoperability in digital identity systems

Explanation

There is a need for common standards and interoperability in digital identity systems across countries. This would facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices in implementing digital identity solutions.

Major Discussion Point

Digital Identity and Cross-Border Cooperation

Importance of regulatory frameworks for cross-border identity verification

Explanation

Regulatory frameworks are crucial for enabling cross-border identity verification. These frameworks should allow for mutual recognition of digital identities while ensuring data protection and privacy.

Major Discussion Point

Digital Identity and Cross-Border Cooperation

Agreements

Agreement Points

Digital cooperation is crucial for addressing global challenges and fostering innovation

Speakers

Deemah AlYahya

Constantinos Kombos

Hisham Alsheikh

Arguments

Digital divide threatens to widen exponentially

Need for networked multilateralism and synergies between stakeholders

Digital cooperation crucial for addressing global challenges and fostering innovation

Summary

These speakers emphasize the importance of digital cooperation in addressing global challenges, fostering innovation, and bridging the digital divide. They highlight the need for collaboration among various stakeholders to achieve these goals.

Importance of partnerships and capacity building in digital transformation

Speakers

Alaa Abdulaal

Matis Pellerin

Dima Al-Khatib

Alexander Pinot

Arguments

DCO initiatives like Digital Economy Navigator and Digital Space Accelerator

Private sector partnerships crucial for access to innovation and skilled workforce

South-South and Triangular Cooperation as key vehicles for bridging digital gaps

Microsoft’s Tech for Social Impact focus on access, skills, and deployment

Summary

These speakers agree on the importance of partnerships and capacity building in driving digital transformation. They highlight various initiatives and approaches to foster collaboration and skill development in the digital sector.

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers emphasize the importance of inclusivity, particularly for women, in digital transformation and economic development. They view technology as a means to empower women and address social inequalities.

Speakers

Abdallah Al Dardari

Akiko Yamanaka

Arguments

Low productivity in Arab region due to low technology adoption and women’s participation

Importance of AI and digital technology in empowering women and leapfrogging development

Importance of addressing common interests and ensuring social resilience

Both speakers highlight the challenges faced by developing countries in accessing and controlling digital technologies. They emphasize the need for tailored approaches to financing and pricing to ensure equitable access to digital resources.

Speakers

Munir Akram

Alexander Pinot

Arguments

Need for computing power to ensure independence and control of digital destiny

Disconnect between development financing models and digital economy needs

Need for tailored affordability and pricing models for developing countries

Unexpected Consensus

Importance of digital public goods and infrastructure

Speakers

Alexander Pinot

Josephine Mukesha

Arguments

Microsoft’s Tech for Social Impact focus on access, skills, and deployment

Rwanda’s implementation of digital identity from birth

Need for common standards and interoperability in digital identity systems

Explanation

Despite representing different sectors (private and public), both speakers emphasize the importance of digital public goods and infrastructure. This unexpected consensus highlights the growing recognition of the need for collaborative approaches to digital development across sectors.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of agreement include the importance of digital cooperation, partnerships for capacity building, inclusive digital transformation, and the need for tailored approaches to address the digital divide.

Consensus level

There is a high level of consensus among the speakers on the importance of digital cooperation and inclusive development. This consensus suggests a strong foundation for collaborative efforts in addressing global digital challenges. However, there are nuanced differences in approaches and priorities, particularly between public and private sector representatives, which may require further dialogue to align strategies for effective implementation.

Disagreements

Disagreement Points

Role of government vs private sector in digital transformation

Speakers

Hisham Alsheikh

Matis Pellerin

Arguments

Digital cooperation is crucial for addressing global challenges and fostering innovation

Private sector partnerships crucial for access to innovation and skilled workforce

Summary

While Hisham Alsheikh emphasizes the role of government in digital cooperation, Matis Pellerin argues for a stronger role of the private sector in driving innovation and providing skilled workforce.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of disagreement revolve around the roles of government and private sector in digital transformation, and the approaches to bridging the digital divide.

Disagreement level

The level of disagreement among the speakers is relatively low. Most speakers agree on the importance of digital cooperation and the need to bridge the digital divide. The differences mainly lie in the specific approaches and emphasis on different aspects of digital transformation. This level of disagreement is not likely to significantly impede progress on the topic, but rather could lead to a more comprehensive approach that incorporates various perspectives.

Partial Agreements

Partial Agreements

Both speakers agree on the need for developing countries to access advanced digital technologies, but they differ in their approach. Akram emphasizes the need for countries to acquire their own computing power, while Pinot suggests tailored pricing models to make existing technologies more accessible.

Speakers

Munir Akram

Alexander Pinot

Arguments

Need for computing power to ensure independence and control of digital destiny

Need for tailored affordability and pricing models for developing countries

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers emphasize the importance of inclusivity, particularly for women, in digital transformation and economic development. They view technology as a means to empower women and address social inequalities.

Speakers

Abdallah Al Dardari

Akiko Yamanaka

Arguments

Low productivity in Arab region due to low technology adoption and women’s participation

Importance of AI and digital technology in empowering women and leapfrogging development

Importance of addressing common interests and ensuring social resilience

Both speakers highlight the challenges faced by developing countries in accessing and controlling digital technologies. They emphasize the need for tailored approaches to financing and pricing to ensure equitable access to digital resources.

Speakers

Munir Akram

Alexander Pinot

Arguments

Need for computing power to ensure independence and control of digital destiny

Disconnect between development financing models and digital economy needs

Need for tailored affordability and pricing models for developing countries

Takeaways

Key Takeaways

Digital cooperation is crucial for addressing global challenges and fostering inclusive growth

There is a need to bridge the digital divide to ensure digital prosperity for all

Partnerships between governments, private sector, and civil society are essential for digital transformation

Technology adoption and women’s participation are key factors for economic development

Digital identity systems and cross-border cooperation require common standards and interoperability

Capacity building and skills development are critical for leveraging digital technologies

Resolutions and Action Items

DCO launched the Digital Economy Navigator to analyze digital economy maturity across 50 countries

DCO launched the IMPACT initiative as a marketplace for digital solutions and services

Saudi Arabia committed to train over 50,000 nationals in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing

Microsoft is expanding skilling efforts in partnership with UN agencies

Rwanda is implementing a digital identity system from birth

Unresolved Issues

How to address the potential fragmentation of digital systems on an east-west basis

How to align development financing models with the needs of the digital economy

How to ensure equitable access to computing power for developing countries

How to effectively regulate cross-border digital identity verification

Suggested Compromises

Developing tailored affordability and pricing models for technology access in developing countries

Combining cloud infrastructure with digital public goods to create more accessible digital public infrastructure

Shifting from large upfront CapEx investments to long-term OPEX models for technology adoption in developing countries

Thought Provoking Comments

We are experiencing a new industrial revolution that is wide in scope and multilayered to the extent that its impact and consequences are quite unpredictable. It is a pendulum that swings between prosperity and exclusion, because at the end, these are the two options.

Speaker

Constantinos Kombos

Reason

This comment frames digital transformation as a double-edged sword, highlighting both its potential benefits and risks. It sets the stage for a nuanced discussion about the challenges of the digital age.

Impact

It shifted the conversation from purely optimistic views of digital progress to a more balanced consideration of both opportunities and potential pitfalls.

Currently, close to 2.6 billion people remain unconnected with no access to the Internet, with the majority being women and young girls. This is a stark reminder as to the task ahead, as regards the alignment of technological progress with all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Speaker

Constantinos Kombos

Reason

This comment grounds the discussion in concrete statistics and ties digital inclusion to broader development goals. It emphasizes the scale of the challenge and its disproportionate impact on women and girls.

Impact

It focused subsequent discussion on the importance of inclusivity and gender equality in digital transformation efforts.

The Arab region’s productivity has been in decline for the last 50 years. In fact, productivity in our region today is 50% of what it used to be in 1980. And that applies to the richest of us and to the poorest of us.

Speaker

Abdallah Al Dardari

Reason

This comment provides a striking regional perspective, highlighting long-term economic challenges that digital transformation could potentially address.

Impact

It broadened the discussion to consider how digital cooperation could address longstanding economic issues in specific regions.

There are basically two systems which are emerging in the world, and countries are going to have to make a choice if this is forced upon us. If we are asked to accept one system and not the other, if we are asked to accept an eastern system or western system, then that is going to promote fragmentation across the world, not only between the two powers concerned, but across the world.

Speaker

Munir Akram

Reason

This comment introduces the geopolitical dimension of digital cooperation, highlighting the risk of a new form of global divide.

Impact

It shifted the conversation to consider the strategic implications of digital cooperation and the need for approaches that can bridge potential east-west divides.

Development financing was built from an age centered on assets and CapEx. It is all about infrastructure. It is all about assets. It’s all about CapEx. But the digital economy today, it’s all about OPEX and access to innovation as a service. There is a tremendous disconnect that I think is hindering the developing countries to be able to tap into the digital economy based on services due to the disconnect with the financing mechanisms that are hyper-centered on strong CapEx up front that actually even increase the depth of those countries.

Speaker

Alexander Pinot

Reason

This comment highlights a critical mismatch between traditional development financing models and the needs of the digital economy, particularly for developing countries.

Impact

It introduced a new perspective on the financial challenges of digital transformation and sparked discussion on the need for new financing approaches.

Overall Assessment

These key comments shaped the discussion by broadening its scope from purely technological considerations to encompass economic, social, geopolitical, and financial dimensions of digital cooperation. They highlighted the complexity of the challenges involved in fostering inclusive digital transformation and the need for multifaceted, collaborative approaches. The discussion evolved from general statements about the importance of digital cooperation to a more nuanced exploration of specific challenges and potential solutions, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies that consider regional contexts, gender equality, geopolitical realities, and innovative financing models.

Follow-up Questions

How can we develop systems that are compatible with both eastern and western digital ecosystems to prevent global fragmentation?

Speaker

Munir Akram

Explanation

This is important to address the potential east-west fragmentation in digital systems and promote global digital cooperation.

How can developing countries acquire and build their own computing power to ensure digital independence?

Speaker

Munir Akram

Explanation

This is crucial for countries to have control over their digital destiny and not be dependent on external powers.

How can we leverage artificial intelligence and digital technology to empower women in the Arab world?

Speaker

Abdallah Al Dardari

Explanation

This is important to address the significant economic losses due to low female participation in Arab economies and to leapfrog traditional barriers.

How can we develop common standards and interoperability for digital identity systems across countries?

Speaker

Josephine Mukesha

Explanation

This is crucial for implementing cross-border identity verification capabilities while ensuring data protection and privacy.

How can we transform development financing models to better support OPEX-based digital economy investments rather than traditional CapEx-focused infrastructure?

Speaker

Alexander Pinot

Explanation

This is important to enable developing countries to access and leverage digital technologies without increasing their debt burden.

Disclaimer: This is not an official record of the session. The DiploAI system automatically generates these resources from the audiovisual recording. Resources are presented in their original format, as provided by the AI (e.g. including any spelling mistakes). The accuracy of these resources cannot be guaranteed.

A Digital Future for All (afternoon sessions)

A Digital Future for All (afternoon sessions)

Session at a Glance

Summary

This discussion focused on the Global Digital Compact (GDC) and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping a digital future that benefits humanity. The event brought together leaders from government, technology, civil society, and international organizations to explore how to harness digital technologies and AI for sustainable development while addressing potential risks.

Key themes included the importance of inclusivity, bridging the digital divide, and ensuring AI governance is rooted in human rights. Speakers emphasized the need for multi-stakeholder cooperation and global governance frameworks to guide AI development. The United Nations was highlighted as uniquely positioned to facilitate this process due to its global reach and legitimacy.

Participants discussed both the transformative potential of AI to accelerate progress on sustainable development goals and the need to mitigate risks like bias, privacy concerns, and potential misuse. The importance of building capacity, especially in developing countries, was stressed to prevent an “AI divide” from emerging.

Recommendations from the UN’s High-Level Advisory Body on AI were presented, including proposals for a global AI capacity network, an international scientific panel on AI, and mechanisms to foster inclusive AI development. Speakers noted the urgency of action, given AI’s rapid advancement.

The discussion concluded on an optimistic note, with participants expressing hope that early engagement on AI governance could help steer the technology towards benefiting humanity. However, they emphasized sustained effort and cooperation would be needed to realize this vision of an inclusive, sustainable digital future for all.

Keypoints

Major discussion points:

– The importance of developing AI and digital technologies in an inclusive, ethical way that benefits all of humanity

– The need for global cooperation and governance frameworks for AI, with the UN playing a key role

– Bridging the digital divide and ensuring developing countries can participate in and benefit from AI advancements

– Balancing the opportunities of AI with potential risks and challenges

– Implementing the Global Digital Compact and moving from principles to concrete actions

Overall purpose/goal:

The discussion aimed to highlight the transformative potential of AI and digital technologies while emphasizing the need for responsible development and governance to ensure these technologies benefit all of humanity. It sought to build momentum for global cooperation on AI governance through initiatives like the Global Digital Compact.

Tone:

The overall tone was optimistic and forward-looking, with speakers emphasizing the positive potential of AI while acknowledging challenges. There was a sense of urgency about the need to act quickly to shape AI’s development. The tone became more action-oriented towards the end, focusing on next steps and implementation.

Speakers

Moderators/Facilitators:

– Redi Thlabi – Journalist and TV Host Al Jazeera English

– Tumi Makgabo – In Africa World Wide Media

Speakers:

– Ian Bremmer – Political Scientist, President of Eurasia Group and GZERO Media

– Ebba Busch – Minister for Energy, Business and Industry and Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden

– Sundar Pichai – CEO, Google and Alphabet

– Felix Mutati – Minister of Technology and Science, Zambia

– Margrethe Vestager – Executive Vice President of the European Union

– Rebeca Grynspan – Secretary-General, United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

– Omar Al Olama – Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work in the United Arab Emirates

– Josephine Teo – Minister for Digital Development and Information, Singapore

– Nnenna Nwakanma – Digital Policy, Advocacy and Cooperation Strategist

– Carme Artigas – Former Secretary of State for Digitalisation and AI of Spain and Co-Chair of the Secretary-General’s High-level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence

– James Manyika – Senior VP, Google-Alphabet and Co-Chair of the Secretary-General’s High-level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence

– Vilas Dhar – President and Trustee, Patrick J. McGovern Foundation

– Jian Wang – CTO and Founder, Alibaba Cloud

– Volker Türk, High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

– Alondra Nelson – Harold F. Linder Professor, Institute for Advanced Study

– Mokgweetsi Masisi – President of Botswana

– Amandeep Singh Gill – UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology

– Achim Steiner – Administrator of UNDP

– Doreen Bogdan-Martin – Secretary-General of the ITU

The speakers represent a diverse range of expertise including government leadership, technology industry executives, civil society representatives, academics, and leaders of international organizations. Their areas of focus include artificial intelligence, digital development, human rights, sustainable development, and global governance.

Full session report

The Global Digital Compact and AI Governance: Shaping a Digital Future for All

This high-level discussion brought together diverse leaders from government, technology, civil society, and international organizations to explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping an inclusive digital future. The conversation centered on the Global Digital Compact (GDC) and the need for responsible AI development and governance to benefit all of humanity.

Key Themes and Agreements

1. The Global Digital Compact as a Foundation for AI Governance

There was broad consensus on the importance of the Global Digital Compact as a starting point for global AI governance. Speakers like Carme Artigas and Omar Al Olama emphasized the unique position of the United Nations to lead this effort. James Manyika stressed the need for a multi-stakeholder approach, which was echoed by other participants. Volker Turk noted that the GDC builds on existing human rights frameworks, stating, “The Global Digital Compact is firmly anchored in human rights.”

2. AI’s Potential for Sustainable Development

Speakers agreed on AI’s transformative potential to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goals. Felix Mutati highlighted AI’s ability to transform lives in rural areas, saying, “AI has the potential to leapfrog development.” However, many stressed the need to bridge the digital divide to prevent an AI divide, emphasizing the importance of building AI capacity in developing countries.

3. Balancing Innovation and Risk Mitigation

There was general agreement on the need for a balanced approach to AI governance that promotes innovation while mitigating risks. Margrethe Vestager emphasized the importance of enforceable AI regulation, while Carme Artigas highlighted the need to balance innovation and risk mitigation.

4. Human Rights and Community Engagement

Speakers like Volker Turk and Alondra Nelson emphasized the importance of grounding AI governance and development in existing human rights frameworks. Vilas Dhar highlighted the importance of community engagement in AI development, challenging the typical narrative of top-down control in governance.

5. Scientific Research and Understanding of AI

Multiple speakers, including James Manyika, Dr. Wang Jian, and Alondra Nelson, stressed the importance of scientific research to better understand AI systems and their impacts. Manyika proposed “a real-time scientific panel on AI developments,” while Nelson drew parallels to rapid scientific developments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

6. Role of the Private Sector

James Manyika and others discussed the crucial role of the private sector in AI governance. Manyika emphasized the need for collaboration, stating, “We need everybody at the table – governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector.”

7. Capacity Building and Infrastructure

Many speakers emphasized the importance of capacity building and infrastructure development for AI in developing countries. Nnenna Nwakanma’s statement, “Connect the schools. Connect the young people. Connect my children,” refocused the conversation on practical, human-centered outcomes of digital development.

Key Recommendations and Action Items

1. Recommendations from the UN High-Level Advisory Body on AI, as discussed by Ian Bremmer and panelists, including:

– Establishing a global fund for AI for sustainable development

– Creating an international scientific panel on AI

– Developing a global AI capacity-building program

2. Proposal to make an online platform available for public input on the Global Digital Compact after its adoption

3. Emphasis on building AI capacity and infrastructure in developing countries to prevent an AI divide

4. Focus on sustainable and ethical AI development practices, as highlighted by Alondra Nelson

5. Plan to potentially adopt the Global Digital Compact at the upcoming Summit of the Future

Thought-Provoking Insights

1. Vilas Dhar reframed governance as a collaborative process involving multiple stakeholders, not just governments and tech companies.

2. Mokgweetsi Masisi highlighted the interconnection between digital divides, global inequality, and gender disparities.

3. Alondra Nelson acknowledged the limitations of current knowledge about AI systems, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and understanding.

Unresolved Issues and Future Directions

Despite the productive discussion, several issues remain to be addressed:

1. Specific mechanisms for enforcing AI governance globally

2. Details on implementation of the proposed global fund on AI

3. How to effectively balance AI development with sustainability and climate concerns

4. Concrete steps to ensure AI benefits reach marginalized communities

In conclusion, the discussion demonstrated a high level of consensus on fundamental principles and goals for AI governance, providing a strong foundation for global cooperation. The conversation evolved from high-level policy talk to considering concrete actions and their impacts on diverse communities, particularly in the Global South. The Global Digital Compact emerges as a crucial starting point for global AI governance, with emphasis on multi-stakeholder involvement, scientific research, capacity building, and human rights-centered approaches. As Amandeep Singh Gill noted, “The Global Digital Compact is our chance to shape our digital future.” The stage is set for continued dialogue and action on shaping an inclusive, sustainable digital future for all.

Session Transcript

Redi Thlabi: I think the applause was loudest this side. You’re very generous. Thank you. Good afternoon. Honored delegates, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Redi Thlabi. I’m a broadcast journalist, a moderator, an MC from Johannesburg, South Africa, delighted to be a visitor in the United States. I noticed that when the lunch break was announced, many of you did not leave. That tells me that you were in this room this morning when the answer to why we are here was provided. In the morning, we saw the real impact of digital tools, of artificial intelligence enabling human flourishing. Who can forget Adit, a young lady who grew up in a refugee camp, but she was able to access learning. She was able to connect with other young people from other parts of the world because she had the technology to do so. Who can forget how we witnessed the ability to get mobility after an acute injury. The mobility that you and I take for granted, but when you lose it, you need technology, you need innovation to help you be a part of the global community. You were in this room when we saw how technological tools can be enabled to respond to the planetary crisis that we are all facing today. That’s what happened this morning. So what are we doing this afternoon? We are here to ensure that those case studies that we heard about in the morning are not just the exception, but they become the norm. We are here to renew our commitments, to find solutions to the crises that we face, to ensure that we create a global digital architecture, a compact that is human-centered, that is secure, that is efficient, that is accessible to all. Because if we don’t do this, we create other frontiers of inequality. I come from Africa, I’m a part of the Global South, and we see very much how often we feel as if the world is advancing without us, even though we have the expertise, the agency, the tools, the willingness. But without the investment, without being invited into the table as we find these digital solutions, then this inequality will deepen. And so we convene today at a very hopeful moment. In a few hours, the Global Digital Compact may just become a reality. You will hear a lot about it. It has several themes that resonate. It’s about collaboration, creating policy, bringing all the stakeholders together to ensure that the case studies that we heard about in the morning become a global norm so that we all become citizens of a world where technology and AI are accessible, they are free, they are secure, and they are rooted, they are rooted in human flourishing. That’s what today is all about. But to situate us in the moment, let’s watch this very short video about the Global Digital Compact just to get a sense of the process and how it unfolded.

Official Video: GDC has been a very optimistic and constructive process during the past 18 months with broad participation from multi-stakeholders. And with GDC, we see that every country and every member state of the United Nations will have better possibilities of implementing the SDG agenda. Co-facilitators of the Global Digital Compact are so excited that we’ve come to this moment where we can actually indulge the Global Digital Compact. We as co-facilitators have engaged with yourselves. over many many hours. Over hundreds, thousands of delegates have put in their work and now it’s time to really look at this document and adopt it. And so we’re very excited that we’ve really come to this point and welcome you to this event. Thank you very much. The Global Digital Compact provides an opportunity to close the digital divide. It also provides an opportunity for Africa to engage as well as civil society organizations to engage way better at the United Nations level. The Global Digital Compact should be implemented through a multi-stakeholder process so that everyone, everywhere, can thrive in the age of AI. Governments must protect and support the people who build and govern digital public goods, like Wikipedia, which is run by volunteers who share knowledge in over 300 languages. Thank you very much for this outstanding opportunity to share with all of you how private and public collaboration can help achieve the goals of the Global Digital Compact. We at TIGO, we build broadband networks across all the communities we operate in. We call them digital highways because they provide the highways that bring our communities to the digital economy and it takes the work of everyone involved, public, private sector, everyone, so that those digital highways get built for the betterment of our communities are for the inclusion of everyone in them into the digital economy of the 21st century. Let’s make it happen together. I’m delighted to welcome the Global Digital Compact and to see that children’s rights are at the heart of this declaration. Children’s charities across the world have collaborated closely with co-facilitators and the UN Tech Envoy for two years to shape this important compact. We welcome that it now underscores a unified commitment for children’s rights and safety. I hope all will live by its words and will move from words to action. States have made bold commitments. They must now translate them into concrete actions. Equally, tech companies must not be exempt and be held accountable for the services they deliver to children. The Global Digital Compact has been a crucial platform for diverse stakeholders like me to come together and shape the future of a digital world that benefits everyone. It has fostered a sense of shared responsibility and ownership. I believe that the GDC we contributed will play a vital role in shaping a digital world.

Redi Thlabi: Thank you very much. Thank you. You will have an opportunity to make your inputs to ensure that the Global Digital Compact becomes a reality. Once it’s been adopted by world leaders, the online platform will be available tomorrow and you can share your inputs. Ladies and gentlemen, please help me welcome the Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden, Ebba Busch.

Ebba Busch: Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, ladies and gentlemen. I was suggesting earlier here when we were waiting for things to start, soon someone has to get up on stage and start singing. I’m not gonna sing here today but we’re going to talk about the digital era that we have just entered fully on now. And we’re living in an era where digital and emerging technologies, where they’re really reshaping almost every single aspect of our lives. our lives. The digital transformation presents us with unprecedented opportunities to really accelerate our work towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. To fulfil those opportunities, we need to cooperate across all levels, and certainly, of course, including the UN. Sweden has, together with Zambia, had the honour of facilitating the negotiations on the Global Digital Compact that we are soon going to adopt. The Compact outlines our collective commitment to a digital future that is inclusive, that is open, that is sustainable, fair, safe and secure. And it seeks to close those digital divides and accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals. Sweden is my home country, and Sweden is also home to some of the most innovative companies in the world that are enabling and driving the global digital transition forward. To truly harness this power of digital technology for a better and more sustainable future, we need an approach that involves all stakeholders. It is only by bringing together the excellent researchers, innovative companies, efficient authorities and multilateral organisations that we can create a well-functioning innovation system that works for everyone. Artificial intelligence, AI, plays a central role in this context. It has the potential to revolutionise how we work, learn and connect with one another. Yet, we must also acknowledge the challenges and risks that come with it. Of course, like so many of the new emerging technologies, AI can be used for both good and for harm. This is why it is crucial that we work together to establish common norms and governance structures that guide the use of AI in such a way that it truly, truly benefits humanity. And at the same time, limit its proliferation into areas of use that may threaten our common security, development, and future. We need a global conversation to build a shared understanding of both the opportunities and the challenges of AI. And in this regards, I really like to emphasize the Compact’s initiative to launch a global dialogue on AI governance, which engages governments and stakeholders in developing standards that prioritizes human rights, that prioritizes safety and sustainability. Increased investment will be crucial to scale up AI capacity, building for sustainable development. Taking into account the recommendations of the High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, the GDC encourages the establishment of a global fund on AI that is complementary to relevant UN funding mechanisms. Additionally, an international scientific panel on AI could offer valuable guidance on the global community on AI development. Sweden has long championed an open, free, and secure internet. And we believe that digital technology should be used to strengthen human rights. We have a responsibility to turn our vision of a digital future future into concrete actions that make a real difference. This means we must collaborate across borders and sectors, and we must all take responsibility to ensure that the digital transformation benefits everyone. Sweden is committed to continuing its leadership in this global process, and we look forward to working with all of you to unlock the potential of digitalization and to ensure that we build a future where digital technology truly serves all of humanity. And with that, I’d like to end with somewhat of a more personal reflection and personal note as a citizen of the world, as a mother of two. My two children back home in Sweden, they’re named Elise and Birger, they’re seven and nine years old. I was this much pregnant when I got elected party leader for my party for 10 years ago. And I’m happy and I’m proud to be able to say to them, because they are now, I mean, they are the generation that are growing up not knowing what life was like before internet, you know? Can you imagine? And I’m proud to be able to say to them that we are now truly taking their rights in the digitalized era seriously, because I’ve said so many times that a childhood in freedom requires safety online. And thank you. And it really is so. We’ve said it so many times, but you can’t say it enough times. Children’s rights are human rights. Women’s rights are human rights. And we are now bringing human rights and the sustainable developmental goals online, finally. Thank you.

Redi Thlabi: Deputy Prime Minister, thank you for your energy and inspiring case studies that you shared. Without much ado, let us hear another keynote this afternoon from the CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai.

Sundar Pichai: Mr. Secretary General, President of the General Assembly, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, it’s a privilege to join you today. I am energized by the Summit’s focus on the future. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock human potential for everyone, everywhere. I believe that technology is a foundational enabler of progress. Just as the Internet and mobile devices expanded opportunities for people around the world, now AI is poised to accelerate progress at unprecedented scale. I’m here today to make the case for three things. Why I believe AI is so transformative. How it can be applied to benefit humanity and make progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. And where we can drive deeper partnerships to ensure that the technology benefits everyone. But first, let me share why this is so important to me personally and to Google as a company. Growing up in Chennai, India with my family, the arrival of each new technology improved our lives in meaningful ways. Our first rotary phone saved us hours of travel to the hospital to get test results. Our first refrigerator gave us more time to spend as a family rather than rushing to cook ingredients before they spoil. The technology that changed my life the most was the computer. I didn’t have much access to one growing up. When I came to graduate school in the U.S., there were labs full of machines I could use anytime I wanted. It was mind-blowing. Access to computing inspired me to pursue a career where I could bring technology to more people. And that path led me to Google 20 years ago. I was excited by its mission to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. That mission has had incredible impact. Google Search democratized information access, opened up opportunities in education and entrepreneurship. Platforms like Chrome and Android helped bring 1 billion people online. Today, 15 of our products serve more than half a billion people and businesses each, and 6 of them each serve more than 2 billion. There is no cost to use them, and most of our users are in the developing world. Today we are working on the most transformative technology yet, AI. We’ve been investing in AI research, tools, and infrastructure for two decades because it’s the most profound way we can deliver on our mission and improve people’s lives. I want to talk today about four of the biggest opportunities we see, many of which align with the SDGs. One is helping people access the world’s knowledge in their own language. Using AI, in just the last year we have added 110 new languages to Google Translate, spoken by half a billion people around the world. That brings our total to 246 languages, and we are working towards 1,000 of the world’s most spoken languages. A second area is accelerating scientific discovery to benefit humanity. Our AlphaFold breakthrough is solving big challenges in predicting some of the building blocks of life, including proteins. and DNA. We have opened up AlphaFold to the scientific community free of charge and it has been accessed by more than 2 million researchers from over 190 countries. 30% are in the developing world. For example, over 25,000 researchers just in Brazil. Globally, AlphaFold is being used in research that could help make crops more resistant to disease, discover new drugs in areas like malaria vaccines and cancer treatments and much more. A third opportunity is helping people in the path of climate-related disaster, building on the UN’s initiative, Early Warnings for All. Our Flood Hub system provides early warnings up to seven days in advance, helping protect over 460 million people in over 80 countries. And for millions in the path of wildfires, our boundary tracking systems are already in 22 countries on Google Maps. We also just announced FireSat technology, which will use satellites to detect and track early-stage wildfires, with imagery updated every 20 minutes globally so firefighters can respond. AI gives a boost in accuracy, speed and scale. Fourth, we see the opportunity for AI to meaningfully contribute to economic progress. It’s already enabling entrepreneurs and small businesses, empowering governments to provide public services, and boosting productivity across sectors. Some studies show that AI could boost global labor productivity by 1.4 percentage points and increase global GDP by 7% within the next decade. For example, AI is helping improve operations and logistics in emerging markets, where connectivity, infrastructure and traffic congestion are big challenges. Freight startup Gary Logistics in Ethiopia is using AI to help move goods to market faster and bring more work opportunities to freelance drivers. These are just very early examples, and there are so many others across education, health, and sustainability. As technology improves, so will the benefits. As with any emerging technology, AI will have limitations, be it issues with accuracy, factuality, and bias, as well as the risks of misapplication and misuse, like the creation of deep fakes. It also presents new complexities. For example, the impact on the future of work. For all these reasons, we believe that AI must be developed, deployed, and used responsibly from the start. We are guided by our AI principles, which we published back in 2018. And we work with others across the industry, academia, the UN, and governments in efforts like the Frontier Model Forum, the OECD, and the G7 Hiroshima process. But I want to talk about another risk that I worry about. I think about where I grew up and how fortunate I was to have access to technology, even if it came slowly. Not everyone had that experience. And while good progress has been made by UN institutions like the ITU, gaps persist today in the form of a well-known digital divide. With AI, we have the chance to be inclusive from the start and to ensure that the digital divide doesn’t become an AI divide. This is a challenge that needs to be met by the private sector and public sector working together. We can focus on three key areas. First is digital infrastructure. Google has made big investments globally in subsea and terrestrial fiber optic cables. One connects Africa with Europe. And two others will be the first intercontinental fiber optic routes. that connect Asia-Pacific and South America, and Australia and Africa. These fiber optic routes stitch together our network of 40 cloud regions around the world that provide digital services to governments, entrepreneurs, SMBs, and companies across all sectors. In addition to compute access, we also open up our technology to others. We did this with Android, and now our Gemma AI models are open to developers and researchers, and we’ll continue to invest here. A second area is about investing in people. That starts with making sure people have the skills they need to seize new opportunities. Our Grow with Google program has already trained 100 million people around the world in digital skills. And today, I’m proud to announce our Global AI Opportunity Fund. This will invest $120 million to make AI education and training available in communities around the world. We are providing this in local languages, in partnerships with nonprofits and NGOs. We are also helping to support entrepreneurs for the AI revolution. In Brazil, we worked with thousands of women entrepreneurs to use Google AI to grow their businesses. In Asia, where fewer than 6% of startups are founded by women, we are providing many with mentorship, capital, and training. The third area is one where we especially need the help of member countries and leaders in this room, creating an enabling policy environment, one that addresses both the risks and worries around new technologies, and also encourages the kind of applications that improve lives at scale. This requires a few things. Government policymaking that supports investments in infrastructure, people. and innovation that benefits humanity. Country development strategies and frameworks like the Global Digital Compact that prioritize the adoption of AI solutions. And smart product regulation that mitigates harms and resists national protectionist impulses that could widen an AI divide and limit AI’s benefits. We are excited to be your partner and to work with you to make sure bold innovations are deployed responsibly so that AI is truly helpful for everyone. The opportunities are too great, the challenge is too urgent, and this technology too transformational to do anything less. Thank you.

Redi Thlabi: Thank you very much to the CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai, for that very holistic picture of the potential, the risks, and the opportunities. Thank you. Now let’s get to the conversation. Let’s put some meat to it, as we say in my language at home. Let’s just give some meaning to the Global Digital Compact. How do we position ourselves to move from aspiration to action and to take us through that very important conversation? Here is a sister, a moderator, and an international broadcaster, my homegirl, Tumi Makgabo.

Tumi Makgabo: Thank you. All right, we got there in the end. Good afternoon, everybody. Reedy, thank you so very much for that introduction. I feel like we flew a long way to get together in New York, but it’s always a pleasure to be in. in this incredible, exciting, stimulating city. But more importantly, I think it’s really incredible to have the opportunity to be in a room where people are thinking about what tomorrow’s going to look like. How do we create a tomorrow that works for everybody who’s involved in tomorrow? Well, you’ve heard a little bit about the GDC, and in this following conversation, we’re going to try to unpack how do we take the idea, how do we take the thought, how do we take the intent of what the GDC is trying to create and make it real, give it life, breathe it into existence. It isn’t easy, it certainly will be a challenge, but I think it’s a challenge not only that we’re up for, but it’s a challenge that is important to ensure that the society and the world looks exactly the way we hope and intend. Now, ordinarily, I could safely stand up here all by myself, but I don’t think that’s going to be the most exciting thing for you to watch. So please assist me in giving a very, very, very warm welcome to the following. Felix Mutati, who is the Minister of Technology and Science in Zambia. Margrethe Vestager, who is Executive Vice President of the European Union. Rebeca Grynspan, who is the Secretary General of UNCTAD. Omar Al Olama, the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications in the UAE. Josephine Teo, who is the Minister for Digital Development and Information in Singapore. And last, but most certainly not least, Nnenna Nwakanama, Civil Society Representative. To all of you, thank you so very much for joining us today. And it really is genuinely and truly an honor to have each of you joining me today. And I’m looking forward to having this conversation. I’m going to take a seat next to you. But not too close. I get a little bit nervous because I don’t know what they might do to me if I ask them a question they don’t like. The reason we really gathered here, and let’s talk for a moment about the digital compact. It’s about principles, it’s about commitments, it’s about inclusivity, not just in terms of who negotiated it, but in terms of who it’s supposed to apply to. The intention is to, and I’m going to read this so I don’t get it wrong, to support the achievement of an inclusive, open, sustainable, fair, safe, and secure digital future for all. Ambitious. In addition, there’s something that’s really important that the GDC does, and that is it recognizes the pervasive and existing digital divides, and we know, we can see what the impact of those divides are and have been in the past. And really, it responds to the need for more inclusive digital governance. So we all have an understanding of what it should do, what it shouldn’t do, and how do we deal. So the ambition is there. It’s in paper, in various iterations. How do we make that happen? Perhaps Mr. Minister, if I can begin with you. Developing countries in particular, Reedy mentioned it earlier, and I think the lived reality of most people who exist in the developing world will be able to tell you about some of the challenges that we face whenever we experience digital divides. I mean, the CEO of Google just gave us a perfect example in his remarks. How do you think the GDC will help in particular developing countries, but perhaps you can use your country as an example, to bridge that divide? It’s on. Let’s try again.

Felix Mutati: Thank you. Many thanks for having me. I’ll just tell you a short story in terms of bridging the digital divide, in terms of inclusivity, from a Zambian perspective. A young man called James in the rural part of Zambia, a farmer, farming using traditional methods because he was not included or connected, had a chance to secure a mobile phone, had a chance to get connected to internet. Using those tools, he transformed his farming methods because he had access to weather forecast, he had access to market prices, he had access to information. And our interpretation is that the Global Digital Compact is about a shared vision. Transforming life for that little boy in the rural part of Zambia. That is our simple understanding and that is why we’re here, changing lives.

Tumi Makgabo: Now there’s a particular balance that is always required because we see that sometimes when we change and transform lives, sometimes it can happen really rapidly, sometimes it takes a little bit longer. If I can come to the UAE as an example, what is the thinking about bridging and bringing together that process of rapid adoption of AI, along with making sure that it is a safe environment for all who are going to be involved in digital technology and how it changes their lives?

Omar Al Olama: Thank you very much. I’m very happy to be here and to be very honest, I think the UAE is a good example of what happens when you create a trajectory for digital development that is on steroids, as they say. we’ve experienced it. So we went from not having paved roads, not having university graduates, being a country that was maybe part of the underdeveloped world 50 years ago to being today one of the most advanced countries in the world. That advancement created a lot of opportunities, it made the UAE be able to explore frontiers like artificial intelligence, and I think it also shows that there is no excuse for us not to be able to do that for more countries. We need to move from, and I don’t mean to plagiarize President Obama here, but from yes we can to yes we will. We need to really definitely try to actually implement that vision that we have on digital development and take forward the recommendations that the panel is making towards the global south.

Tumi Makgabo: We need to also have the conversation about inclusivity. The reason we can have a conversation around developed versus developing countries is because growth has not been equitable. There are some parts of the world that have grown and done well economically, et cetera, and those that have clearly been left behind. If we can then talk for a moment, Secretary General, about how do we make sure that this compact is not just a document that is full of ambition, but it actually means that we see a manifestation of that inclusivity of growth when it comes to the digital era.

Rebeca Grynspan: Thank you. Thank you very much, and thank you for that question. First of all, let me say that we all know that we are lagging in the SDGs, yes? That only 70% of the SDGs are enrolled to be accomplished by 2030. So we have to start by thinking that we cannot have linear solutions because we need non-linear ones, pathways, to really get to the 2030 objectives. And I think that the digital revolution in AI can provide those. non-linear path towards DSDG. So it’s a great opportunity because obviously, you know, the digital technologies are transforming life in an exponential way. So that can be really a very important tool. But my second point, going to you, is that when you are in a society where things are changing so rapidly, we have to remember always that not everything changes at the same speed. So it creates tensions. It creates asymmetries. It creates imbalances that we need to deal with. So it’s not enough access. You need really a deliberate digital development strategy because you have to connect. You have to bring the stakeholders. But you have to do a lot of things. You have to create an ecosystem that is, you know, really will bring everybody to the speed, to the level that is necessary. But you start from a very uneven play field, yes? Not everybody is today in the same line to start this career. So you have to make an extra effort. And part of this extra effort is, first of all, for people, it’s not only access, but it’s affordability and quality of their access to the digital technologies. But it’s also not to relegate the developing countries to be users. We want to be producers. We want to bring the digital revolution, not only for our consumption, but we want to really use it for our diversification, for going up the ladder. in terms of the value chains in the world, to add more value, to create better employment, and to bring digital into the productive structure will really require an extra effort from the international community and also from governments to make it, as I said, a deliberate development strategy.

Tumi Makgabo: One thing that also is going to require deliberate efforts is the question of human rights. Margrethe, if I can come to you on that. How do you make sure that there is a respect and a consideration for human rights while at the same time one wants to promote fair competition and keep in mind that we’re coming from such different points of departure, there’s a lot of balancing. How is the EU thinking about that?

Margrethe Vestager: First and foremost, I think the Global Digital Compact is an amazing achievement. It is as if we have a new chance. We have it. There are so many things where we have not succeeded, and I think the Digital Compact shows that we can agree that we’re really going to engage in correcting the mistakes and show much increased effort because if we live up to what is in the Compact, well, then a lot of the things that are haunting us will be a thing of the past, and for us, we want to partner with as many countries as possible, and the fact that human rights are completely core of the Global Digital Compact makes our conversation shorter, focused because we know that we agree on the fundamentals when we digitalize. So, partnerships will be so much easier, and these are really important for us. And I think it also illustrates that there is a commitment to create trust in technology. Because that doesn’t come automatic. Technology can be terribly misused, both for crime and fraud, but also for surveillance and undermining democracy. And here we can focus on the use of technology. I think the example, the story was excellent. It’s such a good illustration of the agency that people get. Because I think that is the underlining ambition here. That all the things that we were not successful with, with trust, with focusing on the use cases and giving people agency, enabling them, then this digital compact will be, you know, a road to a future that is very different from all the bad scenarios that we actually do have ahead of us.

Tumi Makgabo: There is no question, I think, for anybody that this presents a particular opportunity. One through the GDC, but generally through technology and how we can better harness that to achieve all of these things that we wanted to do. The world of work, however, we all recognize is going to look quite different in five years’ time, let alone a decade or two down the road. In Singapore’s case, how are you ensuring that there is better preparedness for a more digitized work in the context of work? And how can we learn from what Singapore has done so that we’re not always having to go back to the beginning in order to ensure we’re better prepared for a world of work that looks so different?

Josephine Teo: Well, thank you very much for this opportunity to participate in this great conversation. My comments will build on what Margaret and the Secretary-General have said. And that is to recognize the fact that unevenness exists even for the workforce. And what it means… is that there will be some parts of the workforce that are closer to the technology frontier because their employers are already using technologies in innovative ways in their companies. And so that creates an environment for them to pick up the right skills to become even more proficient in the jobs and the requirements of the future. But there will be many other members of the workforce who, for example, may be employed by small and medium enterprises who tend to lag in terms of the technology adoption. Then there are also people who are marginalised. Sometimes it is because they have special needs. It could be because they have a disability. We have to be very creative in thinking about how all of the past barriers that put impediments in the path of these individuals to succeed. The way in which we are doing this is to enable every single one of the workers to acquire the skills to be relevant for the future. Part of it involves working with employers because they create the momentum and they create the strongest incentives. But we also need active labour market policies in the form of support for individual learning, putting resources in the hands of individual workers so that they don’t only depend on their employers to provide the training opportunities. Then in order to support this ecosystem, you need also to build up the training infrastructure so that there is a good ecosystem of training providers who not only can deliver training competently, but whose content meet the needs of the market. All of these have to come together and the more we can share with each other how these can be achieved in each of our contexts, I think the better we are going to be. So we are very grateful to the UN for putting together the GDC to create the opportunities for us to do exactly that.

Tumi Makgabo: Thank you very much, Minister Teo. Minister Al-Olama, I believe that we have to bid you farewell, so thank you very much for joining us. Do you want to, is there one more comment and thought that you want to leave us with before you go?

Omar Al Olama: I think the Global Digital Compact is a great starting point for the action to follow. The UAE, we believe that there’s a lot that needs to be done but we all need to work together on it. This technology is very pervasive, it crosses borders, and there needs to be cooperation. So we’re definitely part of this roadmap that the UN is putting forward and we’re definitely going to be a big supporter for it.

Tumi Makgabo: That’s terrific to hear. Thank you for joining us and we look forward to seeing you do that. If you can please just give him a thank you. Thank you. And no, I wasn’t waiting for him to leave, I just have to get closer to the panellists, so don’t think I’m being, I promise I’m not being weird. Nnenna, if I can come to you, from a civil society perspective. You know, the reality is that there sometimes can be a disconnect between what happens on the ground and what happens higher up between policy makers and those of us who have really good intentions. It doesn’t always manifest in the way that we hope. What does the implementation question and what does the monitoring question of the GDC look like in a civil society context from your point of view?

Nnenna Nwakanama: Sankofa, I’ll come back to that word. Fabrizio Hochschild is from Chile. Ninten Desai is from India. Lynn Sentamu is Canadian. Marcus Comer. is from Switzerland, Yanis Karklins from Lithuania, Dee Williams in St. Lucia, Adama Samaseko in Mali, and the journalist Brenda Zulu from Zambia. I’ve met these people over my 25 years of engagement in digital cooperation within the UN. These are people from all walks of life. And my first statement here today is sankofa, looking back from where we’re coming from so we know where we’re going to. The GDC is nothing revolutionary. The success is in the process, and that process is multi-stakeholder. I do believe that as we keep shaking hands between multilateralism and multi-stakeholderism, we can do much. Not just here in New York. I don’t need a visa to be able to implement GDC. I want to be at home and have the same principle of multi-stakeholderism play out in everything at national level.

Tumi Makgabo: I think we understand why you’ve been in this process for so long. We kind of get it. Thank you for that. Minister Mutati, if I can then come back to you. We can look at the broader picture, and I think the GDC is no doubt inspiring. Those who believe it or not, I did actually read it, and I think it is really inspiring, and I think it really is ambitious, and I think it genuinely is asking us to address some of the most fundamental and pressing issues that help us address the human rights challenges we face on the planet. planet. How, though, do we begin to implement that? From a Zambia perspective, what is the translation of that, from paper to reality, actually look like and involve?

Felix Mutati: Thank you very much. One of the pillars of the Global Digital Compact is strategic partnerships. And strategic partnership from a Zambia perspective, I’ll give you two examples. This year, Zambia has got challenges around climate change. Our economy, in terms of GDP, is going down. And we have difficulties and other problems. But earlier on, we had a strategic partnership to look at how we can collaborate among ourselves as Africans. And one of the countries in Africa, we went and lifted a tax innovation, collection innovation, which we started using this year. Now, the consequences of that partnership has been that, whereas the economy is going down, the tax revenue is going up. And for us, we think that is what is called strategic partnership, which is part of the Global Compact. It gives actual results. And this is actually happening. Second example, because of limited resource, to try to extend connectivity of our people, government on one side. Working with the private sector and other partners, providing the necessary incentives, they were able to plant significant infrastructure, digital infrastructure, which has enabled Internet to move from in the 50s to almost 70 percent. That is what we call strategic partnership. So Zambia, in a sense, was already implementing the global digital compact and the key pillar of partnership, and the results are there for us to see. Thank you.

Tumi Makgabo: That’s a really interesting example that you use, because it sounds to me like a lot of this has to do with ensuring that the solutions are specific to what your needs are, no doubt. But when we look more broadly, the challenge for a lot of developing countries is that they have to prioritize where they allocate those resources. So it’s easier for us to sit and say, well, you know, we have to think about ESG, or we have to think about greening, or we have to think about this safety and that health. But the resources that are required to do all of those things are quite limited. What do you think needs to happen to allow developing countries to better strike that balance, and how potentially can the GDC be supportive of that process? We know that within the document itself, it’s quite specific about a need for that to happen. But again, the reality versus what’s on paper.

Rebeca Grynspan: Yeah, it’s such a good question, because, you know, precisely today we were talking about the necessary changes in international financial architecture, really to support development. We were talking about restructuring the debt, because debt doesn’t allow many of these countries, to really have the strategies and the investments that need to be done. I gave today the number that 3.3 billion people live in countries that are paying more in service and debt than on health or education. So if you have that problem, how are you going really to have the investments that you need for making this happen? And the other part of this, I’m sorry to say, obviously, is the responsibility to think about the long-term. I always say we usually forget that the short and the long-term start at the same time. There is no long-term that is a succession of short-termism, yes? You don’t get there by short-term thinking. You need long-term thinking. But many of the systems don’t allow, don’t have the structures, don’t have the institutions like, for example, Singapore has, to really have this long-term view for a policy to stay and to persevere for the objectives. So let me just end saying, you need national responsibility, and the minister has talked about that. You need a government that really thinks about this, that does the right thing, that invests in education, that invests in the people that Nina was talking about, that brings society in an inclusive way with a voice to really harness development, but you need the international community. And that’s why the global digital compact is so important, as we have said. Because you need a framework. And the other thing, and I’m sorry to say this because we are talking about optimism, but this is a very concentrated market, yes? need to spread the opportunities because really concentration is very high. So you need international standards and international norms to really make these technologies to stay within the good and not to go to the bad, like Margrethe was saying.

Tumi Makgabo: So it’s interesting that you’re promoting the global view, which is crucial. We’ve heard from the minister the national view, but there’s that space in between, which is the regional question. Now we’ve seen what the EU has been doing. We understand the EU’s ambition generally to be a leader in many spaces, and this is not unique in that question. What can the world, or what should we be learning about broader cooperation and implementation of such policies when we look at what the EU is trying to do within its space of influence from a policy perspective? Because one size doesn’t fit all, so there needs to be some maneuverability in that regard, but there also needs to be an overview that allows everybody to understand what the rules of engagement are.

Margrethe Vestager: I think that is very well put. And the thing is that there is an asymmetry here, because the individual human being can take the most of the possibilities, but the individual cannot do away with the harm that technology can bring. That is not possible. So there is a societal, regional, global answer here to address things that are systemic in a systemic matter. And this is what we are trying to do. So we have passed legislation, the Digital Markets Act, to keep the market open so that people have choice, and so that the businesses who provide choice, that they are interested for investors. Because, if you depend on a gatekeeper to get to the market, why invest in you? We have the Digital Services Act making sure that digital services are safe to use. That they would not cause you mental health problems or undermine democracy or the integrity of our elections. And that what is legitimately decided in our democracy is also treated as such when online. We have privacy legislation and our AI Act is coming into force. All of that to create a systemic response to the things that people cannot influence themselves individually. And when you have a systemic response, and we enforce in full, because otherwise it’s worth nothing. Enforcement is everything. When we do that, then each and every one of us, alone and together, can grasp the opportunities. And that’s the important thing here, because otherwise nothing will happen. So I think one should be really careful to try to decentralize, to say, you go, you go figure out. No, no. We need that systemic response. We think that legislation is needed, because we see the harm that can be done. And I think that global digital compact is essential, especially when it comes to AI. Because AI is not just any new digital algorithm. It is so much more powerful when it comes to human agency. And that is why the use cases, the trust that we as societies will be responsible, is absolutely key for all these wonderful things that we’re talking about.

Tumi Makgabo: That brings me nicely. Okay, you want to… They keep wanting to clap for you and I keep interrupting them. So I think every now and again, I must remember to give you a chance to clap properly. That brings me nicely to the question of public-private partnerships. So, when we are looking at this process, everybody has to play their part. We need to make sure that the rules of engagement not only exist, but that they are followed and that they are implemented, and that there is consequence for transgression, right? Because it doesn’t help, and we know about, broadly speaking, the challenges of international law when it comes to the implementation and enforcement of consequence. What role, however, do you see, maybe you can give us an example in Singapore, where this public-private partnership can better foster the implementation and the oversight of what this GDC process may look like?

Josephine Teo: Well, since Margaret was talking about AI, that could be where the example arises. I think being a general-purpose technology, we all want to benefit from its transformative potential. And yet, at the level of public services, very often the expertise does not yet exist. And that’s where I think the private sector can be brought into the picture and encouraged to enable policymakers, as well as individuals, teams, organisations that make the rules to understand how this technology is implemented. And that’s exactly how we have done it in Singapore. We encouraged and we invited the private sector to contribute to the development of use cases, as well as our understanding of the guardrails that need to be put in place. But I would go one step further. I would say that the private sector can do a lot more in terms of helping to build capacity. And the capacity is so important because, particularly from the point of view of small states, on the one hand we see the opportunities, on the other hand we are told of the risks. The question is, will we… we’d be left behind as small states. Now, in this process of figuring out what to do, I think we were really appreciative that at the UN level, there was an advisory board at the high level that was constituted in a very inclusive way. And this has given us the motivation to contribute to this process by asking our own chief AI officer to be involved, and then subsequently inviting the whole high-level advisory board to meet in Singapore so that they can also engage with the forum of small states that was meeting there. Now, the result of a process like this is that we now have the ability to say, adopting the principles articulated in the GDC, how to help ourselves as nations, but equally importantly, how we can help each other. And in that regard, I’m very pleased to note that this process created an opportunity for another country that we admire greatly, which is Rwanda, to say, how about the both of us come together to create an AI playbook for small states? So that is something that we have done. And I hope that this will help all of us.

Tumi Makgabo: I just love my panel because everything they say, everybody wants to clap for them.

Margrethe Vestager: Can I add something? Because I would encourage everybody to look at the AI apprentice model that is implemented in Singapore, because that allows businesses to get to use AI while people in all walks of life can learn about how to do that. And you get experts who are embedded in the local community. So this idea of AI apprenticeships, I think the Singaporean model is really, really inspiring.

Tumi Makgabo: Thank you very much.

Josephine Teo: We’re happy to share more.

Tumi Makgabo: They’re happy to share. So everybody come, let’s share. Okay, Nnenna, if I can come to you because believe it or not, we’ve got like four minutes left. What measures do you think specifically we need to be mindful of? And I’m going to limit you in the sense that I’m going to ask you for two of the most important measures we need to make sure are in place to protect human rights as we embark on this journey.

Nnenna Nwakanama: Two measures, capacity to implement. It is okay to come to New York. It is okay to read European papers and all of that, but America and Europe do not make the world. I’m African. I’m Nigerian. I live in Cote d’Ivoire. I’m part of this world and I want that to be down here. So capacity to implement across the whole world, whether it be government, because I have spoken about multi-stakeholder, but multi-stakeholder capacity is needed, financial, human and technological. That is one. We need to balance that. The other one is connecting people. I see people talking about AI. I see, I’ve lived in the days of great technology, emerging technology, and all of the big grammar technology, but please, can we get people connected to me? And please, can we not disconnect the people who are already connected? Because some of you are here and then you go home and you disrupt internet connectivity. We have to talk about shutdown. In the GDC itself, that part has, they’ve been knowing at it. I don’t know what it’s going to be like tomorrow morning. Anyway, let me now, excellences, ladies and gentlemen, friends here and friends who are watching me online, boys and girls, cats and dogs, emojis and avatars, I myself, on behalf of my own self, I would like to endorse the GDC.

Tumi Makgabo: because I want my time back from all this clapping. Like really, I’ve lost like loads of time from the applause. Okay, we’ve literally got two and a half minutes, so I’m gonna do a rapid fire round. I’m going to ask you for two specific things that when we leave this stage and we leave this room, as individuals, we need to consider implementing. We’re not talking broad policy strokes here, we’re talking about things that you think we can do when we leave. Nnenna, you’ve given us a clue, but can you give us two different ones, and I’m gonna start with you and work my way across. We’ve got two minutes.

Nnenna Nwakanama: Connect the schools. Connect the young people. Connect my children. Thank you.

Tumi Makgabo: Okay, okay, okay, thank you. Thank you. Minister Teo.

Josephine Teo: We want to move beyond learning about digital to thriving with digital. And to do that, we can move alone, and we can go very fast that way, or we can go together, and I believe that will go even further.

Tumi Makgabo: Thank you. Even further. Secretary General, you.

Rebeca Grynspan: Embrace not only the global digital compact, talk to your governments for implementing, for supporting, but embrace the path for the future, because there are many things that we have to do for this to be possible. And in the path of the future, we have a lot that can help people to get connected.

Tumi Makgabo: Vice-President Vestager.

Margrethe Vestager: Obviously, first things first, connectivity is everything. If you’re not connected, well, what then? But as we connect, please make sure that we do not sacrifice our children. Their independence, their agency, that they do not get dependent, that they do not get sucked in, in social media that will not serve them well. We have a huge challenge in making. sure that our children, they’re not only safe, but developed, and that they can use digital for their own good and for the good of their community.

Tumi Makgabo: Minister?

Felix Mutati: Thank you. One of the biggest challenges, the skills and literacy, particularly in the rural part of our country, things we take for granted. Let us handhold our people. And let us show them how to press the numbers on the mobile phone. Thank you.

Tumi Makgabo: I don’t know if you can tell, but I thoroughly enjoyed that conversation. And it is because we had such a wonderful panel of speakers with us this afternoon. Can you please give them the appropriate round of applause? I can’t hear it. Thank you so very much. Thank you. And thank you. Thank you very much.

Redi Thlabi: OK, I see your panel doesn’t want to leave the stage to me. OK. Thank you. Thank you so very much to Dumi Mahabo for expertly leading that important conversation. We’re going to watch a very short video speaking to the themes of today about the futures that are possible for us and the kind of decisions we need to make. Let’s just watch this short video, and then I’ll introduce you to the next panel.

Official Video: One humanity, two futures. In one, we embrace AI’s potential for a world of inclusion and equity. In another, AI tools became the catalyst for division and exclusion. The choice between these paths did not lie in circuits, but in human hands. In October 2023, amid heated debates on artificial intelligence and its potential, there was excitement about the future, but also anxiety over its risks and uncertainties. The UN Secretary-General gathered 39 top AI experts to confront this challenge. The uniquely diverse group consulted intensively around the world and engaged with thousands of experts. This uniquely diverse group aligned on guiding principles to propose concrete actions for governing AI for humanity by building common scientific understanding on AI, its opportunities and its risks, by fostering common ground for effective AI policies and standards anchored in human rights, by sharing common benefits through building capacity, mobilizing resources and tackling data dilemmas, to close AI divides, and to support this global action, an AI office at the United Nations, for an equitable and inclusive future with AI. Let’s build this future together.

Redi Thlabi: Thank you very much. And I think the theme of that video links so well with the comments that came from the first panel. We all acknowledge we come from different worlds, but we are one humanity. So how do we create these digital tools, AI for humanity, make it serve humanity, make it accessible for all of humanity? I’m really looking forward. to this next panel discussion, which speaks exactly to that, AI for Humanity. And to moderate this panel discussion is Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group. Ian?

Ian Bremmer: Thank you so much, and also thanks to me, who just crushed it for the last 45 minutes, absolutely, right? So now you’re stuck with me, and obviously I’m honored to be here at the Summit of the Future. We’re going to talk about artificial intelligence. I’m honored to be one of the 39 members of the high-level advisory panel on AI, and you’re going to meet a number of my peers on the panel today. It was back in 2017 that the Secretary General, António Guterres, I remember first told me that he thought that his two most important legacies in global governance would be on combating climate change and responding to the positive implications of disruptive technologies. You have seen the UN engage and lead the work on climate over the past many years, but today is a day we get to talk about and even celebrate a little some efforts in global governance on artificial intelligence. This past Thursday, I think you’ve seen it, we have released our final report, Governing AI for Humanity. It’s right here. It’s the first truly global approach to governance of artificial intelligence, and we’re going to talk today about some of the recommendations, why governance including nations from the global south is so important, and some practical reasons why this roadmap is needed. to ensure progress and greater equity, given the challenges that we face in our digital and physical future. So, with that, let me please introduce our distinguished panelists. Experts and leaders from many sectors required for a multi-stakeholder approach, five of us together on the UN High-Level Advisory Body, and two interlopers who are here anyway. As I mentioned, first of all, our co-chairs. We have Carme Artigas, who is co-chair of the body, along with James Manyka, senior vice president at Google Alphabet. We’ve got Vilas Dhar, also an HLAB member. He’s president of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation. Dr. Wang Jian is chief technology officer at Alibaba. Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. And Alondra Nelson, also an HLAB member, is a professor at the Institute of Advanced Study. I welcome all of you. Please. So, let’s get right to it. Carme, the first question I want to ask, and I’m going to start with our two co-chairs, shockingly, bracketing this whole thing, is why the United Nations, right? There have been a lot of efforts at governance of AI. There’s been a lot of money going into AI. The UN doesn’t have a lot of money, doesn’t have a lot of power, right? But here we are. So, why? I mean, obviously, part of it is because it makes us sit uncomfortably close, and that facilitates cooperation. But leaving that aside, why was it critical for the United Nations to take this on?

Carme Artigas: Yes, so this was the first question we had to answer ourselves in the body. You were independent people, and we came to the conclusion that the UN is uniquely positioned to this effort, because it’s the only global organization that has the mandate, the reach, and the legitimacy to seat all nations and all stakeholders in the table. And it has the historical, I would say, success that has done it in the past, I mean, governing international topics such as climate change or on earth control. And because AI is such a pervasive and horizontal technology, and it’s absolutely cross borders, there is no single nation or region that can solve by itself the potential harm biases, discrimination, and lack of inclusiveness. And of course there are other frameworks that are very, very valuable, but they are limited. They usually leave behind many nations, especially on the global south. So we do not pretend that UN is the right place to regulate AI at a global level. We think it’s the right place to encourage collaboration, to foster inclusive business, and ensure that AI is developed, keeping the human rights in mind.

Ian Bremmer: Now, you’re a European, and the Europeans are known for having governance, even multi-stakeholder governance as a superpower. I mean, Lord knows it’s not building AI companies, right? So given that, how do you, former minister in this field, you know, how did you engage with what can the UN do, and what should the EU really be doing?

Carme Artigas: I would say that people sometimes mix ethics, regulation, and governance. There are three different things. Ethics is how do we should, how should we all behave well, companies, governments. Governance is how do we put in mechanisms, instruments, that ensure that everybody’s behaving ethically. And regulation is one of these mechanisms, and we have done it in Europe, the first international regulation, and nobody can argue against me that regulation is not against innovation. That’s another topic, but I am open to discuss it to anyone. I think regulation builds trust, because it orders a market and gives trust. confidence to the market, the consumers, and the citizens. But there are not only a way to govern through regulation. We can govern through transparency, through oversight, through involving everybody. So governance is beyond regulation itself. It’s one mechanism. We should find also the market incentives so that companies and governments behave ethically.

Ian Bremmer: Just a quick one, because I’m responding to that. Did you say, I mean, when the group first came together, you know, 39 members from all these different countries, different walks of life, that actually coming to agreement on common principles seemed to be one of the easiest things for our group to do? That was quick. Am I right about that?

Carme Artigas: Yeah, of course.

Ian Bremmer: Anyone else want to take that on? James?

James Manyika: No, you’re fundamentally right. I mean, one of the things that was extraordinary when we began our work was how quickly we got to agree on things like, this must be based on fundamental human rights. We all agreed. This must be based on international law. We all agreed. This must benefit everybody. We all agreed. I think the hard work was, how do we all come together to think through how we actually do and achieve those things? But I think getting to the principles was relatively quite straightforward. I’m looking at Alondra here, who was a big, you know, force in getting us to many of the right places we got to, especially on issues around fundamental human rights based on the extraordinary work that she had been doing for many, many years.

Ian Bremmer: Alondra, do you want to jump in?

Alondra Nelson: Yeah, I would just say, you know, to your question of why, why is that the UN provides us with a quite incredible foundation? I mean, the UN Charter, our international accords around human rights are quite powerful kind of cornerstones for thinking about this. And so we had a place to go. And I think, you know, the challenge that we face with technology is particularly powerful and fast moving ones like AI is things are moving around and where do we anchor ourselves? And I think the why of the UN is in part that the world’s countries had agreed. have agreed upon already these fundamental kind of true North values. The challenge becomes what does that mean in a digital world? What does that mean in an AI world in which, you know, society is being kind of re-transformed and reconfigured? But I think those fundamental things are true and that’s been a really core of our work on the committee.

Ian Bremmer: And I want our audience to appreciate this. I mean, getting the Singaporeans to champion rule of law is not exactly shocking, but I mean, we’re talking about the Americans, the Russians, the Chinese, the Europeans, the global South. I mean, all participants here, this was not the hard challenge in this group. Vilas?

Vilas Dhar: I think that’s right. I mean, Ian, I want to start from a fundamental observation. We too often equate governance with control. And it’s part of a conversation that’s much bigger. I think we have followed a narrative that technology companies innovate and governments regulate and somehow in that the rest of us go along. But that’s not the point of governance, right? Governance is to set a shared vision for humanity, is to think about all of the resources we can bring to bear to make shared decisions that put agency with communities, that allow voices to participate and to come forward. When we think about the work of the body, I think this underpins the idea. What we got from the Secretary General was a mandate to think beyond, beyond the forms and functions of the moment, to think about a world where a digital future actually works for all of us. It starts from the fundamental pieces that James and Alondra spoke to. But it requires us to also envision new functions and new forms for a future that’s grounded in the idea of governance for, by, and of the people. And I think AI gives us such an amazing aperture to go back to really fundamental questions about what participatory mechanics should look like.

Ian Bremmer: I’m glad you brought that up because when, you know, so much of the conversation on AI out there is about risks, existential risks, disinformation, all of that. This group, not in any way unconcerned with those risks. but fundamentally thinking about how to use AI for humanity. I mean, climate change in a sense is a much more difficult conversation because there’s so much zero-sumness. There’s so much, you know, like reparations need to be paid because you’ve done this to us. This has been an overwhelmingly positive sum, non-zero-sum conversation. James?

James Manyika: Yeah, it has been, but it also has highlighted something else, including beyond the UN itself, is how important this is for it to be a multi-stakeholder endeavor. That was fundamentally important. Let me tell you why I think that was fundamentally important. If you think about what’s at the heart of this technology, this conversation, and what we hope for it, you point to three things, I think. One are the extraordinary opportunities, the possibility to address so much of our challenges with the SDGs, climate change, there’s so much that we could potentially do that’s transformational, number one. There are complexities and risks. There are so many of them. We have to think about all the kinds of issues that we know could happen and go wrong with this technology. And then third, the idea that this has to benefit and include everybody. If you think about each of those three things, there’s no other way to get that done other than through a multi-stakeholder effort. The opportunities, companies are pursuing those, researchers are pursuing those, NGOs are pursuing those, governments are pursuing those. The risks and complexities, same thing. Governments are thinking about those, agencies are thinking about those, researchers are, civil society is. Get to the inclusion and the opportunities. How do you go after opportunities, especially in countries and places and communities where those are not commercial opportunities? You have to include everybody. So as you think about each of the three things that are at the heart of this, it has to be a multi-stakeholder effort. And that’s why I’ll say one final thing. It’s why I was so thrilled that our body actually represented that multi-stakeholder effort. take hold of you. We had researchers, we had academics, we had activists, we had civil society, we had everybody involved. We debated a lot, argued a lot, and we worked pretty well together, I think.

Ian Bremmer: And I would say that it wasn’t obvious during the conversations who necessarily was wearing each of those hats, because the body was collective, pretty global. But I’m going to ask you, because you do wear one of those hats in real life, when we talk about governance, and Vilas just talked about the way we should think about governance, what are the responsibilities that the core private sector corporations, and even some of them state-owned enterprises are linked, should have when we think about governance of AI?

James Manyika: Well, we have several. First of all, keep in mind that much of the research, fundamental research that’s advanced in this field, is led in the private sector, a lot of the research labs are in the private sector. So that places an incredible responsibility, one which is to make sure we’re developing this technology responsibly, we’re thinking about all the beneficial uses of it, not just the commercial uses of it, we have to think about all of that, and we also have a responsibility to engage with governments and others, who are not only going to govern these technologies, but also think about, because keep in mind that this technology, three things happen to it, it’s developed, it’s deployed, and it’s used. That whole chain involves lots of other actors, so we have a responsibility as a private sector to work with each and every one of those, hear their concerns, and see and work together to think about how we deploy and use this technology responsibly. We have an enormous responsibility. Part of it, I’ll say one last thing, we have a responsibility to be transparent, and to help build trust. If this technology is going to have the impact that we think it’s going to have, the public has to trust it, the public has to feel that we and everybody else who’s developing, deploying, and using it, is held accountable. So we have a profound responsibility.

Ian Bremmer: And an interesting point there here is a technology that frankly a lot of people in the global south are more excited about and trust more than a lot of people in the advanced world also an opportunity. Right a fundamental opportunity thing about governments, but Alondra you wanted to come in and then I’m turning to Dr. Wang

Alondra Nelson: I just I think one of the things that we were grappling with is that it’s a fundamental different moment for different moment for multilateralism Right because of exactly what James said not only because you have if we think about something about multilateral action around nuclear Right, those are often owned by states or utilities. And so you have a whole different ecosystem these are technologies that are often coming out of the private sector almost exclusively or a lot of the R&D is coming out of the private sector and then as James suggested you have this sort of series of Stakeholders along the sort of lifecycle of them and that’s a whole so part of what we were grappling with was not just you know How do you govern a dynamic iterative technology? But how do you do it in a way that also is at the same time trying to reimagine what multilateralism looks like when you have when you have to have a Multistakeholder system in a way that you did not when we were trying to think about how do we do nuclear nonproliferation? it’s a completely different set of Actors with different kinds of different sets of power and different kinds of asymmetry than we’ve had to deal with before.

Ian Bremmer: I mean there are US China arms control agreements on AI that will be required But but that’s not what we’re talking about right here. Now. Dr. Wang you you are a scientist and indeed when when you started out There weren’t that many with PhDs in your field in your company. You’re also in the private sector I’m wondering how you are navigating how you think about those tensions and how those tensions are changing as AI is Moving so much faster is becoming so much more transformative as we’re talking about what governance Multistakeholder governance should look like.

Jian Wang: Yeah, I think there’s a different way to look at it. The first thing, you know think about in the UN level Actually, I feel pretty good because you know of the good structure. Like we have the United Nations, we have UNESCO, we have the ITU, these are part of the global organization. And ITU could be a very critical role in terms of technology development. And UNESCO, dealing with the science, dealing with the education and the culture, I think for any new challenge, particularly from new technology, you have to work with a different party and solve the problem from different perspective. You really cannot just solve the problem just by, you know, involve the government. You have to involve the different level of things. That’s one thing. But the scientists, I think, is very important. Get scientists, get individual involved to solve this problem. So for me, the governing is not just, you know, the responsibility of the organization, of government. It’s actually responsible to every people. Just like in the last couple of years, I’m working with the scientists in UK and the scientists in the United States, working together on the geoscience problem. And the more interesting, you know, eventually, actually not eventually, later this year, we bring this new technology to Africa. So individual could make a great deal to help solve this problem. So for me, just like the conversation today, and technology is not just creating a problem. The technology is bringing the people together, even though today is a different way to bring people together. But eventually, you know, different people love this technology. They will work together and solve the challenge. So I’m pretty confident, you know, any problem, you know, created by the human could be solved by a human being.

Ian Bremmer: So this is the most inclusive, proactive conversation I’ve seen on big governance issues, frankly, in the UN in a long time. I’m gonna now shift to implementation and to someone who’s been tasked with some of the most challenging problems in the world on that. front, Volker, none of us envy your position. As you think about AI and how AI can be used, can be implemented by governments, by non-state actors to allow impunity or to facilitate transformation and effective governance, where do you think it’s going right now and what do you think needs to be implemented as a result of these recommendations?

Volker Turk: Well, first of all, congratulations that you got the report out. I think it’s a minor miracle that you have been able to do it and really congratulations to you. When you mentioned mandate, no, you mentioned legitimacy, reach and mandate. I would add normative framework and you have mentioned it. It’s about human rights. We do not have to reinvent the wheel. We have an existing framework that is dynamic, that evolves, that deals with also the future issues and human rights is at the core of it. Because if you are not aware of the impact that anything that happens in this world on freedoms, on fundamental freedoms or on individual rights, if that is not analysed, it’s going to be a problem. And the advantage is it’s a universal framework. So it’s not about global south, global north, west versus someone else. It is universal and that is still agreed at this point in time by everyone. We had a big event on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights last year. There was no detractor from that, no spoiler. So we have that framework. It’s intergenerational. It’s not just about now, it’s also about the past because in some instances you have to deal with the grievances. of the past, but it is primarily also about the future, so it has this intergenerational dimension and it brings us back to human agency and to human dignity, which is whenever anything happens in this world, including on the digital, on the AI front, you will have to take into account. And it is multi-stakeholder. A human rights framework is by nature multi-stakeholder. We cannot do anything on the human rights front if you didn’t, if it wasn’t nourished by social movements, by civil society, by the private sector, and by member states. And actually, so we have a role model when we look at the implementation of how we can bring this to bear on the norms that states themselves have accepted, that the private sector through the business and human rights guiding principles have accepted, and how we can actually go into the granular detail that is needed in order to analyze how we are going to work.

Ian Bremmer: James wants to come in, but a quick follow-up for you first, which is people outside this room, people in this room know this. People outside this room don’t necessarily appreciate that 194 countries around the world agree on a lot of things. They agree on fundamental human rights, even if they don’t implement them. They agree, but they know what they are. They agree on sustainable development goals and where one would want humanity to go, even if right now most of them are not on track to being fulfilled. And hopefully, they agree on a global digital compact and how one deploys artificial intelligence to help ensure that we can actually get some of this better. So when you think about that, if you had a crystal ball, right now, do you believe over the next two, three years that AI is potentially on track to help actually implement, execute more of the things that we agree on but aren’t doing?

Volker Turk: Look, we are obviously at a very difficult geopolitical moment, no doubt about that. But we hopefully will have the global digital compact and the pact for the future. It’s a good beginning. beginning, it’s not enough, it will require a lot of dedicated attention to it, it will require continued multi-stakeholder conversations, it will require a governance framework that becomes more and more effective. Of course we are divided, polarised, we are not at the best place when it comes at the societal level to bring coherence to things, but this is precisely where whatever we can hang on to that works, including the report that you brought out, it actually shows that it is possible and we need to grab on to that and run with it.

Ian Bremmer: James?

James Manyika: Well you know, as you know well Ian, a couple of things that were on our minds when we were doing the work, one is the need to move and act very quickly, for at least two reasons that were centred in our work, the SDGs, the world’s behind, we’re all behind if you recall, we centred the need to contribute to accelerate the SDGs, the ITU has just done some phenomenal work that highlights that of something like the 169 goals in the SDGs, something like 134 of them could benefit and be accelerated using AI, we have to move. The second thing that was on our minds was the issues around capacity, and this is where especially the Global South comes to mind, because I grew up in the Global South, unless we’re able to give people access to this technology, both to participate and benefit from it, the risk of the digital divide becoming the AI divide is too huge, so we have to act, we have to act, that’s why one of our recommendations is around either the capacity fund or capacity network, we have to bring together a multi-stakeholder group that moves quickly to bring capacity and access to especially the Global South.

Ian Bremmer: I mean climate change, we didn’t really have decades, but the reality was you kind of could kick the can for a while and just let other people pay for it, the kids. You don’t have that time on this issue, which is why I don’t think I’m not surprised that everything happened in a year because, I mean, you need light speed to make that work. Carme, you want to come in and then Vilas.

Carme Artigas: Yes, exactly. I think these recommendations are only as good as our capacity to implement them as soon as possible. So as you have mentioned, and no of these recommendations are built on vacuum. We’re building on existing frameworks that already work, like human rights, but also the excellent work that UN agencies are already doing in their own domains. And that they will keep on doing that, and probably they will have much more burden of work around all these topics on AI. But we need additional instruments because there is still a global governance deficit. And because this is so horizontal, it requires so much coordination. So this is why we did not recommend, as the first thing, an international agency. Because that takes a long time, it’s a big institution, and we will see if that comes.

Ian Bremmer: And the governments, they were not ready to approve that. If you’d announced it, it wouldn’t have happened.

Carme Artigas: I don’t know, but we are proposing things that are actionable, and that we believe that in less than 18 months’ time can be ready for work. Because that’s what we need. And I think that governance is far from an innovator, it’s a catalyzer, and it’s an enabler. And I think that’s what we should be focused on.

Ian Bremmer: An agenda setter?

Carme Artigas: Of course. But I think having this conversation, and these conversations, was not the public opinion one year ago. And I think we are starting a conversation now that I hope is followed beyond the Global Digital Compact, and the companies and the governments and all the institutions will support our recommendation.

Ian Bremmer: I mean, this is the sneaky thing about the UN, right? Which is that, you know, you actually put it together, you imagine it, you start actually having conversations that other people aren’t having, and they will, default, become what people are talking about.

Vilas Dhar: Here’s the power in it, Ian. I think you’re exactly right. There is a way to talk about this that is the law of big numbers. That AI is the story of billions of dollars of investment, millions of lines of code. The foundation models that have the most parameters. And you can almost turn it into a math problem. There were a number of experts on the body with me that were computer scientists. I think we probably would all say, I hated doing math homework as a kid. I certainly don’t want to do it now. It’s not the solution. Instead, what I think about is all of these things we are talking about aren’t really about put all the ingredients together, put them in a stew pot and get an answer. It’s think about the fact that almost all of this comes down to the experience of people on the ground. My brothers and sisters, my cousins, my uncles, my aunts in countries across the planet. And what we put forward in the report is a mechanism to think about real intervention that intersects with people where they are. We don’t think about capacity building as finding a few critical enablers and saying let’s invest in compute. Or let’s just make sure there are data sources. Instead, we think about a holistic network that says let’s actually look with communities at what their needs are and think about a mechanism by which we say there is massive resources across the system. There is those contextual pieces of a normative framework. There is that mandate and that integrity. But it doesn’t happen because any entity, the UN or otherwise, says we are now going to come in and build AI for the public good. Happens because we work with communities to say what do you need to build and want to build? The second recommendation in the report that’s relevant is this idea of a global fund. The idea that we actually need capital resources that sit apart from and outside of our political mechanisms that hold instead a moral responsibility to say we need to take the resources necessary for communities to define their digital agency and make sure that they have the economic resources that let them use that money in the way they need to to build what they do. Now, we haven’t defined the specific form of that fund for a very specific reason. This is something that needs to happen through a participatory mechanism. That through the global digital compact and the implementation that comes, we need to take rights, we need to take frameworks, we need to take capital and turn it into something that actually advances progress.

Ian Bremmer: Alondra, as someone who does public policy for a living, what do you take out of this? If you were in charge of global implementation, what would you, how would you think, not about priority. advertising, but how would you think about your agenda? What would you want to make sure that people are taking away from the next steps?

Alondra Nelson: Well, first I would go to process, because that’s what wonks do. But would it be, just to double click on what Vilash said, I mean, part of this process was a lot of consultation with lots of people from civil society, with the impacted communities. So if we really want to steer and shape these good outcomes, we need to figure out how to do that in part by engaging communities. So any implementation, exactly to Vilash’s point, has to include communities that are impacted, that are going to be impacted, need to have a seat at this table in this conversation, whether or not they have PhDs in computer science or can do math. That’s critically important. I think the other piece is that we don’t know enough. So I would also associate myself with Dr. Jian, and that we don’t know the science. I mean, if we think back about the high watermark of the COVID-19 pandemic, and there were lots of preprints and lots of papers, and I think in that context, perhaps it was okay to say, you know, we’re going to figure out the science as we’re, you know, we’re going to build a plane while we’re flying it. We actually don’t know enough about these systems and tools and models. A lot of what we do know, a few people know, a lot of people don’t know. So I think one of the sort of outcomes of the report is really a commitment to implementing a kind of common understanding. And we’re seeing across the, you know, sort of international ecosystem, different ways for doing that. We proposed in the report, creating an international panel for understanding AI, for the science of AI, that would complement work on AI safety, that would complement some of the other sort of multilateral and regional things that are happening. But even these have to be done in a way that is communicating that information to not only nation states, but sees the public as an audience for how these tools work, what they can do, what their limitations are, and how we can use that information to steer them to the good outcomes that I think many of us hope and want, but are not inevitable and are not unique inherently characteristics of the technology.

Ian Bremmer: And I’d like to believe that this panel right now is actually leading by example specifically on that. That’s what we’re trying to do on this stage right now, right? Volker, you wanted to go and then James.

Volker Turk: Just to, because I think it’s a very important discussion, because if you look at the future and what startups want to do these days, they will want to do something for the for the good, common good, public good, whatever you call it. But you need to fill it then with content. That’s where the human rights side comes in, because you want to do something that is of benefit to humanity. And we often hear that actually from those who are involved in this. That’s important. But there is also the risk side and we cannot avoid talking about the risks. And because risks, we can also look at it from like traffic regulations. I mean you’re going to hit another car if you don’t respect the traffic regulations. And it’s a little bit the same when it comes to innovation, to all kinds of creative work.

Ian Bremmer: I want to give James and Dr. Wang a chance to come in and then we’re going to turn to risks. And I’m going to go to you first, by the way, but go ahead James.

James Manyika: I want to just underscore something that Dr. Nelson just described, which is there’s so much more research still to do in this field. I mean I, in my day job, I oversee the research teams that are researching and building these systems. And the field is moving so quickly, the advance is coming so fast. There’s still a lot more that we still need to learn. Some of that is surprising as being incredibly beneficial. We have all these breakthroughs and landmark breakthroughs in science and other places. But some of them are risks that we’re still researching. So I think the research frontier, that’s why one of the key pieces in our recommendation was this idea of a scientific panel that tries to keep it. But it’s got to be one that works very, very differently than what say the IPCC does. It has to be real-time. IPCC does what, a report every seven years? We can’t do that here. So that’s why the ongoing research both to understand the benefits benefits, the potential, as well as the risks, is so fundamentally important. That’s why many of us are involved in a lot of these AI safety institutes and research to really work on the frontier of the risks.

Ian Bremmer: Dr. Wang, you want to come in?

Jian Wang: Yeah, I think that back to this research challenge, I think it’s something to bring up, you know, at this time. Just thinking about every year, we have more than 5 million paper published, probably some number even bigger than 5 million, that’s a lot of paper. And just like climate change, it’s a very, very complex system, and it takes time for people to really understand. And come to the AI, it’s even more complex than the climate change, okay. So I would say that really needs something new and a framework to bring the whole science community together. Again, I want to emphasize that, and with a UN framework, and otherwise, there’s no single science committee can solve this problem.

Ian Bremmer: And is it fair to say in this field that right now, especially when we look at the two countries that are leading the way in AI, U.S. and China, that the scientific community is actually getting further apart?

Jian Wang: And most of the time, I won’t look at this field based on the countries, okay. So if you look at the people who really pioneered this area, they are from Europe, okay, from Canada. So it is not just country by country, and you have to look at how the science community actually works, okay. So for me, actually, the reason that people are thinking about U.S. and China is just because they have good AI infrastructure, helped people do the research, okay. So I think for the UN, we have to make sure they have the global shared AI infrastructure so everybody could contribute, and everybody could contribute. to solve the problem, okay. This is actually how big tech companies should do as well. You know, it’s not just for your company, but it’s really on a shared infrastructure, particular technology infrastructure, I would say.

Ian Bremmer: For the rest of the people, yeah. Oh, okay. Who was first? No, to focus first. So, only because I want to shift towards, again, we can have a very upbeat conversation about where we want to get, but as you said very eloquently, the geopolitical environment right now, the trajectory is not towards more integration, more global cooperation. It’s actually towards more conflict, and the political and economic models that we thought we could kind of take for granted are themselves under siege. So, when you look at the AI initiatives that are now being put together against that geopolitical conflict, that context, where do you see the biggest challenges?

Volker Turk: Well, it is obviously, once the genie is out of the bottle, how do you control the genie? And I think- Once all sorts of actors have that technology. For instance, and this is a phenomenon that is not just in one part of the world. I mean, we get a lot of it. We actually get a lot of requests for advisory services from member states and startup companies all around the world who want to do the right thing. So, they’re asking us, what type of risk models do we use? How do we regulate? How do we get a multi-stakeholder system in place? And it’s incredibly important that we are very fast in making sure that these advisory services can be provided. We have done it with the big tech companies. I mean, I brought you one of the documents that came out of this, which looks at taxonomy of risks from a human rights perspective, which wants to really complement the existing risk frameworks and really say you need to look at obligations. when it impinges on individual freedoms and rights. And that work is incredibly important. It’s not about ethics anymore, it is about obligations that we have towards people.

Ian Bremmer: All right, please.

Carme Artigas: I just wanted to comment on all the discussions about risk. I don’t know if we all remember that we’re talking about machine learning and deep learning, the conversations were about fairness. All of a sudden, when generative AI came to scene, we forgot about the conversation of fairness, we focused the focus on risks, in most of them existential risk or risk for frontier AI models, and sometimes that is preventing us to look at the existing risks that we already have in the present, more on the sides of fundamental rights. And it’s very interesting, and I recommend everybody having access to the document, and an agenda we have included, which is a risk analysis, a risk survey, involving many countries in the world, different stakeholders, and how interesting it is to see the difference on perception of risks of global north, global south, men and women. And we’re talking about risk because we are not informed that we need this scientific panel on the real facts, sometimes we tend to be dramatic or probably overreacting, and we forget to talk about opportunities. And if we see how risk is perceived in the global south is less perceived, people are more concerned about the opportunities they can miss.

Ian Bremmer: But they’re being left out.

Carme Artigas: Absolutely. So let’s talk also about opportunities, let’s have scientific panel inform us, not only on the risk, more transparency from the private companies, of course, but also on the great opportunities. And I can mention the huge acceleration we can expect on achieving the sustainable development goals, and also how can we allow for education and public health and universality. And I think that is the discussion that we still need to have.

Ian Bremmer: So the principle global risk here is that the lack of resources, the lack of urgency, means the digital divide becomes an AI divide, and we end up splitting apart much farther, right? And humanity doesn’t look like humanity very much in that environment. right?

James Manyika: No, it doesn’t. I mean, I was going to interject very, very quickly. If you remember in our work, one of the fascinating observations for me is when we’re talking about the risks, we often talked about misapplication and misuse. Several members in our body said, please add missed uses. If you remember that word, it’s actually in there. Missed opportunities. And that was mostly some of the members in the Global South thinking about the missed opportunities when this technology could actually transform their lives, circumstances. But all of that hinged on this ability, having the capacity to be able to participate. And we spent a lot of time thinking about the enabling infrastructure, the enablers to enable participation that range everything from very basic things that are in the digital compact like broadband connectivity, even electricity, right? In addition to access to models and compute. So I think this question of access and capacity is so fundamental to the inclusivity part of this conversation.

Ian Bremmer: So addressing the missed opportunity isn’t like, oh, we’re paying you because we’re doing something wrong. It’s because you’re actually creating market opportunities. I mean, it should be additive.

Alondra Nelson: Can I jump in here and just have a slight push back a little bit? I mean, I do think, so we did hear quite a lot from people in the global majority that they didn’t want to be left out. But there were also concerns about climate and sustainability, about the mining of critical minerals, about the extraction of labor that has to be done to train data. So I want to be very clear about what we’re hearing on the sort of landscape of inequality when you think about the entire AI stack and not just the sort of deployed tool or system.

Ian Bremmer: It feels like a race, right? I mean, on the one hand, you need these tools to address the challenges, but making the tools is also going to strain the challenges. Yeah? Please.

Vilas Dhar: I mean, we assume that inertia is the problem, right? We assume that inertia is inevitability, that the ways that we develop are the only ways can do it. Today, in this building, we are showing an AI model in a collaboration with Rafik Anadol, who I know is friends with many of us, a model that’s trained on 100 million pieces of data, sourced ethically with community consent from across the planet, trained on a model that uses only renewable power, that goes slow rather than fast, that generates incredible pieces of aesthetic beauty, and can also be used to build a predictive climate model that lets us test interventions. AI doesn’t have to be an attack against our climate sustainability. What we have to change instead is the why behind our reasons for moving so fast, for what the commercial purposes are that are often putting us in conflict against things like political rights, economic rights, climate issues, and more. There are other ways. Risks are not deterministic. We talk about risks so we can come up with better paths to better futures.

Ian Bremmer: Do you buy that? I mean, I’m asking… Thank you.

Alondra Nelson: I do. I do. I mean, I think that we are, you know, we talk quite a lot about a few organizations, but we have other organizations that are creating different models or trying to think about the sustainability issue. And I think we should be, if we’re really serious about advancing on the SDGs, we should need to be really serious about the sustainability issues and about, I think, a growing conversation that says we just need more energy, full stop, and, you know, whatever happens, you know, so be it. And so we, I think particularly in a place, in a conversation at the UN, we’ve got to figure out a way to hold all those things together and put them in balance, even understanding that it’s going to be very hard to do. And I think this is, that’s innovation, right? I mean, I think that we have had other moments where we said, you know, you’ve got to, you’ve mentioned seatbelts, seatbelts in the cars, we put guardrails on the road that allow you to sort of go where you want to go, steer a little bit faster. I mean, there are other kinds of historical moments in which we have had to make choices about how we want to advance things. And I would, you know, I think one of the challenges that we want to offer to the world, particularly to the scientific community, is how do you build these models more sustainably? How do you build data centers that are cooler, that use less water? I mean, it is a, like, it’s a, it is, these are the scientific challenges. engineering challenges of our time. And I think for many scientists, they’re incredibly exciting to think about as puzzles and how do we incentivize that?

Ian Bremmer: So we have only three minutes left. And I wanna use that for our two co-chairs, if you don’t mind. And I wanna ask both of you, take a step back. Is this a historic moment? In 10 years time, do we go back? Is there a COP process for artificial intelligence? Are we thinking differently about global AI? Are we applying our models in ways that are more inclusive, more integrative because of what is being done right now? Do you believe that? I wanna ask both of you, what it means for you. James.

James Manyika: I think this is a very important moment. One of the things that gives me enormous confidence is the fact that we’re still so early in the development of this technology. The fact that we’re having these debates, these discussions, this early in the development of a technology that still is in its early stages gives me a lot of hope. The fact that we’re able to at least agree on fundamental principles that should guide the development of this technology, that gives me enormous hope. The fact that we can actually have a multi-stakeholder conversation about this and come together to think about, so how do we do this? It goes back to what you said, Ian. The fact that we very quickly got to agree on basic principles and that much of the debate and hard work all had to do with how do we do it, that gives me hope. So I’m actually quite optimistic about all of this. I think, but it’s only incumbent on everybody here and all of us in the room to make sure we progress this with humanity’s best interests at the center of what we do with this technology.

Ian Bremmer: Carme, you get a minute.

Carme Artigas: I’m absolutely confident that here, in changing times, we have managed to develop AI for the good of humanity with more inclusiveness, with more opportunity to all, not only relying to the goodwill of organizations and governments, but we have. created really the governance instruments to make it happen and that we would look back to today of today and say, we were proposing the right thing, but most important, the nations were brave enough to adopt them.

Ian Bremmer: So before we close, I want to thank you to the panel, but I know everybody here would be a little remiss if we didn’t ask our friend Amandeep to stand up, our special envoy who made this process work. Tireless, tireless efforts, incredibly balanced decency, moral guidance and integrity and reflects everything that we are hoping for on this panel would not be happening if he wasn’t there. And I just want to thank you for everybody here. Thanks so much for joining us. We’re out of time and we’ll see you soon.

Redi Thlabi: Thank you so much, Ian, for this marvelous moderating of that panel and to your panelists as well. So much love, respect and affection, I see, but we’ve got to move along to the next segment of the program. Thank you all so very much. Thank you. I’ll introduce our next guest once we’ve all settled down to prepare for the next speaker as we wind down to the final segment of our convening this afternoon. I’d like us to settle down so we can give the president his moment and an opportunity to address us as we take the final steps to our event today. Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, again, please help me in starting this joint closing. Help me welcome, a warm welcome, he’s travelled a long way to be here. Western Africa is a long way from here. His Excellency, I’m not going to call him up until we’ve all settled. I think it is appropriate. I think it is appropriate to demonstrate our own commitment, our own respect, and a word that Ian used earlier, decency, in describing Amandeep Singh Gill, UN Secretary General’s envoy on technology. So I’d like us to afford the same warmth and decency to our next speaker. It is a pleasure to welcome on stage his Excellency, the President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi, for his closing comments.

Mokgweetsi Masisi: Mr. Secretary General, Excellencies, I wish to express my profound gratitude to the Secretary General of the United Nations, His Excellency Antonio Guterres, for the invitation to participate in the Action Days session ahead of the summit of the future that is scheduled for 22nd to the 23rd September 2024, particularly on the segment of the digital track. Recommendations go to all the speakers and presenters on the digital future for all for highlighting the significance of digital justice. Digital technology is pivotal in global transformation. The effects of its impact can either be positive or negative, depending on how we harness the opportunities and mitigate challenges. However, the scope of positive impact remains high if we can collectively work towards this end. It is critical to make a link between digital inclusion and digital cooperation to bridge the divide between nation-states and within nation-states. We need to recognize that the digital divide emanates from disparities between the developed and developing countries. Technology has the potential to advance the promotion and acceleration of closing the gap in opportunities between genders and, consequently, can lead to the attainment of gender parity goals. More importantly, digital space has the potential to advance the promotion of human rights, if unimpeded. Furthermore, issues of international peace and security leverage on the use of digital technologies to inform the world of the threats and challenges that need to be addressed. Botswana, therefore, commits to be part of the brigade that flags the criticality of the potential of digitalization and cautions of its threats. Thus, my Administration has prioritized digitalization as one of its priorities within its flagship strategy of the Reset and Reclaim Agenda. I assure you of the Republic of Botswana Government’s commitment to continue to be open and amplify our voice on issues of digitalization. It is also my fervent hope that the global aspirations outlined in the Global Digital Compact would close gaps, create inclusivity, and promote access. by once again extending my sincere appreciation to the Secretary-General and all other key stakeholders for a productive session as we all look towards the summit of the future tomorrow. Thank you.

Redi Thlabi: Thank you very much. And now, for the final segment of our closing, a pleasure to welcome Amdip Singh Jo, UN Secretary-General’s envoy in technology. If you could also join him on stage, please. We heard from you earlier this morning Achim Steiner, Administrator of UNDP. If you can also come with him at the same time, thank you. Thank you. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the ITU. If you could also kindly come on stage, please. I’ll pick on you first, Amandeep, to speak, okay? Thank you.

Amandeep Singh Gill: And thank you to all of you for being here with us at this moment, this very important moment. And I want to thank my partners in this endeavour, Doreen and Achim, and their teams for the incredible work that we’ve been able to do together. I have only three points to share with you as reflection from the day. First, the importance of connection. And as we heard in the video, it’s not about connecting the circuits, it’s about connecting the people. So it’s the connections across people, people from different geographies, different backgrounds, different sectors, different lived experiences. We can only get the digital future right. if we connect people. The other second point that I take away from the day is the importance of not retreating into silos. Everything is connected. We can’t deal with AI without dealing with data. We can’t deal with either without dealing with digital public infrastructure and connectivity and so on. So we need to take a holistic view. And the last point I want to share is the importance of humility. I think we need to listen more than we speak. All of us who are in the policy space need to be very, very humble about what their understanding of technology is, what its implications are. We need to work together. We need to constantly update ourselves and hang out with the right people so that we can bring their insights, their valuable insights, into our policy work and improve the quality of our policy responses. So thank you very much. It’s a very exciting moment. It’s a very sobering moment at the same time. There’s a lot of work ahead. But with you, we can get there. Thank you.

Redi Thlabi: Thank you so much. I think you can speak at the podium or on your microphone. It’s up to you.

Achim Steiner: I’ll just use the microphone. And thank you, I will not use the teleprompter because it’s really just two things that I want to say. One is a really big thank you. You and we and all of us in the UN today had a treat. We listened to presidents, to CEOs, to young entrepreneurs, to artists, to people who, together with science, engineering, technology, are able to walk again, at least, with the help of technology. We’ve had an extraordinary day. And I hope that what you can take away from this SDG Digital Day and also this prospect of AI that to all of us is still somewhat unknown, even though we know it is going to be central to our lives as we think into the future, is this age of possibility. There is so much in the world right now that makes… everyone feel like they live under a cloud and sometimes you lose perspective. I think today I hope you all got a sense of what an extraordinary age we live in and if we make the right choices what an extraordinary age it can be for the next generation and for everyone. In that spirit I want to thank Amandeep, I want to thank Doreen, our staff who’ve actually been working for weeks on all of this and everybody else who supported this day today by turning it into something that I hope the United Nations will always be known for. Even in the darkest days there is hope and it will be done and it will be led by people. Thank you so much.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin: Thank you, thank you Achim and thank you Amandeep and indeed it has been an extraordinary, extraordinary day. Sustainable, inclusive, responsible. Three concepts at the heart of our digital track during the summit of the future action days and I would like to add to that hope because nothing gives me more hope for our shared digital future than all of you. Our brilliant innovators, our partner to connect pledgers, our digital game changers, you showed us technology can be co-created with the people it’s built for involving them directly as decision makers in design. You showed us how to make digital work with the lived realities of people in developing countries and underserved and vulnerable populations. You showed us how emerging tech from augmented reality to AI can help boost our planet’s resilience while supporting climate action. You showed us how digital skill building can lead to decent work and economic prosperity. in the unlikeliest of places against all odds. You showed us what peace tech can do to rescue the SDGs. You even showed us how much it will take, literally, an investment to connect everyone everywhere by 2030 through the Connecting Humanity Action Blueprint mentioned by Saudi Arabia. And you showed us your commitment to do what it takes through new Partner to Connect pledges. And I thank you for those new pledges. Ladies and gentlemen, we are the SDG generation. A digital future full of hope, possibility, and ambition is in our hands. And I want to thank each and every one of you for giving us a glimpse today. You gave us a glimpse of what is possible. We may have come to the end of our first Digital Action Day, our second SDG Digital, but the action certainly does not stop here. It can’t. Because too much is at stake. Fired up by hope, let’s take everything that we’ve learned today, let’s go out there and let us build a more sustainable, inclusive, and responsible digital future for all. And let’s build it together. Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, as we wrap up, and as Akeem already mentioned, I think it’s important to understand this really was a team effort here. And I also want to acknowledge all of the staff, and if I may, can I ask the staff to just stand up? Because this wouldn’t have happened without our amazing teams. I know it’s dark in the room. Thank you.

Redi Thlabi: Thank you very much. Now that’s leadership, because often we say we leave no one behind, but we forget the people who are doing the groundwork, who perhaps don’t have the opportunity to shine on the global stage. So I find that very inspirational indeed. Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, let me thank you, all of you, for being here today. It’s been a long day. I’ve got nothing to add to all the challenging, inspiring messages that we’ve heard today as we journey together towards a digital future for all. For all. Now, the last thing I’m going to tell you is that that online forum or platform where you can make your inputs is going to be up tomorrow after world leaders have adopted the Global Digital Compact. Please speak honestly, share what you know, what you think, what you’ve experienced, and take the learnings from today as you make your input. We look forward to them. Thank you so very much for today. Goodbye.

C

Carme Artigas

Speech speed

172 words per minute

Speech length

963 words

Speech time

335 seconds

Unique UN position to lead global AI governance

Explanation

The UN is uniquely positioned to lead global AI governance due to its mandate, reach, and legitimacy. It can bring all nations and stakeholders to the table, building on its historical success in governing international issues.

Evidence

Examples of UN’s past success in governing climate change and arms control

Major Discussion Point

The importance and role of the Global Digital Compact (GDC)

Agreed with

Omar Al Olama

James Manyika

Tumi Makgabo

Volker Turk

Agreed on

Importance of the Global Digital Compact (GDC)

Balancing innovation and risk mitigation in AI governance

Explanation

AI governance should focus on both opportunities and risks, not just existential risks. There is a need to balance innovation with risk mitigation, considering the different perceptions of risks across global north and south.

Evidence

Risk analysis survey showing differences in risk perception between global north and south

Major Discussion Point

Governance and regulation of AI

Disagreed with

James Manyika

Disagreed on

Focus on risks vs opportunities in AI governance

O

Omar Al Olama

Speech speed

191 words per minute

Speech length

254 words

Speech time

79 seconds

GDC as starting point for future action on AI

Explanation

The Global Digital Compact is seen as a great starting point for future action on AI. It provides a framework for cooperation and action on AI governance.

Evidence

UAE’s commitment to be part of the roadmap put forward by the UN

Major Discussion Point

The importance and role of the Global Digital Compact (GDC)

Agreed with

Carme Artigas

James Manyika

Tumi Makgabo

Volker Turk

Agreed on

Importance of the Global Digital Compact (GDC)

J

James Manyika

Speech speed

181 words per minute

Speech length

1479 words

Speech time

489 seconds

Need for multi-stakeholder approach in AI governance

Explanation

AI governance requires a multi-stakeholder approach due to the diverse nature of opportunities, risks, and inclusivity challenges. This approach involves companies, researchers, NGOs, governments, and civil society.

Evidence

Composition of the UN advisory body representing diverse stakeholders

Major Discussion Point

The importance and role of the Global Digital Compact (GDC)

Agreed with

Carme Artigas

Omar Al Olama

Tumi Makgabo

Volker Turk

Agreed on

Importance of the Global Digital Compact (GDC)

Need to bridge digital divide to prevent AI divide

Explanation

There is an urgent need to bridge the digital divide to prevent it from becoming an AI divide. This requires providing access to AI technology and building capacity, especially in the Global South.

Evidence

Recommendation for a capacity fund or network to bring AI access to the Global South

Major Discussion Point

Opportunities and challenges of AI for development

Agreed with

Tumi Makgabo

Sundar Pichai

Agreed on

Addressing the digital divide to prevent an AI divide

Role of private sector in responsible AI development

Explanation

The private sector has a significant responsibility in AI development, including conducting fundamental research, developing technology responsibly, and engaging with governments and other stakeholders. They also have a duty to be transparent and build public trust.

Evidence

Examples of private sector research labs leading AI development

Major Discussion Point

Governance and regulation of AI

Need for real-time scientific panel on AI developments

Explanation

There is a need for a scientific panel that can provide real-time insights on AI developments, both in terms of benefits and risks. This panel should work differently from existing models like the IPCC, given the rapid pace of AI advancements.

Evidence

Comparison with IPCC’s seven-year reporting cycle, which is too slow for AI

Major Discussion Point

Governance and regulation of AI

Addressing both risks and missed opportunities of AI

Explanation

AI governance should address not only the risks but also the missed opportunities, especially for the Global South. There is a need to focus on enabling infrastructure and capacity building to ensure inclusive participation in AI development and benefits.

Evidence

Inclusion of ‘missed uses’ in the advisory body’s risk discussions

Major Discussion Point

Ensuring AI benefits humanity

Agreed with

Sundar Pichai

Felix Mutati

Agreed on

AI’s potential to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goals

Disagreed with

Carme Artigas

Disagreed on

Focus on risks vs opportunities in AI governance

T

Tumi Makgabo

Speech speed

166 words per minute

Speech length

2102 words

Speech time

757 seconds

GDC addresses digital divides and inclusive governance

Explanation

The Global Digital Compact aims to address existing digital divides and promote more inclusive digital governance. It recognizes the need for a more equitable digital future.

Major Discussion Point

The importance and role of the Global Digital Compact (GDC)

Agreed with

James Manyika

Sundar Pichai

Agreed on

Addressing the digital divide to prevent an AI divide

V

Volker Turk

Speech speed

162 words per minute

Speech length

854 words

Speech time

315 seconds

GDC builds on existing human rights frameworks

Explanation

The Global Digital Compact builds on existing human rights frameworks, which provide a universal and dynamic foundation for addressing AI governance. This approach ensures that human rights considerations are central to AI development and deployment.

Evidence

Reference to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its continued relevance

Major Discussion Point

The importance and role of the Global Digital Compact (GDC)

Agreed with

Carme Artigas

Omar Al Olama

James Manyika

Tumi Makgabo

Agreed on

Importance of the Global Digital Compact (GDC)

Focusing on AI use cases that benefit humanity

Explanation

There is a need to focus on AI use cases that benefit humanity and contribute to the common good. This involves filling the concept of ‘public good’ with content that aligns with human rights principles.

Evidence

Mention of startups focusing on projects for the common good

Major Discussion Point

Ensuring AI benefits humanity

S

Sundar Pichai

Speech speed

136 words per minute

Speech length

1405 words

Speech time

618 seconds

AI can accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goals

Explanation

AI has the potential to accelerate progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It can be applied to benefit humanity in various areas such as health, education, and climate action.

Evidence

Examples of AI applications in language translation, scientific discovery, and disaster prediction

Major Discussion Point

Opportunities and challenges of AI for development

Agreed with

James Manyika

Felix Mutati

Agreed on

AI’s potential to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goals

AI enables economic progress and entrepreneurship

Explanation

AI is enabling economic progress and entrepreneurship, especially in emerging markets. It can boost productivity across sectors and create new opportunities for businesses.

Evidence

Example of Gary Logistics in Ethiopia using AI to improve operations and create job opportunities

Major Discussion Point

Opportunities and challenges of AI for development

Agreed with

James Manyika

Tumi Makgabo

Agreed on

Addressing the digital divide to prevent an AI divide

J

Josephine Teo

Speech speed

141 words per minute

Speech length

795 words

Speech time

338 seconds

Importance of building AI capacity in developing countries

Explanation

There is a need to build AI capacity in developing countries to ensure they can participate in and benefit from AI advancements. This involves working with employers, providing individual learning support, and building training infrastructure.

Evidence

Singapore’s approach to enabling workers to acquire relevant skills for the future

Major Discussion Point

Opportunities and challenges of AI for development

F

Felix Mutati

Speech speed

98 words per minute

Speech length

411 words

Speech time

251 seconds

Potential of AI to transform lives in rural areas

Explanation

AI and digital technologies have the potential to transform lives in rural areas by providing access to information and services. This can lead to improved farming methods and economic opportunities.

Evidence

Example of a young farmer in rural Zambia using a mobile phone and internet to access weather forecasts and market prices

Major Discussion Point

Opportunities and challenges of AI for development

Agreed with

Sundar Pichai

James Manyika

Agreed on

AI’s potential to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goals

M

Margrethe Vestager

Speech speed

137 words per minute

Speech length

792 words

Speech time

345 seconds

Need for global cooperation on AI governance

Explanation

There is a need for global cooperation on AI governance to address challenges that individual countries cannot solve alone. The Global Digital Compact provides a framework for such cooperation.

Major Discussion Point

Governance and regulation of AI

Importance of enforceable AI regulation

Explanation

Enforceable AI regulation is crucial to create a systemic response to the challenges posed by AI. This includes legislation to keep markets open, ensure digital services are safe, and protect privacy.

Evidence

Examples of EU legislation like the Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act

Major Discussion Point

Governance and regulation of AI

A

Alondra Nelson

Speech speed

207 words per minute

Speech length

1177 words

Speech time

340 seconds

Centering human rights in AI development

Explanation

Human rights should be at the center of AI development and governance. This involves anchoring AI governance in fundamental human rights principles and international law.

Major Discussion Point

Ensuring AI benefits humanity

Need for sustainable and ethical AI development practices

Explanation

There is a need for more sustainable and ethical AI development practices. This includes addressing issues of climate sustainability, labor practices in data training, and the extraction of critical minerals.

Evidence

Mention of concerns about climate impact, labor exploitation, and resource extraction in AI development

Major Discussion Point

Ensuring AI benefits humanity

V

Vilas Dhar

Speech speed

217 words per minute

Speech length

859 words

Speech time

236 seconds

Importance of community engagement in AI development

Explanation

Community engagement is crucial in AI development to ensure that AI solutions meet the needs of the people they are intended to serve. This involves working with communities to understand their needs and involving them in decision-making processes.

Evidence

Proposal for a global fund to support community-defined digital agency

Major Discussion Point

Ensuring AI benefits humanity

Agreements

Agreement Points

Importance of the Global Digital Compact (GDC)

Carme Artigas

Omar Al Olama

James Manyika

Tumi Makgabo

Volker Turk

Unique UN position to lead global AI governance

GDC as starting point for future action on AI

Need for multi-stakeholder approach in AI governance

GDC addresses digital divides and inclusive governance

GDC builds on existing human rights frameworks

Speakers agreed on the critical role of the Global Digital Compact in addressing AI governance, digital divides, and promoting inclusive development while building on existing frameworks.

Addressing the digital divide to prevent an AI divide

James Manyika

Tumi Makgabo

Sundar Pichai

Need to bridge digital divide to prevent AI divide

GDC addresses digital divides and inclusive governance

AI enables economic progress and entrepreneurship

Speakers emphasized the importance of bridging the digital divide to ensure equitable access to AI technologies and prevent further inequalities.

AI’s potential to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goals

Sundar Pichai

James Manyika

Felix Mutati

AI can accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goals

Addressing both risks and missed opportunities of AI

Potential of AI to transform lives in rural areas

Speakers highlighted AI’s potential to contribute to sustainable development and improve lives, particularly in developing regions.

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers emphasized the need for a balanced approach to AI governance that promotes innovation while mitigating risks through enforceable regulations.

Carme Artigas

Margrethe Vestager

Balancing innovation and risk mitigation in AI governance

Importance of enforceable AI regulation

Both speakers stressed the importance of grounding AI governance and development in existing human rights frameworks.

Volker Turk

Alondra Nelson

GDC builds on existing human rights frameworks

Centering human rights in AI development

Unexpected Consensus

Multi-stakeholder approach to AI governance

Carme Artigas

James Manyika

Vilas Dhar

Unique UN position to lead global AI governance

Need for multi-stakeholder approach in AI governance

Importance of community engagement in AI development

Despite representing different sectors (government, private sector, and civil society), these speakers unexpectedly agreed on the necessity of a multi-stakeholder approach to AI governance, emphasizing the importance of inclusive participation from various sectors and communities.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of agreement included the importance of the Global Digital Compact, the need to address digital divides, AI’s potential for sustainable development, the necessity of human rights-based approaches, and the importance of multi-stakeholder governance.

Consensus level

There was a high level of consensus among speakers on fundamental principles and goals for AI governance. This consensus suggests a strong foundation for global cooperation on AI development and regulation, which could facilitate more rapid progress in implementing the Global Digital Compact and related initiatives. However, the specific mechanisms for implementation and balancing various interests may still require further negotiation and refinement.

Disagreements

Disagreement Points

Focus on risks vs opportunities in AI governance

Carme Artigas

James Manyika

Balancing innovation and risk mitigation in AI governance

Addressing both risks and missed opportunities of AI

While both speakers acknowledge the need to address risks, Carme Artigas emphasizes the importance of not overlooking opportunities, especially for the global south, while James Manyika stresses the need to address both risks and missed opportunities equally.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of disagreement revolve around the balance between focusing on risks versus opportunities in AI governance, and the specific approaches to ensuring sustainable and ethical AI development.

Disagreement level

The level of disagreement among the speakers is relatively low. Most speakers agree on the fundamental principles and goals of AI governance, with differences mainly in emphasis and specific implementation strategies. This suggests a generally unified vision for the Global Digital Compact, which bodes well for its potential implementation and effectiveness.

Partial Agreements

Partial Agreements

Both speakers agree on the need for ongoing research and monitoring of AI developments, but James Manyika focuses on the speed and real-time nature of the panel, while Alondra Nelson emphasizes the importance of sustainability and ethical considerations in AI development.

James Manyika

Alondra Nelson

Need for real-time scientific panel on AI developments

Need for sustainable and ethical AI development practices

Both speakers recognize the potential of AI for development, but while Sundar Pichai focuses on the positive impacts, Alondra Nelson emphasizes the need to address sustainability and ethical concerns in AI development.

Sundar Pichai

Alondra Nelson

AI can accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goals

Need for sustainable and ethical AI development practices

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers emphasized the need for a balanced approach to AI governance that promotes innovation while mitigating risks through enforceable regulations.

Carme Artigas

Margrethe Vestager

Balancing innovation and risk mitigation in AI governance

Importance of enforceable AI regulation

Both speakers stressed the importance of grounding AI governance and development in existing human rights frameworks.

Volker Turk

Alondra Nelson

GDC builds on existing human rights frameworks

Centering human rights in AI development

Takeaways

Key Takeaways

The Global Digital Compact (GDC) is seen as a crucial starting point for global AI governance and cooperation

AI has significant potential to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goals and enable economic development

There is a need for inclusive, multi-stakeholder governance of AI that involves developing countries

Balancing innovation with risk mitigation is key in AI governance and regulation

Centering human rights and community engagement in AI development is essential

Building AI capacity and infrastructure in developing countries is critical to prevent an AI divide

Resolutions and Action Items

Launch of a Global AI Opportunity Fund by Google to invest $120 million in AI education and training globally

Proposal to establish a global fund on AI for sustainable development

Recommendation to create an international scientific panel on AI

Plan to make an online platform available for public input on the Global Digital Compact after its adoption

Unresolved Issues

Specific mechanisms for enforcing AI governance globally

Details on implementation of the proposed global fund on AI

How to effectively balance AI development with sustainability and climate concerns

Concrete steps to ensure AI benefits reach marginalized communities

Suggested Compromises

Using existing UN frameworks and agencies to implement AI governance rather than creating new institutions immediately

Focusing on both risks and opportunities of AI to address concerns of developed and developing nations

Balancing regulation with market incentives to encourage ethical AI development by companies

Thought Provoking Comments

We too often equate governance with control. And it’s part of a conversation that’s much bigger. I think we have followed a narrative that technology companies innovate and governments regulate and somehow in that the rest of us go along. But that’s not the point of governance, right? Governance is to set a shared vision for humanity, is to think about all of the resources we can bring to bear to make shared decisions that put agency with communities, that allow voices to participate and to come forward.

Speaker

Vilas Dhar

Reason

This comment reframes the concept of governance in a more inclusive and participatory way, challenging the typical narrative of top-down control.

Impact

It shifted the conversation towards considering governance as a collaborative process involving multiple stakeholders, not just governments and tech companies. This perspective was echoed by other panelists throughout the discussion.

We don’t think about capacity building as finding a few critical enablers and saying let’s invest in compute. Or let’s just make sure there are data sources. Instead, we think about a holistic network that says let’s actually look with communities at what their needs are and think about a mechanism by which we say there is massive resources across the system.

Speaker

Vilas Dhar

Reason

This comment provides a nuanced view of capacity building, emphasizing the importance of community needs and holistic approaches.

Impact

It deepened the discussion on implementation strategies, moving beyond technical solutions to consider social and community contexts.

We need to recognize that the digital divide emanates from disparities between the developed and developing countries. Technology has the potential to advance the promotion and acceleration of closing the gap in opportunities between genders and, consequently, can lead to the attainment of gender parity goals.

Speaker

Mokgweetsi Masisi

Reason

This comment highlights the interconnection between digital divides, global inequality, and gender disparities.

Impact

It broadened the scope of the discussion to include considerations of global equity and gender equality in digital development.

We don’t know enough. So I would also associate myself with Dr. Jian, and that we don’t know the science. I mean, if we think back about the high watermark of the COVID-19 pandemic, and there were lots of preprints and lots of papers, and I think in that context, perhaps it was okay to say, you know, we’re going to figure out the science as we’re, you know, we’re going to build a plane while we’re flying it. We actually don’t know enough about these systems and tools and models.

Speaker

Alondra Nelson

Reason

This comment acknowledges the limitations of current knowledge about AI systems and draws a parallel to the rapid scientific developments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact

It introduced a note of caution and humility into the discussion, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and scientific understanding alongside policy development.

Connect the schools. Connect the young people. Connect my children.

Speaker

Nnenna Nwakanma

Reason

This simple yet powerful statement cuts through complex policy discussions to highlight a fundamental priority.

Impact

It refocused the conversation on the practical, human-centered outcomes of digital development, particularly for young people and education.

Overall Assessment

These key comments shaped the discussion by broadening its scope beyond technical and policy considerations to include community needs, global equity, scientific understanding, and practical human outcomes. They challenged conventional narratives about governance and implementation, emphasizing the importance of inclusive, participatory approaches and acknowledging the complexities and unknowns in the field of AI. The discussion evolved from high-level policy talk to considering concrete actions and their impacts on diverse communities, particularly in the Global South.

Follow-up Questions

How can we ensure AI benefits are distributed equitably and the digital divide does not become an AI divide?

Speaker

James Manyika

Explanation

This is critical to ensure AI does not exacerbate existing inequalities between developed and developing countries.

How can we build AI models and data centers more sustainably to address climate and environmental concerns?

Speaker

Alondra Nelson

Explanation

This is important to ensure AI development does not conflict with climate goals and sustainability efforts.

How can we create a real-time scientific panel to study and report on AI developments and impacts?

Speaker

James Manyika

Explanation

A rapid, ongoing research effort is needed to keep up with the fast pace of AI advancement and inform governance efforts.

How can we implement capacity building and create a global fund to support AI development in the Global South?

Speaker

James Manyika and Vilas Dhar

Explanation

This is crucial to enable developing countries to participate in and benefit from AI advancements.

How can we better involve impacted communities in shaping AI governance and development?

Speaker

Alondra Nelson

Explanation

Ensuring diverse voices are included is essential for creating AI systems that work for all of humanity.

How can we create a shared global AI infrastructure to enable more inclusive research and development?

Speaker

Jian Wang

Explanation

This could help democratize AI development and reduce concentration of power in a few countries or companies.

How can we balance discussions of AI risks with equal focus on opportunities, especially for the Global South?

Speaker

Carme Artigas

Explanation

A balanced approach is needed to fully realize AI’s potential while mitigating risks.

Disclaimer: This is not an official record of the session. The DiploAI system automatically generates these resources from the audiovisual recording. Resources are presented in their original format, as provided by the AI (e.g. including any spelling mistakes). The accuracy of these resources cannot be guaranteed.

The Power of the Commons: Digital Public Goods for a More Secure, Inclusive and Resilient World

The Power of the Commons: Digital Public Goods for a More Secure, Inclusive and Resilient World

Session at a Glance

Summary

This event focused on the power of digital commons and digital public goods (DPGs) in creating a more secure, inclusive, and resilient world. Speakers from governments, international organizations, academia, and civil society discussed the transformative potential of DPGs and digital public infrastructure (DPI) in fostering sustainable development and advancing human rights globally.

Key themes included the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, the need to close digital divides, and the critical role of community-led initiatives in developing DPGs. Speakers highlighted successful examples like Wikipedia and emphasized how DPGs can democratize access to knowledge and technology. The discussion underscored the importance of embedding human rights and democratic values in the design of digital systems.

Participants stressed the need for robust governance frameworks and universal safeguards to ensure DPGs and DPIs respect privacy, promote inclusion, and protect against misuse. The role of governments in providing legal frameworks and supporting connectivity was discussed, alongside the importance of civil society participation in shaping digital governance.

Academia was highlighted as a key contributor to digital commons through knowledge creation, incubation of projects, and research on societal impacts. Speakers called for increased investment in digital skills and emphasized trust and safety as crucial for the continued development and use of DPGs.

The event concluded with calls to action for building a global ecosystem around DPGs, integrating them into various policy fields, and fostering international cooperation to leverage their potential in addressing global challenges and achieving sustainable development goals.

Keypoints

Major discussion points:

– The importance of digital public goods (DPGs) and digital public infrastructure (DPI) for inclusive development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

– The need for multi-stakeholder collaboration and community-led approaches in developing and governing DPGs

– The role of governments in supporting DPGs through policy frameworks, funding, and infrastructure

– The critical importance of embedding human rights and democratic values in the design of digital systems and DPGs

– The potential of DPGs to democratize access to knowledge and empower marginalized communities

Overall purpose:

The discussion aimed to highlight the transformative potential of digital public goods and digital public infrastructure in fostering sustainable, inclusive development worldwide. It sought to encourage multi-stakeholder partnerships to promote and protect DPGs that are truly universal and reflect diverse voices.

Tone:

The overall tone was optimistic and forward-looking, with speakers expressing enthusiasm about the potential of DPGs while also acknowledging challenges. There was a sense of urgency about the need to act now to shape the digital future in line with democratic values and human rights. The tone remained consistent throughout, emphasizing collaboration and shared responsibility among different stakeholders.

Speakers

Moderators/Facilitators:

– Costanza Sciubba Caniglia (Anti-Disinformation Strategy Lead at Wikimedia Foundation)

– Nicole Manger (Lead Global AI Governance and Digital Cooperation at Federal Foreign Office of Germany)

Speakers:

– Amandeep Gill (UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology)

– Krzysztof Szczerski (Ambassador of Poland)

– Alicia Buenrostro Massieu (Deputy Permanent Representative of Mexico to the UN)

– Rebecca MacKinnon (Vice President Global Advocacy at Wikimedia Foundation)

– Ivan Sigal (Executive Director of Global Voices)

– Fabro Steibel (ITS Rio)

– Eileen Donahoe (Coordinator for Digital Freedom, US Department of State)

– Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi (Director General of NITDA Nigeria)

– Marianne Díaz Hernández (YID Campaigner at Access Now)

– Jimmy Wales (Co-founder of Wikipedia)

– Urs Gasser (Professor at Technical University of Munich)

– Emran Mian (Director General for Digital and Telecoms, UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

– Anna Christmann (Member of German Parliament, member of UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Body on AI)

Areas of expertise among speakers include digital governance, technology policy, digital rights, civil society engagement, digital public goods, artificial intelligence, and international relations.

Full session report

Digital Public Goods: Building a More Secure, Inclusive, and Resilient World

This high-level discussion brought together experts from governments, international organizations, academia, and civil society to explore the transformative potential of digital public goods (DPGs) and digital public infrastructure (DPI) in fostering sustainable development and advancing human rights globally.

Event Structure and Overview

Costanza Sciubba Caniglia opened the event, outlining its structure: opening remarks, success stories, and a panel discussion. The event aimed to highlight the importance of DPGs and DPI in promoting inclusive digital transformation and sustainable development.

Key Themes and Discussions

1. The Importance of Digital Public Goods and Infrastructure

Speakers unanimously agreed on the critical role of DPGs and DPI in promoting inclusive, sustainable digital transformation. Amandeep Gill, UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology, set the tone by emphasising that “well-governed commons are the foundations of human civilization. Digital is no exception, and today more than ever digital commons are vital to our interconnected world.”

Fabro Steibel provided a thought-provoking perspective, noting that “DPIs emerge earlier and faster in the Global South than in the Global North. This is what research shows and most likely this is because out of necessity. In the Global South, we need better technologies to spread and equalise wealth and power.” This insight challenged common assumptions about technological innovation and highlighted the unique contributions of the Global South in developing digital public infrastructure.

Alicia Buenrostro Massieu, Deputy Permanent Representative of Mexico to the UN, stressed the importance of DPGs and DPI in closing the digital divide, while Eileen Donahoe, Coordinator for Digital Freedom at the US Department of State, emphasised the need for universal safeguards to protect human rights in the development and implementation of these technologies.

2. Multi-stakeholder Collaboration and Community-led Approaches

The discussion highlighted the crucial role of multi-stakeholder collaboration in developing and governing DPGs. Speakers agreed that involving diverse stakeholders, including civil society, academia, and community members, is essential for creating truly inclusive and effective digital public goods.

Marianne Díaz Hernández of Access Now emphasised the role of civil society in ensuring DPGs remain transparent, inclusive, and responsive to societal needs. Urs Gasser, Professor at Technical University of Munich, highlighted academia’s multifaceted contribution: “Academia can not only contribute in these different forms substantively to the formation of digital commons and digital public goods. It can also study and assess what we can learn about digital commons as we go forward, about the societal impact about the relevance, we can assess whether we pass the Wikipedia test when new policies are rolled out.”

Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia, stressed the importance of community-driven governance, using Wikipedia as a prime example of a successful DPG. He suggested that when considering digital policies, one should ask, “If you’re about to pass some rule, think about, is this going to wreck Wikipedia? And if it is, it might not be a great rule.”

3. The Role of Governments and Policy Frameworks

While there was broad agreement on the importance of government support for DPGs, there were nuanced differences in how speakers viewed the government’s role. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of NITDA Nigeria, emphasised the need for governments to provide legal frameworks and connectivity for DPGs.

Emran Mian, Director General for Digital and Telecoms at the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, focused on the importance of digital skills and trust and safety in the context of enjoying and creating DPGs. Anna Christmann, member of the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Body on AI, called for bringing DPG discussions to other policy areas like climate change and COP negotiations.

4. Human Rights and Democratic Values in Digital Systems

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the critical importance of embedding human rights and democratic values in the design of digital systems and DPGs. Marianne Díaz Hernández provided a thought-provoking comment on this issue: “When we focus on development above human rights, instead of understanding development as a tool to achieve human rights, we risk creating systems that have not been designed with human rights as a principle, but as an afterthought.”

Eileen Donahoe echoed this sentiment, advocating for universal safeguards to protect human rights in DPGs and DPI. This emphasis on human rights highlighted a key challenge: balancing rapid development of DPGs with ensuring robust protections for individual rights and freedoms.

5. Success Stories and Practical Applications

Ivan Sigal from Global Voices shared insights on the importance of multilingualism in DPGs, highlighting their work in creating tools for underrepresented languages. Fabro Steibel discussed successful DPI implementations in Brazil, emphasizing the role of open-source solutions in government services.

6. Global Digital Compact and Future Initiatives

Amandeep Gill highlighted the Global Digital Compact as a new foundation for international action on DPGs and DPI. He emphasized its role in addressing key digital issues and promoting cooperation. Gill also mentioned the upcoming OSPOS for Good Conference, focusing on open-source technologies for public good.

Anna Christmann called for new hands-on initiatives to co-design frontier open data and AI solutions as DPGs. The discussion also touched on the relevance of the upcoming Summit of the Future in shaping the global digital landscape.

7. Challenges and Future Directions

The discussion identified several challenges and areas for future focus in the development of DPGs:

– Balancing development goals with protecting human rights

– Establishing sustainable funding mechanisms for DPGs and open-source projects

– Improving data and AI literacy to enable wider participation in DPG development

– Addressing potential risks and misuse of DPGs and open data

– Ensuring multilingualism and local context in global DPGs

– Developing governance models that balance community-driven approaches with government support

– Integrating DPGs into broader policy discussions on climate change, education, and healthcare

Conclusion

The discussion underscored the transformative potential of digital public goods and digital public infrastructure in fostering sustainable, inclusive development worldwide. It emphasised the need for multi-stakeholder partnerships to promote and protect DPGs that are truly universal and reflect diverse voices. The overall tone was optimistic and forward-looking, with speakers expressing enthusiasm about the potential of DPGs while also acknowledging the challenges ahead.

As the world continues to grapple with digital transformation, the insights from this discussion provide a valuable framework for leveraging DPGs to create a more secure, inclusive, and resilient global digital ecosystem. The emphasis on human rights, community-driven approaches, and multi-stakeholder collaboration offers a path forward in harnessing the power of digital commons for the benefit of all.

Session Transcript

Costanza Sciubba Caniglia: Hello, good morning, welcome, Excellencies, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you so much for joining us today for our event, The Power of the Commons, Digital Public Goods for a More Secure, Inclusive, and Resilient World. My name is Costanza Sciubba Caniglia, I am the Anti-Disinformation Strategy Lead at the Wikimedia Foundation, and I am honored today to co-moderate this event with my colleague, Nicole Mangier, Lead Global AI Governance and Digital Cooperation at the Federal Foreign Office of Germany. Before we start, I wanted to thank our co-organizers, the Office of the Tech Envoy, the Permanent Mission of Poland and Mexico, the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, TUM, the Network of Centers, and multiple Wikimedia affiliates, Wikimedia EU, Wikimedia Poland, Wikimedia Czech, and Wikimedia Deutschland. I’m going to leave the floor to Nicole in a moment, but just wanted to articulate the event is going to be divided in four parts. We’re going to have opening remarks, and then we’re going to have a section on success stories that will serve to ground the panel that will come afterwards, with a couple of examples of grassroots digital public good examples. And then we’re going to have a panel of experts, and then we’ll close with a couple of closing remarks. And with this, Nicole, to you.

Nicole Manger: Thank you so much, Amandeep. Thank you so much, Amandeep. So thanks a lot, Costanza. And I also very warmly welcome you to our side event, The Power of the Commons, the role of digital public goods for a more secure, inclusive, and resilient world. So this event, as Costanza said, is co-hosted by the Wikimedia Foundation and its affiliates by the governments of Mexico and Poland, and then by the UN Secretary General’s Envoy on Technology. So I want to step a little back. ask the question, like, why are we meeting here on this topic today? So, I guess we are all expecting to be, to see the pact for the future and especially the global digital compact to be adopted successfully tomorrow and adopted. Yeah, and so it’s going to be the first Compass truly global approach to an open, free, secure, and human-centered digital future for all and everywhere. And so for us today, we wanted to highlight especially the transformative potential of digital public goods for the values of the GDC, such as enabling access, inclusive access to digital technologies, and also enabling civil society to have a voice in how technology is designed and governed. Also to pool scarce resources like data and infrastructure to really increase resilience and sustainability and have a digital transformation that is also sustainable. So without further ado, I would like to introduce our esteemed speakers, opening speakers, and I first pass it on to His Excellency Under-Secretary-General Amandeep Gill, Secretary General’s Envoy on Technology.

Amandeep Gill: Thank you very much, Nicole, and I’d like to begin by welcoming all of you to the pre-summit of the Future Action Day. Thank you for being here at UN Headquarters with us. It means a lot. It means a lot to the Secretary General, to all of us. I want to also thank Mexico, Poland, and Wikimedia for organizing this event, this very important event, and I want to thank Germany for their consistent support to this constellation of important ideas. Ladies and gentlemen, well-governed commons are the foundations of human civilization. Digital is no exception, and today more than ever digital commons are vital to our interconnected world. When we speak about digital commons, we mean resources that are collectively owned and managed by a community and freely accessible to all members of our society, and on the technology front, open digital resources are key to the equitable advancement of digital digital technologies, particularly emerging technologies like AI. Nicole mentioned the Global Digital Compact. So after nearly two years of consultation and negotiations, the negotiations have concluded and there’s a text on the table as part of the pact for the future for a decision tomorrow. This document, the Global Digital Compact, embeds an international commitment to global digital commons through digital public goods and digital public infrastructure. So it is a new foundation for more meaningful, more impactful action in this area. This is very significant. The GDC can play a crucial role in democratizing access to knowledge and technological resources, ensuring that everyone everywhere, regardless of their socioeconomic status, has the opportunity to participate in benefit from the digital economy. This inclusivity is crucial for reducing inequalities and promoting social equity, aligning with the goal of leaving no one behind. Further, the collaborative nature of digital commons, including digital public goods and digital public infrastructure, fosters innovation and creativity. By enabling the free exchange of ideas and resources, by bringing data sets together, by bringing talent, coding talent in particular, together, digital commons help accelerate technological advancements and the development of new solutions to global challenges. At the same time, because you have many more eyes on the code, many more eyes on the data, you prevent misuse. You build a set of safeguards, a set of checks and balances that ensure that our digital commons work for everyone. This open and responsible innovation ecosystem can support economic growth, the creation of jobs, enhancement of productivity, contributing to overall economic prosperity and social well-being. At the UN, we know that the open nature of open source software, platforms, data, AI models are a key enabler of the Sustainable Development Goals. By leveraging the potential of Digital Commons, we believe we can accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda. As part of the Secretary General’s commitment to Digital Commons, my office, together with many partners, some of which are in the room today, organizes the yearly OSPOS for Good Conference. In July, we hosted this together with Germany and Kenya, the second edition of this conference. Through two days at the UN, over 600 participants from around the world gathered in New York with active engagement, high-quality discussions, and a collaborative spirit characteristic of the open-source community. I’d like to finish these remarks by inviting you all to join us in collaborating on the future of this conference in follow-up to the Global Digital Compact. In this spirit, I wish you an invigorating exchange today. Thank you.

Nicole Manger: Thank you so much, Under-Secretary General Gill. I pass on the word to His Excellency, Ambassador of Poland Krzysztof Szczerski. I am so sorry, possibly, for mispronouncing the name, but I hope I got it over to you.

Krzysztof Szczerski: Thank you very much, Excellencies, Mr. Special Envoy, ladies and gentlemen, I’m so excited to be here, being one of the, not only the daily reader of the Wikipedia, but also having my own profile on it. It’s good to be in the system, somehow. Okay, it’s my honor to be with you today, as we heard, in the dawn of the summit of the future, which we are all very excited about. First and foremost, let me congratulate the Wikimedia Foundation for gathering us and for working tirelessly to ensure the success of today’s discussions. Poland is, of course, happy to be the co-sponsor of this event. As a gentleman, digital cooperation is going to be heavily featured during the Summit of the Future and the entire High-Level Week. We expect, as we already heard, that already tomorrow the heads of states and governments will adopt the foundation for the global digital cooperation, the document which is named, as we heard, Global Digital Compact. This will mark the new era of recognition that we need to act swiftly, decisively and collectively to utilize and govern the ever-expanding digital sphere. I am more than happy to see involvement of many stakeholders from outside the governments like the lead organizer of this event, Wikimedia, in our discussions. It’s only with their active participation on equal footing that we can fully tap the potential of digital public goods and digital public infrastructure for realization of the Sustainable Development Goals. Colleagues, one of the aims of this meeting is to highlight the potential of digital commons, the role of which is inavailable in providing individuals and communities with free and easy access to information. And I just want to underline the word information because I think we get too much of the free and easy access to disinformation. And it’s crucially important since this device becomes now the best friend of many of ours. So therefore it’s very important to really guarantee that it’s free, easy, but also reliable. Therefore I would like to share with you just a couple of cases of how public open data is used by citizens in my country, Poland, to build interest in digital tools, to participate in public life, and to monitor the activity of public authorities. Take for example the portal dane.gov.pl. This is a universal access point to open data in Poland and has been enthusiastically embraced by various stakeholders. It’s a governmental portal, but open for everybody. Presidents interested in monitoring state activities use it as a tool for holding the government accountable. Companies leverage data to build innovative products and services. Another set of examples includes the fact-checking platforms run by civil society. There are various of them. Their adaptability to most recent events, such as fact-checking related to the upcoming elections, is one of their strengths. Our goal, however, in all these efforts, is not to simply implement open data policy, but to do more to construct a comprehensive, robust, citizen-friendly system that is fueled by the valuable data. And we have been recognized for our efforts by the major European and global open data rankings. Ladies and gentlemen, in conclusion, I am looking forward to learning about the concrete examples of how digital public goods and digital public infrastructure can contribute to a safe, resilient, and open digital world, which we strive to build in order to leave no one behind. And I wish you all the very enriching and exciting discussions, and I thank you. Thank you.

Nicole Manger: And next, I would pass on the word to Her Excellency Alicia Buenrostro Massieu, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Mexican United States to the United Nations in New York. The floor is yours.

Alicia Buenrostro Massieu: Thank you very much, and it’s also a pleasure to be here with all of you. In particular, it’s very good to share the floor with such a panel. And having the creator of Wikipedia, as my colleague from Poland has just mentioned, it’s just a real honor, and with them, a big deal as well. And for Mexico, a country that really has put a lot into the global digital compact. So it’s an honor, really, to be here today representing my country, Mexico. The Pact for the Future, and more specifically… the Global Digital Compact represents certainly an opportunity to consolidate a global digital governance framework that fosters inclusion, equity, and sustainability, as well as to emphasize the political relevance of this framework in the multilateral sphere. It’s the first time that we are working on this type of issue from a real compact, and that is a step forward and as the Ambassador of Poland has just mentioned, we really look forward to being able to witness that this has been passed tomorrow morning. So for my country, for Mexico, the promise of digital transformation lies in its ability to drive inclusive growth, reduce inequalities, and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Technology must be a development catalyst and not a luxury for a few, and that is the position of my country. So this should be for everybody. Mexico’s priorities are very clear. First, we must close the digital divide and ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age. Second, to empower small and medium-sized enterprises. Technology can be a great equalizer by fostering innovation and supporting local economic activity. Third, Mexico is committed to ensuring that human rights are respected in all digital policies, and that is very important as well. As a country that enshrines the right to access information and communication technologies in our Constitution, we are dedicated to promoting meaningful digital inclusion, particularly for groups in vulnerable situations that have faced historical exclusions, such as women, indigenous peoples, and Afro-descendant communities. At the heart of our efforts is the concept of digital public goods as essential for building a digital commons that is transparent, equitable, and open to all. By investing in digital public infrastructure, we create pathways for marginalized communities to be able to fully participate in the global economy. It’s not just about providing access, but about empowering our people to innovate, to grow, and contribute to the development of their communities. Digital public goods align with Mexico’s goals of inclusive economic development and socio-economic equity. In this context, the Global Digital Compact gains relevance as a roadmap for building secure, inclusive, and rights- based digital ecosystems. Early last year, Mexico co-hosted the GDC consultation for the Americas in Mexico City, and Amandeep was there. That was along with Germany and the Office of the Secretary’s General Envoy, as I mentioned. This consultation brought together key actors from across the region to discuss the most pressing issues around digital governance and the role of digital public goods. Throughout the GDC negotiations, my country has pushed for the creation of open government initiatives, which focus on integrating digital tools into public administration to promote transparency and accountability. We are advocating for the development of inclusive and accessible digital tools, particularly tailored to small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs. These tools must be affordable and adaptable to the needs of small businesses and local innovators, helping them leverage the power of technology for economic growth. Mexico is committed to investing in inclusive digital infrastructure, focusing on marginalized and underserved communities. By expanding access to the infrastructure in rural and in economically disadvantaged regions, we can help bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable opportunities for all. And to conclude, I would like to encourage all governments and stakeholders to ensure that digital transformation benefits all people everywhere, and that is a commitment that we almost assume. By investing in digital public goods and digital public infrastructure, and by collaborating and building on the principles, objectives, commitments, and actions outlined in the Global Digital Compact, we can consolidate the construction of a global digital environment that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. Thank you.

Nicole Manger: Thank you, and I would like to pass it on now to our civil society voice on this stage, Rebecca MacKinnon. She is Vice President Global Advocacy at Wikimedia Foundation and also founder of Global Voices. Rebecca, the floor is yours.

Rebecca MacKinnon: Thank you so much, Nicole. I’m here today representing the Wikimedia Foundation along with my colleague Costanza here and several other colleagues in the room. Someone was asking me just before we got seated what’s the difference between the Wikimedia Foundation and Wikipedia. We are the nonprofit organization that serves as the technical, legal, and fundraising host for Wikipedia and other volunteer-run projects that operate in over 300 languages. Wikipedia, of course, being created before the foundation existed by Jimmy Wales, who you’ll hear from later. We also have staff who support the global community of volunteers who build and maintain these projects around the world. And, of course, I’d like to thank all of our co-organizers shown on the screen today, in particular the governments of Poland, Mexico, and Germany and the Office of the UN Tech Envoy, without whose support we wouldn’t be here. And also grateful to the partnership of many others in the United Nations system, national governments, and civil society and academia who’ve helped organize this event and, more generally, in their commitment to support and protect digital public goods like Wikipedia. And we’ll take the next slide, please. So this is a group of just some of the people who maintain and create Wikipedia who traveled to Katowice in Poland just last month for an annual conference called Wikimania. It was organized, one of the key organizers actually sitting right there, the young man named Maciek. And thanks to our co-hosts and the gracious Polish people for welcoming us. We are very lucky to have him here today. Wikipedia is a digital native, but a lot of the people who build and govern this global resource of free knowledge actually find it very important to gather in person, as you see here, to brainstorm, learn from each other, and build human bonds that enable us to collaborate with empathy and understanding of each other’s lived experience. Next slide, please. New language communities are joining the Wikimedia family all the time. And this is an example, Wikimedia founder Jimmy Wales, sitting there, who you’ll hear from in a few minutes, gave the 2024 Newcomer of the Year Award at Wikimania to the people who’ve created a new version of Wikipedia in the Waiyu language. Next slide, please. And here is that new Waiyu language, Wikipedia. Waiyu is spoken by about 400,000 indigenous people in northwestern Venezuela and northeastern Colombia. It’s an example of a project that benefits an indigenous community that commercial internet companies have no financial incentive to care about. Top-down government services in a lot of countries also often fail to prioritize the needs of indigenous people whose ancient communities often span across several borders, which is why it’s so vital that governments must protect and support the people and the work behind such community-led bottom-up projects. Projects like Wikipedia, but many others, and we’ll hear some more examples later, serve the public interest by creating knowledge, infrastructure, and access to information built on a robust digital commons that we’ve heard about already, which includes open-source software, a range of open content and open data projects, and open licensing for content that enables projects to build upon one another in an interdependent ecosystem. Next slide, please. So here we have a photo of the Igbo language user group in Nigeria, jumping across. the Atlantic Ocean, and a community outreach activity that they carried out not too long ago. Wikipedia exists in several Nigerian languages, run by volunteers who all care passionately about preserving and strengthening their community’s linguistic and cultural heritage, while contributing also to a global body of knowledge about the people, places, issues, and ideas in their countries and communities. So then that knowledge also gets translated into other languages and ends up in English, et cetera. And in so doing, they’re also helping to advance technical capacity, economic opportunity, and cultural flourishing in their own communities. To put it another way, they’re directly contributing to the advancement of quite a number of SDGs. And there’s simply no way that a top-down approach to digital public infrastructure and digital public goods is going to be able to reach all of the underserved, vulnerable, and marginalized communities around the world, full of talented people who will take initiative in innovative ways if given half a chance, as we’ve been discovering throughout the Wikimedia communities. So we believe that the future of the internet should be one that promotes and protects these types of projects and these people, like those who we work with around the world. Wikipedia is one of the most famous examples, but there’s many others that have emerged over the past two decades, and we’re going to be hearing about a few of them in just a few minutes. Thank you.

Nicole Manger: Thank you, Rebecca, and thanks to all our distinguished speakers here on this stage. We are now transitioning to the second segment of hearing success stories of civil society grassroots organizations. because DPGs are really at its core about grassroots involvement and so that’s why we would like to highlight these success stories and also the perspectives of two organizations, one Global Voices and the second ITS Rio on how they are using the potential of DPGs and also possibly certain challenges what you know when it comes to governance structures, robust funding mechanisms and also creating robust data AI literacy to leverage DPGs successfully. So with that said I would like to call Fabro Steibel and Ivan Sigal on the stage with me. So we will start with one example of successful DPGs which is Global Voices. So this is really a multilingual community of writers, translators, academics and digital rights activists worldwide and I would like to give the floor to Ivan Seagal, Executive Director of Global Voices.

Ivan Sigal: Good morning. I’m Ivan Sigal as is just told. I’m now the actually outgoing Executive Director of Global Voices. This is my last public appearance in this role. We’re an organization that’s been for the past 20 years has been a forum for the perspectives and priorities of global majority writers and activists and explores how information technologies affect movements, politics, culture and information integrity. Some 8,000 writers, translators and researchers have participated from 160 countries and contributed to our to our work over the years. We’re dedicated to building understanding across cultures and languages and specifically we understand that the internet does not by itself bring around positive social change. Rather we need to invest in and build an internet based on a vision that reflects those values and we’re one of many communities and initiatives and organizations that exists as a digital public good that works in a much smaller level than a group like Wikipedia but is an example of what people can accomplish when the internet flourish functions as a flourishing and healthy information ecosystem rather than as a censored or surveilled information space or based on a small number of platforms that function as walled gardens or exists as a field of data to be extracted and monetized primarily for artificial intelligence. So my key message today is good internet regulation should support proactively support flourishing information ecosystems marked by a diversity of sources and languages and retaining the means of all people to be part of a network public’s participating in the creation sharing and consumption of information and knowledge. A key element of healthy information ecosystems is information integrity. By this I mean not just controlling or removing the most harmful elements of disinformation in online spaces, but proactively supporting the trustworthiness of information sources, ensuring that users have meaningful agency over information environments and control over their data, and working for more inclusive and diverse participation in online spaces. We work on these issues in numerous ways, such as our Civic Media Observatory, which is a research project to investigate and decode how people understand information and create knowledge in complex information ecosystems. We work with local researchers who have deep knowledge of local context and subtext of information and narrative to explain how information functions in their societies, rather than looking just at factuality or just at data flows. And the example we have there is the Unfreedom Monitor, which is a two-year, 20-country study in networked authoritarianism, which explores how states use both technology and regulation to restrict expression and augment those restrictions through information operations and propaganda. Another example of what this looks like, Global Voices for the last 15 years has run a project called Rising Voices, which is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities to participate and create online with networks of mutual support and learning. We focus on the ability of minority and indigenous language communities to create their own information spaces as they see fit. We work, for example, with Mayan language communities across the Americas to use the internet for language preservation and revitalization. These images come from our annual, this is from our 2024 Mayan Language Summit, which is now an annual event held in Mayan. Very unusual that an event is actually run in Mayan as opposed to being a secondary language to build networks of support for the use of Mayan in online contexts. Thank you.

Nicole Manger: Thank you so much, Ivan. And now, moving from a global organization, we are now zooming in on one regional use case. So, I am very glad to welcome Fabros Deibel here on stage for ITS Rio. So, ITS Rio, it’s the Institute of Technology Rio, that is really working to represent and strengthen Brazil’s and Latin America’s voice in global discussions and conversations on technology governance and digital rights. And it is also a member of the DPI Safeguards Initiative with Fabro himself also being in the Digital Public Goods Alliance. So, Fabro, the floor is yours.

Fabro Steibel: Nicole, thank you very much and thank you Wikimedia for the invitation. I start with a fact. DPIs emerge earlier and faster in the Global South than in the Global North. This is what research shows and most likely this is because out of necessity. In the Global South, we need better technologies to spread and equalize wealth and power. So, when you look at DPIs from the Global South, you ask them why they cannot be DPGs, why you cannot open the digital public infrastructures for good. And this is what we bring as a civil society member of Brazil, also as an academic, as a member of the network of centers, and as a member of the DPGA alliance. So, openness in Brazil is no coincidence. In the 90s, people from civil society and academia, they penetrate the government, they enter the government, and they start to foster open culture from inside the government. Outside the government, the culture keeps open and now we have a strong ecosystem. And we come from this ecosystem. So, what we are doing with DPGA and what do you think we can contribute to this debate today? Number one, we need very good green DPIs. We need open green DPIs. Brazil has CAR, C-A-R, which is a brilliant digital public infrastructure that can be even more brilliant if we bring the openness idea to it. It’s open data, but it’s not really a DPG yet. So, bringing this idea can have, as Wikimedia has a community around it that makes use of this data, make new… So, we have a lot of data, and we have a lot of data, and we can use it to do new surveillance of this data, and then we can fight deforestation or land rights. Number two, information integrity. We had Pegabot, Bot Catcher, that is an open algorithm that used to identify in Twitter the use of bots for this information. We collaborated with journalists and others having that. And we have a lot of data, and we have a lot of data, and we can use it to identify bots, and also, someone got our algorithm and made Atrapabot, a version of it using Mozilla language back to identify bots in Colombia. And lastly, the last case we have is on civic participation. So, we love to use technology to make new ways for people to enjoy deliberating together. So, we have a lot of data, and we have a lot of data, and we can use it to identify bots, and we can use it to make voting for people to deliberate in a more meaningful way other than a majority always wins. And the case studies we have shows that we have young football teams that are using Cucurdamos to select the coach. And we did this in partnership with Taiwan, who has a brilliant captain as well. And we tried it for the human aspect of the environment and it has to be, you know, you can now interact with it, and makes the environment better. You can now interact with it, and then becomes part of the more harmonious ecosystem. And we see now the perspective that can not only open technology, but open technology thinking about the human aspect as well.

Nicole Manger: I talked to leveraging DPGs, you know, across different themes and topics. And I will now pass it over to our expert panel with Costanza moderating, and they will pick up on these success stories, but also look more deeply into potential challenges like funding mechanisms, governing structures, and also data AI literacy. And also really be informed by other existing successful initiatives Amandeep mentioned before, the DPI safeguards initiative, the Digital Public Goods Alliance, and also the OSPO for Good conference that was just hosted here in New York in July. So with that, I hand it over to Costanza and our esteemed panelists. Thank you.

Costanza Sciubba Caniglia: Let’s give a moment to our speakers to get seated. There’s, yes, a very, a very exciting panel. So we’re now going to move to the panel section of our event. I am honored to introduce some of the world-leading experts on the topic of digital public goods and digital governance. This past month and the months in front of us, as we all know, are critical times for the future of digital, global digital governance. And the global digital compact process, the pact of the future, WISE’s review, the high-level advisory board on artificial intelligence are all elements that are going to shape the future of our digital and physical world. One thing before we start that I want to say is this event is in many ways a follow-up event to a conversation that we started with Access Now during the CSW this year and before. So I just wanted to mention this and it’s great to be with Marianne today and with Access Now. But going to the panel, we wanted to have a moment here in the action day to reflect in particular on the transformative potential of digital public goods such as Wikipedia and others and digital public infrastructure and fostering sustainable development worldwide. Digital public goods, especially when grounded in robust digital commons, are essential for inclusive open, sustainable, and digital world and so we want to really encourage this multi-stakeholder partnership. As you can see, this panel has a really wide multi-stakeholder perspective and so we want to encourage this to promote and protect TPGs that truly are universal and reflect on how to best enable civil society and communities globally to have a voice in how technology is developed. So without further ado, I’ll pass it on to our panelists. Dr. Donahoe, I would like to start with you. Dr. Donahoe is the coordinator for digital freedom in the US Department of State’s Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy. So Dr. Donahoe, digital public goods and DPIs have been such a central topic of discussion in the negotiations around the Global Digital Compact and more in general in the discussion about how to rethink global internet governance. I know you’ve been working about a model of right-respecting DPI which is achieved through universal safeguards. Can you tell us more about this and how multilateral and multi-stakeholder effort to protect TPGs and DPI should be shaped?

Eileen Donahoe: Great. First, let me congratulate the organizers here. This is a really remarkable event and it’s a very good reflection of where the DPG-DPI conversation is in the world and it’s very notable that this subject is at the top of the agenda at the high-level week at UNGA. I’m gonna make a comment that’s just based on observing what we’ve already heard. I think what we observed is that the multi-stakeholder community is way ahead and actually building digital public goods and global commons and that’s been going on for decades and you can use the case of Wikimedia, Wikipedia as an example. I think we’re here at UNGA which is a state-centric event. It’s a multilateral led body and I think it is really fair to say that states are generally behind and just catching on to these concepts and also that states are generally much more focused on DPIs and just trying to get ahead around that subject. So, But I will note that, so I’m gonna talk a little about what I see in the multilateral space that’s good and also what the U.S. is focused on and universal safeguards. Basically, here at the U.N. and in the Global Digital Compact, everybody’s really still focusing on definitions and concepts. And I think we’ve gravitated around several core features which include open interoperable standards and specifications that include delivery of public and private services at scale that are ideally and we will be fighting for rights respecting by design and protection of fundamental freedoms embedded in the design. But all of this is intended to drive toward inclusion, development, acceleration of the SDGs. And I just have to say it is really a giant change in the global conversation. This has been central to the G20 under the leadership of Brazil and India. It’s been part of the G7. It’s been in multiple agencies at the U.N. and that is brand new. That has never happened before. So this is really a new topic for states. What I will emphasize for the United States in particular, there are two key parts and it’s a combination of concern and excitement. The concern is that yes, DPGs and DPI hold tremendous promise to accelerate development. And obviously that is the core rationale that states are latching onto it. People are yearning to be part of the digital transformation. There is not equity around the world in that regard. And that is the driving motivation, animating energy here. But what we all have to be careful of is the risks that come with this digitization of infrastructure. And I’m sure we’re gonna be hearing. that from access, but we in the United States are also really focused on risk, and we have embraced the work of the Office of the Tech Envoy and UNDP on universal safeguards because we think that in every instance when DPIs, DPGs, digital commons are built, you have to be thinking about the impact on citizens’ rights. And the core of those concerns relates to privacy, and I will also say obviously equal protection, non-discrimination, and also the risk of exclusion from basic services if you do not build in safeguards and just embrace the technology itself. This is ultimately about bringing democratic values into the digital future around the world, and if we fail to bring safeguards with the actual access to the technology, we will be failing our citizens. The second part I want to mention that we’re really excited about, though, and this is what I do believe civil society has been onto for years, is that technology itself is now a vehicle for governance innovation. It is the way that the governing world can catch up to the pace of technological change, and I think it’s very exciting, this idea that the design, development, and deployment of the technology becomes the vehicle for spreading values and for governing in a way that protects citizens. And so, for me, that is why I’m really actually very excited about the opportunity of DPI, that it’s not just about inclusion in the digital transformation. It is about bringing values. by design in the technology. And last point I want to make is I really want to applaud the Universal Safeguards Initiative that last year at UNGA, OSET, Amandeep himself, Robert Opp from UNDP, they were on the stage launching the Universal Safeguards Initiative. That has been a year-long process. We have been part of it. Foundational principle number one is do no harm and it is about protecting human rights by design and we really applaud that. But the key idea here is no developing country and citizens in developing countries should never be asked to exchange their human rights. They do not trade off their human rights for inclusion in the digital ecosystem or for to be part of the digital transformation. That’s not okay. Development and human rights are not intention.

Costanza Sciubba Caniglia: They must go together so. Thank you, thank you Dr. Donahoe, such an important message. I love your conclusive message especially. Now I would like to move to Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of NITDA Nigeria. So Mr. Abdullahi, digital public goods seem to be very important of course for social and economic development, also what we were just talking about, respectful of human rights. In your current position and as an expert on digital development, how do you see the role of government support for people to operate digital public goods and also to develop digital public goods? And before passing the floor to you, I just also want to mention Wikipedia has a very active community also of Wikimedians in Nigeria who work especially on multilingualism. So that’s also something that how do you think about those communities, not Wikipedia in particular, but in general communities that develop digital public goods in Nigeria?

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi: Okay, thank you very much. First and foremost, I want to thank the organizers for inviting me and also for giving Africa opportunity to be part of this conversation. Because for me, digital technology is dramatically transforming our world, offering immense potential benefits for the well-being and advancement of humanity, our societies and our planets. And it also holds the promise of accelerating the achievement of sustainable development goals. This can only be achieved through international cooperation that close all digital gaps. Because we recognize those digital gaps are really posing challenge to countries, in particular developing countries who have so many challenges to solve but with limited resources. So I think we should focus on closing that gap because imagine a person sitting next to you never clicked a link, never sent an email and never experienced social media. So almost half of the world population are excluded from this digital transformation, especially in Africa. So we cannot be talking about digital public good without ensuring every person is included. Because if that person is excluded, the technology will not consider that person when making its decisions. So that’s why we are quite fascinated about this conversation on digital public good. And also, like it mentioned before, this DPI-DPG conversation started from the global south, where people are excluded. And we can see the passion about bringing everyone to be part of it. And in Nigeria also, the government is focused on achieving that. We are starting with the digital public infrastructure. We are laying the foundation. We are putting the legal framework in place and also ensuring that we have a robust digital identity, a robust payment system and data exchange platform. So we have two and we are lacking the data exchange platform. platform. Now the government is working on coming up with standard and ensuring that we have that data exchange platform. That will enable us to build the digital public goods when we have the strong DPI stack in place. But now we are having some in silos, like you mentioned about Wikipedia. Wikipedia is a very good example in Nigeria of DPI, where people, the communities around are creating the platform. And that ensure democratization of access to services as well as quality information, fact-checking. Because we should learn from social media, how it started, where it is controlled by few, and also it is for profit. That’s why you can see a lot of things are happening without the control of the countries. Like we came from a way whereby most of these big techs, they don’t even listen to developing countries. They do things based on developed countries’ laws and mission, vision, and so on. And also that is really affecting us in the developing countries. Because for them it is about profit, it’s about what they will make. Few people decide what you see, what you buy, and what you can even think, or who you can friend, what you can believe. But with DPG, it will be open for societies, communities, and societies to look at information, to ensure you have the right information in place, and ensure things are fact-checked before being in public. So in Nigeria we have other smaller ones apart from the Wikipedia, which they are open, but in a siloes form. We cannot call them like a big DPGs. Like for example, we have a platform called Budget, where people can go and check information about government budget, and also do a fact-check to provide information for people in communities to look at budget line item, where the project is supposed to be executed, and check to ensure if it is executed or not. So this also can help for good governance, and it will make things to be open and transparent. So I think it’s good to support this kind of initiatives as well. We also have the National Health Information System project, which is driven by government to make health record available for decision makers, for health service providers, and so on, so that they can have access to health record and citizens can easily get services. So for governments, when you talk about DPGs, government has critical role to play, because it is about democratizing access, and also it is it is about breaking all the experience we have with social media, where few people are controlling everything. So we need to break that unaccountable control over public digital infrastructure. So the DPG will provide that. So government needs to provide the legal framework, because everything you do, you need to have laws that will guide it. You need to have framework and governance in place. So government has the convening power to bring the civil society, the private organizations, and everyone on board to discuss on the governance framework, to discuss on inclusive connectivity and also to intervene to connect the unconnected. So we have so many initiatives we are doing on that. Like in Nigeria, almost about more than 40% of the citizens are excluded. So government is promoting connectivity. We launched the 9,000 kilometers fiber optics project where government want to connect the remote societies and underserved communities. In addition to that also, we have other initiatives around digital literacy. Because it is not just about connecting, but people need to be digitally literate to navigate around the digital platform as well. So we do a lot in training people in developing our digital fluency in the country. We are working with other partners like Ministry of Education. We are developing digital literacy and skills curriculum to infuse it into our formal education so that people will learn from schools. We are also having other projects that will build talent. Because also you need to build your proficiency in building these digital offerings. Because no country will rely on another for its digital offerings. We need people within the country that can build the communities and services. So these are things government is doing in addition to the legal framework like we are working on enacting a law on digital economy and e-governance in Nigeria which can help in promoting digital public infrastructure as well as digital public good. But also for me the most important is this kind of conversation so that developing countries and African countries should have voice on what we are doing globally. Thank you.

Costanza Sciubba Caniglia: Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Marianne, I would like to move on to you now to talk about especially how civil society is a critical stakeholder in global digital governance and for the development of digital public goods. Marianne Diaz-Hernandez is the YID campaigner at Access Now. She’s also a Venezuelan lawyer and digital rights activist and fiction writer. So as I mentioned earlier, this panel really is born as a second step of a conversation that we started together with Access Now a few months back. And so it’s great to continue this conversation and have so many more partners joining it as well. So I’m particularly interested to hear, how you think things have changed in them and what the role of civil society really should be as we move towards a new digital governance. You work extensively to make sure that all stakeholders have a perspective on digital public goods, including community development, digital public goods, and civil society agency. So what can you tell us about that?

Marianne Díaz Hernández: Thank you, Costanza. And thank you, everyone, for the privilege and the honor of your time and attention. Digital public goods, as well as the public infrastructure, which has also been mentioned a lot today on the upcoming days, I’m sure, have a profound need for community-led and community developed spaces where free speech and free assembly and civic life and dissent can thrive. And that requires the existence of spaces of total or partial anonymity and pseudonymity. And it is only possible to understand, design, and regulate these type of spaces through a multi-stakeholder lens, which is the only way that can ensure that the development and the governance of these digital commons remains transparent, inclusive, and responsive to a wide array of societal needs. DPGs are not only extremely important to society on their own standing, as the stories that were previously shared very clearly highlight, but also as the foundation for DPI, as Fabro was detailing, among others. Both of these assets need to be protected and nurtured to enable equitable access and to prevent monopolization or control by a select few. And this inclusivity ensures that the governance of digital spaces aligns with public interest and is the only way to protect them as open participatory environments that will encourage democratic engagement and free expression. And to go back to what Dr. Donahue was touching upon, when we focus on development above human rights, instead of understanding development as a tool to achieve human rights, we risk creating systems that have not been designed with human rights as a principle, but as an afterthought. We are then in need of a paradigm shift that allows us to understand that privacy, anonymity, free speech are not principles that are intentioned with the notion of development, but that have to be at the core of the design of the systems that are necessary to build the trust that the systems require in order to operate. There will be no development without these principles built into the systems that we create. So if we are to build and implement systems that are either created by the private sector, or by governments, or by any sort of hybrid model, the only way that we can make these systems accomplish what we want them to do, which is to support us in achieving the sustainable development goals, and ultimately achieving universal human rights, it is to build systems that are based in solid trust. And the construction of that trust cannot be taken by granted. It requires full and meaningful participation of society in a way that ensures and protects their agency in how to build, implement, and engage with technology. I believe then that civil society needs to work together and with other multi-stakeholders in articulating and putting forward the notion that what we require at this moment in time is a paradigm shift. We are not only speaking about enabling or defending human rights, or when these technologies are created, but about creating these technologies for a world that is built. with public in mind. Where public means built to benefit everyone by shared resources and managed by the community. And this does require a paradigm shift from a world view where resources are meant to be administered by specific actors in society. That model is not sustainable. It’s not participatory and it doesn’t help us in building strong democracies. Thank you.

Costanza Sciubba Caniglia: Thank you so much, Marianne. And now that we are talking about civil society participation, I would like to move on to you, Jimmy. Jimmy is, Jimmy Wales is the co-founder of Wikipedia, so it’s really an honor to introduce you. So you have the unique experience of having created one of the largest, most used digital public goods in the world, which is really a unique kind of experience. What have you learned about how people are able to come together and create and govern projects that serve the public interest? And what advice can you give to all stakeholders and why is it important to do it today?

Jimmy Wales: Great, thank you. And thank you to the organizers and everyone for making this happen. It’s a great event. Yeah, so I think one of the key elements in terms of advice and thinking about this has already been mentioned a couple of times today and that is values. The original vision for Wikipedia was for all of us to imagine a world in which every single person on the planet is given free access to the sum of all human knowledge. And that’s what we’re doing at Wikipedia. And so every element of that is really, really important to us. When we say every single person on the planet, that means that we’re inherently global. We’re in many, many, many languages. And when I say the sum of all human knowledge, it means we care a lot about the quality of what we put out. It isn’t just sort of a giant random message. board we actually try to impart knowledge. This was 23 years ago when I started Wikipedia and it was just a handful of us typing away on the internet with very very limited software and very limited resources. But today Wikipedia is one of the top 10 most visited websites in the world. We have hundreds of millions of visitors every month from all around the world. We’re in over 300 languages, although of course some of those languages are quite small and just getting going. And for me that aspect of our work is one that I’m probably the most passionate about. I’m always very excited to think about the impact that we can have in bringing the ability for people to share knowledge in their own world, in their own community, in their own mother tongue. Some of the values that really carry us forward, we really care a lot about reliable sources. We have policies, for example, our well we have a lot of internal jargon. BLP policy, biography of living persons, which basically says if you see something negative in a biography it better have a source and if it doesn’t you should just remove it immediately and not just discuss what to do about it. Take it out and let’s discuss it then to say of course there’s going to be negative information. It needs to be really reliable and this can be contrasted with of course social media where people just write whatever they want and who knows maybe it’s fact-checked eventually or not. We try to be really really careful about that. One of our core community rules is no personal attacks. So obviously a lot of open spaces on the internet are just rife with personal attacks and that can be fine if it’s a political debate and discussion that often can be quite personal but it’s not right for us. We’re trying to write an encyclopedia. We’re a global movement in many many many different languages but everything in Wikipedia is locally written. Even as we move into an era of AI and I’m actually very excited about the really rapid increases that we’re seeing in the quality of machine translation and yet we have no concept or idea that we should just start wholesale translating Wikipedia into small languages because we know that it’s about that local cultural context. It’s about the local people. They will of course use these tools and it will… you know, finally accelerate that work so that we’re going to see really rapid growth in a lot of the languages that previously have been much more slower to grow. Really, Wikipedia, when we think about a digital public good, I think one of the paradigm cases that everyone should have in mind is Wikipedia. It’s a global resource used by almost everyone on the planet. We’re a non-profit organization. We’re community-built, community-driven. And when I see things in the Global Digital Compact that talk about protecting and supporting digital public goods, I’m very, very happy about this. Because too often, when policymakers are thinking about how to make decisions on public policy and the Internet, they’re really thinking about top-down social media platforms that I always say they run like feudal estates. All the people using it are like the serfs, but the master makes the rules from top down. Whereas we’re a community. We’re a bunch of people. All the rules of Wikipedia are made by the community. All of the decisions are made out in the community. The Wikimedia Foundation doesn’t engage in sort of constant moderation. Boy, the number of times people have complained to me, Wikipedia says this, Jimmy Wales is a communist. I’m like, well, first, I’m not a communist, and second, I didn’t write it. And there’s the sources, and there’s actually a debate, and you can get involved, and let’s have a discourse about human knowledge. So my call to action, really, for everyone is to, and to governments in particular, is let’s think about, as we’re doing public policy, let’s really begin to adopt what I would call the Wikipedia test. If you’re about to pass some rule, think about, is this going to wreck Wikipedia? And if it is, it might not be a great rule. And that might not be, you might want to step back and say, hold on a second, we do need to, oh, yes, clap, please, yes. We need to protect these open communities. So, thank you.

Costanza Sciubba Caniglia: Thank you so much. First one was for the Wikipedia test. Yes, thank you so much. And now I’d like to move to Professor Gasser, who is Professor of Public Policy Governance and Innovative Technology at the Technical University of Munich, TUM, who has been a great partner also in organizing this event, and also the Dean of the TUM School of Social Sciences. So, Professor Gasser, I’d like to move to you as an expert scholar representing academia and go back to the idea of digital commons as a necessary condition for the development of digital public goods. So, academia is also a big contributor to the digital commons. How do you see its role in this context and in improving shared access to knowledge and digital public goods in general?

Urs Gasser: Wonderful. Thank you so much for inviting also perspectives from academia. And, of course, it’s a great honor to be on this panel. And I would like to start right where Jimmy started as well with values. I think if you look at the values of academia, and Fabro set the stage beautifully, you see how this idea of public interest mission of academic organizations and the public interest-driven mindset of academics and academic community make academia a natural ally to the cause of digital public goods and the commons. So, I see a lot of resemblance and echoes to what you just described. I think Fabro already pointed out and alluded to the different functions that academic institutions and, more importantly, also the human beings in academia can play as we aim for more robust commons ecosystems. I just would like to maybe highlight three such roles. The first one is academia, academic networks and individuals as trusted creators of knowledge. If you look back over the past couple of decades, academics have been key contributors to building the digital commons by sharing data and knowledge about the world and doing so through open access publishing, among other things. The second role I would like to highlight is academia as an incubator and convener. Academic communities and values have been a key driver in incubating and launching digital public infrastructures. Just think back about the origins of the internet and the world wide web that were shaped by academic values and communities. But also as we’ve heard examples today, I hope I don’t reveal secrets, but global voices or creative commons and many more projects were closely linked to academic institutions and communities when they started. So you see the role of academia here again as we think about the creation of digital public infrastructures. And let me emphasize one point, what the beauty of it is, is that it’s happening in a distributed way, in a collaborative spirit, and that’s very powerful. The third role I would like to briefly highlight is that academia can not only contribute in these different forms substantively to the formation of digital commons and digital public goods. It can also study and assess what we can learn about digital commons as we go forward, about the society. societal impact about the relevance, we can assess whether we pass the Wikipedia test when new policies are rolled out. So academia can be a learning partner in our endeavors, can help to inform policymaking and good governance. So you see all together, and I just highlighted three rules, you see how academia should actually join the calls around this table and stakeholders for strong principles, policies, and practices that embrace the wealth of distributed academic networks so that together with the other stakeholders we can double down on our commitment to build strong and robust commons ecosystems for the future. Thank you very much.

Costanza Sciubba Caniglia: Thank you so much, and thank you to all of the panelists. I now I’m gonna move to the closing section of this event because we are already running a little over time, but thank you so much for for your participation. And now I would like to call back my co-moderator, Nicole. And for the closing remarks, Mr. Emran Mian, the Director General for Digital and Telecoms in the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Yes, please, Dr. Emran Mian, you have the floor.

Emran Mian: Thank you very much. Conscious of time, I’ll be very brief. Thank you very much for organizing this event. It’s been a real pleasure to listen to stakeholders across this community talk about DPGs and their contributions to them. There’s just two things I wanted to bring out as reflections. One is focusing on digital skills and the skills that people need both to create DPGs but also to enjoy DPGs. And this is a shared responsibility, I think, across the stakeholder community, businesses, civil society, and government. And the UK government, for our part, we’re very pleased of the way in which we’re able to work with partners in countries such as Indonesia, Kenya, and Nigeria to help people to acquire these digital skills. And there’s a lot more to do on that front. And then the second thing I just wanted to draw out was trust and safety. To continue to enjoy DPGs and for DPGs to continue to be created, people need to trust the digital technologies that they are using, and they need to be safe when they’re doing so. And again, for our part as a UK government, we’ve been really pleased to be part of a conversation on AI safety and to have initiated that at Bletchley Park with a UK-hosted safety summit last year. And it’s great to see the continuance of that in all kinds of ways, including a summit in Seoul earlier this year. And earlier this morning we were hearing from the French about their plans for an AI action summit early next year. And I know this is a real source of concern. sort of attention and action for the UN as well. I’ll stop there. Thank you.

Nicole Manger: Thank you so much. And I will now introduce Dr. Anna Christmann. She has multiple heads in innovation technology in the German ecosystem, as member of parliament, amongst others. I guess most people here in New York know her from her role in the Secretary General’s high-level advisory body on AI. Anna, the floor is yours.

Anna Christmann: Yeah, thank you so much. I’m very happy to be part of this panel. And just mentioning first that I’m very inspired by the panels that we just had. And I think it’s an important signal that this panel takes place today in the context of the Global Digital Compact. I think that is just a very important signal of the relevance of digital common goods for the society on a global scale and all the things that we heard about leaving no one behind, strengthening the multi-stakeholder approach, access for everyone and everywhere. I think these are just very important principles and it’s good that they are here in New York in the context of the summit of the future. And then maybe two very concrete points to the questions. What is the call to action that we heard for the future now, building on what we heard today. It was all the great examples also, of course, what we have already as common global digital comments. And I would say one is to really be active now in building this international ecosystem of the multi-stakeholder approach of all the people who are involved already in the open source community and everything around, but also bringing all the other stakeholders into this field. And we heard states might not be the leaders so far, but bringing them as very active actors into this ecosystem. So I would invite us all to really start new hands on initiatives and. projects to co-design frontier open data and also AI solutions and I think there are also links to the work that we did at the high-level advisory body and artificial intelligence at the UN and we have the report which is a lot about capacity building and openness and I think that really links a lot to what we heard today. And of course they are crucial is bringing the people together have the ecosystem have also the investments and the multi-stakeholder governance I think that would be important principles for that. And then maybe mentioning also one very concrete thing that we can do from here on is bringing as a question of DPGs across policy fields and there of course in the UN context as a question of climate policy is one obvious one so bringing this idea and discussions that we had today also to the context of the COP I think would be very valuable as well and I think if everyone is active like we are also in Germany just to mention this very short with with also different initiatives around digital sovereignty data institutes as we are just building if we get this ecosystem on the global scale I think there’s lots to win for all of us. Thank you.

Nicole Manger: Thank you so much and so I guess in light of the timing Constanze and I will just wrap up. So it was our intention here today to convene high-level speakers from UN member states the United Nations and especially academia and civil society really to discuss best practices and a common understanding and I guess just linking to what Dr. Anna Christmann has said we really invite all of you to join our conversations to kick-start projects to really enable this global solutions architects, ecosystem on developing DPGs together.

Costanza Sciubba Caniglia: Yes, yes, thank you. Thank you everyone, it was a fantastic conversation that I am sure will lead to many more conversations. So to be continued, thank you everyone for participating.

A

Amandeep Gill

Speech speed

116 words per minute

Speech length

579 words

Speech time

297 seconds

DPGs and DPI are essential for inclusive, sustainable digital transformation

Explanation

Amandeep Gill emphasizes that digital public goods (DPGs) and digital public infrastructure (DPI) are vital for an equitable and sustainable digital future. He argues that these resources are key to democratizing access to knowledge and technological resources.

Evidence

The Global Digital Compact embeds an international commitment to global digital commons through digital public goods and digital public infrastructure.

Major Discussion Point

The importance of digital public goods (DPGs) and digital public infrastructure (DPI) for global development

Agreed with

Fabro Steibel

Alicia Buenrostro Massieu

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi

Agreed on

Importance of DPGs and DPI for inclusive development

The Global Digital Compact provides a new foundation for DPG/DPI action

Explanation

Gill highlights that the Global Digital Compact, as part of the Pact for the Future, establishes a new basis for more meaningful action in the area of digital public goods and infrastructure. This document represents a significant step forward in international commitment to these resources.

Evidence

The Global Digital Compact embeds an international commitment to global digital commons through digital public goods and digital public infrastructure.

Major Discussion Point

The future of DPGs and digital governance

F

Fabro Steibel

Speech speed

194 words per minute

Speech length

552 words

Speech time

170 seconds

DPGs emerge faster in the Global South out of necessity

Explanation

Fabro Steibel points out that digital public goods (DPGs) and digital public infrastructure (DPI) tend to develop more quickly in the Global South due to pressing needs. He suggests that this is because these technologies are essential for spreading and equalizing wealth and power in these regions.

Evidence

Examples of DPGs from Brazil, such as CAR (rural environmental registry) and Pegabot (bot detection tool).

Major Discussion Point

The importance of digital public goods (DPGs) and digital public infrastructure (DPI) for global development

Agreed with

Amandeep Gill

Alicia Buenrostro Massieu

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi

Agreed on

Importance of DPGs and DPI for inclusive development

A

Alicia Buenrostro Massieu

Speech speed

127 words per minute

Speech length

704 words

Speech time

330 seconds

DPGs and DPI are critical for closing the digital divide

Explanation

Alicia Buenrostro Massieu emphasizes the importance of digital public goods and infrastructure in reducing inequalities and promoting digital inclusion. She argues that these resources are essential for ensuring that technology benefits all people, particularly marginalized communities.

Evidence

Mexico’s efforts to develop inclusive digital infrastructure and tools for small and medium enterprises.

Major Discussion Point

The importance of digital public goods (DPGs) and digital public infrastructure (DPI) for global development

Agreed with

Amandeep Gill

Fabro Steibel

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi

Agreed on

Importance of DPGs and DPI for inclusive development

E

Eileen Donahoe

Speech speed

130 words per minute

Speech length

829 words

Speech time

382 seconds

DPGs and DPI need universal safeguards to protect human rights

Explanation

Eileen Donahoe argues for the importance of incorporating universal safeguards into digital public goods and infrastructure to protect human rights. She emphasizes that development and human rights should not be seen as conflicting goals, but rather as complementary.

Evidence

The Universal Safeguards Initiative launched by the Office of the Tech Envoy and UNDP.

Major Discussion Point

The importance of digital public goods (DPGs) and digital public infrastructure (DPI) for global development

Need to balance development goals with protecting human rights

Explanation

Donahoe stresses the importance of integrating human rights protections into the design and development of digital public goods and infrastructure. She argues that development should not come at the expense of human rights, but rather should be a tool to achieve them.

Evidence

The Universal Safeguards Initiative with its foundational principle of ‘do no harm’.

Major Discussion Point

Challenges and considerations in developing DPGs

K

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi

Speech speed

112 words per minute

Speech length

1070 words

Speech time

572 seconds

Governments need to provide legal frameworks and connectivity for DPGs

Explanation

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi emphasizes the critical role of governments in creating an enabling environment for digital public goods. He argues that governments must establish legal frameworks and ensure connectivity to support the development and use of DPGs.

Evidence

Nigeria’s initiatives to promote connectivity, including a 9,000 km fiber optics project and digital literacy programs.

Major Discussion Point

The role of different stakeholders in developing and governing DPGs

Agreed with

Amandeep Gill

Fabro Steibel

Alicia Buenrostro Massieu

Agreed on

Importance of DPGs and DPI for inclusive development

Disagreed with

Jimmy Wales

Disagreed on

Role of government in DPG development

M

Marianne Díaz Hernández

Speech speed

143 words per minute

Speech length

573 words

Speech time

239 seconds

Civil society ensures DPGs remain transparent, inclusive and responsive to societal needs

Explanation

Marianne Díaz Hernández argues that civil society plays a crucial role in ensuring that digital public goods serve the public interest. She emphasizes the importance of community-led spaces and multi-stakeholder governance in creating transparent and inclusive digital commons.

Major Discussion Point

The role of different stakeholders in developing and governing DPGs

Agreed with

Urs Gasser

Jimmy Wales

Agreed on

Multi-stakeholder approach in DPG development and governance

Need for a paradigm shift to build technologies with the public in mind

Explanation

Díaz Hernández calls for a fundamental change in how we approach technology development. She argues for creating technologies that are built with the public interest as a core principle, rather than as an afterthought.

Major Discussion Point

The future of DPGs and digital governance

U

Urs Gasser

Speech speed

126 words per minute

Speech length

490 words

Speech time

232 seconds

Academia serves as creators, incubators and assessors of DPGs

Explanation

Urs Gasser highlights the multifaceted role of academia in the development of digital public goods. He argues that academic institutions and individuals contribute as trusted creators of knowledge, incubators of new projects, and assessors of the societal impact of DPGs.

Evidence

Examples of academic contributions to the digital commons, such as open access publishing and the incubation of projects like Global Voices and Creative Commons.

Major Discussion Point

The role of different stakeholders in developing and governing DPGs

Agreed with

Marianne Díaz Hernández

Jimmy Wales

Agreed on

Multi-stakeholder approach in DPG development and governance

J

Jimmy Wales

Speech speed

166 words per minute

Speech length

911 words

Speech time

327 seconds

Community-driven governance is key for successful DPGs like Wikipedia

Explanation

Jimmy Wales emphasizes the importance of community-driven governance in the success of digital public goods like Wikipedia. He argues that allowing the community to make rules and decisions leads to a more robust and responsive platform.

Evidence

Wikipedia’s community-driven policies and decision-making processes.

Major Discussion Point

The role of different stakeholders in developing and governing DPGs

Agreed with

Marianne Díaz Hernández

Urs Gasser

Agreed on

Multi-stakeholder approach in DPG development and governance

Disagreed with

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi

Disagreed on

Role of government in DPG development

E

Emran Mian

Speech speed

171 words per minute

Speech length

289 words

Speech time

101 seconds

Importance of digital skills and trust/safety for DPG adoption

Explanation

Emran Mian highlights the critical role of digital skills and trust in the adoption of digital public goods. He argues that people need both the skills to use DPGs and the confidence that these technologies are safe and trustworthy.

Evidence

UK government’s work with partners in countries like Indonesia, Kenya, and Nigeria to help people acquire digital skills.

Major Discussion Point

Challenges and considerations in developing DPGs

N

Nicole Manger

Speech speed

120 words per minute

Speech length

889 words

Speech time

442 seconds

DPGs require robust funding mechanisms and data/AI literacy

Explanation

Nicole Manger points out the need for strong funding mechanisms to support the development of digital public goods. She also emphasizes the importance of data and AI literacy in leveraging DPGs effectively.

Major Discussion Point

Challenges and considerations in developing DPGs

R

Rebecca MacKinnon

Speech speed

130 words per minute

Speech length

802 words

Speech time

368 seconds

Multilingualism and local context are crucial for global DPGs

Explanation

Rebecca MacKinnon emphasizes the importance of multilingualism and local context in the development of global digital public goods. She argues that DPGs should reflect the linguistic and cultural diversity of their users to be truly inclusive and effective.

Evidence

Examples of Wikipedia versions in various languages, including indigenous languages like Waiyu.

Major Discussion Point

Challenges and considerations in developing DPGs

A

Anna Christmann

Speech speed

148 words per minute

Speech length

465 words

Speech time

187 seconds

Importance of bringing DPG discussions to other policy areas like climate

Explanation

Anna Christmann suggests expanding the discussion of digital public goods to other policy areas, particularly climate policy. She argues that integrating DPG concepts into broader policy discussions can enhance their impact and relevance.

Major Discussion Point

The future of DPGs and digital governance

Call for new hands-on initiatives to co-design frontier open data and AI solutions

Explanation

Christmann calls for practical initiatives to collaboratively design cutting-edge open data and AI solutions. She emphasizes the importance of multi-stakeholder involvement in these efforts to ensure their effectiveness and inclusivity.

Major Discussion Point

The future of DPGs and digital governance

Agreements

Agreement Points

Importance of DPGs and DPI for inclusive development

Speakers

Amandeep Gill

Fabro Steibel

Alicia Buenrostro Massieu

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi

Arguments

DPGs and DPI are essential for inclusive, sustainable digital transformation

DPGs emerge faster in the Global South out of necessity

DPGs and DPI are critical for closing the digital divide

Governments need to provide legal frameworks and connectivity for DPGs

Summary

Multiple speakers emphasized the crucial role of digital public goods (DPGs) and digital public infrastructure (DPI) in promoting inclusive development, particularly in the Global South.

Multi-stakeholder approach in DPG development and governance

Speakers

Marianne Díaz Hernández

Urs Gasser

Jimmy Wales

Arguments

Civil society ensures DPGs remain transparent, inclusive and responsive to societal needs

Academia serves as creators, incubators and assessors of DPGs

Community-driven governance is key for successful DPGs like Wikipedia

Summary

Speakers agreed on the importance of involving multiple stakeholders, including civil society, academia, and community members, in the development and governance of DPGs.

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers emphasized the need to prioritize human rights and public interest in the development of digital technologies and infrastructure.

Speakers

Eileen Donahoe

Marianne Díaz Hernández

Arguments

DPGs and DPI need universal safeguards to protect human rights

Need for a paradigm shift to build technologies with the public in mind

Unexpected Consensus

Global South leadership in DPG development

Speakers

Fabro Steibel

Alicia Buenrostro Massieu

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi

Arguments

DPGs emerge faster in the Global South out of necessity

DPGs and DPI are critical for closing the digital divide

Governments need to provide legal frameworks and connectivity for DPGs

Explanation

There was an unexpected consensus on the Global South’s leadership and innovation in DPG development, challenging the common perception of technological advancement being primarily driven by the Global North.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of agreement included the importance of DPGs and DPI for inclusive development, the need for multi-stakeholder involvement in DPG development and governance, and the recognition of human rights and public interest in digital technologies.

Consensus level

There was a high level of consensus among speakers on the fundamental importance and potential of DPGs and DPI. This strong agreement suggests a solid foundation for future collaborative efforts in developing and implementing DPGs globally, particularly in addressing development challenges in the Global South.

Disagreements

Disagreement Points

Role of government in DPG development

Speakers

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi

Jimmy Wales

Arguments

Governments need to provide legal frameworks and connectivity for DPGs

Community-driven governance is key for successful DPGs like Wikipedia

Summary

While Abdullahi emphasizes the critical role of governments in creating an enabling environment for DPGs, Wales stresses the importance of community-driven governance. This represents a difference in perspective on the primary drivers of successful DPG development.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of disagreement revolve around the role of different stakeholders in DPG development and governance, as well as the approach to integrating human rights and public interest into DPG design.

Disagreement level

The level of disagreement among the speakers is relatively low. Most speakers agree on the importance of DPGs for global development and the need for inclusive, rights-respecting approaches. The differences mainly lie in the emphasis placed on various stakeholders’ roles and the specific strategies for implementation. These nuanced disagreements can actually be beneficial for developing a comprehensive approach to DPG development and governance, as they highlight different perspectives that need to be considered.

Partial Agreements

Partial Agreements

Both speakers agree on the importance of protecting human rights in the development of DPGs, but they differ in their approach. Donahoe advocates for universal safeguards, while Díaz Hernández calls for a more fundamental paradigm shift in how technologies are developed.

Speakers

Eileen Donahoe

Marianne Díaz Hernández

Arguments

DPGs and DPI need universal safeguards to protect human rights

Need for a paradigm shift to build technologies with the public in mind

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers emphasized the need to prioritize human rights and public interest in the development of digital technologies and infrastructure.

Speakers

Eileen Donahoe

Marianne Díaz Hernández

Arguments

DPGs and DPI need universal safeguards to protect human rights

Need for a paradigm shift to build technologies with the public in mind

Takeaways

Key Takeaways

Digital public goods (DPGs) and digital public infrastructure (DPI) are essential for inclusive, sustainable global digital transformation

DPGs and DPI require multi-stakeholder collaboration between governments, civil society, academia, and communities

Universal safeguards and human rights protections must be built into DPGs and DPI by design

Community-driven governance and local context are crucial for successful global DPGs like Wikipedia

The Global Digital Compact provides a new foundation for international action on DPGs and DPI

Resolutions and Action Items

Incorporate the ‘Wikipedia test’ when developing digital policies to ensure they don’t harm open community projects

Bring DPG discussions to other policy areas like climate change and COP negotiations

Start new hands-on initiatives to co-design frontier open data and AI solutions as DPGs

Build a global ecosystem and multi-stakeholder governance structures for DPGs

Unresolved Issues

How to balance rapid development of DPGs with ensuring robust human rights protections

Sustainable funding mechanisms for DPGs and open-source projects

How to improve data and AI literacy to enable wider participation in DPG development

Addressing potential risks and misuse of DPGs and open data

Suggested Compromises

Develop universal safeguards for DPIs that protect rights while enabling development

Use AI and machine translation to accelerate growth of smaller language Wikipedias while maintaining local community involvement

Thought Provoking Comments

Well-governed commons are the foundations of human civilization. Digital is no exception, and today more than ever digital commons are vital to our interconnected world.

Speaker

Amandeep Gill

Reason

This comment frames digital commons as a fundamental part of modern civilization, elevating their importance.

Impact

It set the tone for the discussion by emphasizing the critical nature of digital commons in our interconnected world, encouraging participants to consider their broad societal impact.

DPIs emerge earlier and faster in the Global South than in the Global North. This is what research shows and most likely this is because out of necessity. In the Global South, we need better technologies to spread and equalize wealth and power.

Speaker

Fabro Steibel

Reason

This insight challenges the common assumption that technological innovation primarily comes from the Global North.

Impact

It shifted the conversation to consider the unique needs and contributions of the Global South in developing digital public infrastructure, broadening the global perspective of the discussion.

When we focus on development above human rights, instead of understanding development as a tool to achieve human rights, we risk creating systems that have not been designed with human rights as a principle, but as an afterthought.

Speaker

Marianne Díaz Hernández

Reason

This comment highlights a crucial tension between development and human rights in the context of digital technologies.

Impact

It deepened the conversation by emphasizing the need to prioritize human rights in the design and implementation of digital systems, encouraging a more nuanced approach to development.

If you’re about to pass some rule, think about, is this going to wreck Wikipedia? And if it is, it might not be a great rule.

Speaker

Jimmy Wales

Reason

This ‘Wikipedia test’ provides a simple yet powerful heuristic for evaluating digital policies.

Impact

It introduced a practical framework for policymakers to consider the impact of regulations on open, community-driven digital public goods, potentially influencing future policy discussions.

Academia can not only contribute in these different forms substantively to the formation of digital commons and digital public goods. It can also study and assess what we can learn about digital commons as we go forward, about the societal impact about the relevance, we can assess whether we pass the Wikipedia test when new policies are rolled out.

Speaker

Urs Gasser

Reason

This comment highlights the multifaceted role of academia in both creating and studying digital commons.

Impact

It expanded the discussion to include the importance of ongoing research and assessment in the development and governance of digital public goods, emphasizing a learning-oriented approach.

Overall Assessment

These key comments shaped the discussion by broadening its scope from a primarily Western and government-centric view to a more global, multi-stakeholder perspective. They emphasized the critical importance of digital commons in modern society, highlighted the unique contributions of the Global South, stressed the need to prioritize human rights in technological development, introduced practical frameworks for policy evaluation, and underscored the role of academia in both creating and studying digital public goods. This resulted in a rich, nuanced conversation that considered the complex interplay between technology, policy, human rights, and global development in the context of digital public goods.

Follow-up Questions

How can we ensure digital public goods and infrastructure are designed with human rights as a core principle rather than an afterthought?

Speaker

Marianne Díaz Hernández

Explanation

This is important to ensure development of digital systems aligns with human rights and builds necessary trust.

How can we better enable civil society and communities globally to have a voice in how technology is developed?

Speaker

Costanza Sciubba Caniglia

Explanation

This is crucial for ensuring digital public goods reflect diverse needs and perspectives.

How can we apply the ‘Wikipedia test’ when developing new internet regulations and policies?

Speaker

Jimmy Wales

Explanation

This approach could help protect open communities and digital public goods when crafting new rules.

How can we strengthen the multi-stakeholder ecosystem for developing digital public goods?

Speaker

Anna Christmann

Explanation

Building a robust ecosystem with diverse stakeholders is key for advancing digital public goods.

How can we integrate digital public goods into climate policy discussions, such as at COP?

Speaker

Anna Christmann

Explanation

Bringing digital public goods into other policy areas could expand their impact and application.

How can we improve digital skills both for creating and using digital public goods?

Speaker

Emran Mian

Explanation

Enhancing digital skills is crucial for the development and adoption of digital public goods.

How can we ensure trust and safety in the creation and use of digital public goods?

Speaker

Emran Mian

Explanation

Trust and safety are fundamental for the continued creation and enjoyment of digital public goods.

Disclaimer: This is not an official record of the session. The DiploAI system automatically generates these resources from the audiovisual recording. Resources are presented in their original format, as provided by the AI (e.g. including any spelling mistakes). The accuracy of these resources cannot be guaranteed.

Multistakeholder Dialogue on National Digital Health Transformation

Multistakeholder Dialogue on National Digital Health Transformation

Session at a Glance

Summary

This discussion focused on the importance of digital public infrastructure (DPI) in transforming health systems and achieving universal health coverage. Experts from various countries and organizations shared insights on the challenges and opportunities in implementing digital health solutions.

The conversation emphasized three key pillars for successful digital health transformation: governance, architecture, and financing. Speakers highlighted the need for country-led digital strategies, strong regulatory frameworks, and sustainable funding models. The importance of interoperability, data sharing, and user-centered design was stressed throughout the discussion.

Examples from countries like Estonia, Kenya, and India demonstrated how digital solutions can improve healthcare access and efficiency. These included digital identity systems, health information exchanges, and streamlined registration processes. The potential of digital technologies to enhance assistive technology access was also explored, with Ireland’s initiatives serving as a case study.

Participants addressed challenges such as fragmentation in digital health systems, data privacy concerns, and the need for better tracking of digital health investments. The importance of involving communities and end-users in the design and implementation of digital health solutions was emphasized.

The discussion concluded with a call for global collaboration and knowledge sharing to accelerate digital health transformation. Speakers urged for increased investment in digital public infrastructure and emphasized the potential of digital solutions to reduce health inequities and improve healthcare access for all.

Keypoints

Major discussion points:

– The importance of digital public infrastructure and architecture for transforming health systems

– The need for governance, financing, and coordination to enable digital health transformation

– Assistive technology as a use case for digital health infrastructure

– The importance of putting people and communities at the center of digital health efforts

– Examples of digital health initiatives from countries like Estonia, Kenya, Rwanda and India

The overall purpose of the discussion was to explore how investing in digital public infrastructure can accelerate progress toward universal health coverage and equitable health systems, with a focus on assistive technology as a key use case.

The tone of the discussion was largely optimistic and forward-looking, with speakers emphasizing the potential of digital technologies to transform health systems and improve access to care. There was also a sense of urgency about the need to coordinate efforts and invest strategically in digital infrastructure. The tone became more practical and example-focused toward the end when discussing specific country initiatives.

Speakers

Speakers:

– Leah Ekbladh (Moderator) – Executive Director at Digital Square

– Nele Leosk – Ambassador-at-Large for Digital Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Estonia

– Shane Stevens – First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations

– Alain Labrique – Digital Health Director and Innovation Director, Science Division, World Health Organization

– Lisa Lewis-Person – Deputy Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy, Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, United States

– Hani Eskandar – Head of Digital Service Division, ITU

– Sean Blaschke – Senior Health Specialist for Digital Health and Information Systems Unit, UNICEF

– Mathilde Forslund – Executive Director, TransformHealth

– Kylie Shae – Team Lead for Access to Assistive Technology, WHO

– Malcolm MacLachlan – Co-director Assistant Living and Learning Institute, Maynooth University

– Vikram Pagaria – Director of IT, National Health Authority of India

Moderator:

– Leah Ekbladh – Executive Director at Digital Square

Areas of expertise:

– Digital health

– Digital public infrastructure

– Health policy

– Assistive technology

– Global health

– Digital transformation

– Health systems

– Digital governance

Full session report

Digital Public Infrastructure for Health Systems Transformation

This comprehensive discussion brought together experts from various countries and organizations to explore the critical role of digital public infrastructure (DPI) in transforming health systems and achieving universal health coverage. The conversation, moderated by Leah Ekbladh of Digital Square, focused on three key pillars for successful digital health transformation: governance, architecture, and financing.

Infrastructure and Architecture

Hani Eskandar from ITU emphasized the importance of digital public infrastructure, stating that DPI enables interoperability, reusability, and trust in digital health systems. This perspective was echoed by other speakers, who provided concrete examples of successful DPI implementation.

Nele Leosk, Ambassador-at-Large for Digital Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from Estonia, highlighted her country’s approach to digital identity and data sharing. Estonia’s success in solving interoperability issues through XRoute, addressing trust with digital ID, and creating reusable platforms was presented as a model for other nations to consider. Leosk also discussed Estonia’s national digital registration system and digitalized medical records, showcasing the country’s advanced digital health initiatives.

Vikram Pagaria from India’s National Health Authority shared the success of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as an example of effective DPI. He also stressed the importance of standards like HL7 FHIR for ensuring interoperability across different health systems. Pagaria highlighted India’s digital health initiatives, including a QR code system for hospital registration and a project to establish 100 model facilities demonstrating the use of digital health technologies.

These examples underscored a key agreement among speakers: the crucial role of digital public infrastructure in enabling efficient, secure, and interoperable digital health systems.

Governance and Legal Frameworks

The discussion highlighted the need for strong governance mechanisms and legal frameworks to guide digital health transformation and protect data privacy. Nele Leosk emphasized the importance of these frameworks in the Estonian context, while Sean Blaschke pointed to Kenya’s Digital Health Act as an example of progressive legislation in this area. Blaschke also cited Rwanda’s e-government approach with embedded ICT teams as an example of effective country-led digital transformation.

Lisa Lewis-Person from the US Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT stressed the need for country leadership and ownership in digital health initiatives. She also discussed the Global Digital Health Partnership (GDHP) and its focus areas, as well as the International Patient Summary project, which aims to standardize health information exchange across borders.

Financing Digital Health Transformation

Mathilde Forslund, Executive Director of TransformHealth, raised concerns about the current state of digital health funding, describing it as insufficient and fragmented. She emphasized the need to track and measure digital health investments more effectively and called for costed national digital health plans. Forslund also highlighted TransformHealth’s role in representing civil society and end-users in digital health discussions.

Vikram Pagaria provided a contrasting perspective, highlighting India’s significant investment of $20 million in its National Digital Health Mission. He also mentioned India’s issuance of 1.9 billion COVID certificates digitally, demonstrating the country’s capacity for large-scale digital health initiatives. This juxtaposition of views underscored the varying approaches to financing digital health transformation across different countries.

Assistive Technology as a Use Case

The discussion highlighted the potential of digital technologies to enhance access to assistive technology. Kylie Shae from WHO highlighted the large unmet need for assistive technology globally, while Malcolm MacLachlan from Maynooth University emphasized how digital solutions can help scale up access.

MacLachlan presented Ireland’s assistive technology passport as an innovative digital solution in this area. He also discussed the SHAPES project, which aims to create an integrated care platform for healthy aging. Shane Stevens provided additional information about Ireland’s investment in assistive technology, highlighting the country’s commitment to this area of digital health.

Global Initiatives and Collaboration

The discussion touched on several global initiatives aimed at promoting digital health transformation. Vikram Pagaria mentioned the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) launched by India during its G20 presidency, which aims to foster international cooperation in digital health. Lisa Lewis-Person discussed the Global Digital Health Partnership (GDHP), emphasizing its role in facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration among countries.

Challenges and Concerns

Despite the overall optimistic tone, speakers addressed several challenges in implementing digital health solutions. These included:

1. Fragmentation in digital health systems

2. Data privacy concerns

3. The need for better tracking of digital health investments

4. Ensuring that digital health initiatives do not exacerbate existing inequities in access to care

Community Involvement and User-Centered Design

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the importance of involving communities and end-users in the design and implementation of digital health solutions. This point was raised in response to an audience question and resonated with many speakers, who agreed that user involvement is critical for the adoption and effectiveness of digital health systems.

Conclusion

The discussion concluded with a call for global collaboration and knowledge sharing to accelerate digital health transformation. Speakers urged for increased investment in digital public infrastructure and emphasized the potential of digital solutions to reduce health inequities and improve healthcare access for all.

Overall, the discussion highlighted the complex, multifaceted nature of digital health transformation, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts across governance, infrastructure, and financing to realize the full potential of digital technologies in improving global health outcomes. The diverse examples from countries like Estonia, India, Kenya, Rwanda, and Ireland demonstrated the varied approaches to digital health implementation and the importance of tailoring solutions to local contexts while learning from global best practices.

Session Transcript

Leah Ekbladh: My name is Leah Ekbladh. I’m the executive director at Digital Square. It’s an initiative out of an international NGO called PATH. I’m joined here today with many esteemed colleagues that have a lot of rich information to share with us. So I’m gonna get us started. We all set? Okay. So welcome to a multi-stakeholder dialogue on investing in digital public infrastructure for equitable future health systems with assistive technology as a use case. This is part of the Summit for the Future Action Day Two. And this has been hosted by the Permanent Mission of Estonia to the United Nations, the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the International Telecommunications Union, the Global Disability Innovation Hub, and finally Transform Health. We’re gonna start our session off with actually a recorded message from the Nele Leosk, the Ambassador-at-Large for Digital Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from Estonia.

Nele Leosk: Good morning, everybody, and thank you for joining us. And it’s my real pleasure to kick off the digital discussion of the digital day also from Estonian side. And kick off, I would say, a week full of different discussions on different topics of digitalization. And I would really like to thank our co-organizers, World Health Organization, the Government of Ireland, ITU, Transformative Health, and many others who have actually today brought together two important topics. So I would say that we have two flies at once, bringing together digital health and digital public infrastructure. So as you know, Estonia is often referred to as a digital nation. And indeed, I immensely enjoy everything I can do online. Digital Signature has allowed me to participate in my city municipality council meeting. It has allowed me to vote. It has allowed me to rent my apartment, everything while being away from my own country. And some of these services, indeed, getting married, you can also do online. But let’s face it, how many times do we actually need these services? Some people get married once, maybe some get more, some never do. So actually, there are not so many times. We have a chance to use these services or these benefits that actually the government provides us, but it’s very different when it comes to health. Because every single person needs digital health care and health care services at every stage in their life. And I think this is also one of the reasons why health care has been Estonia’s priority area and will be also in the future. So we have invested heavily in making sure that every person in Estonia, no matter where they live, because it’s actually a very scarcely populated country. We have municipalities with some hundreds of people living there. And the task to bring health care services to all of them is an immense one. So we have in Estonia a national one digital registration system that would support us to see the availability of doctors all over the country. And I do have to admit, I had to use this service two weeks ago when I needed to find very quickly a surgeon to my kid. And I didn’t find availability in my own city. I had actually to drive 40 minutes to a neighboring city to visit a specialist quicker than I could in my own town. We have, and many maybe have also heard, a fully digitalized medical record. So the medical data about a person all comes together from different hospitals, different clinics. I can see my dental records, all my pictures taken, of course, given that I have given a permit to share my data. And we have also, for 10% of our patients, we have a medical record. population, a fully sequent genome. And that has really allowed us to step on the personal medicine so that our GPs don’t have to screen every patient for cancer, for example, but really those that have higher risk to be imposed to that kind of a disease or any other. But what has made all that possible is actually the second side of our topic today, and it’s digital public infrastructure. It is a rather newly coined term. It’s a good key, so it has many names. But what it really means to us is that the government has laid down, I would say, a basic foundation for digital development for everybody, not just government, but also every other partner. Is it the private sector? Is it a health care establishment? Is it even a private individual? And I would maybe bring out two reasons why we did that. So around 30 years ago, we realized in Estonia that actually the needs of our public sector for digitalization, but also private sector, are quite similar. We all needed to start to digitally authenticate ourselves. We had to give digital signature. We had to share data. And we realized that we cannot afford simply every municipality, every organization, every private sector, or even private health clinics, develop their own systems. First of all, we didn’t have resources for that. We did not have human or financial resources. But second of all, it was a matter of security. It was clear that a local municipality or a dental practice cannot simply develop systems secure enough. So this security by design principle has really helped us through to make sure that our data is protected and it is not misused. And this actually comes or takes me to the end of my opening remarks, I’m very much looking forward to hearing from the others, is that actually when we look at ourselves coming from very different countries here in this room, actually we are quite similar too. Despite our differences, we are quite similar. So since 2016, some of the systems that we are using in Estonia, for example our data sharing system, we are not developing alone. No country can do it alone, maybe with the exception of a few, but most of us cannot do it alone. So we coupled up with our closest friends, Finland, in 2016 and some of the solutions that we are using also for secure data exchange, including in healthcare sector, we are developing together with Finland. So we are saving our resources and they are saving theirs, and we make these tools also available for everybody else. We have also some international collaboration. I see Honey here from ITU. We have an initiative called GovStack that follows the same principle, that there are some solutions, for example consent service, that we all need in healthcare sector and we don’t have to reinvent it every time we need it. So I end with a call for collaboration between all of us. I encourage not only to share, but also to reuse. So thank you from my side.

Leah Ekbladh: Thank you. It’s a treat that you’re here in person. That was a wonderful surprise. So hearing a little bit about data protection, data use, and data being in our lives, and digital being in our lives, from registering your marriage to seeking health care, I think is a great way for us to start. I’m going to pass it over now to Mr. Shane Stevens. He’s the first Secretary for the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations to share his remarks.

Shane Stevens: Leah, thank you very much and thanks also to the World Health Organization for giving us this opportunity to partner with you again. It was great to hear from… Ambassador Liask there. And once again, to be reminded of what an important force Estonia is in this world of digital technology and the e-government. We have a lot to learn. It’s great. I just want to say that personally, that we consider it a great privilege to be able to contribute to this progressive and equity-based agenda. We’re all here today, of course, to explore how best digital infrastructure can accelerate progress on the achievement of universal health coverage, and more broadly, SDG 3, health and well-being for all. Ireland’s international development policy puts global health center stage, and Ireland’s partnership with the WHO is a core component of that approach. We continue to strengthen our partnership with the WHO in recognition of the leadership role it plays at the heart of the global health architecture. As we’re all aware, one of the focus areas of this action day, too, is digital futures. And in a few days, during a high-level week, our Tornista, Miho Martin, our Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, will engage in a high-level interactive dialogue towards a digital future. So this is an important theme for us on an ongoing basis. I look forward to hearing today about the potential and opportunities of digital health infrastructure during this morning’s event. In the second session of this morning’s event, we will be exploring an important aspect of digital health infrastructure that related to digital and assistive technologies. Ireland is focused on promoting the full inclusion of people with disabilities in our society and progressing the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We also recognize the importance of investing in digital health infrastructure to ensure that every person, including persons with disabilities, has access to the same health services as every other person throughout their life course. We are committed to taking action to improve health equality. Ireland ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2018 and highlighted the importance placed on access, production, and research into assistive technologies for persons with disabilities. We also recognize the recommendations of the Global Report on Assistive Technology and the role of assistive technology in ensuring improved health incomes, inclusion, and participation for about one third of the population. Ireland was present at the launch of the Global Report in 2022, and our Taoiseach, Prime Minister, gave the keynote address on that occasion. Our engagement in this area and our support culminated in the recent announcement of the Global LEAD Agreement between the WHO and Ireland in May this year. Through our Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Ireland is investing $12.5 million in partnership with the WHO over the next five years for its Digital Assistive Technology Initiative. This partnership will help strengthen affordable and equitable access to assistive technology globally, and will focus on innovation in people-centered rights-based service delivery models with the aim of harnessing the potential of digital assistive technology to strengthen the interconnected pillars of people, policy, products, provision and personnel. Through the leadership of the WHO and the engagement of other member states, Ireland strongly believes that collective action to support improvements in health infrastructure will result in driving positive change. I look forward to the rest of today’s discussions. Thank you.

Leah Ekbladh: Thank you, First Secretary Stevens. It’s very important for us to keep equity in mind as we go forward to make sure that the digital enhancements we’re talking about in the health system don’t create further divides in access to care. To follow up on that, I’m going to introduce Dr. Alain Labrique. He’s the Digital Health Director and Innovation Director at the Science Division at the World Health Organization. He’ll be telling us a bit more about fostering digital health transformation and the lessons learned from the World Summit of Information Society C7 Action, and also update us on the WHO Guide Initiative.

Alain Labrique: Fantastic. Thank you, Leah. I really appreciate everyone’s partnership. and engagement this morning, what an outstanding show of solidarity we have. I know it was a competitive process to get people into this room, but it’s a packed room, and it’s a pleasure to have you here. Thank you especially to our colleagues from the governments of Ireland, Estonia, and the U.S., the Global Disability Hub, ITU, UNICEF, and Transform Health. Distinguished colleagues and fellow digital health champions, good morning, and it’s really an exciting program with experts that you’re going to be hearing from from around the world, and let me start by setting the scene with a few focused slides. The role of digital in creating resilient health systems became increasingly clear during the pandemic. Over the last two years, WHO and partners have been working to meet the demands from countries to help shift the conversation of a decade of, let me just say very plainly, playing with digital solutions as piecemeal band-aids to vertical challenges towards now what we’re talking about, carefully planned and executed digital health systems. Digital public infrastructure is the underlying fabric, as we’ve heard from our two speakers this morning, on which other systems, whether it’s banking, education, and of course health, are built. More than 120 member states have articulated a digital health strategy, but we have struggled to convert these visions and ideals into action. A proliferation of solutions exists as a result of donor-driven investments, while the foundational elements that we’ve heard about this morning from our colleagues in Estonia that are needed for systematic digital transformation remain neglected. Who are the custodians of a national digital transformation? What is the budget to build and maintain what we call the commons or infrastructure? What are the standards on which the entrepreneurs developing digital solutions build to ensure interoperability? Together, we need to develop the architecture and and guidance, which is what we’re doing right now with WHO and ITU and UNICEF, under the guide initiative, as well as to mobilize the resources to move into this upper right quadrant of what we call strong enabling environments. We see there to be at least three foundational pillars or legs of the stool necessary for achieving sustainable and inclusive digital health transformation. These are governance, architecture, and financing. Following our moderated discussion around these three pillars today, we will zoom in on one of the many areas that could be enabled by these functions, by these critical foundations. Assistive technologies, for example, enhanced by digital, and access to assistive technologies strengthened by strong, robust digital systems. Assistive technology is an underserved area in most health systems with significant global inequities in access to coverage. We cannot keep talking about health for all and universal health coverage without, as our distinguished colleague from Ireland just said, inclusivity and equity baked into the DNA of what we do in digital. Effective financing, governance, and the foundational architecture that support digital health interventions can be powerful enablers to assistive technology, as well as many, many other domains of health. National transformation has to be guided by clear priorities with the curation of multiple stakeholders, funders, and constituents entrusted to one or more public agencies. It’s another thing that I think Estonia and several other governments have begun to do, demonstrating the leadership of the public sector in sustaining and creating that commons. The public agencies entrusted with this responsibility are responsible for building, managing, and maintaining these digital commons, public goods, and resources. Across income lines, we see countries following this approach, defining national digital transformation as agencies to curate the shift from what I called e-chaos to… e-coordination, where we have, as exemplars, the U.S., Indonesia, Kenya, and so many others, which have defined this core pillar of the stool. The World Summit on Information Society, also known as WISIS, as well as the new Global Initiative on Digital Health, you see the shameless banners on either side of me here, are platforms. These are multilateral platforms to promote country leaderships, putting countries at the center of their digital transformation. The second leg of the stool, National Digital Public Infrastructure, or DPIs, creates the environments in which entrepreneurships thrive. Core elements such as digital identity, payments, and shared services remove the burden on entrepreneurs to have to recreate these foundational pieces every time a new system is built. But also the lack of standards and interoperability exacerbates already fragmented care and creates poor user-centered experiences. Let me move to one of our sister agencies, UNDP, in their recent DPI report that came out of the India G20 process, where I know the graphic may be a little small, but it explains very nicely how there are some core DPI functions. These foundations, such as strategic leadership, strong policy frameworks, are essential to that enabling environment to ensure that DPIs are implemented successfully. Second, we have what we call foundational or core DPIs, and these are the digital commons. They are reusable infrastructural assets that strengthen digital transformation across sectors, banking, education, health, you name it. These are the things, as our colleague from Estonia said earlier, you may or may not use every day or every month, but they also are so embedded in our daily transactions that are now digital that we often don’t even realize how essential they are to smooth functioning. There’s nothing as frustrating as turning on the tap and not having water come out, or plugging in your device to charge it and realize there’s no electricity coming through the port. These are things that, in much of the world, you assume to be part of the infrastructure of societies, but in sad truth, they are not equitably distributed around the globe, and the same is now true for digital. Second, we also see on top of these core foundational infrastructure that are digital identity, digital payments, interoperability, and so forth, we also see that every sector has digital public infrastructure dedicated to that sector. In health, these are, for example, canonical registries, so lists that are definitive of the health workforce, of patients, persistent health records that allow for continuity of care across vertical service deliveries. And even as WHO recently took on the burden of hosting, last year, digital public infrastructure that allows the verifiability of health certificates as we as citizens travel across national borders and within countries that our own health records can be verified as we move around. So together, these three pieces represent public goods, which if not addressed specifically, suffer from what we call the tragedy of the commons. If they’re not financed, if they’re not governed, and if they’re not clearly architected, these are the 21st century roads, highways, and electrical infrastructure that were fundamentally responsible for unlocking industrialization and drastically improving health outcomes almost a century ago. Last but not least, let me end with the third leg of the stool, and that is financing. And to achieve sustainable and inclusive digital health transformation, we need a vast improvement in the availability and alignment of resources. We started speaking earlier about, you know, we’re playing around in digital for the last 10 years. Now is the time to get serious. And with moving from experimentation to serious infrastructure also means an accompanying serious financing commitment. And I think that’s what countries are asking us to look at. According to OECD, 0.4% of $350 billion of development assistance were dedicated to digital initiatives. That is insufficient to drive the transformation that we’re talking about today. How much of this investment is supporting the digital commons? Not the shiny objects, but the commons. How much of this is creating disease-specific shiny objects? So let’s support governments in doing more with the resources that we have and in helping to align the resources that are being put into this field. And let’s shepherd digital transformations that truly enable health for all. Thank you.

Leah Ekbladh: Thank you. We’re going to continue our discussion around these three pillars, the three legs of the stool, with a bit of a panel discussion here. We’re going to be talking about the challenges and the opportunities moving from a fragmented digital transformation to a country-led digital transformation of health systems. And we’ll be pulling on those three pillars of financing, governance, and architecture in our panel to give you a flavor of some of those challenges and opportunities. And then we’ll move on to the case study. So our first speaker, again, will be virtual for us. It’s Ambassador Alexandre Ghisleni, the head of special office for international affairs at the Ministry of Health of Brazil.

Alexandre Ghisleni: I’d like to commend the WHO for holding this timely event. on national digital health transformation. It converges with our priorities at the G20 and the work that have been doing in G20. Minister Nisa Trindade, Brazil’s Minister of Health, has chosen as the main overarching theme for the Brazilian presidency of the health track the theme of building resilient health systems, which is a multifaceted task. We have been approaching it from many different angles. We have been talking about AMR, climate change. We have been talking about health workforce, pandemic preparedness, including local production of vaccines, medicines, and diagnostic tools for neglected diseases and neglected populations. All of these tasks must converge to the same objective. And one element that is key to all of them, which helps connect them, is digital health. Digital health makes our health systems be more efficient, makes it reach underserved areas, makes it provide services that were not available before, which is why, during our presidencies, we have been discussing artificial intelligence. We have been discussing telehealth, including telemedicine, and also the implementation of a guide of the global initiative on digital health, which was launched by the WHO. We’re fully supportive of implementing this global initiative to the fullest, of making it serve the interests of developing countries, and especially people that are in the most vulnerable situations. Bringing it to the United Nations and helping the discussion move forward in the global arena is an objective that we share and we support. We’d like to wish you all a great event and lots of success. Thank you very much.

Leah Ekbladh: Thank you. My first question is to Lisa Lewis-Person. She’s the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy, the Deputy National Coordinator for Operations, the Chief Operating Officer, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT for the United States. Ms. Person, my first question is around the fragmented digital health systems and how they frequently stem from a long history of investment from fragmented vertical health areas. So, funding for maternal and child health, funding for HIV. What suggestions do you have for us for fostering alignment and coordination between the different owners of existing systems to ensure effective integration and data sharing across these health verticals?

Lisa Lewis-Person: Thank you for the question, Emil. Hello. Thank you all so much for having me and thank you to my esteemed colleagues and to the WHO for the Global Initiative on Digital Health and for hosting this very important conversation. I’m a believer that information is the great equalizer and our digital health systems is the way to bring equality to healthcare. So thank you all for the work that you are doing. I would say I know I chose the right field because I would rather not be doing anything than this on a Saturday morning. So although countries have different healthcare systems, we speak different languages, we have different populations that we serve, we have many commonalities. And as you’ve heard this morning, how we use our digital health systems is one of those commonalities. We also have the opportunity to move in the same direction as we advance the use of digital health to be able to address the fragmentation of systems and improve health outcomes, which is the ultimate goal. I believe the strongest way to overcome this type of fragmentation is for all of us to work collaboratively through key digital health leadership organizations that advance alignment of digital health efforts and systems. We cannot solve the global digital health fragmentation problem alone. We must work in concert with other countries and global digital health groups, such as this forum, the WHO’s Global Initiative on Digital Health. The guide is focusing on how to help countries at all levels of digital health overcome obstacles in a variety of areas, and this is critical work. We also have the Global Digital Health Partnership, or GDHP, which is a collaboration of 40 country governments and the WHO, which was formed to support the executive implementation of worldwide digital health services. The GDHP’s members include digital health leaders who focus on advancing global digital health in clinical and human engagement, in cybersecurity, which we heard is critical to all of us, evidence and evaluation, interoperability, and policy environments. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy within the U.S. co-chairs the Cybersecurity and the interoperability work streams, and we are the immediate past chairs of the GDHP. I want to thank every country that participates either in GUIDE or the GDHP. Thank you for your membership and your partnership. I want to thank Elise Anthony for being the senior executive who is responsible for our global digital health efforts and Aisha Hassan for leading our global digital health portfolio. There are many examples of the types of projects that are the result of collaborative engagements through groups like GDHP and GUIDE, such as progressing and implementing the International Patient Summary, which allows individuals to access their patient data whenever and wherever they need to do so. That puts the care of the patient back at the center of what we are doing and puts it in their own hands. It’s important that they receive this information in a seamless, safe, and secure manner, and so we work to do that through patient-mediated and provider-mediated exchanges within countries, between countries, and across the world, such as the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, where Indonesia, Malaysia, Oman, and Saudi Arabia were able to exchange patient data. This example demonstrates that if we work together as leaders, we can avoid digital health transformation happening in silos. The digital world knows no borders. We serve our citizens best when we work together collaboratively to improve health outcomes by addressing compelling issues in digital health, such as the fragmentation of digital health systems. Thank you so much.

Leah Ekbladh: Thank you. I’m going to turn my next question to Hani Eskandar. He’s the head of the Digital Service Division at the ITU, and hoping we can talk a little bit about ways that we can use architecture to defragment some of those health silos and making sure that we can exchange safely those digital health streams. Last December, WHO led the publication of an article in the Oxford Open Digital Health featuring the full-stack approach. This approach highlights the importance of open standards, technology, architecture, and content to adjust the challenges of fragmentation. At the Global Initiative on Digital Health Multistakeholder Dialogue in May this year, both WHO and the ITU kicked off the work on a reference architecture for digital transformation of health systems. Can you tell us more about that guidance and who the intended users are? And then, if there is time, what’s next on that agenda?

Hani Eskandar: Thank you very much, Leah, and good morning, good afternoon, everyone. Maybe just I would like to acknowledge that maybe we are not all aware we are in a juncture historical moment in the digital health history, and I am not exaggerating. For those who are involved in digital health since a long, long time ago, we’ve been always saying the same thing, the digital health fragmentation, experimentation, duplication, etc. And I would like to acknowledge in UNGA 2024, the first time architecture is the focus of the discussion. And this is, for me, is a strategic and radical shift in the mindset of the people who are involved in digital health. Let me maybe explain this in really one minute, just to try to explain why architecture is so important. We’ve been very much dominated by what you can call a solution mindset. Basically, I have a problem, I develop an application to solve my solution. There is a huge difference, and this is what we have learned after so many years, even at our agencies. We have discovered that building a solution is not the same as transforming a sector or digitizing a sector. Those are completely two different things, and the approaches are different, and investments are different. Why? Because if you are talking about digitally transform the health sector, you need to develop and deploy decentralized systems, meaning that you need to have your solution pull data and share data across the whole system and even outside of the boundaries of the health sector. And you cannot do that without doing three things. Enabling interoperability, solving the issue of reusability, and create trust. And by the way, this is not related only to health. All the countries and sectors who managed to transform using digital, they managed to solve those three things first. Estonia is a great example. What did Estonia do? They solved interoperability through XRoute, they solved the issue of trust by ID, and they solved the issue of reusability by creating those kind of shared and reusable platforms. If you don’t have those things, you cannot share data in a trusted manner. And if you are not able to share data across the system and beyond the system, you cannot talk about digital transformation. So the way to do that is the missing thing that we have never given enough focus to is the magic word is architecture. Architecture. If you, there is one thing you need to get out of this session is the word, there is a new thing called architecture. DPI, what’s DPI? Digital Public Infrastructure. Digital Public Infrastructure is basically the implementation of an architecture. The DPI has a component that can enable all those three things, reusability, interoperability, and trust. So this is not a trivial, this is not just a new buzzword, this is not just a nice thing that international agencies are excited about and brings conferences, etc. This is the core of the problem of investments in health, digital health, because everyone is doing, concerned with their own problem, but no one is looking at the overall system. So to solve this issue, what we are going to do, and actually we started to do this, we are going to create something that, long name, DPI Based Reference Architecture for Digital Health Transformation. So basically developing an architecture for digital health is not an easy task. It requires a lot of, and actually the most rare skill is the architect. I think for those who are involved in digital, they know a good architect is like a blessing. So, what we’re going to do, we’re going to do the homework for countries is to give them a blueprint, like an example, a model of an architecture. But more importantly is that this architecture is not only, is not considering that health is a silo. No. Health is part of the overall digital transformation. We need now to, not to talk about digital health transformation, we need to talk health in digital transformation. Health should be part of the overall digital transformation of a government. And that’s why developing an architecture that takes this into consideration is key. How we are going to do it? Very practically in 30 seconds. We have a call, which is still open by the way, calling for countries, experts, individuals, organizations who have any experience in developing similar architectures. There are, the good news is that there are a lot of things that have been done. We have very good examples from Estonia, from India, from so many other countries. We have initiatives, open HIE, so there are a lot. Our role as international organizations is to try to compile this and do the homework for the countries to say, let’s try to give you an example of an architecture. And by the way, this work will be driven by an excellent piece of work that WHO did, which is the SMART guidelines. The SMART guidelines, if you really understand them, it’s a reference use case. It’s an example of saying how you design care, how you deliver care in the digital era. What is missing from the SMART guidelines, and that was my comment to WHO, if you give the SMART guidelines to countries, they will end up having duplication of application. If you don’t have architecture in the middle, so this is the next step that we are going to do. We are going to pull a group, a working group, and you are all invited, if you have the expertise of course, to join this group because it’s difficult, right? So we really need to make sure that we do the hard work to give this kind of reference specification, but in doing so, we’re going to involve people from the digital government and I think Nelly mentioned the GovStack initiative and many other initiatives that are looking at the DPI in general, so we try to bring this so that health doesn’t become a silo sector. No, health needs to be part of the digital transformation. So you are all invited, it’s a call for all you to, if you have the time and expertise and the will, and by the way, this session is so important that people came on a Saturday and even being in ITU, there is a very exciting event that is happening, which is SDG Day and decided to leave it and come to this session because of the architecture.

Leah Ekbladh: Well, we know that countries themselves need to both govern and invest in this architecture. And my next question is for Sean Blaschke, he’s the Senior Health Specialist for Digital Health and Information Systems Unit at UNICEF. And we’re going to stay on that topic of architecture. And Sean, many of us have experienced the shift in political commitment to interventions with a change in government. How can a complex and expansive journey of digital transformation survive and transcend electoral and political shifts in the countries where we work and live?

Sean Blaschke: Thanks, Leah. I’m going to try to apply the same architecture framework to legislation, policy, compliance, building block, and talk a bit about a couple of countries that I think have demonstrated how they’ve done this successfully. So first, I’d like to talk a bit about Kenya. Kenya has been working for a while in terms of both devolving healthcare delivery, but also providing a roadmap, a superhighway for digital transformation. But the Kenya government had been challenged under the previous administration. The Digital Health Act had been stuck in draft for, I believe, five or six years. Technology was changing. The needs of the government was changing. But the Ministry of Health, they were constrained quite significantly without having a national vision codified into law to help guide the country. When the current president, President Ruto, was campaigning, this was something that his advisors were asking, well, you know, how do we get the interest of the youth, the young people, entrepreneurs? And he pledged during his campaign. campaign to prioritize digital transformation, technology, digital health, and as soon as he was elected, his staff and his constituents held him to task. And in almost record time, I think six, seven months, they were able to take an act that had been stagnated for many years and quickly turned that into legislation and policy. I’d note a few things that the Digital Health Act in Kenya also included linked to architecture and has helped, I think, accelerate work over the last few months. You know, one is that it’s heavily grounded in the Health Information Exchange architecture and standards, but without being prescriptive. Prescriptive around architecture and standards, not prescriptive around solutions. Kenya is a devolved country and the Ministry of Health did not want to dictate every last solution to the counties. What they did want and need to dictate were the rules of the game. What needs to be shared, how it needs to be shared, and with whom. And so I think this has been something that has really contributed to Kenya capitalizing on a lot of the opportunities that they had that were nascent without that national act in place. The second country quickly to talk about is Rwanda. And Rwanda, I want to talk about the governance side of this. Rwanda has been investing for many years in a e-gov approach where they have the Ministry of Health and then they have an authority under the Ministry of Health which is responsible for operationalizing the national laws and policies. Key to this is that they’ve embedded teams within each of the sectoral line ministries. There are people from the ICT authorities sitting within the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Water. These are senior architects and business analysts. These aren’t software engineers, but people who can see the big picture, can connect the dots. and can identify and corral a lot of very different divergent interests towards, again, a common set of public goods. The one thing I would note, or the example I’d note that has, I think, accelerated health sector work in Rwanda was investment in digital identity. Birth registration in Rwanda in 2017 was 56%. As of today, it’s over 93%. This is a huge increase in a handful of years. This was done in part due to business process optimization, cutting unnecessary extra steps. It was done through policy reform that mandated the health sector to issue birth certificates, IDs, at the point of birth. So a one-stop shop where the mother did not need to take their child to a separate location, and digitization. And we’ve seen, during the COVID response, for example, how Rwanda was able to identify and monitor the delivery of every last dose and report on it. And again, this would not have been possible without years’ worth of investments in terms of that overall governance architecture, the multi-sectoral governance architecture, and investments in key DPI as a result of it, including digital identity. So I think echoing many other speakers here, there’s really a need for development partners, funders, donors, to rethink how we are supporting member states to invest in digitally transforming the health sector, not in a piecemeal, program-by-program, vertical fashion, but at minimum contributing to a larger architecture and strengthening the legislation, the policies, the infrastructure, the human resources required for it to be successful. Thanks.

Leah Ekbladh: It’s great to have a story to put behind it. I think that’s really helpful to kind of ground us in where we are and to think about how even a change in government can enhance a lot of the work that we’ve been doing. Something else that can enhance the work we’re doing is on the financial side. And I’m going to invite Mathilde Forslund from TransformHealth, she’s the executive director of TransformHealth, to talk about one of the key challenges to digital health transformation and that being the lack of information about what is funded and then what resources still remain to be funded. And that can lead to not only fragmenting how we implement digital transformation, but fragmentation among donors who are helping on that journey. What would you like to see from governments, from the multilateral agencies, including one sitting to your left and right, and other donors in the room, prioritize in the light of the global digital compact and the summit of the future to advance better tracking and optimization of funding toward universal health coverage?

Mathilde Forslund: Thank you. That’s a big question. Good morning, everyone. Thank you for the opportunity to speak here today. So as Lea said, I’m the executive director of TransformHealth. And for those of you that don’t know TransformHealth, we’re a global coalition of more than two hundred organizations working to harness the potential of digital transformation to achieve universal health coverage by 2030. So as we all gathered here at the UNGA in New York, at the sidelines of the summit of the future, and as I think the only representative of society on this panel, we must recognize that we are at a pivotal moment for bold, coordinated action to close the digital divide and drive progress towards universal health coverage. We need to ensure that digital transformation and the use of AI is built on equity and rights-based principles that truly serve everyone, everywhere. We need to invest in strong legislative and regulatory environments to guide digital transformation of health, including stronger health data governance regulation to govern the collection and use of data and spur responsible innovation. So as Alan said also earlier in his presentation, we also need to ensure that investment in digital transformation is coordinated and aligned, which is why our call as Transform Health, a key call to action over the last few years, has been to call on governments, donors, and private sector leaders to come together and align resources and efforts. And this is in response to a common focus on tech solutions and isolated pilot projects that have emerged in the absence of national digital health strategies and tracking of resources. Interventions may address a vertical disease area rather than the wider ecosystem, and this leads to an expensive and fragmented approach to the digitalization of health services. So as we move forward from solutions-focused digital health initiatives to holistic national digital health transformation of health systems, having clear and costed plans in place will ensure that stakeholders prioritize areas most in need of funding and most available to deliver health impact for all. So in 2022, Transform Health published a conceptual framework titled Closing the Digital Divide, More and Better Funding for the Digital Transformation of Health Systems. To better understand the sustainable digital transformation of health systems, and our engagement around the G20 India, G20 Brazil, and the Global Initiative on Digital Health have centered around the key recommendations from this report. We know that digital transformation is critical investment areas in health, and yet investment in digital health are falling short of the estimated 12.5 billion that is needed for digital transformation of health in low and middle income countries. So beyond the funding shortfall, another challenge is that digital health investment is not measured or tracked routinely or in a standardized way. This information is often across different data sources and categories, and this makes it challenging to quantify the funding needed, make the case for resources, coordinate funding, and to hold different stakeholders accountable. So, at this week’s UNGA, the Global Digital Compact also calls for increased investment for the development of digital public goods and digital public infrastructure, especially in developing countries. The compact highlights that digital transformation should be integrated to development assistance. But ultimately, we cannot increase what we cannot measure. As long as investment in digital health continues to be wrapped into vertical silos and programming, governments will struggle to identify and strengthen digital public infrastructure for health. So, if we instead integrate the tracking of digital health investment as part of the routine process for health systems planning and budgeting, we will give leaders better data to make funding decisions in the face of budget tradeoffs, ensure that digital health investment reinforces the UHC agenda, and support advocates, civil society, and health workforce in holding governments accountable so that funds reach the priorities and those most in need. It will be really important that we build the evidence base on what the digital health ecosystem can learn from other successful efforts to track financing for other complex investment areas such as climate, gender equity, PHC, HIV and AIDS, and nutrition. We also need to leverage existing tracking mechanisms such as the OECDAC reporting and the national health accounts. Ultimately, driving investment to DPI, DPI health, and digital health, equipped with a clear framework to measure and quantify the need while ensuring resources are directed to the greatest priorities, is critical to advancing the digital transformation of health systems and achieving universal health coverage. Thank you.

Leah Ekbladh: Thank you, Mathilde. We heard a lot from our panel around those three pillars that Elan mentioned. had spoken about at the beginning of our session around the financing of the investment case, the country-led investment that needs to be involved, around the government’s needs, what are those national needs, and what partners and local capacity strengthening need to happen in order to realize the governance that needs to happen around digital transformation, and then, again, three cheers for architecture, and talking about that digital public infrastructure, and then the quality assurance and making sure that the data is that equalizer. What I’d like to do now is have everyone hold questions around that digital transformation. We are going to have some Q&A, but before we do that, we are going to talk about that use case and talk about assistive technology as that use case. So I’m going to introduce Kylie Shae. She’s the team lead for access to assistive technology at WHO.

Kylie Shae: Thank you very much, Leah, and yes, I’m now bringing you to the cold face, you know, why are we doing all of this with just one example, and the montage of photographs on the screen is there to remind us all that assistive technology encompasses a very broad and diverse range of assistive products, including those that support people in the functional domains of cognition, communication, hearing, mobility, daily self-care, and also vision, and on the slide, you will see people of all ages in different settings using assistive products such as wheelchairs, walking aids, glasses, hearing aids, and memory devices, and these are just a few common examples of assistive products. However, there are many more, and the successful provision and use of these devices requires systems and policies that ensure people can access affordable, quality, safe products appropriately fitted and maintained with the support of trained personnel. So, WHO estimates as many as 2.5 billion people need at least one assistive product, so that is one in three of us, and the ratio increases as people age with as many as two to three of us needing assistive technology after the age of 65, but despite the need and all the benefits to individuals, communities, and society as a whole, there is a stark inequity of access, with as few as 3 to 10 percent of people in low-income countries having the assistive technology they need, compared to 90 percent having access in high-income countries. Many barriers exist, including a lack of awareness and understanding of the need, and indeed the potential savings for health care delivery. when people have timely access. And of course, critical challenges in terms of services and workforce capacity and the reach to deliver assistive technology, which extends to the ability of countries to respond to the surge in need during humanitarian crisis. WHO recognizes access to assistive technology as an integral component of universal health coverage. And we are working with countries, with UN partners and others to support integration of assistive technology throughout the health system, addressing areas including better data, supply chain issues, policy and provision systems and workforce. Our work includes looking to the future to see how we can ensure that assistive technology is seen as a priority use case for the application of digital health initiatives. And most importantly, is factored into the design and the implementation of digital public infrastructure for health so we become part of this integrated collaborative solution. We are particularly proud of our partnership with the government of Ireland and the opportunity of the global award that the first secretary mentioned earlier, which is intended to help address that global inequity of access to assistive technology with a deliberate focus on digital technologies addressing the most problematic of those access barriers. And we very much look forward to sharing our progress at future digital health forums. And with that, I would like to hand over to Professor Malcolm MacLachlan, who is the co-director Assistant Living and Learning Institute from Maynooth University and an advisor to the Irish health system, who although he could not be with us in person is gonna share just a few perspectives and examples of work in Ireland in this area. So thank you.

Malcolm MacLachlan: Good morning, everyone. And thank you, Kylie. And so I want to talk to you about. how much digital can add to the impact of assistive technologies. If we consider the WHO Global Initiative on Digital Health, it’s focused very much around universal health coverage and the health-related sustainable development goals. So in other words, coverage for all and leaving nobody behind. And surely these two central ideas are going to be key indicators of our success with digital health. So I believe assistive technology is a really compelling use case for digital public infrastructure. And especially so to be discussed at this summit of the future. I think it’s important for you all to have some idea of the scale of need for assistive technology. Kylie has already touched on this. But who does need assistive technology? So people with disabilities clearly need assistive technology. And the WHO 22 report on global health equity for persons with disability has highlighted that this group has the worst health outcome of any particular group. Really important to understand these poor health outcomes are not because of an intrinsic disability, but rather they’re because of barriers that people face in accessing health services. Also the ageing population, obviously with more ageing people, there will be more functional difficulties. And assistive technology can help alleviate and allow people to operate with these conditions. Also more people living with chronic illnesses. So here we’re often talking about habilitation rather than rehabilitation. People living well. with a difficulty and enjoying a better quality of life. And of course, then there’s people with acquired injuries. Just think of the thousands of people at present injured through current conflicts. Many of them in the short term will need assistive technologies, but many will also need them well into the longer term. So I believe that digital technologies offer huge opportunities to remove barriers. For instance, if we look at the sort of five pillars around promoting inclusive assistive technology, digital can help us promote a person-centered approach. It can help us enhance a supportive policy framework, and it can help with the supply of appropriate assistive products. This also relates to the effective provision system, and this must be integrated throughout health and welfare systems at the different levels. And digital has a huge role in supporting an appropriately trained workforce. Some practical examples of work in Ireland we’re exploring with WHO through our global collaboration with them on digital and assistive technology. And these are about, for instance, analyzing population data regarding the need for assistive technology, so that that can inform policy and crucially financing decisions, including assistive products in existing stock management systems. Using digital tools to streamline assessment and referral processes around assistive technology, and developing online platforms and digital communication. to train and support rural workforces. In Ireland, we’re actively working to explore the full potential of digital technologies and to reduce waiting times and enhance services for children and adults and to increase, I guess, their sense of control and involvement in their own service provision. Just a couple of quick examples. One, a project called SHAPES, which stands for Smart and Healthy Aging through people working through empowered systems. Sorry about that. So I had the pleasure of being the PI on that project, and it worked across 14 different countries within Europe. And what we did essentially was we brought together a huge range of assistive and digital technologies through an open digital platform. So the platform is the enabler for the rollout of assistive technology, particularly to those most marginalized groups, and crucially within the community. So rather than going into hospitals, effective digital infrastructure facilitates the provision of these sorts of services in the community. A second example from Ireland, then, is the assistive technology passport. Again, a digitally mediated platform. And this was supported through a project through the Irish Health Service called CREATE. And interestingly, I think in our context here, is CREATE sought to support digital initiatives that, one, made a difference to individuals, but two, made a difference to the system’s ability to supply quality assistive products. So the assistive technology passport really enhances a person’s access to all types of assistive technology and their associated supports. So it’s in its pilot phase still, but it really represents a digital solution that places the user at the center of their own assistive technology journey, including self-assessment, potential self-referral, access to information, advice, and ongoing support and training and technical support for them and their associated helpers. This project is led by Enable Ireland and Freedom Tech, crucially co-designed with assistive technology users and collaborating with Microsoft and Maynooth University. But in essence, the assistive technology passport embodies how digital can better support access to and use of assistive technology. So in Ireland and throughout the world, assistive technology is a compelling use case for achieving more equitable health systems with greater coverage, further reach, and leaving nobody behind for promoting universal health care and achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals. But, and there’s always a but, assistive technology services and systems can only scale these barriers, can only achieve the coverage that we all seek for it and make the impact that it’s potentially capable of making if it is digitally supported by the necessary public digital infrastructure. We ask you to join us in contributing to making that a reality. Thank you very much.

Leah Ekbladh: It’s good to bring it back to people, especially people who can really benefit from these enhanced technologies. So thank you for that. I’m going to open it up to the floor for unfortunately only about five minutes so that we have plenty of time for our closing remarks from our colleague from India. But if there is one or two questions from the floor, oh, I see two hands over there. Perfect. Ladies first, if that’s okay.

Questions: I appreciate that. Hi, everybody. I’m Nancy Munchen. I’m the founder of the AI group. I’m in the studio to announce the position that we have. So first of all, thank you for all your sharing and kudos for the work. We have been discussing a lot about the macroscopic level and about the technology to solve these problems. But as everybody knows here, healthcare is huge about the human. And sometimes that is the most challenging part. So I have one unified question regarding the human engagement. First of all, is the end user engagement. Right now, how we’re kind of marrying or evaluating the end users adoption by market adoption of the digital technology. And the second, because I know we already have a multilayered world, you know, like efforts on encouraging the countries to share the data and have the technology, the platform to communicate that data. But healthcare data is so sensitive that it concerns many, many countries like national security. So how can we, especially, you know, these days with the geopolitical tensions and all this wreck of the nationalism, how are we going to encourage or incentivize all these countries on an individual basis to contribute their data to integrity and slightly more transparency? Thank you.

Leah Ekbladh: Thanks, and I’ll just summarize. I hear two in there. One is around how do we evaluate end user engagement, and then how can we encourage countries to share data across systems. for global learning. Is that, did I get it right? Yes. Super. Okay, who wants it? All right, Alain, please.

Alain Labrique: The first one, which is, I think, easier, because for us, digital is the opportunity to put people at the center. When the health experience today, for most people, is extremely fragmented, is extremely discoordinated, and the opportunity, why we’re talking about infrastructure, why we’re talking about interoperability, because we see this as the key to unlock the continuity of care that we’ve talked about for so many years, but without those shared services, without the common language, where the patient is at the center, as the custodian of their own health record, to be able to have them go through that patient journey in a way that’s person-centered, not hospital-centered, or at the convenience of the clinician, but at the convenience of the patient. We look at what the financial sector has done, and nobody has the patience or time to stand in a five-hour queue to access their bank balance. They want banking at their fingertips. The same we’re now seeing post-pandemic is what people expect from health, and that’s what this public infrastructure, interoperability is going to help us achieve. So people are absolutely at the center. It’s the value proposition that drives this forward. It’s not the financial benefits, but it’s the people at the center. So thank you for emphasizing that.

Leah Ekbladh: It was an excellent question. The gentleman in the back corner there.

Questions: Thank you very much. I’m a new physician, and I’ve been for a long time in Africa, and I’m excited to be back in Europe. I was excited to have this initiative, and I’m thinking also, looking at the types of multi-stakeholder, I was trying to figure out where communities would be manufactured, one, because at the end of the day, communities are the end users of these products, and two, we also very much need to kind of of be aware of the sustainability issue, because one, at the end users, then we can also upgrade, modify this digital health tools we’re talking about. And also making sure that success at community level means that success is achieved everywhere. So to what extent are we considering communities when we talk about multi-stakeholders? Thank you.

Leah Ekbladh: Thank you. Yes, we talked a lot about architecture and financing and governance. Where does the community fit in those three pillars? Mathilde, please.

Mathilde Forslund: Yeah, yeah. Great question. Thank you for that. I think that’s actually why we established TransformHealth, because we felt that the end user wasn’t really represented in these conversations. And so TransformHealth is actually an organization of 200 civil society based organizations to bring these communities and the representatives of these communities, whether it’s people living with HIV and AIDS, whether the data and the privacy of the data is being affected, or as we design these systems for the future, their needs and perspectives are heard in that design and architecture. So I concur with you completely. It’s really important. And we do a lot of stakeholder consultations to bring in the end users perspectives in the different dialogues, as we design these systems and architectures and financial mechanisms that we need in order to enable better digital transformation. Thank you.

Nele Leosk: I actually wanted to just comment on some of the questions that had been asked, and maybe also follow up a bit on what Hani was saying, because Hani was giving this picture that you need these three things to have a successful digital society. And I wish it was so simple. But actually, it is not, because we are increasingly seeing misuses. technology and there was a question around the privacy and and all the other issues that come especially with health data that is a sensitive data and and I would actually like to add here actually the importance of a legal framework and and I would say the entire governance mechanism and I think this is a global issue that has also gathered us all here today to discuss global digital compact and I can tell also from Estonian size that despite the facts that we had our privacy regulation we have a since 90s in in place that would also take into account I would say this virtual world we had a very clear data governance mechanism we would know exactly who is responsible for the collection of which data how it can be used how it needs to be shared and so forth but I would say that it was still not enough we really had to show people that their data is used properly so we actually gave the right for every person in Estonia to see what kind of data is being collected by them and how these data was being used of course I don’t see who exactly has seen my data but I but I but I have a log so I can track down if my data has been used so for example if I’m stopped by police I should have a log there that that somebody has checked whether I have the right to drive so this is a very important question actually that was raised considering the world we are currently living.

Leah Ekbladh: Thank you I recognize your hand I’m afraid I’m gonna have to move on but if you want to hold it you see all of our faces I encourage you to find us afterwards I do want to give our last five minutes to mr. Vikram Pagaria he’s the director of IT for the National Health Authority of India.

Vikram Pagaria: Distinguished delegates colleagues and friends it’s an honor to be here today I would like to extend my heartful appreciation to the organizers for putting out this session so well and I also compliment all the speakers who have given us their insights. I’m sure that this session has made us more knowledgeable than we were before this session, at least for me, the talk on architecture. As you may be aware, India had the privilege of launching the global initiative on digital health on August 19, 2023, during its recently concluded G20 presidency. This initiative represents a pivotal step in democratizing digital health technologies, particularly for the global south, and ensuring equitable access to health services through robust digital public infrastructure. India is deeply committed to building equitable digital health systems, placing people at the heart of our efforts. I would like to share one example of our digital public infrastructure, which is the UPI, Unified Payments Interface, which has really revolutionized payments across the country by making it very simple to make payments. Today, Indians no longer need to carry their cards or wallets when they go outside to buy something. With just a smartphone and low data costs, they can transact seamlessly not just in India, but also in other countries like Singapore, France, UAE, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Bhutan, and Nepal. To date, UPI facilitates over 10 billion transactions per month with 600 banks, which are live on this platform. In health, about 1.9 billion COVID certificates have been issued digitally by India. And I think the The discussion about foundational infrastructure to enable these transactions is very important. In the realm of healthcare, the commitment to use technology to make easy the life of the citizen is the same. India has started early. This is exemplified through the National Digital Health Mission, which was launched in 2021 with an initial outlay of $20 million. This initiative is aimed at enabling creation of digital health records and promoting interoperability. This mission keeps the individual at the center. By being consent-based, it empowers citizens to take charge of their health data. It also has taken into aspects of data privacy by being built on a federated data architecture. That is, the records are stored at the health facilities where they are created, and our architecture only enables the transfer of those records from one health facility to another, when the user, when the patient gives their consent. The ABDM, the ABDM, that is the Digital Mission Framework, aligns closely with GIDH’s mission, further strengthening our commitment to fostering equitable health access. India has pledged $10 million to GIDH to support countries interested in adopting our DPIs. To ensure that India’s digital health journey aligns with global efforts, the adoption of HL7 FHIR standards have been inbuilt within our ecosystem. We are also strongly recommending SNOMED City standards adherence for the various digital health software which are being used in the country. Accessibility. and augmented care coordination is at the heart of our digital health intervention. I would like to give an example of a use case, Ireland’s assistive technology use case was given, but what in our country we have provided to our citizens is that there is a lot of crowding at our public hospitals. So what happens is that the patients are waiting in the registration area, and they have to go to a registration counter, and they have to share what their name is, what their address is, what their mobile number is, and they have to say that, oh, I want to visit a orthopedic. And what happens is that the register counter, they enter all their details, and they give them a slip. What we have done through the QR codes, which are very, very common in our country, is that through any app, there are about 12 apps which are there where the citizen can go, and when they are there near the registration area, they can scan the QR code, and all their demographic details are given to the registered counter, and they get a token, say 42. And when the 42 number token comes, the citizen can go, and they can just say that, oh, I want to go to the orthopedic, or I have a dental ailment, and all the other details that are not required to be collected. So from about the waiting time of about 40 to 50 minutes, we have been able to reduce it to four to five minutes, and about 300,000 people daily use this technology and get quick OBD registrations. Through innovative financing models, we are ensuring that the investments in digital health align with national priorities and contribute to a sustainable country-led transformation. In our country, the level of digitization in health is still. So what we are trying to do is we are working on 100 model facilities project, wherein we are trying to understand the complexities of digitization, and we are focusing on making 100 facilities across the country as end-to-end digitized, so that we learn on this process, and then we will try to use those learnings to digitize the entire health ecosystem. I thank you for your time, for your patience, and I hope it was a good session. Thank you so much.

Leah Ekbladh: I want to thank all of our panelists and our participants, particularly those who offered questions to bring us back to the community. That’s always a great way to end as well. We are only five minutes over, so I’m very proud of myself, but we do have to clear the room for the next session, but I think many of us will be around in the lobby if there’s other questions. Thanks so much.

H

Hani Eskandar

Speech speed

158 words per minute

Speech length

1089 words

Speech time

412 seconds

Importance of architecture – DPI enables interoperability, reusability, and trust

Explanation

Hani Eskandar emphasizes that digital public infrastructure (DPI) is crucial for enabling interoperability, reusability, and trust in digital health systems. He argues that these elements are essential for transforming the health sector digitally.

Evidence

Eskandar mentions that DPI components can enable reusability, interoperability, and trust, which are necessary for digital transformation.

Major Discussion Point

Digital Public Infrastructure for Health Systems

Agreed with

Nele Leosk

Vikram Pagaria

Agreed on

Importance of digital public infrastructure (DPI) for health systems

Disagreed with

Mathilde Forslund

Disagreed on

Approach to digital health transformation

N

Nele Leosk

Speech speed

146 words per minute

Speech length

1324 words

Speech time

542 seconds

Estonia’s example of digital identity and data sharing

Explanation

Nele Leosk highlights Estonia’s successful implementation of digital identity and data sharing systems. She argues that these systems have enabled efficient and secure digital services for citizens.

Evidence

Estonia’s digital signature system allowing citizens to participate in municipal council meetings, vote, and rent apartments remotely.

Major Discussion Point

Digital Public Infrastructure for Health Systems

Agreed with

Hani Eskandar

Vikram Pagaria

Agreed on

Importance of digital public infrastructure (DPI) for health systems

Need for governance and legal frameworks to protect data privacy

Explanation

Leosk emphasizes the importance of having strong governance mechanisms and legal frameworks to protect data privacy. She argues that these are necessary to ensure proper use of sensitive data, especially in healthcare.

Evidence

Estonia’s implementation of a system allowing citizens to see what data is collected about them and how it is used.

Major Discussion Point

Digital Public Infrastructure for Health Systems

Agreed with

Sean Blaschke

Agreed on

Need for proper governance and legal frameworks

V

Vikram Pagaria

Speech speed

129 words per minute

Speech length

885 words

Speech time

409 seconds

India’s Unified Payments Interface as successful DPI example

Explanation

Vikram Pagaria presents India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as a successful example of digital public infrastructure. He argues that UPI has revolutionized digital payments in India, making transactions simple and accessible.

Evidence

UPI facilitates over 10 billion transactions per month with 600 banks live on the platform.

Major Discussion Point

Digital Public Infrastructure for Health Systems

Agreed with

Hani Eskandar

Nele Leosk

Agreed on

Importance of digital public infrastructure (DPI) for health systems

Importance of standards like HL7 FHIR for interoperability

Explanation

Pagaria emphasizes the importance of adopting international standards like HL7 FHIR for ensuring interoperability in digital health systems. He argues that these standards are crucial for aligning India’s digital health journey with global efforts.

Evidence

India’s adoption of HL7 FHIR standards within their ecosystem and recommendation of SNOMED CT standards for digital health software.

Major Discussion Point

Digital Public Infrastructure for Health Systems

India’s $20 million investment in National Digital Health Mission

Explanation

Pagaria highlights India’s significant investment in the National Digital Health Mission. He argues that this initiative aims to create digital health records and promote interoperability in the healthcare system.

Evidence

India’s launch of the National Digital Health Mission in 2021 with an initial outlay of $20 million.

Major Discussion Point

Financing Digital Health Transformation

M

Mathilde Forslund

Speech speed

145 words per minute

Speech length

896 words

Speech time

369 seconds

Current funding for digital health insufficient and fragmented

Explanation

Mathilde Forslund argues that the current funding for digital health is insufficient and fragmented. She emphasizes that this leads to an expensive and disjointed approach to digitalizing health services.

Evidence

Reference to isolated pilot projects and vertical disease-focused interventions in the absence of national digital health strategies.

Major Discussion Point

Financing Digital Health Transformation

Disagreed with

Hani Eskandar

Disagreed on

Approach to digital health transformation

Need to track and measure digital health investments

Explanation

Forslund stresses the importance of tracking and measuring digital health investments. She argues that this information is crucial for quantifying funding needs, making cases for resources, and holding stakeholders accountable.

Evidence

Mention of the challenge in measuring digital health investments due to data being spread across different sources and categories.

Major Discussion Point

Financing Digital Health Transformation

Importance of costed national digital health plans

Explanation

Forslund emphasizes the need for clear and costed national digital health plans. She argues that these plans will ensure stakeholders prioritize areas most in need of funding and most likely to deliver health impact.

Evidence

Reference to Transform Health’s conceptual framework ‘Closing the Digital Divide’ which highlights the importance of costed plans.

Major Discussion Point

Financing Digital Health Transformation

L

Lisa Lewis-Person

Speech speed

145 words per minute

Speech length

603 words

Speech time

249 seconds

Need for country leadership and ownership

Explanation

Lisa Lewis-Person emphasizes the importance of country leadership and ownership in digital health transformation. She argues that countries need to take the lead in developing and implementing their digital health strategies.

Major Discussion Point

Governance of Digital Health Systems

Importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration

Explanation

Lewis-Person stresses the significance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in advancing digital health. She argues that working together through key digital health leadership organizations is crucial for overcoming fragmentation.

Evidence

Mention of collaborative efforts through the Global Initiative on Digital Health and the Global Digital Health Partnership.

Major Discussion Point

Governance of Digital Health Systems

S

Sean Blaschke

Speech speed

138 words per minute

Speech length

737 words

Speech time

318 seconds

Role of legislation like Kenya’s Digital Health Act

Explanation

Sean Blaschke highlights the importance of legislation in digital health transformation. He argues that laws like Kenya’s Digital Health Act provide a national vision and guide for digital health implementation.

Evidence

Kenya’s Digital Health Act, which was passed after being stuck in draft for 5-6 years, now provides a roadmap for digital health transformation.

Major Discussion Point

Governance of Digital Health Systems

Agreed with

Nele Leosk

Agreed on

Need for proper governance and legal frameworks

Rwanda’s e-gov approach with embedded ICT teams

Explanation

Blaschke presents Rwanda’s e-government approach as an effective governance model. He argues that embedding ICT teams within different ministries helps connect the dots and identify common public goods across sectors.

Evidence

Rwanda’s placement of senior architects and business analysts from ICT authorities within various ministries, including health.

Major Discussion Point

Governance of Digital Health Systems

K

Kylie Shae

Speech speed

150 words per minute

Speech length

547 words

Speech time

218 seconds

Large unmet need for assistive technology globally

Explanation

Kylie Shae highlights the significant global need for assistive technology. She argues that despite the high demand, there is a stark inequity in access to these technologies, especially in low-income countries.

Evidence

WHO estimates that 2.5 billion people need at least one assistive product, with only 3-10% of people in low-income countries having access compared to 90% in high-income countries.

Major Discussion Point

Assistive Technology as Use Case for Digital Health

M

Malcolm MacLachlan

Speech speed

118 words per minute

Speech length

912 words

Speech time

461 seconds

Digital can help scale up access to assistive technology

Explanation

Malcolm MacLachlan argues that digital technologies offer significant opportunities to improve access to assistive technology. He suggests that digital can help remove barriers and enhance various aspects of assistive technology provision.

Evidence

Examples of digital tools streamlining assessment and referral processes, and developing online platforms to train and support rural workforces.

Major Discussion Point

Assistive Technology as Use Case for Digital Health

Ireland’s assistive technology passport as digital solution

Explanation

MacLachlan presents Ireland’s assistive technology passport as an innovative digital solution. He argues that this digitally mediated platform enhances a person’s access to all types of assistive technology and associated supports.

Evidence

Description of the assistive technology passport project, which includes features for self-assessment, potential self-referral, access to information, advice, and ongoing support.

Major Discussion Point

Assistive Technology as Use Case for Digital Health

U

Unknown speaker

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Need to involve end users and communities in design

Explanation

This argument emphasizes the importance of involving end users and communities in the design of digital health systems. It suggests that community engagement is crucial for ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of digital health tools.

Major Discussion Point

Assistive Technology as Use Case for Digital Health

Agreements

Agreement Points

Importance of digital public infrastructure (DPI) for health systems

Hani Eskandar

Nele Leosk

Vikram Pagaria

Importance of architecture – DPI enables interoperability, reusability, and trust

Estonia’s example of digital identity and data sharing

India’s Unified Payments Interface as successful DPI example

Speakers agree on the crucial role of digital public infrastructure in enabling efficient, secure, and interoperable digital health systems.

Need for proper governance and legal frameworks

Nele Leosk

Sean Blaschke

Need for governance and legal frameworks to protect data privacy

Role of legislation like Kenya’s Digital Health Act

Speakers emphasize the importance of strong governance mechanisms and legal frameworks to guide digital health transformation and protect data privacy.

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers highlight the need for significant and coordinated investment in digital health infrastructure and transformation.

Mathilde Forslund

Vikram Pagaria

Current funding for digital health insufficient and fragmented

India’s $20 million investment in National Digital Health Mission

Both speakers emphasize the importance of country-led approaches and embedding digital expertise within government structures for effective digital health transformation.

Lisa Lewis-Person

Sean Blaschke

Need for country leadership and ownership

Rwanda’s e-gov approach with embedded ICT teams

Unexpected Consensus

Importance of assistive technology in digital health

Kylie Shae

Malcolm MacLachlan

Unknown speaker

Large unmet need for assistive technology globally

Digital can help scale up access to assistive technology

Need to involve end users and communities in design

There was an unexpected focus on assistive technology as a key use case for digital health, with multiple speakers highlighting its importance and potential for digital enhancement.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of agreement include the importance of digital public infrastructure, the need for proper governance and legal frameworks, the significance of country-led approaches, and the potential of digital technologies in enhancing assistive technology access.

Consensus level

There is a high level of consensus among speakers on the fundamental aspects of digital health transformation. This consensus suggests a shared understanding of key priorities and challenges, which could facilitate more coordinated and effective efforts in advancing digital health globally.

Disagreements

Disagreement Points

Approach to digital health transformation

Hani Eskandar

Mathilde Forslund

Importance of architecture – DPI enables interoperability, reusability, and trust

Current funding for digital health insufficient and fragmented

While Eskandar emphasizes the importance of architecture and DPI for digital health transformation, Forslund focuses on the need for better funding and tracking of investments. This suggests a difference in prioritization of technical infrastructure versus financial resources.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of disagreement revolve around prioritization of different aspects of digital health transformation, such as technical infrastructure, funding, and governance.

Disagreement level

The level of disagreement among the speakers appears to be relatively low. Most speakers present complementary perspectives on digital health transformation rather than conflicting views. This suggests a general consensus on the importance of digital health transformation, with differences mainly in emphasis and approach. These differences could potentially lead to more comprehensive strategies if integrated effectively.

Partial Agreements

Partial Agreements

Both speakers agree on the importance of digital public infrastructure, but they present different national approaches and focus areas. Leosk emphasizes digital identity and data sharing in Estonia, while Pagaria highlights India’s success with digital payments.

Nele Leosk

Vikram Pagaria

Estonia’s example of digital identity and data sharing

India’s Unified Payments Interface as successful DPI example

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers highlight the need for significant and coordinated investment in digital health infrastructure and transformation.

Mathilde Forslund

Vikram Pagaria

Current funding for digital health insufficient and fragmented

India’s $20 million investment in National Digital Health Mission

Both speakers emphasize the importance of country-led approaches and embedding digital expertise within government structures for effective digital health transformation.

Lisa Lewis-Person

Sean Blaschke

Need for country leadership and ownership

Rwanda’s e-gov approach with embedded ICT teams

Takeaways

Key Takeaways

Digital public infrastructure (DPI) is crucial for enabling interoperable, reusable, and trustworthy digital health systems

Financing for digital health transformation is currently insufficient and fragmented, requiring better tracking and alignment of investments

Strong governance frameworks and country leadership are essential for successful digital health implementation

Assistive technology represents an important use case that can benefit greatly from digital health infrastructure

Involving end users and communities in the design of digital health systems is critical for adoption and effectiveness

Resolutions and Action Items

WHO and ITU to develop guidance on reference architecture for digital transformation of health systems

Countries invited to join working group on developing reference architecture for digital health

India pledged $10 million to support countries interested in adopting their digital public infrastructure models

Unresolved Issues

How to encourage countries to share sensitive health data across systems for global learning while addressing privacy and security concerns

How to ensure digital health initiatives do not exacerbate existing inequities in access to care

Specific mechanisms for involving communities and end users in digital health system design and implementation

Suggested Compromises

Balancing country-specific digital health solutions with adoption of global standards and interoperable systems

Using existing tracking mechanisms like OECD reporting to measure digital health investments rather than creating new systems

Thought Provoking Comments

We’ve been very much dominated by what you can call a solution mindset. Basically, I have a problem, I develop an application to solve my solution. There is a huge difference, and this is what we have learned after so many years, even at our agencies. We have discovered that building a solution is not the same as transforming a sector or digitizing a sector.

Speaker

Hani Eskandar

Reason

This comment challenges the prevailing approach to digital health and introduces a more holistic perspective on digital transformation.

Impact

It shifted the discussion from focusing on individual solutions to considering systemic transformation and architecture. This led to further exploration of the importance of digital public infrastructure and interoperability.

Estonia is a great example. What did Estonia do? They solved interoperability through XRoute, they solved the issue of trust by ID, and they solved the issue of reusability by creating those kind of shared and reusable platforms.

Speaker

Hani Eskandar

Reason

This comment provides a concrete example of successful digital transformation, illustrating key principles in action.

Impact

It grounded the abstract discussion in a real-world case study, prompting other participants to consider how these principles could be applied in their own contexts.

We cannot increase what we cannot measure. As long as investment in digital health continues to be wrapped into vertical silos and programming, governments will struggle to identify and strengthen digital public infrastructure for health.

Speaker

Mathilde Forslund

Reason

This comment highlights a critical challenge in digital health transformation and links it to the need for better measurement and tracking of investments.

Impact

It introduced the importance of financial tracking and accountability into the discussion, leading to consideration of how to better align and optimize funding for digital health initiatives.

I believe assistive technology is a really compelling use case for digital public infrastructure. And especially so to be discussed at this summit of the future.

Speaker

Malcolm MacLachlan

Reason

This comment connects the broader discussion of digital infrastructure to a specific and impactful use case, demonstrating the practical implications of the concepts being discussed.

Impact

It shifted the conversation to consider concrete applications of digital health infrastructure, particularly in addressing health equity and access issues.

Overall Assessment

These key comments shaped the discussion by moving it from abstract concepts to practical considerations of digital health transformation. They challenged participants to think beyond individual solutions to systemic change, highlighted the importance of measurement and accountability in funding, and provided concrete examples of successful implementation and impactful use cases. This progression deepened the conversation, making it more nuanced and action-oriented, while consistently emphasizing the need for holistic, interoperable, and equitable approaches to digital health infrastructure.

Follow-up Questions

How can we evaluate end user engagement and adoption of digital health technologies?

Speaker

Nancy Munchen

Explanation

Understanding user adoption is crucial for the success and impact of digital health initiatives.

How can we encourage or incentivize countries to share health data across systems for global learning, especially given concerns about national security and geopolitical tensions?

Speaker

Nancy Munchen

Explanation

Data sharing is essential for global health improvements, but sensitive health data raises concerns that need to be addressed.

To what extent are we considering communities when we talk about multi-stakeholders in digital health initiatives?

Speaker

Unnamed physician

Explanation

Ensuring community involvement is crucial for the sustainability and effectiveness of digital health tools.

How can we strengthen legal frameworks and governance mechanisms to protect privacy and prevent misuse of health data?

Speaker

Nele Leosk

Explanation

Robust legal and governance structures are necessary to build trust and ensure proper use of sensitive health data in digital systems.

Disclaimer: This is not an official record of the session. The DiploAI system automatically generates these resources from the audiovisual recording. Resources are presented in their original format, as provided by the AI (e.g. including any spelling mistakes). The accuracy of these resources cannot be guaranteed.

A Digital Future for All (morning sessions)

A Digital Future for All (morning sessions)

Session at a Glance

Summary

This discussion focused on the importance of creating an inclusive and sustainable digital future for all. The event, hosted by ITU and UNDP, brought together leaders from government, industry, and civil society to explore how digital technologies can advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

Speakers highlighted the urgent need to bridge the digital divide, with 2.6 billion people still lacking internet access. They emphasized that connectivity alone is not enough – digital skills, affordable devices, and meaningful content are also crucial. Several initiatives were announced to expand connectivity and digital literacy, particularly in underserved communities.

The transformative potential of technologies like AI, blockchain, and satellite communications was showcased through various examples. These included using AI for flood prediction, blockchain for refugee assistance, and satellites for wildlife conservation. Speakers stressed the importance of ensuring these technologies benefit everyone, not just the privileged few.

Digital public infrastructure was presented as a key foundation for inclusive development. Examples from countries like Brazil, India and Estonia demonstrated how digital ID systems and other core platforms can improve service delivery and economic participation. However, speakers emphasized that proper safeguards for privacy and security are essential.

The discussion also explored how digital technologies can support environmental sustainability, from monitoring deforestation to enabling clean energy transitions. Youth representatives called for ensuring the digital future is equitable, secure and empowering for all.

Overall, the event highlighted both the immense opportunities and challenges of the digital revolution. Speakers agreed that realizing an inclusive digital future will require collaborative efforts across sectors and borders, with a focus on putting people and planet at the center of technological progress.

Keypoints

Major discussion points:

– The importance of universal and affordable digital connectivity, with a focus on connecting the 2.6 billion people who are still unconnected

– Leveraging digital technologies and AI to address global challenges like climate change, healthcare, education, and economic development

– Ensuring digital inclusion and bridging digital divides, especially for women, youth, and underserved communities

– The need for safeguards, regulations and ethical frameworks as AI and digital technologies advance

– Public-private partnerships and multi-stakeholder collaboration to drive digital transformation

Overall purpose:

The overall purpose of the discussion was to highlight the transformative potential of digital technologies and AI in achieving sustainable development goals, while emphasizing the need for inclusive and responsible approaches to ensure no one is left behind in the digital future.

Tone:

The overall tone was optimistic and forward-looking, with speakers expressing enthusiasm about technological possibilities while also acknowledging challenges. There was a sense of urgency in calls to action for bridging digital divides. The tone remained largely consistent throughout, balancing excitement about innovation with reminders of the importance of ethics and inclusion.

Speakers

Moderators/Facilitators:

– Sade Baderinwa – Eyewitness News Anchor, ABC News

Speakers:

– Achim Steiner – Administrator, UNDP

– Amandeep Singh Gill – UN Secretary General’s Envoy in Technology

– Doreen Bogdan-Martin – Secretary General , ITU

– Mohamed Shameel Aziz Joosub – CEO Vodacom Group and Vodafone Executive Committee Member

– Jessica Rosenworcel – Chairwoman, Federal Communications Commission, USA

– Juan Lavista Ferres – Corporate Vice President and Chief Data Scientist, Microsoft

– Emma Theophilus – Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Namibia

– Karan Bhatia – Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy, Google

– David Sapolsky – Senior Vice President, Global Public Policy & General Counsel, Amazon

– Ann Aerts – Head, Novartis Foundation

– Mats Granryd – Director General, GSMA

– Alexandre Reis Siqueira Freire – Commissioner, National Telecommunications Agency, Brazil

– Rabab Fatima – Under-Secretary-General and High Representative UNOHRLLS

– Bianca Faith Johnson – President, Board of Trustees, Push to Walk

– Kelly T. Clements – United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees

– Lady Mariéme Jamme – Founder and CEO, iamtheCODE

– Amr Talaat – Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Egypt

– Lisa Russell – Emmy-winning Filmmaker and Founder/CEO of Arts Envoy Lab/Create2030

– Lori Freeman – Global GM and Vice President, Salesforce for Nonprofits

– Tunde Wackman – Chief Development Officer, World Central Kitchen

– Abdullah Alswaha – Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Saudi Arabia

– Joan Joseph Moses – Educator, Roosevelt Douglas Primary School in Portsmouth, Dominica

– Tofara L. Chokera – CEO and Founder, Tofara Online

– Pamela Coke-Hamilton – Executive Director, International Trade Center

– Christopher Burns – Chief Digital Development Officer and Director, Technology Division, USAID

– Lazarus Chakwera – President of Malawi

– Esther Dweck – Minister for Management and Innovation and Public Services of Brazil

– Paul Foster – CEO, Global Esports Federation

– Brad Smith – Vice Chair and President, Microsoft

– Alan Davidson – Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and Administrator, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, USA

– Rumman Chowdhury – CEO and co-Founder, Humane Intelligence, United States Science Envoy, Artificial Intelligence

– Harrison Lung – Group Chief Strategy Officer, e&

– Bosun Tijani – Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nigeria

– Robert Muggah – Co-Founder, Igarapé Institute

– Valentino Valentini – Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy

– Jakob Granit – Director-General, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency

– Zhiping Chen – Vice President, ZTE Corporation

– Fatou Haidara – Deputy Director General, UNIDO

– Daren Tang – Director General, WIPO

– Tawfik Jelassi – Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, UNESCO

– Deemah AlYahya – Secretary General, Digital Cooperation Organization

– Nobu Okada – Founder and CEO, AstroScale

Youth Representatives:

– Sanjana Sanghi – UNDP India Youth Champion and Bollywood Actress

– Yuri Romashko – CEO, Institute of Analysis and Advocacy, UNDP Generation 17

– Daniella Esi Darlington – Co-Founder, Copianto AI and ITU Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Board Member

Full session report

Expanded Summary of the Discussion on Creating an Inclusive Digital Future

Introduction

This discussion, part of the Summit of the Future Action Days, was hosted by ITU and UNDP. It brought together leaders from government, industry, civil society, and youth to explore how digital technologies can advance the Sustainable Development Goals and create an inclusive digital future for all. The event was moderated by Sade Baderinwa, a news anchor at WABC in New York, and featured a diverse array of speakers with expertise in technology, development, and policy.

Key Themes and Discussion Points

1. Universal Digital Connectivity

A central focus of the discussion was the urgent need to bridge the digital divide, with 2.6 billion people still lacking internet access. Speakers emphasised that connectivity alone is insufficient; digital skills, affordable devices, and meaningful content are also crucial for true digital inclusion.

Technological Solutions:

– Mohamed Shameel Aziz Joosub (Vodacom Group) stressed the importance of connecting the unconnected.

– Jessica Rosenworcel (FCC) highlighted satellite-to-cell phone communications as a potential game-changer for ending mobile dead zones.

– Juan Lavista Ferres (Microsoft) discussed using AI and satellite imagery to map population shifts for targeted connectivity efforts.

– David Sapolsky (Amazon) presented Project Kuiper for affordable global satellite broadband.

The Partner2Connect Digital Coalition was highlighted as a crucial initiative, with significant pledges announced during the event to support digital inclusion efforts globally.

2. Digital Inclusion and Skills Development

Speakers emphasised that true digital inclusion requires both infrastructure and skills development, particularly for underserved populations.

Key Points:

– Tofara L. Chokera (Tofara Online Trust) highlighted digital skills training for economic empowerment, especially for women and youth.

– Mats Granryd (GSMA) pointed out that affordable smartphones are key to bridging the digital divide.

– Lazarus Chakwera (President of Malawi) called for integrating digital literacy into national education curricula and presented the Digital Malawi Project.

– Christopher Burns (USAID) introduced the Responsible Computing Challenge to embed ethics in tech education.

3. AI for Sustainable Development

The transformative potential of AI in addressing global challenges was a recurring theme, balanced with calls for responsible and ethical development.

Applications and Initiatives:

– Karan Bhatia (Google) discussed AI for early flood warnings and disaster preparedness.

– Valentino Valentini (Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy) presented the AI Hub for Sustainable Development.

– Achim Steiner (UNDP) stressed the need for AI safeguards to prevent exclusion and protect rights.

– Rumman Chowdhury (Humane Intelligence) highlighted evaluating AI systems for cultural appropriateness.

– Brad Smith (Microsoft) emphasised ensuring AI benefits the Global South.

4. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Digital Public Goods

DPI was presented as a key foundation for inclusive development, with speakers emphasizing its potential and the need for careful implementation.

Perspectives:

– Esther Dweck (Minister, Brazil) discussed DPI for efficient government services, financial inclusion, and environmental efforts.

– Achim Steiner highlighted that DPI requires commitment, capital, and capacity building.

– Several speakers emphasized the importance of digital public goods in fostering innovation and development.

5. Technology for Social Impact

The discussion showcased various examples of how digital technologies can create significant social impact across diverse fields.

Examples:

– Bianca Faith Johnson demonstrated exoskeleton technology that restores mobility for paralyzed individuals, highlighting the need to make such technologies widely accessible and affordable.

– Kelly T. Clements (UNHCR) discussed blockchain-based digital wallets for rapid financial aid to refugees.

– Ann Aerts (Novartis Foundation) highlighted AI and digital tools for improving healthcare outcomes and reducing inequalities.

– Zhiping Chen (ZTE Corporation) discussed digital technologies for protecting endangered species in remote areas.

6. Youth Perspectives and Initiatives

The event featured strong youth representation, highlighting their role in shaping the digital future.

Key Contributions:

– Sanjana Sanghi presented youth-led initiatives for digital inclusion and skills development.

– Yuri Romashko discussed the importance of involving young people in digital policy-making.

– Daniella Esi Darlington highlighted youth-led efforts to bridge the digital divide in Africa.

7. Space Sustainability and Innovation

Nobu Okada presented on the critical issue of space sustainability, discussing innovative technologies for space debris removal and the importance of maintaining a clean orbital environment for future space-based technologies.

8. Global Initiatives and Frameworks

Several speakers highlighted important global initiatives:

– Amandeep Singh Gill discussed the Global Digital Compact and its importance in shaping international digital cooperation.

– Deemah AlYahya presented the Digital Cooperation Organization’s Digital Economy Navigator (DEN).

– Paul Foster announced the Global Esports Federation’s pledge to support digital inclusion through gaming.

9. Creative Integration of Technology

Lisa Russell demonstrated the integration of AI in creative fields by presenting AI-generated artwork created during the event, sparking discussions on the future of human-AI collaboration in the arts.

Challenges and Unresolved Issues

1. Ensuring AI development benefits the Global South without exacerbating inequalities

2. Balancing rapid technological advancement with necessary regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations

3. Addressing potential job displacement due to AI and automation in developing countries

4. Ensuring data privacy and security in the implementation of digital public infrastructure

5. Making cutting-edge technologies widely accessible and affordable

6. Maintaining space sustainability while advancing space-based technologies

Conclusion

The discussion highlighted both the immense opportunities and challenges of the digital revolution. Speakers agreed that realising an inclusive digital future will require collaborative efforts across sectors, generations, and borders, with a focus on putting people and planet at the centre of technological progress. The overall tone was optimistic and forward-looking, balanced with a strong emphasis on ethical considerations, inclusion, and responsible development of digital technologies.

Session Transcript

Sade Baderinwa: If everyone could please take their seats, in the back, if you could please take your seats. Thank you so much. We’re going to begin. It is good to see everyone here this morning. Your Excellencies, esteemed speakers, and distinguished guests, I’m Sade Baderinwa, a news anchor at WABC in New York, and it is an absolute pleasure to be here today. Thank you. We’ve got some eyewitnesses viewers. Well, welcome to the summit of the future, Action Days, a digital future for all. We are living in an extraordinary era of technological transformation. Consider this. A cook in Thailand shares a family recipe through a short video online, and within hours, people around the globe are replicating it in their kitchens. In mere moments, that recipe transcends borders. We find ourselves at a pivotal crossroads. Technology is reshaping our lives at a speed we just couldn’t have imagined just a decade ago. It is revolutionizing industries, democratizing education, and connecting people across continents. In healthcare, artificial intelligence is diagnosing diseases with unprecedented accuracy and speed, delivering life-saving treatments to once inaccessible regions. Personalized medicine tailored to individual needs is no longer a far-off dream, but a reality on the horizon. Today, you will witness that transformation firsthand. A woman who is paralyzed will walk again through the use of technology. It truly is remarkable, and I think you all are going to be blown away. We’ll also explore how technology is being harnessed beyond the battlefield. Satellite-based networks are restoring communication in war-torn areas like Ukraine, where infrastructure is devastated. Consider the plight of refugees escaping war zones like Ukraine. They often arrive with only the clothes on their backs. No money. No legal documents and no answers for tomorrow. Technology, however, is changing that. Through blockchain technologies, refugees will be given digital wallets that offer instant access to financial aid and shelter. You’re going to hear today how this groundbreaking solution is enabling refugees to rebuild their lives in just mere minutes. Meanwhile, there are so many companies using the power of AI to predict floods, offering life-saving warnings up to a week in advance. And these forecasts are reaching dozens of countries, protecting millions of people in vulnerable areas. We’re going to talk with some of these companies today. Digital access is truly a game changer. For millions of people in isolated regions, farmers, women, and schools in rural areas, often overlooked for decades, are now part of a connected world, transforming their lives and economies simply by getting online. You’ll hear today how this is helping the previously forgotten thrive. And as we explore these advancements, we must also be vigilant with our proper safeguards, the same technologies that drive progress could deepen inequalities, threaten privacy, and marginalize the most vulnerable. Our digital future must be open, free, and secure for everyone, not just for the privileged few. So today, we will also discuss those crucial safeguards. There’s so much to cover, and it’s going to be an exciting day centered on harnessing the transformative power of technology. So, let’s get started. And first, I’d like to introduce Achim Steiner, Administrator, UNDP. Amandeep Singh Gill, UN Secretary General’s Envoy in Technology. And Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary General of ITU.

Achim Steiner: Thank you. At the end, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this amazing room this morning. My name is Achim Steiner and I’m the head of the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP. I’m delighted to extend a very warm welcome to all of you joining us for the joint opening of the A Digital Future for All event, proudly co-hosted by UNDP, the International Telecommunication Union, and the Office of the UN Secretary General’s Envoy on Technology. We are convening on the eve of the Summit of the Future, when world leaders will come together in this building to commit to the bold new solutions that better reflect the realities of the 21st century, and can respond to both today’s and tomorrow’s challenges and, perhaps even more importantly, opportunities. Our event is part of the Summit’s Action Days, which focus on building multi-stakeholder partnerships and paving the way to a more inclusive and interconnected multinaturalism. Today, representatives from every corner of the globe and all sectors of society will showcase digital solutions and announce new commitments to realize that brighter digital future for everyone, everywhere. Our vision of a digital future for all. At UNDP, we believe that digital technologies will be the fundamental driver of development this century, reshaping economies and societies, and helping to radically reshape development – from driving down poverty and inequalities, to advancing gender equality, to powering decisive climate action. Working as part of the United Nations family, we are not only closing the digital connectivity divide, we are committed to helping to shape inclusive digital ecosystems in over 100 countries today to help digital innovation flourish everywhere. First in our partner countries, we are supporting the development of digital policies and strategies that guide country-level digital transformation. Second, we enable the planning and development of digital foundations that underpin inclusive digital transformations, particularly digital public infrastructure, which represent the roads and railway tracks, so to speak, of our new digital era. Third, we provide digital capacity-building support to ensure that governments and communities and citizens have the skills they need. Our work is only possible thanks to our partnership with governments, our UN partners, international organizations, the private sector, civil society, academia and well beyond. That is also the spirit of today’s event, to create strong collaborations that reach everyone, everywhere, and that ensure that people can shape their own digital future in this era. Thank you.

Amandeep Singh Gill: Good morning. How are we today? Welcome. The future calls, and here we are, united, determined to build it together. A peaceful, prosperous, sustainable and hopeful world, where technology empowers us all and disempowers none. Our future is digital, and we have been hard at work over the past two years to ensure that it is open, safe and secure, and that it leaves no one behind. A future that upholds our hard-won victories on human rights and sustainable development. UN member states, with critical contributions of stakeholders from civil society, the tech community and academia, and the private sector, have been negotiating a global digital compact. A uniquely diverse body of experts on artificial intelligence can mean by the Secretary General has worked at warp speed to produce a blueprint for the international governance of AI. And it all comes together tomorrow at the Summit of the Future. A pact for the future with two powerful annexes, a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations, will be on the table for leaders to decide and adopt. The Global Digital Compact puts digitalization at the center of multilateral cooperation and a fit-for-purpose United Nations. It sets out principles and actions to advance an open, safe and secure digital future for all. The GDC provides an ambitious agenda to harness digital technologies for development and benefit of all countries and communities. It provides us with a normative foundation, a moral compass, if you will, to benchmark our progress. It includes concrete commitments and actions, almost two decades after the World Summit on Information Society, to ensure that everyone, everywhere is connected to the internet and to close digital divides. It recognizes the challenges of safety and security online and seeks to mobilize political and financial resources to protect against risks and harms. The Compact is practical. It sets out actions to close digital divides and leverage technologies to accelerate development, expand opportunities for inclusion in the digital economy so that all stakeholders have more opportunities to generate value and be more than mere consumers of digital technologies. The GDC aims to protect and promote human rights online and make the digital space safe for all, especially children, women and girls. It aims to advance responsible, equitable and interoperable data governance, and importantly, it aims to govern AI for the public benefit and inclusively. At the core of the GDC is a commitment to inclusive, equitable governance of technology, in particular emerging technologies like AI. It makes digital governance a global public policy issue, one in which all stakeholders – the private sector, the tech community, civil society and academia – have a role to play. We are at the start of a new journey. We need your engagement to ensure that the commitments in the GDC bring meaningful digital futures to all. Thank you.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin: Generation that has never known a world without digital. It’s the SDG generation. Millions of young people who are stepping into their teenage years on the brink of adulthood. Their journey has been extraordinary. They have grown up in a decade that has seen part of the population using the internet nearly double, social media surrounding us, and artificial intelligence going mainstream. They’re too young to remember when the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change were adopted. They were just kids when a global pandemic turned their world upside down and shifted education online. Then, like all of us, they encountered generative AI. In a series of developments. have since been nothing short of extraordinary, digital runs through their veins. It’s the most connected generation of all, and the first to come of age in an era of unimaginable digital opportunities. What will they do with all this power? How will they live up to this responsibility, and what kind of future will they build? Let’s see this future through their eyes, and let’s give them a seat at the table. So we’re in 2030, a not-so-distant digital future where everyone can access the Internet anytime, anywhere. Where having the right device is a basic standard, not a privilege. Where digital skills are a fundamental part of education. Where men and women have a fair shot at opportunity and success. Where algorithms create equity, not bias. Where access to computing resources are distributed more evenly, and where human rights are the bedrock of our digital society. Where safety is the norm, and where digital and green transitions go hand-in-hand. In short, a sustainable, inclusive, and responsible digital future for all. Three fundamental truths that guide our digital track, here during the action days of the Summit of the Future. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the digital future is not yet written. It’s happening on our watch. We are all, all the SDG generation. So let’s forge the digital future with the audacity of youth, a future full of hope, possibility, and ambition. The best future we can dream of. Thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: Thank you, Doreen. Thank you so much. Where algorithms create equity and not bias. So important. Thank you for those words. Well, now I give you SDG Digital.

Official Video: Hi, it’s not what you’re thinking. We’re not experiencing technological difficulties here. This is what our digital world looked like less than 50 years ago. This is what it still looks like for 2.6 billion people. Unconnected, to cell phones, computers, global knowledge bases. That’s not the inspiring, positive, optimistic message you might be sitting there hoping for. So what would a digital future for all be like? The world is at my fingertips. Just a click away. Fingertips. Just a click away. Endless possibilities. What we do now will affect generations to come. No one has to choose between paying the bills and using the Internet. The digital world must give every woman a voice and a chance to lead. Learning with the Internet is like a super power. Starting a business has never been faster. The time starts now.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin: It all began with a simple question. What’s your vision of a digital future for all? We’ve just heard some powerful voices, all part of our campaign leading up to this moment. Now it’s time for Achim and I to share our vision. For me, it really comes down to three words. Universal, meaningful connectivity. It’s a driving force of the ITU as the UN agency for digital technologies, and it’s my number one priority. I want to be able to take my future grandchildren one day to the halls of the United Nations, and I want to be able to tell them the story of how we unlocked the power of digital and emerging technologies to everyone in this decade. No matter who they are, where they live. regardless of their gender, their age, their education, or the opportunities they’ve been given.

Achim Steiner: We live in a world in which the familiar is giving way to the unknown. We cannot predict where our new digital future will take us. We can hope for it. What we can do is help create an inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous digital future. That means setting the conditions so that everyone, everywhere, can reap the benefits of our digital world. Ensuring that everyone has the necessary skills, the capacities, and access so that no one is left behind. We must also harness digital technologies to protect and restore the environment and advance the decisive climate action we need so urgently to transform lives and livelihoods and drive progress across all, yes all, 17 Sustainable Development Goals. At UNDP, this is more than a vision. We are using digital to change lives today and ensure that the generations to come have the ability to determine their own futures.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin: This future that Achim and I have described is within reach. Fast forward to September 25, 2030, the SDG deadline. It’s our moment of truth. Formidable challenges that once seemed insurmountable have given way to a future filled with promises. Countries and companies have doubled down on cybersecurity. Putting security first, they’ve saved countless lives and protected the global economy from escalating threats. We’ve bridged the global digital gender gap with major breakthroughs in least-developed countries where women’s online participation has surged. Digital technologies have become a powerhouse. ally in tackling climate change and in keeping the 1.5 degree target alive. Countries have worked together to clean up millions of pieces of debris in the low-earth orbit, making space sustainability a reality. Our efforts to develop standards against deepfakes have stopped the spread of disinformation and rebuilt the public’s trust in technology. And today, developing countries are competing on equal footing in AI with the infrastructure and the talent to drive innovation that benefits us all.

Achim Steiner: The year 2030. Imagine a deadline that seemed so distant, yet our global community has achieved so much. A global community united by a clear blueprint for a better future. The Sustainable Development Goals. No one lives in extreme poverty any longer. We live in a world free from hunger. Nearly every child has a primary education. Everyone has access to clean water and sanitation. Renewable energy powers four-fifths of the world. And nearly every car sold worldwide is an electric vehicle. Where digital technologies are powering decisive climate action and the protection and restoration of our natural world. Truly monumental achievements. How did we get there? Investments in digital were pivotal. Ones that went beyond the next app or one-off digital solution. We need to invest in a digital ecosystem from which true innovation takes root and can flourish. For our global community actively shaped the AI revolution to improve lives. And now, as we stand at the threshold of a new era, we see a world where progress is not just a possibility. It is the reality we’ve built together. It is to the age of possibility we are looking at.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin: When Achim and I stood here for our first SDG Digital, we dared to think digital solutions could accelerate progress on 70% of the SDG targets. Now, in 2030, that vision has exceeded our expectations. Thanks to technologies like satellites, artificial intelligence, every school in the world is connected to the Internet. When the Giga Initiative helped connect Brianna’s school in Honduras, her first thought was for the unconnected children. As she put it, all children have the same rights. That’s true for countries, and that includes two-thirds of the small island developing states that lacked early warning systems. But the Early Warnings for All initiative changed that, uniting us through emerging technologies to ensure everyone is protected. These technologies marked a turning point in our efforts to rescue the SDGs and leave no one behind. I always remember Luis, a young ALS patient who joined us for our AI for Good Global Summit from his home in Lisbon. Luis had lost his ability to speak, but an AI device connected to his brain gave him back his voice.

Achim Steiner: As Doreen has so eloquently articulated, we see a world transforming ways we couldn’t have fully imagined even a few years ago. We’ve arrived at a point where digital transformation is not just about technology. It’s about lives, our lives, our children’s lives. Consider digital public infrastructure. Every person now has a secure digital identity. We are imagining the year 2030. This has unlocked services that were previously out of reach of so many. When the digital ID initiative reached a young mother, it didn’t just give her access to education and health care. For the first time, I feel seen, she said. Closing the digital skills gap has ushered in a new era of entrepreneurship. That includes a young graduate of 23 years of age. Thanks to a new digital bank account, he has now set up his own green transport business and employs seven people. Or look to technologies being harnessed to deliver for the planet. Governments and civil society are now using AI to track deforestation in real time, showing where to take action, combating forest fires. I’ll never forget a farmer that I met who used AI to help predict changing climate patterns and double her crop yield. Today, in 2030, we have a truly global AI ecosystem. And many of the world’s most impactful AI innovations come from regions like Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia, to just mention a few examples.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin: This is the moment when we said no to digital inequalities and yes to digital opportunities. And ITU and UNDP showed true partnership. As the world unites behind the vision laid out in the pact for the future, the declaration on future generations, and the global digital compact. It’s a new beginning. It’s the start of a journey towards greater unity, peace, and innovation, a future where digital technology serves as a force for good, and for inclusion, and for sustainable development. A future worth living for.

Achim Steiner: This is a moment to redefine our digital destiny. You must turn skepticism into an appetite for the unknown, a catalyst for change, and a willingness to push new frontiers. The ITU and UNDP are working together to put this commitment into practice across the globe as part of the UN’s promise. That includes driving progress on digital public infrastructure, capacity building and financing, the means to an end. And this is not just an idle digital dream. We are bringing this vision to life, like fiber optic cables lighting up with new streams of data, understanding and growth, powering a year of transformative breakthroughs for the SDGs.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin: It all began with a simple question.

Achim Steiner: What is your vision of a digital future for all?

Doreen Bogdan-Martin: Today you will see how we can make this future a reality.

Achim Steiner: To rescue the SDGs.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin: To build, right now, at the summit of the future action days, an affordable, universal,

Achim Steiner: meaningful and inclusive, sustainable and peaceful, and prosperous digital future for all.

Sade Baderinwa: And thank you Doreen and thank you Achim and Amandeep. Well, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, and now we give you, as we mentioned, SDD Digital. Thank you both for propelling us to the future and for sharing your vision. Now is the time to delve into the powerful words you mentioned. And this is act two, the hope of digital. And we’re going to showcase concrete examples of game changing solutions for a digital future for all. And some of the solutions that we will see on stage today came through a rigorous process established by the advisory group of SDD Digital. So, let’s dive right into it. Let’s take a look at this video. 2.6 billion people are unconnected. A digital future for all can only be possible if access to connectivity is universal and affordable. So, to get us started, I have the pleasure to call to the stage Mohamed Shameel Aziz Joosub, who is the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Vodacon Group. And we also have Jessica Rosenworcel, Chairwoman, Federal Communications Commission, and Juan Lavista Ferres, Corporate Vice President and Chief Data Scientist of Microsoft. Thank you. Thank you all. So, let me go with Broadband Commissioner Shamil. I’m excited about what you guys have in store for us today, so the floor is yours.

Mohamed Shameel Aziz Joosub: Thank you, Doreen, and thank you, Achim, for the powerful vision for 2030. It’s ambitious, it’s exciting, but let’s bring ourselves back to reality for a moment. Today, in low-income countries, just 35% of the population have access to 4G. While Vodafone and others continue to invest heavily in expanding our networks, this problem is far too big to be fixed by traditional methods. The world needs new radical approaches. We need to boldly seize the opportunities in front of us. We must accelerate action and drive real global change. The convergence of the satellite and the mobile industries can help us with this opportunity. Something amazing happens when we are forced to act with urgency. When a crisis hits, we stop debating, we stop delaying, and we smash through barriers. I want to share two stories, real recent examples, that show just how bold we can be. First, when the Ukrainian town of Irpin was devastated by Russian attacks, Vodafone Ukraine used a satellite-based network to restore mobile communications fast. Second, after Hurricane Beryl tore through the Caribbean in July, we turned to low-orbit satellites with our instant network on Union Island. Both examples show that, in the middle of a crisis, urgent application of satellite and mobile technology can ensure that, even in chaos, people’s voices can still be heard. So here’s the question. Can we harness this technology beyond war zones and natural disasters? Can we finally close the digital divide? Let’s really think about that number. 2.6 billion people are still unconnected. 2.6 billion were left out of today’s digital economy.

Official Video: In areas of conflict and natural disasters, where terrestrial networks have been destroyed, low-orbit satellites have helped us provide an essential lifeline for millions of people. But in a digital world, still missing 2.6 billion people, we need to take the same urgent actions and find bold solutions, such as satellites, to solve the world’s coverage gaps, connecting people no matter who they are or where they live.

Mohamed Shameel Aziz Joosub: 2.6 billion people are excluded from opportunities and disconnected from basic services. But I believe we can change that. Together with our partner, AST Space Mobile, we are pushing the next technology frontier. We are working on a direct-to-mobile satellite network, one that doesn’t need dishes or special equipment. We are aiming to plug coverage gaps in low- and middle-income countries with this conversion of satellites and mobile in a safe, secure, and equitable way. Last week, five satellites were launched from Florida. They are currently 500 kilometers above us, preparing to test direct-to-mobile connectivity. This offers the real prospect of digital to millions of more people with just a regular 4G headset. With this technology, we can reach the last mile – the isolated communities, the farmers, the rural women, and the schools. Let me be clear. Connectivity is empowerment. It’s education. It’s economic inclusion. It’s health. But it’s not happening fast enough. So how can we be bolder and really make the change we need to see? I leave you with three ideas. First, investment. To achieve universal access, we need $428 billion. That’s significant, yes. But we need to think big, create a scalable investment strategy, and make it happen. Second, there is no point in creating satellite coverage if people don’t have a device to use it. We need to lower the cost of smartphones to under $20 in the least-developed countries, removing duties and surcharges on low-cost 4G devices, and promoting local production will help. Third, we need to ensure that we innovate in a way that truly benefits everyone. and without doing harm, respecting the frameworks that keep us safe online. By the way, to succeed, we must think differently. Incremental change isn’t good enough. We need something new, something bold. We can close the digital divide. But only if we are brave, innovative, and act today with true urgency. Thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: Thank you, Shameel. A lot of great points there. Jessica, now it’s your turn, so please tell us more about the importance of accessibility.

Jessica Rosenworcel: The big idea that I want to talk about today is going to change and save lives. I say that confidently because it already has. So let me explain with a story. It starts on Hawaii. And if you’ve ever been there, you know that Hawaii is a beautiful place with a landscape that is often green and lush. But the climate’s changing. And last year, dry, wind-fueled flames raced along the western edge of Maui, which is one of the eight major islands in Hawaii. It was the deadliest wildfire in the United States in over a century. The flames leveled the historic town of Lahaina, which is on Maui. And in the middle of this fire, when the flames were raging, we had five young people on the road on the outskirts of Lahaina. They were trapped in a white van. Skies were smoky. It was not clear where to go or what to do, so they decided to drive toward the ocean. But the roads to the water, they were blocked, and poor visibility quickly turned into no visibility. They were stuck in a sea of flames with nowhere to go. to go. Terrestrial wireless services were knocked out, so there was no way to call the emergency number 911 for help. The van was hot and it was getting hotter. The situation felt hopeless. But you see, this crew of five young people, they survived. They’re alive today thanks to a new technology. Their phone had a new feature, the ability to connect directly to emergency personnel by bypassing ground-based communications and instead using satellite signals delivered directly from space. At 6.14pm, their message asking for help reached first responders along with their location. And at 6.47pm, they sent a follow-up message to the dispatchers to say they had been rescued. Now put simply, satellite-to-cell phone communications is a game-changer. By combining space-based networks and terrestrial wireless networks, both can accomplish more together than either can do on its own. They can make our networks more resilient and more available whenever disaster strikes. And we saw that clearly in the United States in Hawaii. But you see, the combination of these services can do even more. They can end mobile dead zones. And that’s why in the United States, the Federal Communications Commission has set up a framework, the first of its kind in the world, to support supplemental coverage from space. That means we’re making it easier for wireless carriers to have all of our smartphones connected through satellites when there’s no signal on the ground. This is part of a broader effort at the Federal Communications Commission to seize the communications opportunities of the new space age. To adapt to this era when rocket launches are no longer rare. Constellations are no longer small, and satellites are no longer just big, bulky objects destined for decades in our skies. We created a new Space Bureau. And our Space Bureau has streamlined our regulatory process for licensing satellite services. It has updated our requirements to mitigate orbital debris. So new space actors are always good stewards of our skies. And it’s put forward a plan to support in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing. Now in the end, the goal of all of this is to build what I call the single network future. And what exactly is the single network future? It’s a future where we no longer limit ourselves to thinking about one communications technology at a time. It’s a future where fiber networks, licensed terrestrial systems, next-generation unlicensed wireless technology, and satellite broadband seamlessly interact in a way that is invisible to the user. It’s a future where we have the power to end mobile dead zones. It’s a future where it is possible to connect everyone, everywhere. So let’s make it happen. Let’s build this future together.

Sade Baderinwa: Great. Thank you, Jessica. Satellite to cell phone communication. No dead zones. Fantastic. Incredible. Well, now comes something very special. Juan, you are next.

Juan Lavista Ferres: Twenty years ago, a massive earthquake struck the Indian Ocean, causing devastating tsunamis that claimed the lives of over 230,000 people in Southeast Asia. The disaster was foreseeable hours before it struck the coastline. There were no warnings notification to people at risk. It was a turning point, one that underscored the urgent need for global early warning systems that can save lives in such critical moments. While early warning systems have their effectiveness to hinges the crucial factor, communications with people on the ground, no matter how sophisticated our technology is, if we cannot reach those in harm way, the warnings are useless. There is an illusion of accessibility and current data in today’s digital age. However, this is a misconception. The reality is that in many parts of the world, population data is outdated by decades or more. The foundational knowledge of any early warning system is understanding where people are located. That’s why Microsoft has partnered with planet labs, which image the earth daily in high resolution and the institute of health metrics and evaluation at the University of Washington to create the first high resolution maps that show population shifts over time. To understand not only where people are, but also which of those people have connectivity to receive an early warning, we are collaborating with Doreen and her team at ITU in support of the early warnings for all initiative. As you can see, here in Bonatou, we have harnessed the power of AI with planet satellite imagery and ITU data to identify communities that remain disconnected from communication channels. This information is essential for governments, companies, and international organizations to prioritize investment infrastructure that ensures that everyone is reachable in time of crisis. Everyone in this room can be part of the solution. Through cross-sector innovation, we can ensure that early warnings can reach the most vulnerable. This is about more than just warnings. It’s about giving every person, no matter where they live, the confidence of knowing that they are protected and supported in time of crisis. There are 2.6 billion people in the world that are not connected. In our smartphones today, we have more processing power than the one that was needed to put a person on the moon. There are very important problems out there that can and should be solved with data. We no longer have excuses. Thank you very much.

Sade Baderinwa: Great. Thank you, Juan, and thank you all to our speakers. And I invite you to go offstage and take your seat back in the audience. Thank you. And ladies and gentlemen, now I’d like to welcome to the stage Her Excellency Emma Theophilus, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Namibia.

Emma Theophilus: Ladies and gentlemen, our world is now implored with the situation of climate change. And digital technologies, digital infrastructure could be the answer to our challenges. With quantum technology, an opportunity where citizens, countries, continents can overcome their challenges through quantum computing and the ability to adapt where other continents are unable to. As the world races toward the fourth industrial revolution, Africa must not be left behind. Quantum technology offers Africa a path to leapfrog traditional developmental models. And if we’re being honest, existing developmental models were not meant to develop Africa. And to ensure we accelerate the achievement of the sustainable developmental goals. Quantum technology holds tremendous potential to accelerate our developmental and directly support the achievement of these SDGs. We need to focus on creating an environment where the basics of technology are met so that quantum technologies can be used to benefit all. We need to strike the balance between laying the groundwork while ensuring we don’t miss out on opportunities to leapfrog. We need to recognize the adaptability as well as the agility of our local experiences navigating minimal resources for maximum impact in rural areas who can in fact contribute and advance quantum solutions. We need to do work to make quantum technology more inclusive and applications more compatible and that involves African countries and global south partners. We’re talking about an energy transition. In Namibia we’re talking about being the hub of the green hydrogen, ensuring energy efficiency and climate resilience directly impacting SDG 7 and SDG 13. We’re talking about enhancing healthcare outcomes, good health and well-being. Namibia continues to face healthcare challenges including disease management and limited access to advanced medical technologies, not to mention the rest of the continent. Agriculture and water management, where climate change continues to see cycles of flash floods and droughts. All the continents, all the countries, these innovations will ensure and enhance food production, supporting SDG 2 around zero hunger, and SDG 6 around clean water and sanitation. Other SDGs can easily be connected with quantum. Example, education through increasing quantum literacy, impacting SDG 4. Economic growth and technological innovation, directly impacting SDG 8 and 9. And quantum cryptography to enhance the security of communications and data around governance, security, and global partnerships around SDG 16 and SDG 17. Thank you very much.

Sade Baderinwa: And thank you very much, Your Excellency. Next we have Karan Bhatia, the Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google. Karan, thank you. Please take the mic.

Karan Bhatia: Thank you very much. Good morning, everybody. A clear vision for 2030, 17 sustainable development goals. The clock is ticking, and we’re trailing. The time is now to get artificial intelligence into the game. Let’s journey to northern India, where my father was born. It’s a land often ravaged by floods, the most common natural disaster there for generations. Imagine floodwaters surging, engulfing homes, businesses, crippling infrastructure, endangering lives. It’s a story that has played out sadly year after year with growing intensity in recent years as the effects of climate change are increasingly evident. But what if we could foresee the floods? What if we could warn people days in advance and get them out of harm’s way, saving lives, saving livelihoods? For years, this was just a dream. Predicting when and how riverine flooding would occur was an impossibly complicated task. But it’s impossible no more. Today with Google’s Flood Hub, an AI-powered flood forecasting tool, we’re able to predict flood zones up to a week before they strike. It’s live in 80 countries, reaching more than 460 million people around the world, and we’re just getting started. We have been, we’re going to continue to work closely with governments, with the United Nations, with NGOs to implement and distribute flood forecasts to empower them to act and warn people, saving lives and livelihoods. And AI is just beginning to deliver for the SDGs in this kind of way. It’s helping farmers choose when to harvest their crops, doctors when to diagnose diseases earlier and how to, and educating people throughout the world in their native languages. It’s a tool to accelerate progress towards the SDGs. But as we’ve heard, with 2.6 billion people lacking basic Internet, we’ve got to ensure that AI doesn’t become a luxury. It needs to be universal, affordable, accessible to all. Digital inclusion requires action. We cannot allow the digital divide to now become the AI divide. Google is committed to bridging this gap. We’ve invested tens of billions of dollars annually in digital infrastructure globally, ranging from data centers to undersea cables, transforming Internet accessibility. This year alone, we’ve announced new high-capacity fiber optic links connecting Latin America to Africa, Africa to the Asia Pacific, Latin America to the Asia Pacific, and remote parts of the Pacific Ocean to America and the world. But infrastructure alone is not going to be enough. We are, and are going to continue to invest heavily in digital skilling, training across the globe, building off our track record of already having trained more than 100 million people globally with Grow with Google. And we’re now doubling down with a new focus on AI skilling to allow everyone access to this amazing technology. And we’re marrying this with world-class cloud computing and cybersecurity solutions that are critical to gain the benefit of AI. To close, at Google, we love to think big. And right now, with digital inclusion as our foundation, as our true north, AI as our superpower, and you all as our partners, we are about a future where no one is left behind, a future where the SDGs are not just aspirations, but they’re going to be achievements. Thank you very much.

Sade Baderinwa: Thank you, Karan. Now, I think this is a great time to travel to space. Let’s take a look at this video, and it’s going to be followed by speaker David Sapolsky from Amazon. Let’s take a look.

Official Video: Status check, go Atlas, go Kuiper, three, two, one, and we have ignition, and liftoff. Copy that, Proto-1, we got contact with our satellites, huge milestone.

David Sapolsky: I want to thank the ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner, heads of state, and other distinguished guests, $2.6 billion. We’ve heard it before, we’re going to hear it again, but we can’t grow desensitized to this number. That’s because behind the numbers are families, frontline workers, small businesses, students, and many others who, according to the ITU, don’t have internet access at home. Progress is being made to close this gap, but we need more solutions and faster. So today I’m delighted to present Project Kuiper, Amazon’s satellite broadband initiative, as a digital solution that can deliver affordable, high-performance connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the world and advance progress toward the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. We started Project Kuiper to help bridge the digital divide for customers without access to reliable broadband. The goal of Project Kuiper is simple. With just one of these ultra-compact, affordable customer terminals and a view of the sky, customers will be able to access high-speed broadband from virtually anywhere in the world. Our network will have the capacity, flexibility, and performance to serve a wide range of customers, including schools, hospitals, businesses, government agencies, and others operating in places without reliable connectivity. The video you just saw included some footage from Kuiper’s launch of our satellite prototypes last year, which had a 100% success rate across key mission objectives. Kuiper will initially rely on a constellation of more than 3,200 low-Earth-orbit satellites. That means they operate at a lower orbit than traditional satellites. LEOs, as they’re called, provide sufficient speeds for many modern critical services, such as real-time video conferencing, telehealth, industrial applications, and live streaming. I’m also told you can shop online with it. Kuiper can also provide governments and communities with important tools for responding in moments of great need, such as humanitarian crises or hurricanes. or wildfires when other networks are incapacitated. While Kuiper remains acutely focused on advancing our shared mission to affordably connect the unconnected, our principles of space safety, sustainability, and mitigating space debris continue to influence every aspect of our satellite work. Over the coming years, companies will have to work hand in hand with governments and civil society groups to shape the global framework for sustainable global space operations. And you have an Amazon, a reliable, constructive partner, to do just that. As we’ve heard in today’s program, the magnitude of the divide is greater than any single entity can overcome. Through Project Kuiper, we are working to contribute to the solution by connecting people who lack reliable access to the internet affordably. But we’re not doing it alone. We’re proud to partner with governments and industry around the world, such as Vodafone and VRIO, on stage with us today. Congratulations to the ITU and the UNDP for hosting this wonderful event, and thank you for inviting Amazon to play a small part.

Sade Baderinwa: Great. Thank you, David. And thank you all. Please return to your seats. And now I’d like to talk about universal access to health and affordability of devices. Please welcome on stage Ann Aerts, head of Novartis Foundation, and Mats Granryd, director general of GSMA. And Ann.

Ann Aerts: Good morning, New York. A baby born in New York City today has a 12 years longer life expectancy than a baby born in another part of this city, maybe only a few blocks away. Why is that? Why do these children have to start with such a different prospect in life? Well, let’s wind our clocks back. If we look back at the past 30 to 50 years, we’ve seen tremendous breakthroughs in scientific innovations that have extended our life expectancy. by 15 to 20 years, and most of these gains were thanks to the progress in cardiovascular medicine. At the same time, these past 10 to 20 years, we see this convergence with technology innovations, technology that enabled us to radically re-imagine the way we deliver health and care. We can bring health services to people wherever and whenever they need it, even in their living rooms. That doesn’t sound too bad, does it? Still, cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death in the world, causing over 20 million people dying with heart disease every year. That is about 2,300 people per hour, equivalent to five jumbo jets falling out of the sky in an hour. And on top of that, cardiovascular disease is back on the rise, but not for everybody. In fact, it’s disproportionately rising in people that already face hardships, in disadvantaged populations. So it seems we are not having the full picture here. We’re missing a piece of the puzzle. That is because we don’t really understand what drives our health. We know that only 20% of our health is driven by the care we access. The other 80% is driven by the conditions in which we are born, we grow up, we live, and we age. Those social, economic, environmental conditions are not well understood. Yet, that is. Because today, we have an unprecedented opportunity to use the massive amounts of data we have in our hands, the computational power and data science capabilities around, to better understand that. We can bring data from the health system together with the data on all these underlying determinants. be it education, income, employment, housing, security, or access to healthy food, access to digital tools, you name it. All these data together can be brought into the machine, and advanced analytics can help us understand what truly is the leading determinants that drive our health and health inequities. Because only if we understand those can we address them, and can we address them at the root instead of patching symptoms. That is what we set out to do with AI for Healthy Cities, a Novartis Foundation partnership with the cities of New York, Singapore, Helsinki, and Basel, where we are deciphering the true drivers of health and health inequities. Only when we understand and address those can we offer two babies born on the same day, in the same city, or elsewhere, a similar chance on a long and healthy life. Thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: Okay, thank you, Ann. Now we’re going to shift the conversation towards affordability. That’s, smartphones are a central part of our lives.

Mats Granryd: Absolutely.

Sade Baderinwa: But there’s a great barrier to entry, right?

Mats Granryd: Yeah.

Sade Baderinwa: If you don’t have the money, how can you get the smartphone?

Mats Granryd: Exactly.

Sade Baderinwa: How can you get accessibility?

Mats Granryd: That’s what I’m going to talk about.

Sade Baderinwa: Wonderful.

Mats Granryd: Super, thank you very much. Well, ladies and gentlemen, it is a great pleasure to be here, and I have a very serious message. My name is Mats Granryd, and I’m the Director General of GSMA. I think I will have another slide here. So, I’d like to introduce to you this family. It’s Fortinet and Paddy. Paddy being the father, and Fortinet the daughter. She’s a doctor, and they live in rural Uganda. She is the only doctor in Uganda. miles around, so her services were so sought after. The problem was that when light went out, when there’s no sun anymore, she could not perform her duties. Her father, though, realized that there is something called mobile internet, there is something on this handset that people are talking about. So he got a phone for her, and she can now continue to do her work and ask other doctors for help. But she can also deploy mobile-enabled solar power, which means that she has light almost as much as you want, and she can then perform her service day and night, which is a fantastic achievement. Now, she’s only one family. We know that there is more than, and we have heard this many times today, that it’s 2.6 billion people that are not as fortunate. They are not connected to internet, and predominantly to mobile internet. Now why is that? I mean, we know that people, these 2.6 billion people, the vast majority, 95 plus percent, live beneath a mobile broadband coverage. So we don’t need more stuff. We don’t need more base stations. We don’t need anything in the sky either. It is just there to use. But they can’t use it. Why? Well, it is all around affordability. And we have done a lot of research on this topic, and the biggest barrier is handset affordability. It is the cost of this device, this little device. So we need to bring down the cost of the device. We know roughly $20 is the sweet spot, and we’re not close to that. $20 might help some, but we still have issues. So the next step we need to do is to increase access to financing, to make sure that you can actually use the handset as a collateral and borrow money to buy your first hand. It’s sort of like you buy a car or a similar thing. And thirdly, is to reduce or even remove the sector-specific tax. The handset is not a luxury item. The handset is something that is a true necessity. So those are three things that we should do. And from GSMA, we have a handset affordability coalition that has been up and running now for a year. And we’re very happy to have Doreen and ITU on board, as well as the WEF Edison Alliance, and also the World Bank, helping us to reduce the handset cost and helping us to make sure that we can get good financing. So let’s get this done. Thank you very much.

Sade Baderinwa: Great. Thank you both. Please have a seat. And unfortunately, we’re running a little long, which means we have to shorten speeches. So this is going to be almost like the Oscars. You know, when the orchestra starts playing, it says your time is running up. Speakers, you’re going to hear a little ring. Where’s the person with the little bell? There you go. We’re going to hear that. And you actually have 20 seconds to wrap. So please bear with us so we can move this program along. Well, ladies and gentlemen, now comes a very exciting moment. Two years ago, ITU launched Partner to Connect, P2C, a digital coalition to advance universal and meaningful connectivity. To date, PTC’s online platform has received over 900 pledges worth an estimated value of $51 billion for connectivity projects globally. And today, five new pledges will be announced to the world. And to announce the first one, please welcome Alexandre Reis Siqueira Freire, Commissioner of National Telecommunications Agency, Anatel, Brazil. Thank you.

Alexandre Reis Siqueira Freire: Good morning, everyone. I want to share with you one of our most impactful initiatives, a project that holds the power to change the lives of an entire generation of children across Brazil. From the resources obtained by the Brazilian 5G radio frequency auction, I’m happy to announce an amount of US$549 million commitment to partner to connect digital coalition to connect public schools, particularly in underserved and remote regions like indigenous and African-Brazilian traditional communities, and urban outskirts in order to expand the access to information and communication technologies for academic purposes. Under the coordination of Commissioner of the National Telecommunication Agency, Vicente Aquino, we launched a three-year pilot project impacting 177 public schools and over 13,000 students. These schools received high-speed internet connections, Wi-Fi networks, computers for students and teachers, and solar energy systems if the premises lack electricity. The results have been transformative and strengthen our drive to continue to expand the project, which means to benefit about 40,000 schools in the year to come. The schools connectivity project led by Anatel is part of the program Accelerate Growth, launched by the federal government in 2023. It established that all 138,000 public schools will have connectivity by the end of 2020. And six, so we must secure long-term partnership to maintain the infrastructure and the connection service after 5G opt-in resources are over. We have a responsibility to make sure this progress is not temporary. If the power of the connectivity, we, countries from the global south, can face our specific challenges arise from inequalities, build more equal and promise a future for all. Thank you, everyone.

Sade Baderinwa: And thank you, Alexandre, for that generous pledge and for setting an example of the importance of investing in technology and education. So thank you so much. Ladies and gentlemen, to conclude this session, let me introduce a strong believer in P2C, Rabab Fatima, Undersecretary General and High Representative. Rabab, the floor is yours.

Rabab Fatima: Thank you very much. Again, apologies. As you can see, I’m not very digitally smart. I’m reading from paper notes because I represent a group of people. countries who are still not yet there. No? You can hear me now? Okay, okay, thank you very much. Again, very digitally challenged here for me. Yes, thank you. I’m using paper notes, not yet there, and using teleprompters. Doreen, Achim, excellencies, dear friends and colleagues, thank you very much for this opportunity to share a few words, but first of all, let me thank and congratulate ITU and UNDP for organizing another successful digital day. Another fascinating, inspiring event, and I would like to thank you for keeping the digital agenda high on our agenda. As we have heard, the internet has fundamentally transformed education, healthcare, commerce, and global connectivity, benefiting billions worldwide. Yet, a large portion of the global population remains disconnected. Yes, I’m talking about the least developed countries where only 36% of the population are online. The landlocked developing countries, the LLDCs, fare slightly better at 39%, while in small island developing states, SIDS, 67% are using the internet, and women and the rural communities in these countries are certainly the ones who are being left furthest behind. In contrast, advanced economies enjoy near universal internet access, exposing the stark inequality in opportunities, access to information, and pathways to a brighter future. Excellencies, my office supports these countries, these 92 most vulnerable countries, the 45 LDCs, the 32 LLDCs, and the 39 SIDS, home to 1.4 billion people. Nearly 60% of this population is under the age. of 25, representing a generation with immense potential for digital growth. However, the persistent digital divide continues to limit this potential. This gap is not just a technological issue, but a profound development challenge. Affordability remains a key barrier to digital connectivity. The United Nations Broadband Commission has set a target for 2025 that broadband services should cost less than 2% of monthly GNI per capita in low- and middle-income countries. Yet, as of 2023, only four LDCs have met this goal. On average, 75% of LDCs face mobile broadband costs exceeding 5% of GNI per capita. LLDCs and SIDs face similar high costs averaging above the 2% target. Even when connectivity is available, challenges persist as many are unable to utilize the Internet’s full potentials. In LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDs, a consumption gap exists, but data usage remains low despite Internet access. This gap underscores not only connectivity issues, but also lack of adequate digital skills and infrastructure. To bridge this digital divide, a comprehensive approach is required, one that integrates quality education, robust infrastructure, and affordability. And I would like to commend the Partner to Connect for making efforts to bridge this gap. Yes, I’m speaking for 92 countries, give me another minute. Looking ahead, we must focus on more of such actionable solutions. developing countries to be held in Havarone, Botswana, in December to continue this conversation. The conference will feature a dedicated connectivity track that my office will be organizing with ITU, and that will be focusing on practical digital initiatives aimed at enhancing meaningful collectivity for the LLDCs. As we look to the future, let us harness the power of digital connectivity to build a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future. And I look forward to continuing these important discussions with all of you at the conference in Botswana to make sure that no one is left behind in this digital leap forward, and no one is left disconnected. I thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: Thank you very much. That’s right. Take your minute. Now let’s move to session two. An inclusive and meaningful digital future is one where no one is left behind. Wondercraft, a robotics company developing a first-of-its-kind self-balancing personal exoskeleton is enabling people who cannot walk the opportunity to stand up and walk again in their everyday lives. And you actually may have already seen this during the Paris Olympics in 2024 with para-athlete Kevin Piette, who became the first person with paraplegia to work to walk the torch in the summer Olympics relay. And today, you’re going to see this very same prototype presented by Bianca Faith Johnson, JD. She is making her way there. You know what? We’re going to forget all the run-throughs because I just want to get right through you. Tell me, this is really a game-changer. Talk to me about what happened to you. I know that you became paralyzed. Tell me about that journey.

Bianca Faith Johnson: Seven years ago, I was in a near-fatal motorcycle accident, no fault of my own. And as a result of that, I sustained a T4, T6 spinal cord injury. So that’s the equivalent of me being paralyzed from about mid-chest down.

Sade Baderinwa: And that completely changed your life.

Bianca Faith Johnson: Absolutely.

Sade Baderinwa: Can you tell me just how difficult that moment was in the journey after that?

Bianca Faith Johnson: That moment was extremely difficult. Imagine waking up in the hospital and being probed by doctors asking, can you move your legs and not being able to. My entire world was literally shifted upside down. But I knew that even in that moment, I was still going to make it. And I needed to make sure that I prepared myself for what was to come, for technology such as this.

Sade Baderinwa: Wow. Well, I can see your sunshine just radiating, and I can tell that you are a fighter and you are strong. So shall we walk through this together?

Bianca Faith Johnson: Absolutely.

Sade Baderinwa: Okay. So tell me about this technology. All of a sudden you found out about it, but how did you find out about it?

Bianca Faith Johnson: So I’m actually the acting chair of an organization called Push to Walk, which is located in New Jersey. It’s a spinal cord injury gym. And we were fortunate enough to have the opportunity for Wondercraft, an amazing organization who is the creators of this exoskeleton, to come and do some demos. And I was a part of that demonstration, and from there the synergy was just perfect, and I’ve been working with them ever since.

Sade Baderinwa: Okay. So let’s show everyone, shall we? Wow. Wow. That’s incredible. Shall we walk forward a little bit? Absolutely. Okay. Wow. Wow. Incredible. Wow. Okay. That was fantastic. So this has changed everything because one thing I remember reading about you, you were saying like I was standing up talking to you and you were saying that before I had to look up, but now you’re able to look eye to eye. That means everything, right?

Bianca Faith Johnson: Everything.

Sade Baderinwa: Talk to me about that.

Bianca Faith Johnson: This is how our bodies were intended to be. So, and then, of course, I was injured, so I remember what it felt like standing upright, walking upright, and looking someone and having that type of connection eye to eye. So now, in this self-balancing prototype, this exoskeleton, I’m able to do so hands-free, and I can talk to you just like everyone else would.

Sade Baderinwa: And also, just having the freedom to go where you want to go. Did you ever imagine you would be here at the UN, walking and talking to this incredible crowd?

Bianca Faith Johnson: I did not imagine this exactly, but I knew it would be something like this.

Sade Baderinwa: Shall we walk a little bit more forward? Okay, so, as we do this, can you tell me about that first moment when you got in the exoskeleton and then being able to move like this?

Bianca Faith Johnson: It was literally everything, because imagine, for seven years, I’ve been in a seated position, unable to stand on my own or walk on my own. So the moment I was engulfed and put on this exoskeleton, it put me on, and I was able to embody the position that my body was used to doing. It is almost like a little muscle memory thing going on. It remembers where I came from, and it’s bringing me into where I need to be.

Sade Baderinwa: And it’s bringing your spirit to life again.

Bianca Faith Johnson: Yes, ma’am, yes, ma’am.

Sade Baderinwa: Was there anything else you wanted to share with everyone?

Bianca Faith Johnson: This technology is just absolutely amazing. And I just want everyone to acknowledge that what you are looking at is literally the future and the present. It has given back my, it has the potential to give me back my movement and, with it, my freedom. So I plan on just making sure that I’m maximizing on this opportunity. This should be supported. You should be spreading the word, sending it to your friends, and letting everyone know that Wondercraft, in particular, it’s an organization that is for the people. for people like me, so that we can get our lives back. And it may not change the world, but it certainly has the potential to change mine.

Sade Baderinwa: That’s what technology is all about. That’s what today is all about, giving access to people, changing their lives, right?

Bianca Faith Johnson: Yes, yes.

Sade Baderinwa: Is somebody here from Wondercraft? I wish they were.

Bianca Faith Johnson: I’m surrounded by them.

Sade Baderinwa: Okay, well, Wondercraft is here. Yes?

Bianca Faith Johnson: One right there.

Sade Baderinwa: Oh, right here. Oh, wait, wait, wait, wait. I thought you were just helping along.

Bianca Faith Johnson: Yes, yes.

Sade Baderinwa: Tell me just about what this means for you, working on this.

Physical Therapist: It is so inspiring. I’m a physical therapist by background, so being able to work with a company that puts patients first and allows people the ability to walk again is so meaningful, and that’s why Wondercraft does what it does.

Sade Baderinwa: And I’m sure you’ve seen so many patients, and you’ve seen that transformation. What is it like for you on the other side, giving people the ability to have freedom again?

Physical Therapist: It’s incredible. It’s stories like Bianca and Tony and all of the other patients in our lives that really, that we make an impact on a daily basis. So it’s just very meaningful, and we love what we do at Wondercraft.

Sade Baderinwa: And your colleague over here, I can’t leave him out.

Engineer: Yeah, so, yeah, I’m one of the engineers.

Sade Baderinwa: You’re one of the engineers.

Engineer: I don’t do-

Sade Baderinwa: So come forward, please. Everybody can see you.

Engineer: I don’t typically do a lot of PR, but- But that’s okay, that’s okay. Yeah, it’s great to be on another side of the company and be able to participate in this. And working with, not directly as a PT like Sarah, but with patients like Bianca is really a gem.

Sade Baderinwa: Well, this is the connectivity right here. The engineer, what you’re putting to paper, what you’re actually building, there you go, she could even lean in, is changing people’s lives. It’s changing her life. What does that mean to you personally?

Engineer: Oh. Oh. Yeah. That’s- I think-

Sade Baderinwa: We can feel that. We can feel that.

Engineer: It’s something that- maybe I’ll never have to experience firsthand, but we get to experience it through, like I said, great patients we get to work with, like Bianca, and be able to really talk to them face-to-face and see how their lives have changed.

Sade Baderinwa: Well, we appreciate your honesty, we appreciate your heart, because that’s what really all of this is about. We have your excellencies here, we have engineers like yourself, PT, we have somebody here who suffered from this through the hands of somebody else, but like all of these things, all of these companies, and Google, and all these other companies, Amazon, and so many others, like these things matter. And this is what we’re talking about, the digital future. What does it mean? Not leaving people behind, not leaving people behind like you. So thank you for everything that you’re doing, and we really appreciate it, and making the difference here, and for so many others. Thank you. Thank you. Wonderful. Shall we walk together? Okay, which way do you wanna go? We’re gonna turn? Okay, we’re gonna turn together. It’s truly incredible. Wow. And as an engineer, technology is only gonna get better, right?

Engineer: Yeah, of course. So, like Bianca mentioned, this is a prototype device, and we’re actively working on it every day, ensuring that we can incorporate more features to be able to give her more of her life back as she can continue to do more and more with it.

Sade Baderinwa: So things are gonna become more streamlined, it’s gonna just become easier, right?

Engineer: Certainly.

Sade Baderinwa: Okay, wonderful. Well, thank you all again. Please give them a round of applause. Woo! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Well, as they make their way, pretty incredible, isn’t it? It really is. Now we welcome on stage United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, Kelly T. Clements, who will talk to us about using blockchain for inclusive financial services anywhere, anytime, and on any device. Please welcome Kelly T. Clements, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR. Thank you.

Kelly T. Clements: Thank you. Amazing, right? Yeah, incredible.

Sade Baderinwa: It’s wonderful. So you’re going to be able to talk about blockchain technology helping refugees. And not only is blockchain just changing how we do business, but it’s also helping victims of war-torn areas like in Ukraine or so many other places. Exactly. So you’re going to tell us more?

Kelly T. Clements: I will. I will. In fact, I’m going to tell you the story about Hannah. Hannah. Yes. I’m looking forward to it. So Hannah is a mother of two who had to flee from her hometown in Ukraine as the full-scale war broke out, caring for her elderly mother and her grandmother. When she arrived at a safe location, she had nowhere to sleep. After registering and engaging with our team on the ground, within 15 minutes, she tells us, the family received cash aid from UNHCR through a digital wallet on her phone. This support is part of a rental market program that we run in Ukraine to help families forced to flee find safe and dignified accommodation. Using cash to support displaced families settle into their new lives isn’t new. Cash, when conditions allow, provide a more dignified form of aid, giving people the choice to prioritize what they need. What was new for Hannah was the financial technology used to make and receive the transaction, a digital wallet powered by blockchain technology. Technology is reshaping every aspect of our lives, and the humanitarian sector is no exception. UNHCR alone manages a volume of over 2 million payment transactions every year. Handling transfers of $6 billion to partner organizations, vendors, and people like Hanna as part of our cash-based intervention. Until now, processing these payments had involved many banks, multiple payment technologies, complex processes, which vary among UN agencies and are costly and slow. Accessing financial services is a big challenge for many vulnerable communities that face difficulties opening a bank account, they lack identity documents, they live in remote areas with limited connectivity and services. There is a record 120 million people across the globe that do not have, many of them, the minimum ability to be able to access this cash. With minimal overhead costs, in a secure, transparent, and accountable way, we launched the UN Financial Gateway. It’s an initiative with Switzerland, the government. It standardizes and streamlines the payment infrastructure and processes the UN system uses for financial transactions. The Gateway seeks to leverage digital financial technologies to help us prepare, to deliver aid in a more agile and efficient way, while promoting financial inclusion. This is a collaboration across the UN, and with humanitarian partners, it could lead to efficiency gains of up to $60 million a year. Already in Ukraine, we’ve saved $12 million using the digital payment technology and reducing financial service fees. In Argentina, we saved 30% of our budget by mitigating local currency devaluation by using the digital wallet. This modality has assisted 2,500 households in Ukraine and Argentina alone. To scale up these solutions and reach those at risk of being excluded, we have to invest in global connectivity, digital infrastructure. digital and financial literacy. We need to bridge the gap between the financial ecosystem, available technical solutions, and the people that need them the most. We have to collaborate among many, many, many partners. So let’s go back to Hannah. We all have a role to play in this global challenge. Hannah was able to rent an apartment where she now lives with her two children, her elderly mother, and her grandmother. We support people like Hannah who have been forced to flee to restart their lives and find a new home. Thank you so much.

Sade Baderinwa: Great, thank you Kelly. I think this is so exciting. Let me, just come with me just quickly. Because people think about blockchain technology is just about exchanging money, but this is really where governments really help people in need, like you told us the story about Hannah. But it is also about reducing the costs for governments and for countries to be able to help them directly. Do you think that we’re gonna see a lot more advancements?

Kelly T. Clements: Absolutely. This is really just the tip of the iceberg in terms of both helping people like Hannah, but at a much reduced cost. You know, with with a number of people around the world that are forced to flee, we don’t have the resources to be able to assist them all. And governments were on the front lines with partners to be able to respond to people that are coming to entirely new locations with almost nothing. We need to do it much more economically, much more efficiently, and we need to use technology to show us the way.

Sade Baderinwa: Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you Kelly. Well, now I’d like to show you guys a very special story. Let’s take a look.

Official Video: My name is Adit Philip Maze. I’m a South Sudanese by nationality, schooling at our Ladies Girls Secondary School, and I’m also a member of the I Am The Code. For me, I Am The Code has helped me a lot because if I take back where I was, I was not that much confidence. I couldn’t be who I am now. But because of I Am The Court, I can now speak to the people, speak to the world, speak out what I have inside me. And thanks to that, I Am The Court also has made me a leader, not only of myself, but also to the whole school now. As the school head girl, I am capable now of helping my fellow students. I Am The Court also is helping our school with the morning breakfasts, because we usually have one, and it is after four lessons. Sometimes it is difficult to concentrate in class, but at least now we are able to be sustained due to the breakfast provided to us. And also, I Am The Court is helping us on coding, because here in school we just concentrate on books, but at least now we are exposed to the devices, and we are also exposed to the technology. We are now able to do codings, and at least now, when we go outside there, it will help us. For me, what I can tell to the world leaders is that they should include the refugee girls, and they should expose them, because where we come from, it is very difficult. We didn’t have all the things that we have now, because due to the culture and the society that we were living in. But now, as a refugee girl, I am being supported, I am exposed to the technology, I am now able to code, and also I am able to change my people back there, because they still have that mentality that we are being brought up of being neglected as a woman and as a girl. If now we are included by most people, and we are supported, the number of girls and women being neglected or discriminated, it will reduce. I would like to thank Lady Maryam, because she is my role model. Because since we started, I couldn’t make it up to where I am, because I did not know my rights. The only thing I do is just to listen to what society is telling me and do it. Thank you so much.

Sade Baderinwa: Technology really making a difference. And Lady Mariéme, please come to the stage. I’m so excited to hear your story. It’s an honor to meet you. Please come forward. I know you have things to share, but we’re talking about this technology and how it’s changing lives, even in remote areas. So for this woman, or young girl rather, and so many of the other young girls, you’re able to get them onto the future by coding. So they’re not just getting online, they’re able to meet the moment of the economy. So take it away.

Lady Mariéme Jamme: Thank you. Thank you so much for having me. I can’t start my speech without thanking Doreen. Thank you so much. And also Kelly Clements, who just spoke before me. And Ursula, the team behind ITU is just amazing. Thank you, Ursula. Thank you, everyone. Thank you. So I only have a few minutes. I timed myself, I promise you. Adit was supposed to be here, and she couldn’t make it. She was supposed to be on the stage, but she’s a refugee, and we tried very hard for her to be here with me today. So on behalf of the girls in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, thank you for giving us a few minutes to just share their stories. Thank you. So my name is Lady Mariéme Jamme. I am the founder of I Am the Code. In 2030, six years from now, Adit will be here on this stage sharing her story with you. She’ll be learning how to code. She’ll be an AI specialist. She’ll be understanding what Gen AI is. She’ll be understanding everything, because she lives in a place where it’s so hard for young women and girls. So hard. But thanks to UNHCR teams on the ground, Adit can now have an academy, the first ever academy Open, in the world, in a refugee camp and asylum seeker setting, where she’s sitting right now, she’s eating three meals a day, she’s coding, she’s developing the best coding languages in the world, from HTML to Python. When I started my work in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, I didn’t know who Adit was. She told me, today I’m a refugee, tomorrow I’m going to become a coder. And I think what is important, that as we build the future, we must include young women and girls, refugees. In Kakuma and Dadaab alone, we have over 900,000 people right now watching us. They’re refugees. And they must be part of the conversation. I stand here today before you because I didn’t go to school. I was born in Senegal. I was 50 years old yesterday, 50 years old. I know I look young. But the reason why I share this story is because young women do grow up. They grew up and they do have the sages like this and stand up and share their stories at the United Nations. So as we build the solutions for the future, we must include young women. We must include refugees. Being a refugee is just written, you know, it’s just a title. But the girls don’t feel refugees. They feel today they are coders. So as technologists, as we build the solution of tomorrow, we must do this. I’m very proud, as an African woman from Senegal, 50 years ago, I didn’t know I’d be standing here talking to you about refugees. And I have a duty, as an African woman, to make sure that I am making a contribution to my continent, but also we are making contribution to young women and girls across the world. So thank you, ITU, for including us. Thank you so much. Thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: And Mariéme, thank you for investing in girls and STEM, getting them involved. Thank you so much. Now let’s travel 1,800 miles up north from Kakuma. Let’s go to the cradle of civilization. Welcome on stage, Her Excellency, Amr Talaat, Minister of Information and Communication Technology of Egypt, to talk to us more about skills and the hope of digital. Thank you, His Excellency, thank you.

Amr Talaat: The hope of digital, or is it the fear of digital? Distinguished guests, this is a question that resonates with millions around the world, and perhaps more so in the global south where I come from, where technological advancements are widening the economic gaps among our nations, and the ambiguity about AI’s impact on jobs is leading many to wonder, will I find a job in the digital world? The echoes of skepticism about recent developments are looming large, but in Egypt, I also assure you that the sounds of hope are thunderous. While carrying out my public service duties, I travel all around Egypt to connect with people and gain first-hand insights into how the government can improve its digital services and empower our people with indispensable digital skills. From the shores of the Mediterranean, to the Nile Delta, to the temples of Aswan, all across the nation, I consistently witness a common theme. A mother who left her career to raise her children is now thriving as a remote digital marketing manager of an American company right here from Alexandria, thanks to the skills she gained through our free scholarships. A fresh graduate, once struggling to find employment, re-skilled in our data analytics programs and launched a startup, serving clients globally and creating jobs for more of his diligent peers. Another young engineer wanted to give back to her village. After attending our digital innovation workshops, she founded a successful e-commerce platform that not only supports local artisans, but also partners with development organizations to enhance their skills. and invest in their local capabilities. Ladies and gentlemen, the narratives of hope are imposing. They are invigorating and propel us to continue channeling public investments. To extend fiber optics in Egypt’s rural communities, benefiting over 58 million citizens, around 50% of our population. To expand our digital scaling scholarships to more than half a million beneficiaries across the nation. This year, multiplying the beneficiaries by 125 times over the past six years. And to continue digitalizing government services, while ensuring their accessibility through multiple channels, so that no one is left behind. The opportunities that our digital world is creating are glaring. Today, our world is open. Open beyond measure. Open beyond borders. Open beyond nationalities. And open beyond our differences. Today in Egypt, we embrace our commonalities. We accept the challenges of governing technology to create meaningful, inclusive impact. And we are embracing the hope of digital. Thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: Lisa Russell on stage. She’s an Emmy Award winning filmmaker. And she’s going to talk about how AI is revolutionizing filmmaking. Lisa.

Lisa Russell: Good afternoon. Thank you. So, I just want to start off with a quick question. How many here believe that art can actually create a better world? Hands up. Hands up. Fantastic and I do as well and that is why I spent the last 20 years pushing for arts and storytelling in the UN space. My name is Lisa Russell. I’m an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and the founder of Create 2030 and I’m a big advocate for artists to be working in the climate and sustainability sections because not only are we great entertainers, meaning we can help translate and amplify the great work being done in this space, we are also incredible creative thinkers and problem solvers and we deserve a seat at the table to help find solutions to our world’s greatest problems. Now behind me you are seeing images that have been generated using AI through my arts envoy lab and I’m on a mission to help sustainability and climate advocates learn how to become AI artists and that is because arts and storytelling is incredibly powerful, more powerful than we even realize. Did you know that there’s research that shows that a brainwave of a storyteller actually syncs up with the people who are listening to the story and people in a theater space, their heart rates synchronize with other people in the room. We have no idea the power of art and storytelling but I do believe that if we trained every climate and sustainability advocate how to use AI to amplify and translate their work we would have we would have a much wider reach. So I’m sorry Swifties, Taylor Swift should not be the voice of the world. Instead climate and sustainability advocates and creators can do so and we should be using AI to help democratize access for BIPOC and global south global majority advocates and creators to help amplify these important messages. So with that said Are you all ready to make some AI art with me? Yes Whoo. I’m gonna make you all AI artists today So behind me there’s going to be a QR code I believe it is coming soon. And this is a QR code for a survey about digital futures I want you all to take out your phones all of you and I want you to do the survey Because if you don’t do the survey you are not going to be part of this art Experience and I know you all want to be so go ahead Take the survey. I’m gonna disappear I’m gonna go do my art stuff and I’m gonna come back and I’m gonna share with you the art that we have made Together, how does that sound? Good. All right. Thank you very much. I’ll be back.

Sade Baderinwa: Hey, I Got my QR code. Okay, I gotta fill out the survey Are you guys gonna fill out the survey? Please do because she really has this extraordinary piece of art that she’s gonna put together So I’m looking forward to it So she’s gonna come back in session three to show us the product of all of our artwork. So, please Give them a survey at some point now We welcome now We welcome Lori Freeman global GM and vice president of Salesforce of nonprofits along with tunday Blackman chief development officer of world central kitchen. Lori Freeman.

Tunde Wackman: We’ve already seen so many incredible solutions here today

Official Video: There’s no place on earth that can’t be brought hope with WCK

Tunde Wackman: Like I said, we’ve already seen so many incredible solutions that help people predict disasters and provide community with critical early warning. But when that disaster strikes, World Central Kitchen is immediately on the ground, on the front lines, mobilizing volunteers and local partners to start cooking fresh, nutritious meals. Because we know that a hot meal that is locally prepared is so much more than just nutrition. It is comfort, it’s hope, and it’s dignity. Since 2010, we have provided more than 400 million meals to support climate, humanitarian, and community crises. We do it all with a commitment to inclusivity in our team and in our work, serving everyone everywhere, bringing in the local community as part of the solution. And we do it fast. As our founder, Jose Andres, likes to say, when people are hungry, send in chefs. Not tomorrow, not next week, today. Mobilizing the right resources at the right time requires the right digital solution. So I’d like to introduce Lori Freeman from Salesforce to show you how technology helps us move with the urgency of now. Lori.

Lori Freeman: As you’ve said, time is absolutely of the essence. World Central Kitchen is able to impact the work ahead within 48 hours. So let’s see how they make that happen. This work starts even before a disaster strikes. When those early alerts begin rolling in, they’re able to reach out to volunteers in the area and quickly put out the calls of support. Now the next step, preparing to feed those in need. World Central Kitchen partners with local suppliers and restaurants to serve meals that taste like home, but they’re also serving to help stimulate the local economy. And that means working with different partners all over. So they simply must rely upon activation dashboards that help them understand what’s happening in the area, tracking key information, like the number of meals served, the locations where they are, the recipients of those. Having that actionable data, it allows them to align with so many agencies like. at the UN, which helps inform the larger response. But of course, none of this would be possible without passionate humans who help support WCK through their financial gifts. So WCK manages their donor data and sends personalized journeys across each of these supporters. And they use these journeys to request critical funds to support their ongoing response efforts. As they engage their donors, they’re able to adapt in creative and meaningful ways. They even send handwritten thank you notes. I’ve received one of those. All of this engagement and donation support, it has to be rolled into fundraising dashboards to track everything. This is what helps them provide continuity, being data-driven.

Tunde Wackman: In a world where climate disasters are becoming more frequent and intense, we not only continue to innovate our disaster response through our partnership with Salesforce, but we also continue to fuel our fundraising efforts through our Climate Disaster Relief Fund. This gives the WCK relief team on the ground the ability to solely focus on what is most important, using the power of food to lift up communities across the globe. To meet the challenge of this moment, we need all hands on deck, including the collaboration of many in this room. Together, we can provide meaningful support to those in need anytime a disaster strikes. We hope you’ll join us. Thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: Thank you. Thank you, ladies. And now, we’re gonna talk about digital inclusion in Saudi Arabia. Please welcome His Excellency, Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to share with us some of the advancements in digital inclusion in the kingdom. Your Excellency.

Abdullah Alswaha: Thank you. Thank you. The cost, the global cost, of gender inequality is close to $7 trillion. That’s almost 7% of the global economy and more than the joint combined output of six G20 nations. According to the UN, the world, us, we’re not on track to achieve the goal by 2030. As a matter of fact, in some of these targets, it will take us 286 years. Over the next three minutes, I’m going to share with you a story of how a nation has achieved its economic prosperity and diversification under the leadership of Prince Mohammed bin Salman by focusing on gender equality in digital. This story, and trust me when I say this, because I witnessed it firsthand, started when I was working for the Silicon Valley. That was the first time I met His Royal Highness, and he shared with us a vision, how he intends to empower people by focusing on women and youth, safeguard the planet, and shape new frontiers while diversifying our economy. Fast forward to today, we have a lot to celebrate. I was told that MISC are here. Can I hear from MISC? We started with MISC, with Saudi codes touching a million women and youth with coding with a game called Minecraft. And it’s no wonder that this story has only helped us achieve becoming the grandest and the boldest success story on planet Earth, but wait for this. it helped us achieve the highest success story in the most innovative platform known to humanity, sending the first Arab astronaut to the International Space Station, Riana Bernoulli. Riana, as a cancer researcher, she has devoted her life to fighting and predicting cancer. And as a matter of fact, in addition to Riana, the woman in the middle is actually my Chief of Staff, Noura Zaid, who has been the heartbeat and the executive force multiplier behind most of our successes in tech and digital space and STEM. And speaking of remarkable women, I have to talk about Deemah AlYahya, our General Secretary for the Digital Cooperation Organization, how we have pledged under the leadership of His Royal Highness, joining hands with 16 like-minded nations to make sure that we connect the unconnected, leave no one behind in three continents. And last but not least, I have to talk about Dr. Latifa Al-Abdulkarim, who sits on the UN Secretary General AI Advisory Board, helping humanity achieve the outcomes of the summit of the future with a human-centric AI, tackling the most pressing challenges in governance, ethics, and regulation. So it’s no wonder that as we achieved the boldest and the highest success story in women empowerment in tech, space, and STEM under the leadership of His Royal Highness, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, year in, year out, we have celebrated becoming a top five nation by the UN, by ITU, by UNDP, by the World Economic Forum. And the team was kind enough to remind me today. that my time for my three minutes is over. But indeed, the time for all of us will be over when it comes to achieving the SDGs by 2030 if we do not start with empowering women in tech and digital. Thank you so much.

Sade Baderinwa: Your Excellency, can I speak with you? Can I speak with you? Please. Of course. I just wanted to take a few moments. Of course, being a woman, I am charged by seeing so many women lead these initiatives. Why was it important for Saudi Arabia to do this and have women just really be the cornerstone for all the movements going forward?

Abdullah Alswaha: It’s 50% of our productivity, prosperity, and future. So it’s only natural that as we move from 7% women empowered in tech, which was a position we did not want to be, to achieving 35%, surpassing the Silicon Valley average, the EU average, and even the G20 average, becoming the most successful story. And hear this, we have achieved our economic diversification by achieving 50% of our economy today becoming in an oil. And tell me briefly, what has this done for other women in the country, seeing women lead these initiatives? It’s got to be inspiring. I bet you’re going to hear it from Noura, Deemah, and the rest of the girls that we have here, how this has really not only transformed their lives, but have helped them contribute to a region on how we can tackle the most pressing issues. These women have led the study in collaboration with ITU on how we can connect the unconnected world, how we can deliver non-terrestrial networks to connect from satellite communication to devices. They have worked on a million empowering women and youth when it comes to the largest reskilling and upskilling activities with Saudi codes, starting up with Microsoft and Minecraft. And fast forward with AI, they are leading the work for the tech envoy today for the General Secretary on how we can tackle the most pressing issues in regulation, in standardization, and delivering a human-centric AI for the world.

Sade Baderinwa: Your Excellency, thank you very much.

Abdullah Alswaha: No, thank you. Thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: So, what is meaningful digital future for all? It is where everyone has the right to a safe, enriching, and productive online experience. And we heard earlier from Doreen’s TED Talk, if you’ll recall, she mentioned Giga, a UNICEF and ITU-led initiative to connect every school on the planet to the Internet by 2030. That’s only five years. I mean, it’s not far away. And exactly five years ago, Giga was born here at the heart of the United Nations. And today, we are celebrating Giga’s birthday, so let’s take a look at this video.

Official Video: At Giga, we are committed to connecting all the schools in the world to the Internet by 2030. By mapping schools using satellite imagery and AI, and by identifying cost-effective methods for delivering connectivity through infrastructure analysis, we provide governments with the tools to advance digital learning. Let’s take a look at Giga Maps. Red dots are schools that are offline. Green dots are schools connected to the Internet. In Dominica, Giga has helped turn red dots into green. Let’s meet a teacher from one of those schools.

Joan Moses: Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Joan Moses, and I’m a teacher at the Roosevelt Douglas Primary School in Potsmouth, Dominica. I stand before you in New York for the first time, filled with excitement and anticipation. This moment is a testament of how connectivity can change lives. When my school was connected to the Internet, everything changed. The internet has opened the door to a whole new world of digital resources, allowing me to bring innovative teaching methods into my classroom, creating a more stimulating and inclusive learning environment. My students are more engaged, more curious, and they’re achieving more than we have ever imagined. This May in Dominica, 835 students participated in national exams online simultaneously, thanks to the internet. Through Giga, schools in our region have also collaborated with each other and shared best practices, allowing us to learn from each other teachers and address common challenges. The internet has enriched our discussions around critical topics, such as climate change and social justice, encouraging our school community to reflect on our roles as global citizens. My students are learning about the importance of empathy, collaboration, and responsibility, qualities that are essential in today’s interconnected world. Let us work together to ensure that every child, regardless of their location, has the opportunity to connect, learn, and thrive in the digital world. Together we can bridge the gap and create a brighter future for all. But don’t just take it from me. Let’s hear from my students.

Official Video: Internet helps boost my learning, like when I have extra classes or extra activities and the teacher has like the flu or something. I still do Google stuff. It means that it is a modern day school, it’s a good school, and it also helps if your teacher needs to show you a slide show. Teachers can care for you, they can love you, and they can use the internet connection to help you learn. Diva is 5 years old now. Happy birthday, Diva!

Joan Moses: Help connect every school to the Internet, because with technology and great teachers, we can give our children access to information, opportunity and choice. Thank you.

Tofara L. Chokera: Ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you today as a living proof that embracing the digital world unlocks a future filled with endless opportunities. When I first encountered a computer at the age of 20, I had no idea how profoundly it will change my life. Today, as a founder of the Tofara Online Trust, I have witnessed firsthand how digital tools can transform not one life, but thousands. Through our flagship initiatives, the Digital Skills Development Program, we have empowered more than 12,000 women, youth and SMEs across Zimbabwe and Africa. We are empowering them with digital skills they need for international trade. We launched an initiative called the Talent for Startups in partnerships with Digital Africa, where we are equipping the youth with skills needed to secure meaningful employment in the digital economy. This year, 58% of our students were young women who are now website developers, graphics designers and digital marketing professionals. just to mention a few, giving them equal access to technology and digital skills. We stand at the crossroads of change, where the future of Africa is not just written by the hands of few, but by the collective efforts of many. It is a digital future for all, where women rise together as leaders, driving the digital era forward with their resilience, creativity and innovation. Winning the Equals in Tech Award as a leader in SME in 2022 was a milestone for us that uplifted thousands of women who looked up to us for inspiration. It shows us that our work and our voices matter. This recognition has fuelled our determination to work even harder, get opportunities to collaborate with women leaders across Africa, and also, as a board member of the Komesa Federation for Women in Business in Zimbabwe, I am advocating for a digital future where every woman is driving digital transformation for their businesses. My wish and my dream is to see every woman embrace technology, to see them learn, to see them innovate and to see them lead. The future belongs to those who dare to step in the digital space and claim it as theirs. Let’s build that future together. Thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: Thank you, Tofara. And please welcome to the stage Pamela Coke-Hamilton. She is the Executive Director of the International Trade Center. Pamela.

Pamela Coke-Hamilton: Thank you. I’m supposed to have a teleprompter up here, but clearly not. Thank you so much, Tofara. You represent actually for us one of the great success stories of ITC and of the International Trade Center process generally. You’ve done some powerful work and your insights are really incredible, especially what you’ve done in Zimbabwe. Your leadership and your mentorship, recognized by the Equals in Tech Awards, thank you, Doreen, has really empowered women to build digital skills and unlock economic opportunities. It’s a reminder of what is possible if we truly commit ourselves to closing the gender digital divide and of what we can achieve if we dare to do things differently. It’s why I’m so proud to be a supporter and a founding member of the Equals Initiative. Building a truly inclusive digital economy means creating access and actually enabling these same opportunities and tools that can ensure all women and all small businesses can have a digital future. I want you to imagine with me a world where every small business, no matter its size or location, can access the same data, insights as Global Jans. A world where a family-run bakery in Cambodia or a craft store in Kenya can reach international markets, identify the best opportunities, and connect with customers they never imagined possible. A world where we have finally democratized access to digital opportunities so no firm is left behind. Small businesses are the backbone of our global economy, but too often they’re unable to take full part in our digital age. Many don’t know where to start. Many don’t have the finance or the training to use the newest digital tools. Many don’t understand what the buyers in new markets want. But what if we could change that? The good news is we can, and we already know how. In Southeast Asia, over 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises have transformed their prospects through the Digital Export Enablement Program. They have been able to access online resources. like Google Market Finder, Trademap, the Global Trade Helpdesk, and EcomConnect tools. They’ve learned what they needed to create their own strategies, thanks to online and hybrid sessions, and the support of a network of trainers. They’re using AI-powered insights and tailoring digital campaigns to connect with new audiences on a far deeper level. And they’re showing us how the future of business growth lies at the intersection of data, digital strategy, and innovation. After participating in the program, over 95% of the businesses reshaped their strategies and grew their global presence. This program was born out of a collaboration between the International Trade Center and Google, working alongside partners in the international space, like the ICC, and of course, my good friend from the World Intellectual Property Organization, Daren. Very good to see you, Daren, thanks. And this was just the beginning. Now it’s time to go global. When small businesses can access the same market insights, digital strategies, and online platforms as big corporations, the impact is clear. More growth, more jobs, and more inclusive economic development. The future belongs to those who can leverage the power of data. Together, I believe we can make that future possible. Thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: Thank you. Oh, wonderful. Thank you. Thank you. Pamela, thank you so much. And the importance of digital skills is essential for leveraging digital platforms and AI tools. Please welcome Christopher Burns from USAID. Christopher, please. Thank you.

Christopher Burns: Each year, more than 10 million students graduate from tech-related fields. These students are the future developers, engineers, and innovators who will shape the digital landscape, not just in their home countries, but globally because we know technology’s impacts go far beyond national borders. By integrating a responsible approach into their education, we can ensure that they enter the workforce, not just as technologists, but as architects of a digital future built on safety, inclusion, and justice. And the world needs such leaders. International development is replete with stories about the successes of digital technology, but not every instance has a happy ending. I heard a story a few years ago about a small business owner in East Africa who, in a moment of financial need, turned to a fintech lending app for a quick loan, as millions of people across the world do every year. The app’s design, its ease of access, its seamless integration with mobile money made borrowing almost too easy. But what seemed like a lifeline ended up being a trap, much like a predatory payday lender in the US. Needing to repay this initial loan very quickly to avoid a high interest rate, this business owner turned to a second lending app, and then a third, and then a fourth. As this business owner said, the apps give your money gently, and then they come for your neck. So, yes, the app did provide access to finance, but it did not solve financial inclusion, the true development challenge facing many countries. The story illustrates a theme we’ve heard many times, but seem to have not yet internalized. Technology can uplift humanity, but it can also deepen existing societal divides. Too often, the people designing these technologies are focused on innovation, without considering the full impacts of their products and services. And as AI technologies are becoming embedded in our everyday lives, we cannot afford to miss this moment. This concern is what the Responsible Computing Challenge aims to address. Designed and implemented by Mozilla Foundation, and sponsored by USAID, the challenge is an initiative that’s reshaping how we train the world’s future technologists, especially young women and girls, in an effort to close digital divides around the world. The challenge aims to embed responsibility into the core of technology and computer science curricula at universities, in the U.S., in Kenya and India, and with more to come in South Africa, Ghana, and elsewhere. Students in the Global South are aware of these issues and are eager to address them in their communities. As a student in Kenya reflecting on their experience with the challenge shared, as my classmates and I step into the workplace, we will carry this knowledge, empowered by a newfound sense of purpose, and we know the unique opportunity in our lives to ensure that when we enter the workplace, we are doing so with ethics, user-centered design, and responsibility as it means to the real world. The challenge we face is immense, and so is the opportunity. I invite you, policymakers, innovators, and leaders gathered here today to join us in this mission. The Responsible Computing Challenge is just the beginning. Your ideas, your expertise, and your commitment can help us build a future where technology truly empowers every individual. Thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: Great, thank you so much. Okay, we are now approaching the end of the session, but we’re going to conclude with a bang. We’re going to focus on our youth, which is so important because it’s about laying out this future for them, a key pillar of this summit, future, and its action days. So, please, let me call to this day Sanjana Sanghi, Yuri Romashko, and Daniella Esi Darlington. Please, have a seat. So, Sanjana, let me start with you. You feel strongly about girls getting access to digital technology. Why? And tell me about this.

Sanjana Sanghi: Thank you for your question, and good afternoon, everyone. It’s an honor to be here. The reason why I feel so passionate about that is because I come from India, and I am youth champion for the UNDP in India, but I am also a girl who’s just grown up wanting access to education, wanting to build a life for herself. I have been fortunate to be able to get that access but in my journey of advocacy work, I have worked with girls in certain parts of our country that haven’t and I have my mother who’s actually seated in the audience here right now. Shout out to my mom who is a… Where is mom? Where is mom? Where is mom? Mom, can you raise your hand?

Sade Baderinwa: Oh, there she is.

Sanjana Sanghi: Okay. Who is a fifty-six-year-old Indian woman who wanted to make a difference and the only way she could do that is because digital technologies allowed her to connect with girls from very, very economically backward sections of society in India. Zainab and Pallavi are her name, their names and they belong to slums in India. Their parents do everyday jobs if at all. They don’t have any steady stream of income but they have somehow got themselves a smartphone. So their course modules they can see on their smartphone while my mom teaches them English which prepares them to be a part of the bigger world because they would never ever have gotten the opportunity to learn even just a basic language like English. So I have seen how women from two different generations and two different economic backgrounds with the tool of digital technology can come together and change each other’s lives. My mom feels invigorated by teaching them and Zainab and Pallavi are off to hopefully a better future.

Sade Baderinwa: Wow. Mom, you did an excellent job. Fantastic. Okay, Yuri, let’s talk about you. You attended this, this thing yesterday, right? For youth. What was your biggest takeaway?

Yurii Romashko: Well, I want to deliver two key takeaways. First, youth extremely accurately identify the main challenges of digital future based on digital today. And according to youth consultations, which was held in a Spark Blue platform, youth determined limited literacy. limited access to the internet, limited infrastructure as the key barriers which enable access to the digital technologies. So all this requires our common and global efforts. And second thing, the voice of youth is vibrant and game changer today. It ensures that policy makers and institutions should engage youth into the policy making, because of the reform agenda, because of the IA technologies, because of the digital solutions provide a lot of new opportunities. They reshape youth opportunities and therefore it’s extremely important to engage and involve youth people into the decision making process right now.

Sade Baderinwa: Well you’re a part of this decision making process right now yourself, because we have leaders here from different countries, so your voice matters. Daniella, let me get you in here. What were your takeaways from yesterday’s session?

Daniella Esi Darlington: Right, thank you so much for the question. So we realize that youth are more connected than ever before. However, there still exists a lot of digital divide in terms of internet connectivity and accessibility, especially in rural areas. And with ITU, our head of international youth day, we conducted a series of quizzes to gauge the level of awareness among youth in terms of internet usage and connectivity amongst others. And we realized that 66% of the youth were not really informed about where the biggest digital divide exists. So my key takeaway was that it’s not enough that we bridge the digital divide, we also have to bridge the awareness divide. Because you can only empower someone to do something, they can only do something if they have the knowledge about it. So we have to create more digital literacy programs for our youth, and we also have to create platforms where they apply those knowledge. especially where space technology is not so commonly known among the youth. We have to create opportunities where they can apply their knowledge in AI and space technologies to bridge and solve problems in their local communities. And my final words will be that we’ve connected our youth to the world and it’s important that we also connect them to its future. Thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: Thank you, thank you. So what, Sanjana, what does your vision for a digital future look like for all?

Sanjana Sanghi: Oh, it’s a daunting, you know, thought, but for me, there’s always this kind of like an invisible prefix to the digital future, which is an equitable and just a realistic digital future. By that, I mean that anything untamed can just spill in different directions, right? So what I mean by that is that when I see, say the youth being empowered with social media, when I see them getting untamed access, I see it having negative effects, negative effects on their mental health, negative effects on their attention spans, on the way they use it. So I feel like everything else in the world, even access to digital technologies needs to be guided and rooted. Like Daniela said that the ones who have it have too much and the ones who don’t have none at all. So firstly, that equitable distribution is really important because again, coming from India, I get to see it in a magnified way and who’s illiterate continues to remain digitally illiterate as well. So like many speakers here today have said that there are many developmental kind of barriers that we have to overcome for any kind of equitable digital future to be possible. So I’m waiting for that digital future where it’s more of a digital dividend and not a digital disaster.

Sade Baderinwa: Thank you. And for you, Yuri, what does the digital future look like for you?

Yurii Romashko: My vision of the digital future is based on these three pillars. It is inclusivity and accessibility, digital literacy, and digital security. And my vision is very simple, to take action and transform challenges into opportunities in my community, city, country. I’m from Ukraine, where is the war. And because of the war, one of the biggest challenges is reconstruction. And there are thousands of projects simultaneously happening from all over the country. And to properly manage, control, organize, we create DREAM, Digital Restoration Ecosystem for Accountable Management. It’s an ecosystem as a single pipeline solution, where everyone sees everything that is connected with the reconstruction.

Sade Baderinwa: Great, thank you. And for you, Daniela, what does this future look like?

Daniella Esi Darlington: I’d also like to summarize that into three key words, universal, affordable, and also inclusive. For anybody to be able to leverage digital solutions, it needs to be available for them to be able to harness it. Also universality is also key to affordability. So then we have to make sure that building AI technologies and tools is, we do that with cost in mind. Because I am a tech founder, and I realized how building AI tools would not be able to, people in rural areas would not be able to leverage these tools if they don’t even have access to it in the first place. So we have to factor all these costs into digital solutions and innovations. And lastly, it has to be inclusive. We have to include people who are in the underrepresented parts of the world, those who are blind, people with disabilities. We have to bring them on board when we are developing technological tools so that it’s not just for us who are capable, but also those who lack the ability to afford these things or able to leverage these tools are also, they also have the opportunity to partake in the digital future. So that would be my future, that the digital world is inclusive, it’s universal, and also it’s affordable.

Sade Baderinwa: Good points there. Daniella, thank you. Sanjana and Yuri, this is our future. Let’s give them a round of applause. All so poised, poised and smart. Thank you all. Well now, Paul Foster is going to announce a pledge. He’s the CEO of Global Esports Federation. Please welcome him.

Paul J. Foster: Good afternoon. Your excellencies, distinguished guests, good afternoon. It’s a real pleasure to be with you today on behalf of our Global Esports Federation and our community of over 3.2 billion gamers around the world. Secretary General Doreen, Administrator Akim, thank you for the opportunity for our community to contribute to this important work. But gaming is more than a game. Our motto, World Connected, inspires us to do more. Just last month at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as a sign of our progress, the International Olympic Committee declared that they would create next year in 2025 the very first Olympic esports games. And so today, on behalf of our global impact partners around the world, we pledge a multi-year, multi-million dollar series of global initiatives leveraging this transformation potential about our digital world and the youth of the world. Thank you very much.

Sade Baderinwa: Thank you so much. And next, I’d like to welcome to the stage Brad Smith, who is the Vice Chair and President of Microsoft UNSDG. Thank you so much. Thank you.

Brad Smith: Well, I know the time is running out. Let me be brief, but let me say just a few words. First, of course, to thank Doreen and Akam and ITU and UNDP for not just today, but all the work every day. I want to say just a few words about one critical topic. When we look to the future and we think about artificial intelligence, how will we ensure that it reaches and serves the global South? That I think is one of the most important questions before the United Nations this week and this year. First, I would say we need to learn the lessons of the past. Artificial intelligence is what economists call a general-purpose technology. Think electricity. It changes every part of the economy. So first, let’s learn the lessons from the history of electricity. A hundred and forty-two years ago, the first power plant lit up lower Manhattan. And yet tonight, there are still 700 million people, 43 percent of the people who live in Africa, who do not have access to electricity. And what one sees over 15 decades is that every time electricity grew and people had access to it, economic development followed. But it has been extraordinarily uneven in many ways because of the economic structure of electricity. We all know that a power plant is very big and very expensive, as is an electric grid, even though an appliance may not cost much money at all. And the inability to overcome that economic challenge which is, in my opinion, a fundamental contributor, even cause, of one of history’s greatest technology tragedies. Because the electricity divide, I believe, is the fundamental cause in so many ways of the great north-south divide that shapes everything we are talking about here today. So now, let’s go to the future, and we have to ask ourselves, how do we ensure that this history does not repeat itself? First, we need to understand that the artificial intelligence economic structure looks a lot like electricity. At the infrastructure layer, data centers, they are big, they are expensive, they cost billions of dollars, even if it is very inexpensive to create an AI application. So what are we going to do? Well, first, we are going to have to do what was never done for electricity for the first 50 years after it was invented. Harness the power of capital and bring it to the world, and not just parts of it. And that means private companies like Microsoft, where we spent more than $50 billion last year, not just in the U.S., but in the developing world as well. But it means raising more capital, it means turning to long-term development financing, it means making this one of the great goals for the next decade to ensure that AI reaches everywhere. Second, we not only have to be thinking globally, we have to be focusing locally. And that’s what so many of you do. We need local language models so local voices can be heard. We need local data sets so that global and local problems can both be addressed. And in order to harness the power of AI at a local level, we need to recognize that just as important as the technology infrastructure. is the skilling infrastructure. It is investing to educate more data scientists, data analysts, computer scientists, and the many, many, many other fields that need to be grown so that a local economy can put AI to work. If and only if we do these things, we can ensure that AI is a leapfrog technology that helps close the gaps that divide the world in so many ways today. It will require all of us. It will require new types of partnerships. But I think it requires, among other things, a spirit of optimism that learns from the past and does our best to repeating the things that have gone wrong before. Thank you very much.

Sade Baderinwa: Brad, thank you so much. Just quickly, quickly, quickly. Okay, you’re giving us optimism. You talked about $50 billion Microsoft actually used around us, not here, but around the globe, and that we need to think locally, not just for language models, so you can hear those local voices. Because a lot of people are afraid of AI on a very granular level. Tell us just more about bridging that gap and how it can really transform the world.

Brad Smith: Well, I think bridging the gap probably requires a couple of things. One is it’s another one of the great lessons of electricity. You got to go meet people where they are, show them how they can use it, and show them how it can make their lives better. It’s an educational exercise that when you study electricity and how it moved around, it was key. And then the other thing that we also have to keep in mind and that I have to be, I think especially, it’s important for somebody like me to say, this technology and the companies that create it need to be subject to the rule of law. Local laws in countries, all the way to global governance. including at the United Nations. And that’s why the kind of multi-stakeholder activism that you see on a day like today is fundamental to ensuring that this technology truly serves the world.

Sade Baderinwa: And just really quickly, because I think this is an important point, talking about the skilled infrastructure, we also need to teach people about this new future and giving them the skills that they need.

Brad Smith: Yeah, and it’s so fascinating because I think that fundamentally you start by thinking, well, you gotta teach somebody how to do data analytics or how to use a large language model, how to write prompts. All of those things are true. I actually think the first step is to show people what they can do once they master those skills. One of my favorite things, like studying electricity, was here in the United States where it didn’t reach rural communities. There was a government initiative to just show people what it would mean to farmers, to women who were washing clothes or cooking food, to men who are harvesting crops. You have to help people see what it means for their own lives and not in just some abstract sense.

Sade Baderinwa: Wonderful. Brad Smith, thank you so much.

Brad Smith: Thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: Thank you. Thank you. Okay, in this next session, we are going to see how we can harness digital technologies to protect the environment and planet. Now joining us is Nobu Okada, founder and CEO of AstroScale. Please welcome Nobu.

Nobu Okada: Hello, everybody. Take a look. This 10 millimeter metal ball could derail all the incredible digital progress we’ve been talking about today. This is a visualization of the space object reflecting millions of space debris ranging from smaller than this size to as large as a city bus size. that are traveling around the Earth at tremendous speed, 100 times faster than a bullet train. This is an urgent threat to the satellites which we rely on every day for digital technologies, from climate monitoring and traffic control to internet access and disaster response. We used to think space was big, treating rockets and satellites as disposable objects. But today, space is very congested and unsustainable. And just one collision with this metal ball could trigger a chain reaction collision that could prevent us from using space for generations. At Astroscale, our vision is to make space sustainable, and our satellites are designed to create a circular economy to remove, reuse, relocate the fuel, and in the future, repair and recycle spacecraft, leaving no waste in space. This requires advanced technology to approach and capture fast-moving, uncontrolled objects in space. And our satellites are equipped with sensors to locate objects, software for autonomous maneuvers, and robotic arms to grab an object and remove or service it. This year, our Astroscale team achieved a historic milestone, successfully locating and approaching a real piece of debris. This is the world’s first image of real space debris, an 11-meter-long rocket body weighing 3 tons, taken from just 15… meters away. And here is a time-lapse of a fly around. This debris is not sitting still. It’s moving at over seven kilometers per second. When I saw this image, I thought this is beautiful, although it’s just a garbage. And then our next mission is to remove this debris, but we should recycle this in future. Space sustainability is critical to safeguarding our future, and this matters to each and every one of you. So be an advocate for space sustainability. Together we have the responsibility and opportunity to ensure space as a resource that benefits humanity for the generation to come. Thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: Okay, thank you so much. Now we’re actually going to turn to the Middle East, and earlier we heard from His Excellency Abdullah Alswaha about his appointment of women for his vision of the future. And joining us now is one of those appointments is Deemah AlYahya, Secretary General of Digital Cooperation Organization. Please come to the stage, Deemah.

Deemah AlYahya: Thank you so much. Thank you. Good afternoon, everyone. I would like first to thank Doreen and Achim for bringing us all together and giving us this platform to cooperate and partner together and bridge that gap, the digital divide and the digital gap. Now Ladies and gentlemen, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, honored guests, it is 2024 and yet there are still regions in the world where a staggering 75% of the population remains disconnected from the Internet. While connecting them is a priority, we must ask ourselves, if we were to bring everyone online today, would it really solve the pressing issues of poverty, unemployment, the lack of digital skills? Is that enough? The answer is no, because it is no longer just about digital divide. It is about gender digital divide, AI divide, skill divide, and the disparity in the quality of connectivity across the borders. So how do we address this? The answer lies in three I’s, infrastructure, innovation, and inclusivity. First infrastructure, without robust infrastructure, true digital growth will remain a distant dream. Second is innovation, quantum computing, AI, blockchain, and the Internet of Things. These innovations are not just breakthroughs, they are engines for transformation that we must nourish. Third, inclusivity. Bridging the digital divide requires more than just connectivity. It depends and realize that we close the quality gap and provide equal opportunities for all to fully participate in the digital economy. So how do we ensure a bright digital future? Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the Digital Cooperation Organization’s answer, DEN, the digital economy navigator. Well, there was supposed to be a video playing, but okay, I’ll continue. So navigating tomorrow, that is our goal. And with DEN, we provide the solution with constructive insights for digital growth. DEN is not just an innovative tool. It is a game changer. It offers comprehensive, detailed view of digital economy performance across 50 countries. And it goes beyond measurement. DEN provides a clear framework with 102 indicators across 10 pillars, measuring digital economy maturity in three main dimensions, digital enablers, digital business, and digital society. This helps countries benchmark their progress and identify the steps needed to go from consumer into producers, innovators, and disruptors. Through DEN, the Digital Cooperation Organization is taking charge in providing a solution that connects fragmented efforts, offers clarity, and accelerates digital growth. I call and urge all of you to seize this opportunity, engage with us, and use DEN as a tool for all international organizations, countries, private sector. We connect the dots and connect source and connect the supply with the demand. Thank you so much. Thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: Okay. Deemah, if you can just stay here for a moment. And sorry about the video. Unfortunately, we had technical difficulties. But you know, I spoke with His Excellency Abdullah Alswaha earlier. And he talked about the women who are being appointed these positions. And you are leading these efforts on a global scale right now. And you are giving the answers to the globe. Tell me about what this means to you personally.

Deemah AlYahya: Well, this is first, His Excellency surprised us today. And I appreciate that recognition. He and of course, Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been the force. behind enabling women and giving them the opportunity, really, to lead. What is really beautiful and what is provided now for women in Saudi Arabia is not just the opportunity, but also treated and these positions are looked at from a quality perspective and not just filling in a gap with gender equality. And this is, we’re blessed as women to be recognized and given this opportunity and now it’s our time to deliver and show that we are up to the task and we can.

Sade Baderinwa: So you’re telling me that this means something to you personally. What do you hope the other Saudi woman living at home who happens to see this streaming, what do you hope it inspires in her?

Deemah AlYahya: Well, not a Saudi woman, actually, all girls all over the world. That we can do it and opportunities are there. We have to seek for these opportunities and we have to make sure that we’re always learning and upskilling ourselves to make sure that we are up to always the task.

Sade Baderinwa: Well, you are up to the task and you are doing it. So thank you for inspiring all of the women, not just Saudi women. Thank you so much. Thank you. And I just want to remind the speakers, just for the sake of time, if we can condense the remarks because I know people are starting to get hungry in the room and we do want a break for lunch at some point. So please now allow me to welcome to the stage His Excellency Valentino Valentini, Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy. Please welcome him. Thank you so much.

Valentino Valentini: Thank you so much. Thank you very much. Well, the digital revolution is reshaping our world at an unprecedented pace. The rapid advancement of technology offers immense opportunities, but it also brings with it the responsibility to ensure that these innovations support environmental sustainability. and equitable growth. To achieve a future where technology serves as a force for good, we must focus on integrating digital solutions with sustainable practices and fostering collaborations that bridge gaps and drive progress, ensuring that no one is left behind. Today, I am thrilled to share with you an initiative that embodies this vision – the AI Hub for Sustainable Development, co-designed by Italy’s G7 Presidency in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to leveraging AI for sustainable development and global progress, with a focus on the African continent. It reflects our conviction that the path to the future must be inclusive and equitable, benefiting every corner of our world. Our journey in creating this AI Hub has been guided by collaboration, inclusivity, and a shared vision for the future of AI. We started by engaging with the African Union and securing the support of our G7 partners. We consulted with over 100 stakeholders, engaged with more than 300 AI startups across Africa, and initiated 80 partnerships focused on local language digitization. This collaborative effort ensures that the future of AI is shaped by diverse voices, perspectives, and innovative ideas. Our approach is centered around four critical pillars – data, computing power, talent, and enabling ecosystems. We are committed to deepening partnerships with our private sector and industry to strengthen the foundations and scale AI solutions that address the most pressing global challenges we heard today – whether it’s transforming energy, revolutionizing agriculture, improving health care, managing water resources, enhancing education and infrastructure – we’ve seen it all today, well presented here – AI holds the potential to tackle this issue. in ways we’ve only began to imagine. The AI Hub is also a cornerstone of Italy’s MATE plan, reinforcing our dedication to sustainable development and innovation in Africa. This initiative wants to go beyond technology transfer. It’s about co-creating, creating solutions together, learning from each other, and growing together. We believe that Africa must be a true partner in shaping the future of AI, and we’re committed to ensuring that this journey is one of mutual growth and shared benefits. As we stand at this pivotal moment of the Global Digital Compact, I invite you to join us in this transformative endeavor. Together, we can harness the power of AI to build a future where technology enhances our lives, protects our planet, and ensures prosperity for all. Thank you very much. Thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: Thank you. Who’s next? Jakob, Jakob. Thank you so much. And now I just wanted to take the moment to recognize the president, the presence of the president of Malawi, His Excellency Lazarus Chakwera. Thank you so much. We look forward to hearing from you a little bit later. And our next speaker is Jakob Granit. He’s the Director General, Swedish International Developed Corporation Agency. Please, let’s welcome Jakob. Jakob, thank you.

Jakob Granit: It’s my great privilege to address you on behalf of Sweden on a topic of hope, digital sustainability, and prosperity. The ongoing digital transformation presents mankind with plenty of hope for solutions to tackle poverty, build equitable societies, and find sustainable solutions in areas such as the green transition. At the same time, There are many risks related to digitalization, such as misinformation, and that vulnerable parts of society are left behind. To address these risks and opportunities, Sweden has worked with its co-facilitator Zambia, the Secretary General’s tech envoy, member states, and stakeholders in the intergovernmental process for a global digital compact. The compact has a key goal of an inclusive, open, sustainable, fair, safe, and secure digital future for all, and is planned to be agreed here at this summit. Now there is a strong link between the green transition and the digital transformation. Digital services often replace carbon-intensive services and transport, and the circular economy relies on digital infrastructure and services. Let me provide one example of how the Swedish International Development Co-operative Agency, SIDA, brings digital and green together. SIDA was part of establishing an investment in the GSMA Innovation Fund for Climate Resilience and Adaptation. The fund has supported start-ups across the section of green and digital. Some of the examples in the agriculture space range from a system to share tractors in Nigeria, to boosting fish farms in Kenya through iInternet of Things solutions, and to support farmers in Nepal to adapt to climate change through new techniques and access to information. These examples illustrate how the private sector can leverage the power of digital while ensuring the sustainability principles of the global digital compact. So in ending, the hope of digitalization in terms of contributing to prosperity and sustainability in support of a green transition is very large, and we hope the Global Digital Compact will provide a roadmap to unlock these opportunities. for the benefit of all of us. Thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: Thank you, Jakob. And our next speaker, Zhiping Chen. Thank you so much. She’s the vice president of ZTE Corporation, and she’s going to share how connectivity, entire species can be saved and preserved in one of the most remote places on earth. Zhiping.

Zhiping Chen: Thank you. Thank you for today to have a chance to be here. It’s my great honor. I’m Summer Chen, and today I want to share a wonderful story. Do you ever thinking about a place is ever in charge in time, and is rural, or in charge by the, this is Cocoshilli, one is the highest UNESCO hesitate site. In these places, park rangers, they are wirelessly protect Tibetan antelope for poachers. And we find the digital solutions to connect this remote areas. This vast isolated wilderness is a home to over 200 spices. When you step into Cocoshilli, it means leaving all behind the modern connectivities. Today I want to share a remarkable story of hope. Through these digital solutions, we protect these remote areas, caring for ecosystem in ways you never imagined. In these places, what the monthly without connection park rangers, what they are doing? Not just protect the only retirement entertainment, staring contest, to see who would blink first. Despite all these challenges, in collaboration with our partners, ZTE embarked on a mission We connected this and achieved three breakthroughs. First, successfully to build the first 5G base station. It allows for observation and in-depth animals and the live stream on the tablet, antelope migration and caring season. Nearly six, seven point millions of viewers tuned in worldwide. It’s greatly public wellness enhancement. Second, our 5G network will connect park rangers for their loved ones through a reliable railroad course. We witnessed the rangers were overwhelmed by the first call. Third, thanks for this 5G technicals, we caught on the carbon emission is another big win for environmental protection. And all our commitment is not just for Kokushile, we pushing the boundaries worldwide. For ZTE, our mission is quite clear, to making the connectivity and the trust everywhere. We believe this digital inclusion is a fundamental pillar of SDGs. It’s ensuring the digital future for all. Thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: Thank you. And now from the UN, let’s bring up Fatou Haidara, Daren Tang, and Tawfik Jelassi.

Fatou Haidara: Good afternoon, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. Every solution begins with a problem. In this particular case, we are dealing with an invasive species called Acacia bushes that invades the grassland of Namibia and takes up farmland. The farmers affected were simply burning the bushes to recover land, a dangerous process but also a source of harmful emissions. The New Dose Sustainable Bush Value Chain Project uses artificial intelligence, machine learning, satellite and drone imagery to analyze and map the growth of the bush across Namibia. It is a prime example of how digital technology can be used to tackle environmental degradation and resource depletion. Artificial intelligence and geographic information systems now identify where the Acacia is growing and estimate the total biomass. This provides a foundation for the responsible harvesting of this invasive species and as next step, the harvested Acacia is turned into marketable products like charcoal and cattle feed. Together with our partners, we transform a harmful environmental issue into an economic asset. for local communities. A challenge become an opportunity. Funded by Finland, our solution has received strong support from national authorities and local communities, attracted venture capital, and led to the establishment of a factory for biomass processing. A factory like this means local value addition, job creation, and income generation. Our initiative shows how AI technologies can benefit rural populations and foster sustainable in inclusive growth. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that developing countries have access to such technologies to bridge the digital divide. At UNIDO, we will continue to explore the potential of AI for advancing local communities, job creation, and environmental sustainability. We look forward to partnering with all of you in identifying and implementing similar concrete digital solutions. I thank you.

Daren Teng: Hi, I think I’m next as the DG of WIPO. Good afternoon, everyone. I’m Daren Teng, the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization, the UN Agency for Innovation, Creativity, and Intellectual Property. Innovation is a process by which an idea is turned into an invention, and an invention creates impact. One of the key work, key missions of WIPO is to develop a global network of technology and innovation support centers, or TIS. But what are TIS, and how did it really harness the power of digital to unlock innovation potential? Think of every innovation journey. as a planting an idea in fertile soy. But like any seed, these seeds need the right nutrients to grow, and one key nutrient is information. One of the unique features of the IP system is that when you apply for any type of IP, you have to disclose information behind this new technology, new brand, or new design. And with over 20 million intellectual property applications filed each year, this has become a huge database of information. Policymakers use it to understand technology trends, researchers use it to identify new areas of research and decide on research priorities, and entrepreneurs apply it to find potential partners for their businesses. But making information available is only part of the story. Advice is also needed for these researchers, inventors, and entrepreneurs, especially from developing countries to take their ideas from the lab to the market. By combining cutting-edge digital tools with expert guidance, WIPO’s Technology Innovation Support Centers, or TIS, help to transform information into insights and insights into impact. WIPO’s patent scope is one example of information provided through TIS. Powered by artificial intelligence, it mines over 100 million patent documents and close to five million scientific and technical materials to allow innovators to draw insights from all fields of human research. Another example is RD, or Access to Research and Development for Innovation Program. Through this single platform, inventors in developing countries can access hundreds of thousands of scientific and technical reference materials from over 100 publishers. TIS not only provide these digital tools, they guide innovators in how to make best use of them, turning knowledge into new discoveries that drive economies and societies forward. Let me quickly share the story of two amazing innovators, Luis Miguel Segovia and Maria Almanza, both from Colombia. As students, they developed a new solution for foot pain caused by high heels. Impressed, their professor encouraged them to turn their ideas into a business. which led Luis and Maria into a local TIS. Working with an IP expert, they confirmed that their idea was new, studied the market and worked on a patent application. But support didn’t just stop there. The TIS also helped them to apply for seed funding to launch a shoe line, Calzado & Mansa. Luis and Maria are two of the many innovators that we supported throughout 1,500 centres in 93 countries. TIS handled 2.2 million enquiries last year and close to 8 million enquiries in the past four years. We are proud of these numbers, but we are proud of still people like Luis and Maria who are changing the world with their ideas. So let us work together to support them and others to bring their ideas to the world and build a better future for all of us. Thank you very much.

Tawfik Jelassi: Excellencies, esteemed delegates, distinguished guests, my name is Tawfik Jelassi, I am Assistant Director General at UNESCO. I invite you to imagine a world without public services, without schools, without security forces to protect us, without care for the environment, without social security for all. These are not just conveniences, these are the backbone of our society. They uphold equality, inclusivity, human rights, democracy. And it is not a coincidence that SDG 16, which calls for strong institutions, emphasises this. To fully realise digital transformation in the public sector could unlock over $3.5 trillion annually, according to a study by McKinsey. Yet, despite significant investments, 70% of civil servants still lack digital capabilities, according to the World Economic Forum. The cost is not just financial, it’s about lost opportunities to better serve citizens, eroding trust in institutions and undermining democratic values. Obviously, we need to tackle this. What is UNESCO doing about this? Imagine equipping the world with better education, with digital skills, and obviously with full respect of human rights, dignity, equity, and inclusivity. We need to change not only the technology, we need to change the mindsets in order to change the behavior. And we do that through capacity infrastructure, in addition to what ITU has been doing, the meaningful digital infrastructure. One of the examples is our work on AI and the rule of law, training thousands of judges, prosecutors, on the new impact of AI and Gen AI on their work. And obviously, the educational transformation, also the greening of education. So these are just some examples that we are working on, in addition to with the African Union, with ITU, with UNDP, our work on data governance, and the capacity building for civil servants. So obviously, we need to move from just policy makers and tech innovators. We have also to empower educators, citizens, everybody has a role to play. So let’s invest in a digital transformation that serves both people and the planet. Let’s restore trust in our institutions, and let’s reinforce our democratic values. Thank you for your attention. I was supposed to play 30 seconds of the famous song, Imagine, but I was told I cannot do that because of intellectual property rights, especially in the presence of the Director General of WIPO. So you can imagine the music, here are the lyrics. Thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: Thank you all. Thank you so much. if you can please exit the stage. Now up next for a special announcement, we have Alan Davidson from NTIA and Harrison Lung from END.

Alan Davidson: Hi, I’m Alan Davidson, and I just wanna say a very quick shout out and thank you to Doreen Bogdan-Martin for your leadership here to ITU and UNDP and all of our hosts for this second Digital Action Day. Honestly, it’s been an inspiring day. And as a starting point, as we’ve said, the internet is now the essential tool for communications in our modern world. It’s essential for access to work, to education, access to healthcare, access to opportunity. And yet it is incredible that here we are in 2024 and that billions of people around the world still lack access to a high-speed internet connection or they lack the means and the skills to use it. That has to change. In the U.S., we’re doing our part through the Biden-Harris administration’s $90 billion Internet for All initiative to connect everyone, the president keeps saying everyone, everyone in America. And we are proud today to renew and expand our support for the Partner to Connect initiative to mobilize resources to connect the unconnected around the world. In 2022, the Commerce Department delivered our Partner to Connect pledge in Kigali at the ITU’s World Telecommunications Development Conference. And we pledged at that time to provide in-kind knowledge exchange and training opportunities focused on developing the next generation of leaders who will be improving broadband connections around the world. Since then, we’ve funded several efforts to grow global connectivity, but I wanted to highlight particularly the training sessions that have been so valuable and the work that we’ve done in partnership with USTTI in Washington and in Rwanda. Both have focused on African policy leaders and entrepreneurs interested in connectivity, in Internet governance, in space-based communications. I’ll say, I had the chance to meet with this cohort of extraordinary young leaders, and they should give us all hope for the future. They were truly inspiring. As the saying goes, the kids are all right. This brings me to our news today. I’m pleased to share that NTIA is renewing and expanding our pledge. We will partner again with USTTI to bring a new cohort of current and emerging African leaders, all women, to Washington, D.C. for training. We will also bring them – yes, thank you, it’s great, it’s a great group, it’s been a great group – and we’re going to bring them to Silicon Valley as well for some experience with American-style entrepreneurship. Our grant for the African Women Digital Leaders Training Program will promote best practices, demonstrate emerging technologies, grow the leadership skills of these participants, and really invest, again, in this next generation of leaders that we need around the world if we’re going to make this connectivity a reality. We plan to continue similar trainings focused on digital skills and connectivity in the years to come. We look forward to our continued partnership with the ITU on this important effort. I’ll just say, this is a historic moment. The pandemic reminded us that connectivity is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. And the coming AI revolution is only going to deepen that divide for those who don’t have internet access. So this is our chance to connect everyone in the world with the tools that they need to thrive in the modern digital economy. It’s going to take a lot of work, but together I know we can achieve that promise of greater digital access and community around the globe. Thank you.

Harrison Lung: Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, and esteemed speakers. Thank you for the opportunity to speak here today. I would like to use this stage to reaffirm our commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive future, as well as add an additional pledge here on this stage. EN, formerly known as Etisalat, started as a UAE-based telecom operator close to 50 years ago. Since then, we have grown to become a global technology company with operations in over 30 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, and over 175 million subscribers. Thus far, we’ve made significant public commitments as part of our sustainability strategy across financial investments and population impacted in our operating footprint. Firstly, as part of the World Economic Forum’s Edison Alliance and its One Billion Lives Challenge, EN has pledged to contribute significantly to this mission by striving to improve the lives of 30 million individuals through enhanced network access, financial services, and technology education by 2025. In addition to connectivity, the digital services and applications, such as technology-supporting financial services, healthcare, and education, is critical to leveling the playing field. Secondly, as part of the UNDP, Digital for Sustainable Development Program, we will soon announce a strategic collaboration with focused initiatives across a number of areas, including AI, fintech, and education. Stay tuned for that. Thirdly, as part of our commitment to ITU’s Partner to Connect Digital Coalition, earlier this year at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, EN announced an investment of $6 billion between 2024 to 2026 in technological advancement, infrastructure, and innovative solutions to extend meaningful connectivity to everyone. This is particularly important as we aim to bridge the digital divide in our less developed markets, much of whom is operating in the Global South. Today, on this stage, I’m happy to announce a new pledge to Partner2Connect, a new multi-million dollar commitment to the promotion of digital economies by bridging the digital divide and building skills in underserved communities. This pledge will address many of the issues we heard of in previous segments, such as resilience in disaster-affected areas through early warning systems, capacity building and re-skilling to bring the next generation of workforce into the digital economy, and lastly, access to capital to women and small business entrepreneurs. We believe that the digital network and infrastructure is critical to uplifting the society in a digital age. Additionally, various digital services will provide access and capabilities to the general consumer and elevate enterprises to the global economy. EN is a proud partner with the ITU and the UNDP to contribute to a common vision of a sustainable, inclusive and prosperous digital future of all. Thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: Okay, thank you all. Now, if Rumman Chowdhury can come to the stage, and His Excellency Bosun Tijani and Robert Muggah. Please, please, anywhere that’s comfortable. I’ll sit here on the edge. All right, His Excellency, let’s begin with you. I believe you have an important announcement. want to share about how Nigeria will encourage innovation in tech, but also while ensuring regulations around data privacy.

Bosun Tijani: Right. If I start with that, I think what we’re doing is a recognition that we have a unique opportunity now to rebuild trust between people and the government by ensuring that we can leverage technology to serve and provide opportunity for them during live events. So when you give birth to a child, you’re registering a business. You want to pay your tax. We think the most important thing is that we’re able to deliver this seamlessly and most comfortably to our people. So what we’ve committed to is ensuring that by 2027, that the lowest form of government is connected to quality internet. So we do have what we call the local government, which is the lowest form of interaction that our people get with our government. So the federal government is connecting all the 774 secretariat of our local government to ensure that the services that our people are seeking can be provided to them digitally.

Sade Baderinwa: Wonderful. Thank you. And let me get you in here, Rumman. What do we need to do to ensure a sustainable and inclusive development for AI?

Rumman Chowdhury: Wonderful question. With my nonprofit, Humane Intelligence, we focus on giving access to everybody in the world not to build artificial intelligence, but to evaluate artificial intelligence. We know that AI models are not fit for use around the world in different cultures, different languages. The images that they create can be stereotypical or even degrading. So what we’re trying to provide access to and what leads to a good, sustainable AI future is the ability for everyone to get their hands on AI and determine if it is good for them. Building that level of critical thinking and evaluation with AI systems is a key and often missing part of the AI development story. Thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: OK. Well, Robert, can you talk about, just in a condensed version, about the risk of AI in the global South?

Robert Muggah: There are multiple risks, some of which have been discussed over the last couple of hours. Some of these risks are already here. Advanced cybersecurity challenges, mass information pollution, the overabundant consumption of energy used by AI, which will be up to 3% to 4% of all energy use within the next five years. Some of them are on the horizon. AGI, artificial general intelligence outside of human control, a real concern. And some we don’t even know about. We set up a global task force last year with representatives from Africa, the Americas, Asia, including an esteemed member on the panel, to reflect a bit on what were the risks and what were the solutions for the global South. We identified four big ones, and I’ll only talk about two. The first is job displacement and inequality. Second is AI bias and discrimination. The third is surveillance and privacy violations. And the fourth is the concentration of power in a small number of AI companies. With respect to job displacement and automation, probably the most important, over 800 million jobs are at risk within the next five years from AI. In the global South, according to the ILO, 56% of all jobs in the global South are at high risk of displacement. Significant. Hugely significant. So what do we have to do? We have to do all of the stuff that’s been talked about in terms of multi-stakeholder engagement. But we also have to invest in job upgrading. We need digital literacy. We need job placement programs. We need to have employment schemes. We also need universal basic income, really socioeconomic responses to what is a digital challenge. And the good news is a lot’s happening. The AI for all in India, Connectus in Brazil, digital ambassadors in Rwanda, NGOs around the world are also investing in this area. And I think we’re also seeing UBI schemes from Namibia to India. So we see solutions, but we’ve got to scale those up.

Sade Baderinwa: I so wish I had more time to talk with you. I’ve got like 20 different questions in my mind about you already and what’s so important in terms of these guardrails and what it means for society, training workers about what is this new technology moving forward, so thank you all. Unfortunately, we’re running out of time. Really appreciate your words today. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And now it is my great pleasure and honor to introduce his Excellency, President of Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera. Please, come to the stage. Thank you so much. Thank you.

Lazarus Chakwera: Well, I’m supposed to have my thing there, but bring me my iPad. Today, we stand at a pivotal moment in history, a moment where the digital landscape is not just a realm of technology, but a canvas upon which we can paint a brighter, more inclusive future for all. As we gather here, we must recognize that the digital revolution is not merely about advancements in technology, it is about the transformation of our societies, our economies, and ultimately our humanity. Malawi is therefore committed to bridging the digital divide because it is an economic and social issue. Our strategic plans for digital transformation include expanding digital infrastructure, enhancing digital literacy, and fostering an inclusive digital economy to ensure that no one is left behind in our digital journey. To accelerate digital adoption, Malawi has launched several initiatives with support from development partners. For instance, the Digital Malawi Project has been instrumental in expanding Internet connectivity to public institutions, institutions where the last mile rule of connectivity and inclusive digital transformation for Malawi, IDT4M projects, provide equitable access to digital technologies and foster digital literacy across all segments of society. Additionally, we have implemented a data exchange platform that leverages our national ID system as a single point of truth for identity verification. This platform is critical in assuring seamless access to services, improving efficiency across government, and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks. Complementing this, we have also implemented an e-service platform which now serves as a single point of entry for all government digital services. These initiatives are premised on the acceptance that the digital age has brought forth unprecedented opportunities. It has connected us across continents, enabling us to share ideas, cultures, and innovations. It has empowered individuals, given them a voice and platform to advocate for change. However, while these initiatives ensure that our citizens can access essential services with greater ease, transparency, and security, with great power comes great responsibility. As we lay the foundations of a digital future, we must ensure that this future is equitable, inclusive, and peaceful. Digital literacy is essential for full participation in the digital economy. Therefore we are integrating digital literacy into our national education curricula and providing training opportunities for all age groups. Our technology hubs, which are training thousands of young people in coding, digital skills, and entrepreneurship, are playing a crucial role in fostering innovation. These hubs are not only incubating new ideas, but also creating jobs and driving the growth of Malawi’s digital economy. A truly inclusive digital future cannot be achieved in isolation. Today millions of people around the world remain disconnected, excluded from the benefits of the digital economy. Education and health care. This is not just unfortunate, it is wrong. And it is dangerous. As I said earlier, this divide is not merely a technological issue, it is a social justice issue. To build a peaceful future, we must ensure that everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, geographical location, or background, has access to digital tools and the internet. This requires collaboration between governments and multilevel partners, private sectors, and civil society to invest in infrastructure, education, and digital leaders. And we strive, as we strive to bridge the digital divide, we call upon the global community to not only provide financial and technical support, but also to share knowledge, innovations, and best practices. The journey toward a digital future must be a shared one, where no nation, no citizen, is left behind. In conclusion, laying the foundations of a digital future for all is a collective endeavor that requires our commitment, creativity, and compassion. As we embark on this journey, let us remember that technology is a tool, a tool that can either divide us or unite us. It is our collective responsibility to choose the path of inclusion, equity, and peace. Together, let us build a digital future that reflects our highest ideals, a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, where dialogue replaces discord, and where peace is not just a dream, but a reality for all. Malawi stands ready to embrace the future, a future where a digital transformation is not just an abstract concept, but a reality that improves the lives of every Malawian. The future is ours to shape, a future that benefits all humanity. Thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: Thank you so much, Your Excellency. Thank you so much. The President of Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera. Please give him another round of applause. Thank you. And joining us once again on the stage is Achim Steiner, he’s going to talk about the promise of digital public infrastructure, and then there will be a video and Akeem will give other remarks.

Official Video: Registry is helping to achieve the goal of the Paris Agreement by reforesting 12 million hectares and creating interoperability between stakeholders and infrastructure across natural resources. But it is not just Malawi, Finland and Brazil. The impact of DPI is growing, with more and more countries leveraging the transformative power of digital public infrastructure. To keep the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals, DPI represents a fundamental pivot that involves everyone, everywhere, and that includes you. Let’s work together to build a safe and inclusive digital future for all.

Achim Steiner: Isn’t it amazing? This is all happening already. And congratulations just to three more pioneers. In many ways, development is, as we have heard from a number of people today, an agenda of hope. This hope for a better future has historically driven development and humanities progress. If there was no hope, we wouldn’t be where we are now. This hope still matters. And hope in one’s own ability to change the course of history, influence people’s decisions and actions. This is why laying the foundations for a digital future is about hope and actions. I want to take you through the journey of building digital public infrastructure across countries today. In fact, it says with the video, but you have just seen it. So, you know, sometimes the script is a little bit behind. Can we go on to the next part? And as we stand at this juncture where our collective commitment to digital foundations can catalyze this brighter future for everyone, everywhere on our planet, I think you have already sensed that in the previous segment of this extraordinary day, we explored groundbreaking digital technologies and the profound impact they can have on sustainability and inclusivity. All the innovative solutions making connectivity universal and affordable, the digital tools enhancing inclusiveness. Their groundwork is laid both inspiring and formidable. Now as we transition to discussing the fundamental structures that support these innovations, we need to collectively shape the future by laying the foundations that are safe and inclusive and serve the public interest. We often talk about physical infrastructure, things like roads and power lines and water utilities that are fundamental to development. In fact, for many, they are already taken for granted. These are the building blocks that elevate the welfare of people and allow people to gain a livelihood. Let’s apply that same understanding for a moment to the digital world. Digital public infrastructure, or DPI, is an approach that goes beyond one-off solutions like apps or portals. It encompasses foundational systems, like digital identity systems we just saw, or payment platforms that allow people, businesses and governments to interact in a secure, inclusive and efficient way. This in turn enables everything from facilitating the access of vital health records online to enabling people more easily to start their own businesses. However, just as traditional infrastructure, like roads and railway tracks, have speed limits and guardrails, we also need to ensure that DPI has the principles, policies and institutions that keep the interests, safety and rights of people and protection of our planet at the very heart of these foundations. As we take equal access to physical infrastructure for granted, DPI must also ensure public value and provide safe, inclusive services at scale. While some governments are deploying DPI rapidly, others are just beginning their digital journeys. Both face risks like privacy concerns, data security and exclusion without proper safeguards. Conversely, embedding safety and inclusion can reduce inequalities and foster trust. This is why putting people and our planet at the centre of DPI is so critical. Digital public infrastructure plays a pivotal role in advancing all the interconnected sustainable development goals by employing digital technologies to address global challenges at scale. For example, foundational digital infrastructure, like digital identification platforms, have the potential to facilitate access to finance or access to healthcare. Again, we heard examples this morning already. Yet, to fully unlock the potential of DPI, we must put people and planet at the center. This requires building on three essential pillars, commitment, capital, capacity. First, commitment. Governments must commit to the importance of inclusive, safe, and equitable digital systems, not just the hardware, not just the fiber optic cable or the devices. Trust and equity are the cornerstones of a progressive society. Without these safeguards, we risk creating systems that exclude vulnerable populations or violate fundamental rights. Brazil, India, and Estonia are often cited as prominent examples for their digital ID systems, which have advanced development. These systems must be specifically designed with safeguards to prevent exclusion or data misuse. Second, capital. Financial investment is critical, not only for building digital public infrastructure, but more importantly for ensuring that robust safeguards are in place. No single entity can do this alone. It requires a collective effort from governments, the private sector, and global partners, civil society, scientists, academia, everyone. Together, actors have to work together and leverage their financial resources to support sustainable, secure, and inclusive DPI that serves everyone. Third and finally, capacity. Skilled teams, an empowered civil society, and expert technical support and beyond are crucial for the effective implementation and governance of DPI safeguards. Yet capacity must go beyond mere technical expertise. It’s about fostering an ecosystem – we’ve heard that word used quite frequently this morning – of collaboration and accountability, where actors share knowledge and resources to ensure that safeguards are implemented and continuously adapted to protect the rights of all users in a rapidly changing field. Our commitment to DPI extends beyond getting the technology right. It must include ensuring these systems are secure, trusted, and protect the rights of all users. Safeguards should not be optional. They are essential to the acceptance and success of digital public infrastructure globally. People need to be empowered and free to shape their own lives. That’s the fundamental basis for 21st century development. And together, we are not just updating systems, we are programming a future – a digital ecosystem that will enable every individual to thrive in this interconnected world that is already here. Thank you for giving me a couple of minutes to share these thoughts with you. Thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: Thank you so much. And now let’s welcome Esther Dweck, Her Excellency, Minister for Management and Innovation and Public Services of Brazil. Thank you, Esther. Thank you.

Esther Dweck: It’s an honor to participate in this session. In Brazil, we believe the future must be green and inclusive, driven by a fair digital revolution. The digital agenda is essential to development, addressing systemic inequality, including the technological ones. Brazil is committed to a triple transition – ecological, digital, and social – reducing inequalities both within and between countries. Brazil’s digital policies are aligned with the SDGs, and we are increasingly considering the environmental impact of digitalization. Under President Lula’s leadership, digital public infrastructures are key to Brazil’s digital transformation, ensuring sustainable, just, and inclusive development. We believe DPIs should be implemented with proper and universal safeguards, built through participatory processes to ensure that they are safe and inclusive and protect people’s rights. A prime example is our National Identity Card, linked to the gov.br platform, which provides access to over 4,000 public services for more than 160 million users. Other DPIs include PICS, our instant payment system that enhances financial inclusion, and the UNIFI Register for Social Policies, which improves social program management and access. The National Health Data Network ensures continuity of care through data sharing between public and private health care providers. The Rural Environmental Registry is a green DPI that supports environmental efforts such as reducing deforestation, restoring forests, implementing agriculture traceability, and fostering carbon markets. It plays a crucial role in a rural financial instrument such as credit and insurance, protecting biomes, increasing agriculture resilience, and will be a central at COP30 in Belém next year. Brazil is also advancing DPI for artificial intelligence, taking into account digital sovereignty. Achieving this requires a collaborative across government, especially those of the global south, civil society, the private sector, and multilateral organizations. Our National AI Plan includes developing an autonomous capacity in the field and launching a Portuguese-language LLM which respects intellectual property rights and cultural heritage, promoting AI in health care, education, and transportation. We emphasize open innovation, competition, and protection of human rights to prevent monopolies that stifle innovation. As we continue our presidency of G20 and prepare for COP30 and BRICS leadership, Brazil reaffirms its commitment to promote an inclusive DPI to foster a fair and equal digital future. Last year, we brought here a perspective on Brazil’s DPIs. After a year, we are here returning to collaborate with our global voices, seeking to promote digital inclusion, digital public infrastructure, digital public goods, and other strategies to foster an equitable planet. Together, we must act now for a sustainable, inclusive digital future. Thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: Thank you so much, Your Excellency. Thank you very much. Okay. Remember that art piece we said we were going to work on? You’re supposed to do the survey? Well, now we’ve got it. We’ve got Lisa Russell back. Come on, Lisa.

Lisa Russell: All right. Thank you so much.

Sade Baderinwa: Okay. So, tell everyone what you did, how you did it, and take it away.

Lisa Russell: So, as you know, we collected information from the surveys, and we generated AI art using only a keyboard. There are no cameras, no microphones, no graphic pens. And this is the beauty of AI art in labeling people across the world to have access to creating artwork for people and for the planet. And so, I’m really excited to share with you the images that were generated using the data from the survey. Every answer, there are six answers, every answer corresponds with a different color of the SDG, and we synthesized the data, fed it some prompts, some creative prompts, and here are some of the images that we have generated using the Digital Futures Survey. So, if we can go ahead and show these images. And that is our official video. I believe there are three more images we’re going to show, I believe. So, this was all generated using, see all the colors in it? Those colors correspond to your answers in the digital survey. And this is the kind of artwork that we can create. And again, this is why we need an arts movement in the UN. We need artists to be able to help translate and amplify the incredible and important work being done in these spaces. This is just a small example. And I’m hoping, and I want to train every advocate for climate change, for sustainability, on how to translate their important work in art so that we can move audiences, move more general audiences. So I believe, are we showing the other images or? I think we are not showing the other images. So thank you so much.

Sade Baderinwa: Well, I’ll have to say, I think this is beautiful.

Lisa Russell: Yes, thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: This is beautiful. But, you know, it really is important. First of all, I love artists because it’s like you’re the soul of who we are and interpreting what that soul is. So if people are interested in learning more, certainly from all of these agencies, they can contact you?

Lisa Russell: Yes. Arts Envoy Lab is my program. I’m with Create 2030, and I am dying to teach young advocates on how to use creative AI. So definitely please get in touch with me. I’d appreciate it. ArtsEnvoyLab.com. Thank you.

Sade Baderinwa: Love it. Thank you, Lisa. And I’m going to contact you. Okay. Well, that wraps it up for our morning session. Thank you so much. And it was a pleasure being here with all of you today. So have some lunch, enjoy, network with different people here, and then the afternoon session will begin around 2.30. Thank you again, and I hope you enjoyed yourself.

M

Mohamed Shameel Aziz Joosub

Speech speed

131 words per minute

Speech length

583 words

Speech time

266 seconds

Connecting 2.6 billion unconnected people is crucial

Explanation

Joosub emphasizes the importance of connecting the 2.6 billion people who are currently unconnected to the internet. He argues that this is a critical step in bridging the digital divide and ensuring equal access to digital opportunities.

Evidence

Vodafone and partners are investing in expanding networks and exploring new technologies like satellite-based networks to reach unconnected populations.

Major Discussion Point

Universal Digital Connectivity

Agreed with

Jessica Rosenworcel

Juan Lavista Ferres

David Sapolsky

Agreed on

Universal digital connectivity is crucial for development

Disagreed with

Jessica Rosenworcel

David Sapolsky

Disagreed on

Approach to bridging the digital divide

J

Jessica Rosenworcel

Speech speed

134 words per minute

Speech length

644 words

Speech time

288 seconds

Satellite-to-cell phone communications can end mobile dead zones

Explanation

Rosenworcel argues that satellite-to-cell phone communications technology can eliminate mobile dead zones. This technology allows for connectivity in areas where traditional ground-based networks are unavailable or have been disrupted.

Evidence

She cites an example from Hawaii where satellite-to-cell phone technology helped save lives during a wildfire when terrestrial networks were knocked out.

Major Discussion Point

Universal Digital Connectivity

Agreed with

Mohamed Shameel Aziz Joosub

Juan Lavista Ferres

David Sapolsky

Agreed on

Universal digital connectivity is crucial for development

Disagreed with

Mohamed Shameel Aziz Joosub

David Sapolsky

Disagreed on

Approach to bridging the digital divide

J

Juan Lavista Ferres

Speech speed

136 words per minute

Speech length

402 words

Speech time

177 seconds

AI and satellite imagery can map population shifts to target connectivity efforts

Explanation

Ferres explains how AI and satellite imagery can be used to create high-resolution maps of population shifts over time. This technology helps identify communities that remain disconnected from communication channels, allowing for more targeted connectivity efforts.

Evidence

Microsoft is partnering with Planet Labs and the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation to create these maps, which can inform infrastructure investment decisions.

Major Discussion Point

Universal Digital Connectivity

Agreed with

Mohamed Shameel Aziz Joosub

Jessica Rosenworcel

David Sapolsky

Agreed on

Universal digital connectivity is crucial for development

D

David Sapolsky

Speech speed

150 words per minute

Speech length

482 words

Speech time

191 seconds

Project Kuiper aims to provide affordable global satellite broadband

Explanation

Sapolsky introduces Project Kuiper, Amazon’s satellite broadband initiative. The project aims to deliver affordable, high-performance connectivity to unserved and underserved communities worldwide using a constellation of low-Earth-orbit satellites.

Evidence

Project Kuiper plans to use over 3,200 low-Earth-orbit satellites to provide internet access with sufficient speeds for modern critical services like video conferencing and telehealth.

Major Discussion Point

Universal Digital Connectivity

Agreed with

Mohamed Shameel Aziz Joosub

Jessica Rosenworcel

Juan Lavista Ferres

Agreed on

Universal digital connectivity is crucial for development

Disagreed with

Mohamed Shameel Aziz Joosub

Jessica Rosenworcel

Disagreed on

Approach to bridging the digital divide

T

Tofara L. Chokera

Speech speed

122 words per minute

Speech length

363 words

Speech time

178 seconds

Digital skills training is essential for economic empowerment, especially for women and youth

Explanation

Chokera emphasizes the importance of digital skills training for economic empowerment, particularly for women and youth. She argues that providing digital skills enables individuals to participate in the digital economy and access new opportunities.

Evidence

Through the Digital Skills Development Program, Chokera’s organization has empowered over 12,000 women, youth, and SMEs across Zimbabwe and Africa with digital skills for international trade.

Major Discussion Point

Digital Inclusion and Skills

Agreed with

Lazarus Chakwera

Christopher Burns

Agreed on

Digital skills training is essential for economic empowerment

M

Mats Granryd

Speech speed

150 words per minute

Speech length

518 words

Speech time

206 seconds

Affordable smartphones are key to bridging the digital divide

Explanation

Granryd argues that the high cost of smartphones is a major barrier to digital inclusion. He emphasizes the need to bring down the cost of devices to around $20 to make them accessible to more people in developing countries.

Evidence

GSMA has established a handset affordability coalition to work on reducing handset costs and improving financing options for smartphone purchases.

Major Discussion Point

Digital Inclusion and Skills

L

Lazarus Chakwera

Speech speed

115 words per minute

Speech length

720 words

Speech time

372 seconds

Digital literacy must be integrated into national education curricula

Explanation

President Chakwera emphasizes the importance of integrating digital literacy into national education curricula. He argues that this is essential for full participation in the digital economy and for preparing the workforce of the future.

Evidence

Malawi is integrating digital literacy into its national education curricula and providing training opportunities for all age groups. The country has also established technology hubs that are training thousands of young people in coding, digital skills, and entrepreneurship.

Major Discussion Point

Digital Inclusion and Skills

Agreed with

Tofara L. Chokera

Christopher Burns

Agreed on

Digital skills training is essential for economic empowerment

C

Christopher Burns

Speech speed

173 words per minute

Speech length

551 words

Speech time

190 seconds

The Responsible Computing Challenge aims to embed ethics in tech education

Explanation

Burns introduces the Responsible Computing Challenge, an initiative to reshape how future technologists are trained. The challenge aims to embed responsibility and ethics into the core of technology and computer science curricula, especially for young women and girls.

Evidence

The challenge is being implemented in universities in the U.S., Kenya, and India, with plans to expand to South Africa and Ghana. It focuses on teaching students to consider the full impacts of their products and services.

Major Discussion Point

Digital Inclusion and Skills

Agreed with

Tofara L. Chokera

Lazarus Chakwera

Agreed on

Digital skills training is essential for economic empowerment

K

Karan Bhatia

Speech speed

145 words per minute

Speech length

538 words

Speech time

221 seconds

AI can be used for early flood warnings and disaster preparedness

Explanation

Bhatia highlights how AI can be used to predict and mitigate natural disasters. He specifically mentions Google’s Flood Hub, an AI-powered flood forecasting tool that can predict flood zones up to a week in advance.

Evidence

Google’s Flood Hub is live in 80 countries, reaching more than 460 million people around the world.

Major Discussion Point

AI for Sustainable Development

Agreed with

Valentino Valentini

Achim Steiner

Rumman Chowdhury

Agreed on

AI can be leveraged for sustainable development

V

Valentino Valentini

Speech speed

140 words per minute

Speech length

455 words

Speech time

194 seconds

AI Hub for Sustainable Development focuses on data, computing power, talent, and ecosystems

Explanation

Valentini introduces the AI Hub for Sustainable Development, an initiative co-designed by Italy’s G7 Presidency and UNDP. The hub aims to leverage AI for sustainable development, focusing on four critical pillars: data, computing power, talent, and enabling ecosystems.

Evidence

The initiative has engaged with over 100 stakeholders, 300 AI startups across Africa, and initiated 80 partnerships focused on local language digitization.

Major Discussion Point

AI for Sustainable Development

Agreed with

Karan Bhatia

Achim Steiner

Rumman Chowdhury

Agreed on

AI can be leveraged for sustainable development

A

Achim Steiner

Speech speed

148 words per minute

Speech length

2059 words

Speech time

832 seconds

AI must be developed with safeguards to prevent exclusion and protect rights

Explanation

Steiner emphasizes the need for safeguards in AI development to prevent exclusion and protect individual rights. He argues that these safeguards should be an essential part of digital public infrastructure, not an optional add-on.

Major Discussion Point

AI for Sustainable Development

Agreed with

Karan Bhatia

Valentino Valentini

Rumman Chowdhury

Agreed on

AI can be leveraged for sustainable development

DPI requires commitment, capital, and capacity building

Explanation

Steiner argues that successful implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure requires three essential pillars: commitment from governments, capital investment, and capacity building. He emphasizes that these elements are crucial for ensuring that DPI is inclusive, safe, and equitable.

Major Discussion Point

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

R

Rumman Chowdhury

Speech speed

174 words per minute

Speech length

117 words

Speech time

40 seconds

Evaluating AI systems for cultural appropriateness is crucial

Explanation

Chowdhury argues for the importance of evaluating AI systems for cultural appropriateness and potential biases. She emphasizes that AI models are often not fit for use across different cultures and languages, and can produce stereotypical or degrading content.

Evidence

Chowdhury’s nonprofit, Humane Intelligence, focuses on giving people worldwide the ability to evaluate AI systems, not just build them.

Major Discussion Point

AI for Sustainable Development

Agreed with

Karan Bhatia

Valentino Valentini

Achim Steiner

Agreed on

AI can be leveraged for sustainable development

E

Esther Dweck

Speech speed

128 words per minute

Speech length

420 words

Speech time

196 seconds

DPI enables efficient government services and financial inclusion

Explanation

Dweck highlights how Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) can improve government service delivery and promote financial inclusion. She argues that DPI is key to Brazil’s digital transformation strategy.

Evidence

Brazil’s National Identity Card, linked to the gov.br platform, provides access to over 4,000 public services for more than 160 million users. The PICS instant payment system enhances financial inclusion.

Major Discussion Point

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

DPI must be implemented with proper safeguards and participatory processes

Explanation

Dweck emphasizes the importance of implementing DPI with proper safeguards and through participatory processes. This approach ensures that DPI is safe, inclusive, and protects people’s rights.

Major Discussion Point

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

DPI can support environmental efforts like reducing deforestation

Explanation

Dweck explains how DPI can be used to support environmental initiatives. She highlights Brazil’s Rural Environmental Registry as an example of a ‘green DPI’ that aids in efforts to reduce deforestation and restore forests.

Evidence

The Rural Environmental Registry supports environmental efforts such as reducing deforestation, restoring forests, implementing agriculture traceability, and fostering carbon markets.

Major Discussion Point

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

B

Bianca Faith Johnson

Speech speed

173 words per minute

Speech length

486 words

Speech time

167 seconds

Exoskeleton technology can restore mobility for paralyzed individuals

Explanation

Johnson demonstrates how exoskeleton technology can help paralyzed individuals regain mobility. She argues that this technology has the potential to significantly improve quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries.

Evidence

Johnson, who is paralyzed from mid-chest down, demonstrates walking using a self-balancing exoskeleton prototype developed by Wondercraft.

Major Discussion Point

Technology for Social Impact

K

Kelly T. Clements

Speech speed

148 words per minute

Speech length

665 words

Speech time

268 seconds

Blockchain-based digital wallets can provide rapid financial aid to refugees

Explanation

Clements explains how blockchain-based digital wallets can be used to provide quick financial assistance to refugees. This technology allows for faster, more efficient distribution of aid in crisis situations.

Evidence

She cites an example from Ukraine where a family received cash aid through a digital wallet within 15 minutes of registering with UNHCR.

Major Discussion Point

Technology for Social Impact

A

Ann Aerts

Speech speed

138 words per minute

Speech length

499 words

Speech time

216 seconds

AI and digital tools can improve healthcare outcomes and reduce inequalities

Explanation

Aerts argues that AI and digital tools have the potential to significantly improve healthcare outcomes and reduce health inequalities. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the social determinants of health through data analysis.

Evidence

The Novartis Foundation’s AI for Healthy Cities initiative uses data analytics to understand the true drivers of health and health inequities in cities like New York, Singapore, Helsinki, and Basel.

Major Discussion Point

Technology for Social Impact

Z

Zhiping Chen

Speech speed

89 words per minute

Speech length

323 words

Speech time

216 seconds

Digital technologies can protect endangered species in remote areas

Explanation

Chen discusses how digital technologies, particularly 5G networks, can be used to protect endangered species in remote areas. She argues that these technologies enable better monitoring and conservation efforts in previously inaccessible regions.

Evidence

ZTE built the first 5G base station in Cocoshilli, a remote UNESCO World Heritage site, allowing for real-time observation and live streaming of Tibetan antelope migration.

Major Discussion Point

Technology for Social Impact

Agreements

Agreement Points

Universal digital connectivity is crucial for development

Mohamed Shameel Aziz Joosub

Jessica Rosenworcel

Juan Lavista Ferres

David Sapolsky

Connecting 2.6 billion unconnected people is crucial

Satellite-to-cell phone communications can end mobile dead zones

AI and satellite imagery can map population shifts to target connectivity efforts

Project Kuiper aims to provide affordable global satellite broadband

These speakers agree on the importance of expanding digital connectivity to unconnected populations, emphasizing various technological solutions including satellite communications and AI-driven mapping.

Digital skills training is essential for economic empowerment

Tofara L. Chokera

Lazarus Chakwera

Christopher Burns

Digital skills training is essential for economic empowerment, especially for women and youth

Digital literacy must be integrated into national education curricula

The Responsible Computing Challenge aims to embed ethics in tech education

These speakers emphasize the importance of digital skills training and education, particularly for youth and underserved populations, to ensure participation in the digital economy and responsible use of technology.

AI can be leveraged for sustainable development

Karan Bhatia

Valentino Valentini

Achim Steiner

Rumman Chowdhury

AI can be used for early flood warnings and disaster preparedness

AI Hub for Sustainable Development focuses on data, computing power, talent, and ecosystems

AI must be developed with safeguards to prevent exclusion and protect rights

Evaluating AI systems for cultural appropriateness is crucial

These speakers agree on the potential of AI to address sustainable development challenges, while also emphasizing the need for responsible development and evaluation of AI systems.

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers emphasize the importance of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for development, while stressing the need for proper implementation with safeguards and capacity building.

Esther Dweck

Achim Steiner

DPI enables efficient government services and financial inclusion

DPI must be implemented with proper safeguards and participatory processes

DPI requires commitment, capital, and capacity building

Unexpected Consensus

Technology for social impact across diverse fields

Bianca Faith Johnson

Kelly T. Clements

Ann Aerts

Zhiping Chen

Exoskeleton technology can restore mobility for paralyzed individuals

Blockchain-based digital wallets can provide rapid financial aid to refugees

AI and digital tools can improve healthcare outcomes and reduce inequalities

Digital technologies can protect endangered species in remote areas

Despite coming from diverse fields (healthcare, refugee aid, conservation), these speakers unexpectedly converge on the potential of various technologies to create significant social impact in their respective areas.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of agreement include the importance of universal digital connectivity, the need for digital skills training, the potential of AI for sustainable development, and the role of Digital Public Infrastructure in development.

Consensus level

There is a high level of consensus among the speakers on the transformative potential of digital technologies for development and social impact. This consensus implies a strong foundation for collaborative efforts in leveraging technology for global development goals. However, speakers also consistently emphasize the need for responsible implementation, including safeguards and capacity building, suggesting a nuanced approach to technological adoption.

Disagreements

Disagreement Points

Approach to bridging the digital divide

Mohamed Shameel Aziz Joosub

Jessica Rosenworcel

David Sapolsky

Connecting 2.6 billion unconnected people is crucial

Satellite-to-cell phone communications can end mobile dead zones

Project Kuiper aims to provide affordable global satellite broadband

While all speakers agree on the importance of connecting the unconnected, they propose different technological solutions: expanding traditional networks, satellite-to-cell phone communications, and low-Earth-orbit satellite broadband.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of disagreement revolve around the specific technological approaches to achieve universal connectivity and digital inclusion.

Disagreement level

The level of disagreement among speakers is relatively low. Most speakers agree on the overall goals of digital inclusion and leveraging technology for sustainable development. The differences mainly lie in the specific approaches or focus areas each speaker emphasizes. This level of disagreement is not likely to hinder progress towards the shared goals, but rather encourages a diverse range of solutions to address the complex challenges of digital transformation.

Partial Agreements

Partial Agreements

Both speakers agree on the importance of digital inclusion, but Granryd focuses on hardware affordability while Burns emphasizes the need for ethical education in technology.

Mats Granryd

Christopher Burns

Affordable smartphones are key to bridging the digital divide

The Responsible Computing Challenge aims to embed ethics in tech education

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers emphasize the importance of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for development, while stressing the need for proper implementation with safeguards and capacity building.

Esther Dweck

Achim Steiner

DPI enables efficient government services and financial inclusion

DPI must be implemented with proper safeguards and participatory processes

DPI requires commitment, capital, and capacity building

Takeaways

Key Takeaways

Universal digital connectivity is crucial, with 2.6 billion people still unconnected

Digital inclusion requires both infrastructure and skills development, especially for underserved populations

AI and digital technologies have significant potential for sustainable development and social impact

Digital public infrastructure (DPI) is essential for efficient government services and financial inclusion, but must be implemented with proper safeguards

Emerging technologies like exoskeletons, blockchain, and AI can address critical social and environmental challenges

Resolutions and Action Items

Expand satellite-based internet connectivity to reach unconnected populations

Integrate digital literacy into national education curricula

Develop AI solutions for disaster preparedness and environmental protection

Implement digital public infrastructure with safeguards to protect rights and prevent exclusion

Increase investment in digital skills training, especially for women and youth

Create partnerships between governments, private sector, and civil society to advance digital inclusion

Unresolved Issues

How to ensure AI development benefits the Global South and doesn’t exacerbate existing inequalities

Balancing rapid technological advancement with necessary regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations

Addressing potential job displacement due to AI and automation in developing countries

Ensuring data privacy and security in the implementation of digital public infrastructure

How to make cutting-edge technologies like exoskeletons widely accessible and affordable

Suggested Compromises

Collaborate across sectors and countries to develop inclusive AI solutions that respect local contexts

Balance rapid digital transformation with careful implementation of safeguards and regulations

Invest in both digital infrastructure and skills development simultaneously to ensure meaningful connectivity

Develop open-source and affordable technologies to make digital solutions more accessible to developing countries

Thought Provoking Comments

Can we harness this technology beyond war zones and natural disasters? Can we finally close the digital divide?

Speaker

Mohamed Shameel Aziz Joosub

Reason

This rhetorical question challenges participants to think bigger about applying emergency connectivity solutions to everyday life.

Impact

It shifted the conversation from reactive emergency measures to proactive, widespread connectivity initiatives.

Satellite-to-cell phone communications is a game-changer. By combining space-based networks and terrestrial wireless networks, both can accomplish more together than either can do on its own.

Speaker

Jessica Rosenworcel

Reason

This insight highlights a innovative technological approach to bridging the digital divide.

Impact

It introduced a new dimension to the connectivity discussion, prompting consideration of hybrid terrestrial-satellite solutions.

We need to focus on creating an environment where the basics of technology are met so that quantum technologies can be used to benefit all.

Speaker

Emma Theophilus

Reason

This comment emphasizes the importance of foundational digital infrastructure before pursuing advanced technologies.

Impact

It grounded the discussion in practical realities while still maintaining a vision for future technological advancements.

To fully realise digital transformation in the public sector could unlock over $3.5 trillion annually, according to a study by McKinsey. Yet, despite significant investments, 70% of civil servants still lack digital capabilities.

Speaker

Tawfik Jelassi

Reason

This comment provides concrete data on both the potential benefits and current challenges of digital transformation in government.

Impact

It shifted the focus to the importance of digital skills training and capacity building in the public sector.

As we lay the foundations of a digital future, we must ensure that this future is equitable, inclusive, and peaceful.

Speaker

Lazarus Chakwera

Reason

This statement emphasizes the ethical imperatives alongside technological progress.

Impact

It broadened the discussion beyond technical solutions to include social and ethical considerations in digital development.

Overall Assessment

These key comments shaped the discussion by consistently emphasizing the dual challenges of expanding digital access and ensuring that access is equitable, inclusive, and beneficial to all. The speakers moved from identifying the scale of the problem to proposing innovative technological solutions, while also highlighting the need for policy frameworks, skills development, and ethical considerations. This created a comprehensive dialogue that addressed both the technical and human aspects of creating a digital future for all.

2.6 billion people are unconnected. a digital future for all can only be possible if access to connectivity is universal and affordable.

Speaker

Sade Baderinwa

Reason

This comment frames the central challenge and goal of the entire discussion, highlighting the massive scale of the digital divide.

Impact

It set the tone for the subsequent speakers to address how to overcome this divide through various technological and policy solutions.

Follow-up Questions

How can we ensure AI reaches and serves the global South?

Speaker

Brad Smith

Explanation

This is crucial to prevent the digital divide from becoming an AI divide and to ensure equitable access to AI’s benefits globally.

How can we create strong collaborations to reach everyone, everywhere with digital technologies?

Speaker

Achim Steiner

Explanation

Collaboration is essential to ensure universal access to digital technologies and their benefits.

How can we lower the cost of smartphones to under $20 in the least-developed countries?

Speaker

Mohamed Shameel Aziz Joosub

Explanation

Affordable devices are crucial for bridging the digital divide and enabling access to digital services.

How can we ensure proper safeguards are in place for digital public infrastructure?

Speaker

Achim Steiner

Explanation

Safeguards are essential to protect user rights, ensure inclusivity, and build trust in digital systems.

How can we integrate responsible computing into technology and computer science curricula globally?

Speaker

Christopher Burns

Explanation

This is important to ensure future technologists consider the full impacts of their products and services on society.

How can we address the potential job displacement and inequality caused by AI in the global South?

Speaker

Robert Muggah

Explanation

This is crucial to mitigate the negative impacts of AI on employment and economic inequality in developing countries.

How can we ensure everyone has the ability to evaluate AI systems for their specific contexts and needs?

Speaker

Rumman Chowdhury

Explanation

This is important to ensure AI systems are appropriate and beneficial for diverse global contexts and cultures.

Disclaimer: This is not an official record of the session. The DiploAI system automatically generates these resources from the audiovisual recording. Resources are presented in their original format, as provided by the AI (e.g. including any spelling mistakes). The accuracy of these resources cannot be guaranteed.

Saturday Opening Ceremony: Summit of the Future Action Days

Saturday Opening Ceremony: Summit of the Future Action Days

Session at a Glance

Summary

This discussion focused on the Declaration on Future Generations, a key component of the upcoming Summit of the Future at the United Nations. The opening ceremony featured speeches from UN Secretary-General António Guterres and other leaders, emphasizing the importance of inclusive multilateralism and addressing global challenges like climate change, inequality, and conflict. A panel of experts then explored the potential impact of the Declaration and ways to implement its goals.

Key themes included the need to consider long-term consequences of current decisions, incorporate diverse perspectives (especially from youth and indigenous communities), and reform global financial and governance systems to better serve future generations. Panelists highlighted specific actions governments could take, such as focusing on competitive economic sectors, bridging local and global concerns, and fostering social connections across generations.

The discussion underscored the interconnectedness of past, present, and future in addressing global issues. Participants stressed the importance of civil society pressure on governments and the need for wealthier nations to support climate adaptation in vulnerable countries. The conversation also touched on innovative approaches, such as using legal systems to advance intergenerational equity and rethinking economic models to benefit future Africans.

Overall, the discussion emphasized the transformative potential of the Declaration on Future Generations, while acknowledging the challenges in translating its principles into concrete action. Participants called for continued engagement from diverse stakeholders to ensure the Declaration leads to meaningful change in global governance and decision-making.

Keypoints

Major discussion points:

– The Declaration on Future Generations and its potential to transform global decision-making to consider long-term impacts

– The need for concrete actions and implementation to give life to the declaration’s principles

– The importance of including diverse voices, especially from youth, indigenous communities, and developing countries

– Economic opportunities and challenges in building a sustainable future, particularly for Africa

– The role of civil society in pressuring governments and driving change

Overall purpose:

The discussion aimed to build momentum and gather diverse perspectives on how to effectively implement the Declaration on Future Generations, which will be adopted at the upcoming Summit of the Future. Speakers explored ways to translate the declaration’s principles into meaningful action across sectors and regions.

Tone:

The tone was largely optimistic and forward-looking, with speakers expressing hope about the potential for positive change. However, there were also notes of urgency and concern about the scale of challenges facing future generations. The tone became more action-oriented as speakers discussed specific steps needed to realize the declaration’s goals.

Speakers

Speakers:

– Folly Bah Thibault – Journalist and global champion for Education Cannot Wait, served as host/moderator

– António Guterres – UN Secretary-General

– Matthew Dominick – NASA astronaut

– Jeanette Epps – NASA astronaut

– Astronauts from China Space Station (unnamed)

– Carole Osero-Ageng’o – Co-chair of UN Civil Society Conference

– Oli Henman – Co-chair of Coordination Mechanism of Major Groups and other stakeholders

– Saumya Aggarwal – Co-founder of Youth for Peace International

– Andrew Holness – Prime Minister of Jamaica

– Evelyn Wever-Croes – Prime Minister of Aruba

Panel discussion participants:

– Thomas Hale (Moderator) – Professor of global public policy at University of Oxford

– Hina Jilani – Lawyer, human rights defender, member of the Elders

– Abdullahi Alim – CEO of Africa Future Fund

– Paolo Baca – Deputy Director of De Justicia

Areas of expertise:

– Folly Bah Thibault: Journalism, education advocacy

– António Guterres: International diplomacy, UN leadership

– Astronauts: Space exploration, international cooperation

– Carole Osero-Ageng’o & Oli Henman: Civil society engagement, stakeholder coordination

– Saumya Aggarwal: Youth advocacy, peacebuilding

– Andrew Holness & Evelyn Wever-Croes: Government leadership, international relations

– Thomas Hale: Global public policy, long-term governance challenges

– Hina Jilani: Human rights law, civil society advocacy

– Abdullahi Alim: African economic development, future-oriented investment

– Paolo Baca: Indigenous rights, environmental law

Full session report

Expanded Summary of Discussion on the Declaration on Future Generations

Introduction

This discussion focused on the Declaration on Future Generations, a key component of the upcoming Summit of the Future at the United Nations. The event featured an opening ceremony with speeches from UN Secretary-General António Guterres and other leaders, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Thomas Hale, exploring the potential impact of the Declaration and ways to implement its goals.

Opening Ceremony

UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for intergenerational solidarity and responsibility in addressing global challenges. He called for more inclusive multilateralism, greater representation of developing countries, and reforms to international financial institutions.

Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, stressed the importance of embedding futures thinking in decision-making processes. He outlined key components of the Declaration, including its purpose to safeguard the interests of future generations and promote long-term thinking in governance.

Evelyn Wever-Croes, Prime Minister of Aruba, further elaborated on the Declaration’s aims to ensure that present actions do not compromise the well-being of future generations.

Panel Discussion

1. Youth Perspective – Saumya Aggarwal, Youth for Peace International

Aggarwal advocated for meaningful youth participation in policymaking and investing in youth-led solutions. She presented specific recommendations from the Youth Action Day, including:

– Establishing a UN Youth Office

– Creating a UN Special Envoy for Future Generations

– Implementing a Global Citizens’ Assembly

2. Indigenous and Global South Perspective – Paolo Baca, Deputy Director of De Justicia

Baca offered insights on time from Andean indigenous cultures, challenging Western assumptions about intergenerational relationships. He discussed a Colombian court case granting rights to future generations, highlighting its outcomes and implementation challenges.

3. African Perspective – Abdullahi Alim, CEO of Africa Future Fund

Alim provided context on demographic shifts in Africa, noting that “One billion Africans will be born in the next generation alone.” He outlined the Africa Future Fund’s goals, including:

– Restructuring debt measurement and management for African countries

– Focusing on competitive economic sectors to drive growth

– Leveraging Africa’s demographic dividend for sustainable development

4. Human Rights and Civil Society – Hina Jilani, Lawyer and Human Rights Defender

Jilani emphasized the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities and the need to compensate developing countries. She stressed the importance of:

– Civil society pressure on governments to drive change

– Developing plans for socially connected communities

– Strengthening UN human rights mechanisms

She also referenced an intergenerational call to action issued by the Elders.

5. Civil Society Engagement – Carole Osero-Ageng’o, Co-chair of UN Civil Society Conference

Osero-Ageng’o stressed the importance of intergenerational dialogue and collaboration in addressing global challenges.

6. UN System Reform – Oli Henman, Co-chair of Major Groups Coordination Mechanism

Henman emphasized the need to strengthen UN human rights mechanisms and reform global governance structures to better serve future generations.

Key Themes and Outcomes

1. Intergenerational Solidarity and Long-term Thinking

2. Inclusive Multilateralism and Diverse Perspectives

3. Global Challenges and Opportunities, particularly climate change and demographic shifts

4. Reforming Global Financial and Governance Systems

5. Role of Civil Society and Community Building

Concrete Actions Proposed

– Appointing a UN Special Envoy for Future Generations

– Establishing a UN Youth Office

– Implementing a Global Citizens’ Assembly

– Developing plans for socially connected communities

– Restructuring debt measurement for African countries

– Providing compensation and resources to developing countries facing climate impacts

Conclusion and Next Steps

The discussion concluded with a sense of optimism about the potential for positive change, tempered by an acknowledgment of the urgent challenges facing future generations. An upcoming forum was announced to check on progress in implementing the Declaration. The Summit of the Future Action Days was mentioned as a platform for continued engagement and action.

A visual scribe created a summary of the session, capturing key points and themes graphically.

As the event concluded, it was clear that while the Declaration on Future Generations offers transformative potential, translating its principles into concrete action will require ongoing effort, collaboration, and innovative thinking across sectors and regions.

Session Transcript

Folly Bah Thibault: summit of the future action days. Yes! I love the energy already. Loving the energy. My name is Folly Bah Thibault, a journalist and global champion for Education Cannot Wait, the United Nations Education Fund for Emergencies and Protected Crises. I’m thrilled to be your host this morning as we gather here in New York to reimagine how we can all work together to address the opportunities and challenges of our time. Now on day one of the action days Friday, we saw what meaningful youth engagement looks like in practice in shaping our common future. We heard from youth leaders about the importance of cross-generational collaboration to create lasting solutions on crucial issues like climate change, gender equity, and women and girls empowerment. We’ll hear more about their recommendations from the youth rapporteur who will be joining us on stage in just a few moments. In today’s sessions, we are bringing together a broad and diverse set of global leaders and actors from all across sectors. They’ll share their ideas and experiences on how to advance on critical themes including digital and technology, peace and security, and sustainable development and financing. In addition to those themes, we’ll have a dedicated focus throughout the day on future generations. Throughout this opening ceremony, ladies and gentlemen, we’ll also have a visual scribe working in the background to create a visual summary of this session so you won’t miss anything at the end of the day. But first, to open this exciting day, it’s my pleasure and honor to welcome the United Nations Secretary-General, His Excellency António Guterres.

António Guterres: Excellencies, dear friends, all protocol observed. Welcome to the summit of the Future Action Days, which kicked off yesterday with a youth-led afternoon. A day full of ideas, energy, hope and expectation, and a perfect reminder of why we are here. Today promises to be just as dynamic. Looking out, I see world leaders, I see mayors and legislators, I see civil society, the private sector, academics, artists, activists and young people. You come from every corner of the world, every generation and every walk of life. Friends, this is what effective, inclusive, networked multilateralism must look like. Four years ago, we began the process that brings us here today. And because we saw a world in trouble, torn apart by conflict and inequalities, threatened by climate chaos and unregulated technologies, with the Sustainable Development Goals in peril, with many countries now mirrored in disastrous debt and the cost of living crisis. We saw our multilateral institutions ailing, unable to respond to contemporary challenges, let alone those of tomorrow. We saw faith in multilateral solutions eroding. And we saw trust in each other dissipating just when we needed it most. So we began a journey to reform, to renew the international system, so that it meets the moment and is fit for the future. We need multilateralism that is more inclusive, more effective and more networked, with stronger links between international institutions and with the people. That means greater representation in developing countries, and it means a stronger voice for all of you and what you represent. This ambition was rooted in some clear truth. The world belongs to us all. People want a say in the decisions that affect them. And while governments have primary responsibility that we do not deny, we will not solve today’s global problems without contributions from all of society, from civil society and young people, delivering change, promoting accountability, demanding better standing up for truth and justice, and using new technologies to organize for a better world. From business and finance, critical to combating the climate crisis and shaping our digital future for the benefit of all. From scientists, innovators and academics, pushing the boundaries of our knowledge and developing solutions to the great challenges that we face, from hunger and disease to online aid. Dear friends, over the past four years, the people in this room and your colleagues around the world participated in the most consultative process ever undertaken by the United Nations. We have seen a total of 1.5 million people, from every one of our member states, involved in discussions and consultations everywhere. Hundreds of civil society groups in putting into the Pact for the Future the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations and thousands of written contributions. Together, you have pushed for vision ambition and I thank you for that. We have now three milestone texts that are on the table which must open the door to changes our world in a way that it desperately needs. The pact for the future must lay the ground for reform. Reform of the outdated United Nations Security Council to make it more effective but also more representative of what the world is today. Reform of our international financial institutions so that they supercharge resources for sustainable development and for climate action. Reforms of the rules governing outer space currently a chaotic free-for-all and reform how we respond to complex global shocks and work together on peace and security. On the other hand the Global Digital Compact must be a blueprint for closing digital divides and the first universal agreement on artificial intelligence laying the foundations for a global platform centered at the UN that can bring all actors together. The Declaration on Future Generations must commit leaders to take tomorrow into account as they make decisions today and gender equality and human rights must weave through every aspect of those texts reflecting the fact that they are fundamental to every area of life. Excellences, friends, the issues at the heart of these texts justice, rights, peace and equality have animated my work for decades driving me forward. I know the same is true for many of you. I will not give up. and I know that you won’t either. The adoption of these texts will not be the end of the journey. It will simply be a new beginning. Our next task is to breathe life into these texts, to put words into action, and to use them to set humanity on a better course. Your continued engagement, commitment and pressure will be vital. That work starts with these Action Days. We look forward to hearing your ideas and solutions on what these new frameworks mean for you and how, together, you can help to make them a reality. A renewed multilateralism will not be built in a day or by governments alone. It will be fuelled and carried forward by all of you and the groups that you represent. We have fought for ambition. Now, let’s fight for action together. On behalf of the United Nations, thank you for joining us in this vital task.

Folly Bah Thibault: Thank you. Now, our next speakers exemplify the essence of international collaboration. There are currently multiple astronauts in space, and we have the privilege to hear from some of them. The crews on board the International Space Station and the Tianyong Space Station orbiting above us are quite literally showing us that global teamwork knows no bounds. Cosmonauts of the Russian Federation on the ISS are currently changing shifts, as you’ll appreciate their safety is of paramount importance. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s now take a giant leap, well, a virtual one at least, into space with this message from astronauts on the International Space Station and the Tianyong Space Station. Take a look.

Matthew Dominick: Greetings from the International Space Station. I’m NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick with my crewmate, Jeanette Epps. International cooperation and collaboration in space are just as critical to our work aboard this international research lab as it is back on Earth.

Jeanette Epps: On the ISS, we do research in microgravity that is not possible on Earth. From our unique vantage point in space, we can better understand our changing planet. NASA’s Earth Science Mission, many implemented with our partnerships around the world, are helping decision makers improve life on Earth, safeguard our future, and help us discover and innovate for the benefit of all.

Matthew Dominick: As you gather this week for the UN General Assembly, we encourage all nations to help assure peaceful, safe, and sustainable space exploration for the benefit of humankind.

China Space Station: We greet everyone from China’s space station. The peaceful use of outer space is a common goal for humanity. In a summit of the future, countries will jointly explore important issues such as multilateralism and international cooperation in the field of space under the framework of the UN, which will have significant impact on global governance of outer space. We feel honored to participate in it. China has always adhered to the peaceful use of outer space. The China Space Station, a landmark project of China’s space industry, officially entered a new stage of application and development in 2023 after two years of on-orbit assembly and construction. The China Space Station belongs not only to China but also to the world. As early as 2019, the Chinese Government opened the utilization resources of China’s Space Station to other countries to ensure that more countries could participate in manned space technology and application research, which was a strong support to the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. We are willing to continue to conduct space exchange and cooperation with other countries and actually promote building a community with a shared future for mankind in the field of outer space based on equality, mutual benefit, peaceful use, and inclusive development. We wish the UN Summit of the Future a complete success. Thank you.

Folly Bah Thibault: Isn’t that just amazing? Amazing. Thank you to the incredible astronauts on board the ISS and the Tiangong Space Station for that out-of-this-world message, as you saw. Only at the UN can you see such great things, right? Their vantage point reminds us that while we may be separated by vast distances, our shared challenges and aspirations unite us all. So thank you once again to the astronauts. Now let’s bring our focus back on Earth. us and turn our attention to two remarkable leaders who are driving positive change within our communities. They have both been instrumental in organizing and facilitating consultations with civil society in the lead-up to the summit of the Future Action Days. First, we are going to hear from Ms. Carole Osero-Ageng’o, who was one of the co-chairs of the UN Civil Society Conference that took place in May in Nairobi. Please give a warm welcome to Carole.

Carole Osero-Ageng’o: Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, as we reflect on the 69th Civil Society Conference, the first in the Global South, and which was in support of the Summit of the Future, three points stand out – connection, convening, and collaboration in an intersectional and intergenerational world, before, during, and after the conference. Excellencies, the nine-week collaboration in planning the conference was a collaborative endeavor, a collaborative endeavor showing the strength and the diversity of civil society and the broad issues of interests of civil society, which we learned we must bring together at all possible junctures, because we do not engage with these issues, one to the exclusion of another. My co-chair, Nudhara Yusuf, and I, in framing the objectives of inclusion, impact, and innovation, asked ourselves, how do we drive impact? How do we catalyze change? Excellencies, in the run-up to the conference, unprecedented rains and resultant floods in Nairobi did not spare the United Nations campus where we were to hold the conference. but it united civil society in support of the victims of the floods in Nairobi, showing the spirit of collaboration and partnership that sits at the foundation of civil society. The outcome package of the conference is now available on the conference website, detailing two days of workshops and impact coalition engagements. The impact coalitions covered broad issues ranging from development, financing for development, AI governance, future generations. The impact coalitions bring together civil society, academia, think tanks, member states and other stakeholders for action-oriented inputs into the summit. The civil society continues to lean into the diversity that defines us, even as we seek to build common ground and move ahead to advance the ambitions of the millions of people around the world who benefit from our actions. We do not always agree, and that is fine. That is diversity. The coming days will see civil society input tap into the existing stakeholder collaboration platforms that work together to put the conference, including the major groups and other stakeholders, coalition for the UN. We need GNEC and Congo to engage in the key reform issues contained in the pact. We, however, seek and will continue to seek greater opportunity for civil society in the UN processes. Excellencies, it is also time to reframe the narrative on aging from a challenge to an opportunity, and we saw this in the intergenerational activities yesterday. Prospective aging of the youth of today calls for envisioning of young people here today as older people of the future, a future consisting also of other young people. The prospect shifts the definition of who is old as life expectancy increases to recognize the many older adults today who are engaged and productive and bring valuable contributions to society. We must recognize and protect their fundamental rights, but we can also harness the knowledge, experience, and innovation of this growing population segment as a resource for future generations. And we are also interconnected and interdependent in our families, communities, and societies, and globally, so we need to seek solutions that work for all of us. I thank you very much.

Folly Bah Thibault: Carole, thank you very much for your remarks. Thank you for your contributions to this summit of the future. Thank you. Next, we’ll hear from Mr. Oli Henman, who’s one of the co-chairs of the Coordination Mechanism of Major Groups and other stakeholders. Oli, welcome to the stage.

Oli Henman: Thank you very much. Excellencies, Secretary-General, ladies and gentlemen, colleagues, and friends. It’s a great honor to speak here today as we face the future together. My name is Oli Henman, and together with Rashima Quatra, I’m one of the co-chairs of the Major Groups and other Stakeholders Coordination Mechanism. This mechanism has been working together since the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 and is recognized under mandate by the General Assembly. Its 21 constituencies are thematic and regional in nature, and these constituencies represent millions of diverse people from around the world. We have engaged over many months in dialogue with the co-facilitators of the key documents of the Summit for the Future, And we are grateful for this regular engagement, including at the Nairobi CSO Conference. Over these Action Days, we are witnessing the energy and dynamism of civil society, the collaboration with a wide range of partners, and fresh ideas from so many diverse groups. We are glad to be here together during the Action Days, but our voice must also be heard at the Summit itself. We cannot be excluded from the opportunity to shape our common future and insist on meaningful inclusion in all UN processes. In terms of the pact for the future and what comes next, we have some key insights based on our shared positions, and I am glad that many other colleagues are here to share their views over these days as well. Firstly, the pact must demonstrate the UN’s values to champion a democratic and rights-based multilateral system, ensuring meaningful participation of all stakeholders. We appreciate the mention of ECOSOC-accredited NGOs and also the specific call for meaningful inclusion of relevant stakeholders. However, we are concerned at attempts to create additional barriers for accreditation. And while we called for greater collaboration with civil society, unfortunately we do not see that in the revised text. We welcome the continued dialogue with Member States, and we commit to engage with a wide range of delegations going forward to ensure a strong exchange of ideas. Secondly, on human rights, we are very glad to see a recommitment to shared principles on the universality of rights. Everyone’s rights must be guaranteed. While in recent years we have witnessed populism and inflammatory language from some political leaders which has led to an us-and-them culture, erosion of rights, and the rollback of hard-fought equalities, massive violations in situations of conflict. In order to guarantee these rights, the UN’s own structures for protection and enhancement of rights must be strengthened. We call for accelerating support for the human rights pillar of the UN and forging clearer links at the country level with resident coordinator teams. Thirdly, we are pleased to see renewed commitment for financing to deliver real change. It is essential that adequate financing is agreed to deliver the SDGs. And in particular, we are glad to see the reference to targeting programs to support those who are being left behind. We believe the pact provides one step along the way, and note that crucial discussions for financing will be taking place next year at the Financing for Development Forum. Fourthly, it is essential that this pact sets out a renewed vision that is built on equity, fairness and trust. We must step back from the brink of catastrophic wars and conflict, and instead direct our energy and resources to a reinvestment in social protection. We therefore look forward to the World Social Summit in 2025 as a key moment to reset priorities and ensure recommitment to people-centered development, accessible and affordable public services and social protection for all. Finally, the pact’s recognition of the need to protect wildlife and ecosystems is a positive step, but we must accelerate efforts to restore biodiversity for the health of our planet and future generations. Climate change imperils us all. We are therefore glad to see the commitment to accelerating action on climate change and scaling up finance for adaptation and prevention of loss and damage. However, these commitments are not compatible with new fossil fuel exploration, and we therefore urge all governments to halt any new oil, gas or coal exploration. The future is in all of our hands. We have it in our collective power to reshape the world for our children and their children. It is essential that we do not go home empty-handed. When I go back home and see my young boys and hear the optimism in their voices, I want to be able to say that yes, the world is listening and change is coming. We cannot contemplate failure. Thank you.

Folly Bah Thibault: Thank you very much, Ali, for that powerful message. The future is in all of our hands. Ali also talked about the energy in civil society, and I want to hear the energy in this room now. for a better future for all of us. Is there energy? Are we energized? Yes? Are we gonna do it all together? Yes. Thank you very much, Oli, for bringing us the civil society view there. We’re grateful for your contributions. Now, as I mentioned earlier, day one of the Summit of the Future Action Day brought together young people from all over the world to discuss how we can all work together for a better future. And here now to reflect on yesterday’s Youth-Led Action Day is Ms. Saumya Aggarwal, co-founder of the Youth for Peace International, which is an organization dedicated to fostering peace and understanding among youth globally. Saumya, the floor is yours.

Saumya Aggarwal: Excellencies, distinguished guests, and fellow youth. Collectively, the world is significantly behind on the achievements set out in the Sustainable Development Goals and many other global frameworks. Today, young people make over one-third of the world’s population, and youth are creating innovative and sustainable solutions to the problem we are currently facing. However, young people around the world are losing or have lost trust in our governance systems, and we must collectively decide to change our approach and reshape the path forward. We are so excited to start the Summit of the Future with the Youth Action Days. It’s the first time in history that we have dedicated a youth day, and multi-stakeholders have shown genuine interest to learn and listen to us. Young people have been rigorously preparing for the Summit of the Future, and it was refreshing to see that the processes were co-designed and coordinated between UN agencies, youth constituencies, youth-led and youth-focused organizations. Let’s see where we are, because these spaces are only meaningful. when we commit to make a shift and learn. Yesterday was nothing less than inspiring. Youth voices were very loud and clear that they are watching the leaders and the upcoming summit should not be just another international conference. Yesterday, young people alongside policy makers and civil society discussed key recommendations to ensure the implementation of the Pact for the future and beyond. Let me share with you key takeaways that have been highlighted by the young people clustered under the three themes of today’s Action Day. First, on inclusivity for peaceful futures, we need to collaborate with the national coalitions to advance the UNHCR 2250 on youth peace and security commitments and support the efforts of young people and youth-led organizations in the implementation. Allocate flexible, accessible, and sustainable financial support for adolescent-led, youth-led, youth-focused organizations and networks, including for humanitarian action. Strengthen partnerships and dialogue between the youth-led organizations, policy makers, and humanitarian and development actors to ensure youth-driven solutions are recognized, scaled, and sustainable. Address the prevalence of climate and eco-anxiety among youth, which is contributing to a global mental health crisis. Usually we have seen that mental health support is neglected. Recommit to peace, youth protection, and human rights as youth are urging an emergent and permanent ceasefire in all conflict zones. For a digital future, explore potential strategies to mitigate growing digital risk and leverage digital opportunities to build an inclusive, safe, and meaningful digital futures for all. We also need to advocate for youth inclusion in digital and AI policymaking spaces, discuss current and future implications of emerging digital technologies with the focus on the consequences for young people, and explore mechanisms that protect the youth from digital harm. And finally, if we want to ensure sustainable futures, we have to take immediate actions to mitigate security risks and threats to building a peaceful world and sustainable societies. Establish national youth consultative bodies like youth advisory councils to ensure that young people and adolescents inform foreign and national policies. Young people must be part of policymaking and decision-making processes and governance systems at various levels. Raise recognition and legitimization of youth efforts in traditional governance structures and facilitate a culture for meaningful youth participation. Young people also brought recommendations on gender yesterday, such as the need to revitalize the Commission on the Status of Women and the Commission on Population and Development in partnership with civil society and youth. Under the intergenerational equity and solidarity, youth and partners demand to create an intergenerational dialogue platform as well as to leverage science, data, statistics, and strategic foresight to ensure long-term thinking and planning in their governance structures. These are clear examples that young people need to be included across discussions, negotiations, and policies, because all matters are youth matters. He acknowledged that his generation prioritized profit in systems that ultimately failed us. This must be corrected. Our generation needs to be included in decision-making spaces and be meaningfully engaged in shaping those processes. The change needs to happen now and youth lead for a better future. Thank you everyone. Have a great day.

Folly Bah Thibault: Thank you, Saumya, for so eloquently summarizing your discussions and capturing the energy that we all felt yesterday on day one of the Summit of the Future Action Days. So this now concludes our first opening segment and we’ll now zero in on one of the summit’s major targeted outcomes and that is the Declaration on Future Generations, which will be a vital step forward in ensuring that the rights and interests of future generations are at the heart of global decision-making. To discuss this, I’m delighted to welcome to the stage His Excellency Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, to join us. Thank you.

Andrew Holness: Secretary General of the United Nations, His Excellency António Guterres, Excellencies and distinguished delegates, representatives of the United Nations, civil society, youth, major groups and other stakeholders, it is a distinct honor to join you this morning in building momentum towards the Summit of the Future. and to formally commence the discussions on future generations. Allow me to congratulate and commend all of you for your tremendous efforts over these past few years to ensure the success of the Summit. Jamaica is proud to have co-facilitated the intergovernmental process for the Declaration on Future Generations, and I take this opportunity to express my appreciation to our co-facilitator, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, for their excellent collaboration during this challenging process. I would also like to thank the Secretary General and his team for the support provided to our respective teams during the negotiations and consultations. The inclusivity of the Summit of the future and its preceding action days, as well as the proprietary processes leading up to this very critical moment, is truly symbolic of the approach that is required to preserve a robust and effective multilateral system with the United Nations at its core. It is clear that member states and the UN system cannot chart this path alone. We must leverage the knowledge, expertise and vigor of civil society, youth, academia, the private sector and other stakeholders to deliver a better future for this planet and for all its people. The Declaration on Future Generations has certainly benefited from this. coming together of great minds, and reflects the diverse perspectives and challenges across the world that must be taken into account as we lay the foundation for the next century and beyond. Indeed, with the adoption of this Declaration at the Summit tomorrow, we will be able to celebrate a universal realization that, even as we address the challenges of today, we have an obligation to protect the interests of future generations and ensure that they will inherit a planet in which they can thrive. We must now translate that enthusiasm into action by giving life to the Declaration. We are grateful that, during the consultations, all stakeholders recognized that it was important to not only manifest lofty intent to take account of the needs of future generations, but to agree to fundamental guiding principles, make far-reaching commitments, and prescribe concrete actions to propel us to achieve this end. Having completed the negotiations, it is now our responsibility to ensure effective implementation of the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations. For governments like mine, this effort will require a whole-of-society collaboration as we seek to embed futures thinking. in all our decision-making processes across national and local government. The role of civil society, academia, and the private sector in this endeavour will be critical in developing solutions, as well as building and maintaining momentum towards implementation. In Jamaica, my government has already begun to invest in anticipatory planning and future-proofing, recognising first and foremost that a solid macroeconomic foundation is the most basic requirement. We have lowered our debt-to-GDP ratio, increased our foreign exchange reserves, reduced our unemployment rate, and achieved single-digit inflation as well as financial sector stability. This has allowed us to increase investment in sustainable and smart infrastructure, building for the future while taking account of changing demographic trends. We are, however, well aware of the capacity limitations of developing states to deal with the multidimensional challenges we currently face. Climate change, debt sustainability, economic stability, access to financing for development, global shocks, among others. Technology and knowledge transfer must therefore be facilitated, including through mutually agreed arrangements. The international financial institutions must be reformed to provide the necessary access to financing as the means of implementation. The multilateral system, with the UN at its core, must be equipped to provide opportunities for developing and sharing best practices. In this regard, a follow-up mechanism will also be important, so that implementation of commitments we make over the next few days can be appropriately measured and monitored. Excellencies, with the adoption of the Pact and its annexes, we have charted a path and made the first bold steps. Let us now move forward with hope and determination to ensure that our collective legacy will be a peaceful, healthy and prosperous planet for all our peoples and a sustainable future for the generations to come. I thank you.

Folly Bah Thibault: Thank you.

Evelyn Wever-Croes: Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished guests, I’m delighted to be here with you all today on this inspiring occasion to take part in the discussion and to listen to your valuable insights. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is proud to have co-facilitated the intergovernmental process for a declaration on future generations alongside Jamaica. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Most Honorable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, for his unwavering commitment and collaboration throughout this process. The declaration represents a significant milestone, and it will be annexed to the Pact for the Future during the Summit of the Future, an event that provides a rare, once-in-a-generation opportunity to create lasting change. This summit is our chance to set things right, not only for the people of today, young and old, but for the generations yet to come. Our decisions and our actions sent ripple effects across time, shaping the future. By making thoughtful and responsible choices now, we ensure a positive intergenerational impact benefiting those who will inherit this world. The declaration has the potential to mark a pivotal moment in our multilateral efforts to address global crisis and to establish a robust framework for long-term sustainable development. By embracing strategic foresight and carefully considering the long-term effects of our decisions, we can pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable world for future generations. It is essential that we demonstrate intergenerational solidarity. Challenges such as inequality and discrimination, climate change, food insecurity, the digital divide and ongoing conflicts are human-made. They demand collective solutions. It is our collective responsibility to champion impactful and long-lasting solutions. Governments, policymakers and all stakeholders must work together to turn legal and policy decisions into a unified, intergenerational agenda that safeguards the interests of future generations. The Declaration promises to bring about a major shift in how we think, making sure that caring for future generations and sharing responsibility across generations are priorities in our decisions. This is especially important when it comes to climate change. Like many countries around the world, my country, Aruba, and indeed our entire kingdom, which spans two continents, is facing the consequences of global warming. Rising sea levels and more extreme weather events clearly show us how what we do or don’t do affects everyone, now and in the future. The devastating hurricanes and floods in our Caribbean region are a stark reminder of this reality. Yet, history teaches us that forward-thinking decisions can protect future generations. By learning from past mistakes and taking decisive action today, we will secure long-term benefits for ourselves and for those to come after us. And this is why I look to the future with what I call realistic optimism. But there is a catch. We need to act now, and we must act collectively. Civil society partners, research institutions, the private sector, and so many others gathered here today all have an essential role to play. By supporting governments, policymakers, and international organizations like the United Nations, we can steer decisions towards this common goal, a thriving legacy for future generations. Today is the International Day of Peace, which was designated by the General Assembly as a time of nonviolence and ceasefire. Unfortunately, today is not a day without conflict, as the violence in the Middle East, Sudan, and Ukraine shows. While solving these conflicts is beyond what we can expect to achieve today, that doesn’t mean we should stop working towards a better future. And that is why I’m honored to be here today with you. Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, I would like to extend my sincere thank you to the Secretary General of the United Nations for his forward-thinking vision in prioritizing future generations and entrusting us with the responsibility of advancing the Declaration. His leadership has helped make the concept of future generations more tangible. Additionally, I want to express my gratitude to all the stakeholders here today, civil society, academia, the private sector, and impact coalitions, for your active participation over the past two years. Your dedication has been critical in shaping this process. With the Declaration on Future Generations, we must thrive. good ancestors, to leave behind a world that offers a better quality of life for those who follow. I look forward to continuing this journey together, shaping a more inclusive and just future. Thank you.

Folly Bah Thibault: Thank you very much Madam Prime Minister and thank you as well to the Prime Minister of Jamaica for your efforts in ensuring the interests of future generations remains at the top of the global agenda. We’re getting things set up now for our panel discussion. We’ll be joined by a panel of experts working on the topic of future generations, moderated by Thomas Hale, who is a professor of global public policy in the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. His work, Thomas’s work, has focused on precisely the issue of how we safeguard our future and address the subject of what he terms long problems. Professor Hale will be joined by three distinguished panelists. Our first panelist is Hina Jilani, a pioneering lawyer and human rights defender and a member of the Elders, an esteemed group of global leaders. Ms. Jelani will be joined by Abdullahi Alim, the CEO of the Africa Future Fund, which is a new financing mechanism to advance the rights and prosperity of future Africans. And to round out our panel, we have Paolo Baca, the Deputy Director of De Justicia. Dr. Baca’s work blends academic scholarship with public engagement and his extensive fieldwork has fostered collaborations with indigenous organizations. worldwide. So we’re honored to have these experts join us at the General Assembly today to provide their diverse perspectives on the Declaration of Future Generations. And I will turn it over now to Professor Hale and his panelists.

Thomas Hale: Thank you very much, Foley, for this kind introduction. Ladies and gentlemen, tomorrow, every member state of the United Nations will adopt a Declaration on Future Generations, thanks to the hard work of many people in this room and a few late hours last night. This is a potentially transformative document. But as we’ve just heard from these speakers, the potential of any document to transform our world depends entirely on what happens next, what action follows from the text. And we have a fantastic panel today to talk about the work they’re doing to advance the goals and the objectives that the Declaration speaks to. And I’m going to be asking them, what is the transformative potential of this document, and how do we unlock it? And those are important questions because we are facing a world, this document is arriving in a world that is fraught. We face war, we face debt, we face a climate crisis, we face the lingering effects of a global pandemic, we face many immediate challenges. And so why now? Why in September 2024 are we talking about future generations? And a document answers that critical question in two ways. First, it recognizes the fundamental connection between the immediate, urgent challenges we face and the long-term trends and drivers from which they grow. It understands that things like climate change, poverty, underdevelopment, lack of health, lack of justice are fundamental risk factors that create crises. And as we all saw in our own lives just a few years ago, when a crisis gets out of control, we can’t react our way out of it. We can’t respond only. We need to anticipate and act in advance, and that’s a fundamental shift consistent with the goals of the United Nations to advance sustainable development. Second, the document, and I think this is really striking and important, it recognizes a fundamental consensus across cultures, across religions, across philosophies, across value systems that we all have an interest and indeed a responsibility to think about the future, to think about leaving a better world for those that come after us. And in a world where consensus is sorely lacking, isn’t it helpful, isn’t it powerful to think about the powerful consensus that exists there? Now of course these kind of lofty words fall flat. They ring hollow without action to follow up. And so we’re going to hear from a panel thinking about what that action looks like. But of course we see already trends happening around the world that are driving forward action to support future generations. Just this week, the European Union appointed a commissioner with responsibility for intergenerational fairness. This month, the South Korean Constitutional Court ordered the government to enhance its climate targets to better serve future generations. This is actually happening on the ground everywhere. And so the real question for this declaration is how it can catalyze more such changes going forward. Abdullahi, I’d like to start with you. You’re the CEO of the Africa Future Fund, working to support leaders and transformative businesses. to solve the continent’s greatest challenges. You’ve also worked at the International Chamber of Commerce, so you know what the private sector thinks. And you’ve just done a survey of a number of private sector leaders across Africa, asking them, what do you think about future generations? What did they say?

Abdullahi Alim: So yes, my name is Abdullahi Alim, and I’m currently leading an outfit called the Africa Future Fund. I’m no longer with the International Chamber of Commerce, so just a quick mention to the technical team. One billion Africans will be born in the next generation alone, and I think by the close of this century, you can expect about three to four billion total more Africans to be born. When you think of the mega cities of the future, it’ll be cities like Lagos, cities like Dar es Salaam, cities like Mogadishu, where I was born. And for some context, Mogadishu alone, by the end of this century, will be more populous than the entire country of Spain. Just to give you some scope of where the world and where the trajectory of population growth is growing. So from my perspective, when I think future generations, to make it as specific as possible, from my vantage point, I’m talking about future Africans. If this rapid growth in population that we’re expecting over the next few decades isn’t also met with commensurate increases in industrialization, in living standards, of course, without clocking past ecological boundaries, then we will have yet another wasted generation. And it’s from this place that we created the Africa Future Fund. We’re trying to take big bets on our communities. We’re trying to channel big investments to seismically change the geopolitical economic might of the continent over the next few decades. What does that look like? It looks, for example, like backing a local African initiative that is studying, that is, most importantly, IP-ing active compounds that are found in plant life that are indigenous to the Congolese basin. These kind of active compounds will be critical to the modern genomic revolution and to some of the anti-cancer treatment. statements of the future. It’s about backing, for example, fellowships that bring together young Africans at the forefront of combating advanced disinformation warfare. There’s one particular form, if anybody’s interested in like the future of disinformation called adversarial AI, we wrote a piece for them, about them rather, for foreign policy. And so some of the foremost thinkers on this topic are actually from the continent. So unlike what you normally see where it’s European, US or advanced Asian economies leading the world on thought and sort of exporting it to sub-Saharan Africa, we want to get to a stage where we’re leading and setting the standard for global resilience in this case. And you know, to be also honest, it’s also about backing young progressive political voices on the continent, training them on what the future looks like so that they’re able to really rise to the occasion when they assume positions of influence, positions of power. As Thomas alluded to, we ran a massive consultation across the continent to figure out what does the future look like, what’s the significance of it to your work if you are, for example, the head of a sovereign wealth fund, if you are a former head of state, if you are a young entrepreneur, three main priorities that made it very, very practical for us. It’s about restructuring the way debt is measured on the continent. Unlike anywhere else in the world, the majority of the debt in Africa is actually owned by the private sector. And it’s four times more expensive to borrow debt on the continent than anywhere else in the world. Number one, reforming debt. The second one is around really advancing export-oriented industrial policy. It makes no sense that, for example, Cote d’Ivoire, the largest producer of cashew nuts, makes a very limited gain in the global supply chain relative to countries like Vietnam, relative to countries like India. And the third one is really about taking more potential out from our SMEs. And we have this concept known as search funds, which we’re also championing. Three key ideas that came when we spoke to CEOs, when we spoke to government leaders, young entrepreneurs, and I’ll go into a bit more detail.

Thomas Hale: Fantastic, thank you so much for highlighting the opportunity that thinking about the future can highlight. We often think about the risks and how we manage them, but actually we need to have a real laser focus on the opportunity side as well. Pablo, I’ll come to you next if I may. You work for Davis TCO, which is a fantastic group of researchers and advocates working across a range of issues. But many people here will have heard about a famous case that you won in which a group of youth and children successfully sued the government in Colombia’s highest court for action to prevent deforestation in the Amazon because of the impacts that that would have on climate change and the climate future generations will inherit. So how do you think about this question, future generations, in your own work, and is there more potential to unlock that kind of transformation going forward?

Paolo Baca: Thank you, Tom. I will start on the issue how future generations’ perspective have changed my mind, and later on I will talk about the justicious case. I have been working with indigenous peoples for over two decades, and I have learned from Andean communities from Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru that the issue on future generations have to be tackled from a temporality perspective. For Andean indigenous peoples, the time is not linear or chronological. It happens in Western cultures. For them, for example, the future is behind us, and the past is in front, and that is women carry on their kids, their children, on the back, because children are the future. And the past is in front because in front they find the wisdom of the elders. And the wisdom of the elders are the meanings that can drive the present of our daily lives. So in indigenous cosmologies, the future is not something that will come. It’s something that is linked with past and present, and it changes everything. Because for them, there is no separation between nature and culture. They think and they belong to the mountains, they belong to the lakes, and their ancestors belong to those sources of the land. And it changes the perspective about human rights and international law, for example. And using this kind of framework, the justicia sued the Colombian state because deforestation was increasing in the Amazon region. And we use the concept of future generations in order to stop deforestation. And the Supreme Court ordered an intergenerational pact to stop deforestation in the Amazon region. Nevertheless, after six years of this important ruling, the implementation, in a way, has been a failure, at least in terms of this intergenerational pact. On the one hand, because it is necessary to build a mechanism to drive inter-jurisdictional models between the Colombian states and the indigenous Amazonian peoples. And it has been difficult, so we need to work together to put forward the voice of indigenous peoples in their own terms to understand how future generation pacts should work. And on the other hand, the armed conflict, it is still an issue in Colombia. And unfortunately, the conflict is still going on in the Amazon region, and it has put some difficulties to implement the pact and to stop deforestation. So unfortunately, deforestation is increasing and we don’t have the intergenerational pact.

Thomas Hale: I think it’s a really important example for us to think about, a really innovative case of using law to take indigenous thinking into the heart of modern governance, and then the challenge, the ongoing challenge, of trying to deliver that requiring a deeper transformation of governance systems. So like for many of the things we’re thinking about around future generations, a step forward, but then many more steps to come and a long-term perspective needed to drive the fundamental transformation. Ms. Jelani, can I turn next to you? You are a pioneering lawyer. You founded the first all-woman law firm in Pakistan. You’ve represented the UN as a special representative for human rights defenders. You’re working currently with the elders. You’ve seen these issues change over time, but you’ve also been at the forefront of that change. And yesterday, you and the other elders issued an intergenerational call to action. So how does the future generations declaration, which we’re coming to tomorrow influence the work that you’re doing?

Hina Jilani: Thank you, Thomas, for that question. Let me say, first of all, that when we talk about a declaration on future generations, what springs to my mind immediately is Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which essentially says that every human being is endowed with reason and conscience. If that belief is true, then I see no reason for hesitation on the implementation of any of the agreed principles and implementation strategies that the Declaration says. If there is hesitation on the part of those that are making decisions and policies that affect the lives of their own people and the global environment, I would regretfully have to say that this belief that all human beings are endowed with reason and a conscience is going to be confounded. I also believe that the transformation that we are talking about and our aspiration to bring about that transformation is really rooted in the respect for human rights, in the recognition that only a rule-based order can propel that change and be able to achieve what are the crisis and critical areas of concern to us today. You’ve spoken about climate change and its effect. I come from a country which is one of the top 10 countries to be affected by climate change. So the effects of climate change for people like me are not in the abstract. They are not just a technical issue for us to deal with or an academic, are not of academic concern. We see things happening to people where displacement, loss of livelihood, loss of life in many cases is so real and is affecting so many of the vulnerable communities. Paulo speaks of indigenous communities. I have seen people who have traditionally been inhabitants of land for centuries having to leave that land, having to leave that way of life because of climate change. We all know what the COVID pandemic did to us and how it has changed our lives. So I do believe that if there is reason, if there is a conscience, and if there is a will to preserve the environment in which we live and to develop the consensus to bring about an environment in the world where dialogue is possible, where it’s important to understand the values of diversity rather than that becoming the reason for division, where intolerance is totally rejected, where people not only talk about tolerating others but have a belief that tolerance will be replaced by accommodation of everyone’s belief, everyone’s culture, everyone’s needs. So these are some of the things that I look forward to. And I think the civil society has a very critical role to play, because these are the people who can not take on governments, but at least create a balance in the power of the state and the voices of the people. And one of my colleagues, one of the other elders, President Santos, from your country, said yesterday that governments understand pressure. The civil society can build that pressure.

Thomas Hale: An important source of action, not just in the world at all, but also for this declaration, which is, as I think the speakers before highlighted, benefited from some of that pressure and ideas. I love how you’ve connected, Mr. Lani, the declaration coming tomorrow to the long history and the fundamental human rights that sit at the center of the multilateral system, and how this is an extension and a deepening and a recognition of how that understanding must evolve as we face problems like climate change and other things that last generation to generation. I want to come back to the panel with a burning point, which is going back to this idea of, how do we unlock the transformation? How do we make this text come to life? How do we breathe life into it, as the Secretary General said? I’m curious what the one action you would like governments to take next. They’re going to sign this thing tomorrow, agree the thing. What should they do the day after? What should they make their top priority? I think there’s many, many ones. But what’s one you would like to see them take forward? I wonder, Abdullahi, if I can come back to you first.

Abdullahi Alim: So I think for me it’s, is it just one? Just your top one. I would say, focus on. For me, it’s always an economic conversation, to be honest. Because if your population is going to double, if it’s going to triple, you’re almost planning for a new country over the next few decades. So think about which sectors are your most competitive and hone in your entire government strategy based on that. That sounds very simple, but it’s actually somewhat difficult to do. Again, I’ll go back to the example of the cashew nut trade in West Africa. I spoke to a young entrepreneur who told me, you know, I export my raw cashew nuts, let’s say, I’m just going to give a hypothetical number, let’s say $1 a kilo. He then sells it to somebody based in another part of the world who has machinery that is able to roast, that is able to salt at scale these nuts, and then sell it for $10. So this person has already lost $9 because they just happen to be based in a part of the world that lacks industrial capacity. So for me, it’s a case where I think each government needs to come to terms with the fact that focus on two or three critical sectors where you think you have growth opportunities. Make sure your roads and transportation authority, your investment authority, your education, like everybody needs to be focused on that one competitive sector because ultimately to protect future generations, you’re going to need money. You’re going to need capital because it’s going to require a lot of infrastructure.

Thomas Hale: And I think your comment is particularly trenchant given the current debt burden that so many future majority countries hold. And so it’s not even about building for the future, it’s also about getting the legacy of the past righted in that sense.

Abdullahi Alim: If you were to give… Sorry, I’m going to be very cheeky. If you were to give a loan to any business anywhere in the world, can I tell you which region in the world you’ll most likely recover your loan is from? It’s sub-Saharan Africa at number one. More so than Europe, more so than Latin America, more so than South Asia. The number one region in the world for loan recovery when it comes to lending to the private sector is sub-Saharan Africa. But still very expensive for us.

Thomas Hale: Fantastic opportunity. The opportunity is really shining through in this Future Generations narrative. Paulo, what’s the one action you would like to see taken?

Paolo Baca: Well, I think that it is very important to make a bridge between the local and the global. I think that countries such as Pakistan or Colombia are suffering the consequences of the climate crisis, but we are not the ones who produce the crisis. So I think that it is important that the wealthier countries, the ones who are producing global warming, acknowledge that, and that acknowledgement is connected with the past of, for example, colonial history, racial and structural discrimination, and of course it is also connected with the generations to come to build a better future for everyone. So I think that we need to move forward from these global forums, which are very important, of course, and go also to the local communities and try to understand these kinds of discussions from their point of view. So it is very important to engage, for example, with peasants, with Afro-descendants, with indigenous peoples, with these sectors who have the knowledge to stop the climate crisis, because they have the biocultural knowledge, for example, in the Amazon, to make sustainable development for future generations and be more open. have been with us, because they have the skills to go, for example, to the course, to the United Nations.

Thomas Hale: Indeed. And your work shows exactly the potential of that. Your work shows how to do that, which I think is so important, because I think many people will say, OK, that’s a really good idea, but how do we do it? And you’ve given us a model in this case that is a work in progress, as you said very clearly, but is a good starting point. So this is a really, I think, practical way forward that you’re articulating. Ms. Jilani, your top wish to see after government sign the Declaration on Future Innovations?

Hina Jilani: Can I just, if you allow me, add to something that Paolo has just said? Look, as a human rights defender, I have always criticized government’s failure to take care of climate consequences and extreme emergencies that happen. But there are times when I pity our governments, because even where there is willingness, the ability to respond is not there. So I do think that globally, we, countries who have almost no carbon footprint, have to be compensated. We have to have enough resources for adaptation, for mitigation, and to respond to the people’s loss of livelihood and other issues that emerge. But coming to your question now, I think my top priority, apart from many others that compete with this one, is governments must ensure that they have a plan to develop communities that demonstrate the power of social connection. One thing I can say as an elder, we may be called the elders. But we don’t think that we are a repository of all wisdom. We have a plan and a policy and a commitment to seeking out the pockets of wisdom where they exist and learning from those. And one of the important things that the elders totally believe in and have a faith in is this intergenerational connection. I think this kind of social connection is critical to ending loneliness, to ending social isolation, bringing about people’s ability to reach out to each other, learn from each other, and in that context also to inform the global environment on what the essential needs are all the time. I’m not going to enumerate all the problems that we have today. But let me say, through this whole policy of social connection, ending isolation, ending loneliness, which is not just a public health issue. It’s an issue of governance, really. By doing that, we can fix it.

Thomas Hale: Well, I think your comments remind me very much of the philosopher Edmund Burke, who said, described society as a pact between the past, the present, and the future. And that is indeed what this declaration is recognizing. And what the fantastic work you each have described is aiming to give life to, to put meaning into those ideas and principles, whether it be economic issues, whether it be the incorporation of indigenous ideas to protect the environment, whether it be fundamental human rights protections. And of course, that’s a perfect framing for our discussions for the rest of today, where we’ll have numerous sessions looking at how we take forward the ideas in the pact overall and how the declaration on future generations can best be implemented. And I think as a final point to add to those discussions, you said it very well, Ms. Jilani. Governments don’t always have the capacities to deliver on these things. And so a key question for us today is what more do we want the multilateral system to be doing to support us, to support governments to deliver on the pact? For example, in the declaration text, there’s an upcoming forum to check in on progress as a report. There’s a noting of the Secretary General’s proposal to appoint a special envoy for future generations. What more support should the multilateral system provide to take forward these ideas is another key part of our discussions today. In conclusion, please join me in thanking our extraordinary panel. Thank you.

Folly Bah Thibault: Thank you all very much. Thank you, Professor Hale. Thank you. That was such a great discussion, great conversation. Thank you all very much for your time here today. A fascinating discussion moderated by Professor Hill. Thank you very much. It’s so inspiring to hear unique voices across sectors and generations who remind us that we all have a role to play in building this future together. With that, Excellencies and Ladies and Gentlemen, we end our opening ceremony. Before leaving, however, we want to show you a summary of the discussions this morning that our visual scribe has been working on diligently in the background, summing up, as you can see there, the main themes addressed this morning. Look at it. Isn’t it great? Please, a round of applause for our visual scribe. Now, as Professor Hill mentioned, our discussions will continue throughout the day and throughout the building, so please make your way now to the other sessions, the main sessions. In conference room four, the sessions on a sustainable future for all will focus on key action areas of sustainable development and financing for development that will deliver on the aspirations of the 2030 Agenda. In the trusteeship chamber, the peaceful future for all session, which will focus on intergenerational dialogue for peace. And in ECOSOC chamber, join us for a digital future for all sessions, which will bring forward looking commitments from all stakeholders to harness innovation, science, and data in a more inclusive, safe, and sustainable manner. And of course, don’t forget to join us for the closing ceremony, everyone, at 5.30 p.m. in ECOSOC as well, where we’ll share our learnings from the day’s interactive and thought-provoking sessions and look towards the next steps in creating our shared future. Thank you all very much. I’ll kindly ask you to please quickly leave the room, because we have another session in place. And, you know, continue your conversations outside and in the other rooms, ECOSOC chamber and the different sessions that we’re having this morning. Thank you all very much. I wish you an excellent day, and see you at 5.30 for our closing ceremony. Thank you very much.

A

António Guterres

Speech speed

119 words per minute

Speech length

858 words

Speech time

430 seconds

Intergenerational solidarity and responsibility

Explanation

Guterres emphasizes the importance of considering future generations in current decision-making. He calls for a shift in thinking to prioritize long-term impacts and shared responsibility across generations.

Evidence

Mention of the Declaration on Future Generations as a key outcome of the Summit of the Future

Major Discussion Point

Declaration on Future Generations

Agreed with

Carole Osero-Ageng’o

Hina Jilani

Agreed on

Importance of intergenerational dialogue and collaboration

Reforming international financial institutions

Explanation

Guterres advocates for reforming international financial institutions to better support sustainable development and climate action. He argues that current systems are inadequate to address contemporary global challenges.

Evidence

Mention of the need to ‘supercharge resources for sustainable development and for climate action’

Major Discussion Point

Reforming Global Systems

Agreed with

Abdullahi Alim

Agreed on

Need for reforming global financial systems

Inclusive and networked multilateralism

Explanation

Guterres calls for a more inclusive and networked form of multilateralism. He emphasizes the need for greater representation of developing countries and stronger links between international institutions and people.

Evidence

Statement: ‘We need multilateralism that is more inclusive, more effective and more networked, with stronger links between international institutions and with the people.’

Major Discussion Point

Reforming Global Systems

A

Andrew Holness

Speech speed

95 words per minute

Speech length

739 words

Speech time

462 seconds

Embedding futures thinking in decision-making

Explanation

Holness emphasizes the importance of incorporating long-term thinking into government decision-making processes. He argues for the need to consider the impacts of current decisions on future generations.

Evidence

Mention of Jamaica’s efforts to invest in anticipatory planning and future-proofing

Major Discussion Point

Declaration on Future Generations

P

Paolo Baca

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Bridging local and global perspectives

Explanation

Baca emphasizes the importance of connecting local and global perspectives in addressing climate change and future challenges. He argues for incorporating indigenous knowledge and perspectives into global decision-making processes.

Evidence

Example of the Colombian Supreme Court case involving indigenous communities and deforestation in the Amazon

Major Discussion Point

Declaration on Future Generations

Indigenous perspectives on time and nature

Explanation

Baca highlights how indigenous communities view time and nature differently from Western perspectives. He argues that these alternative worldviews can provide valuable insights for addressing long-term challenges.

Evidence

Description of Andean indigenous peoples’ non-linear concept of time and their relationship with nature

Major Discussion Point

Challenges and Opportunities for Future Generations

H

Hina Jilani

Speech speed

113 words per minute

Speech length

814 words

Speech time

428 seconds

Developing socially connected communities

Explanation

Jilani emphasizes the importance of fostering social connections and ending isolation within communities. She argues that this is crucial for addressing various societal challenges and informing global governance.

Evidence

Statement: ‘I think my top priority, apart from many others that compete with this one, is governments must ensure that they have a plan to develop communities that demonstrate the power of social connection.’

Major Discussion Point

Declaration on Future Generations

Agreed with

António Guterres

Carole Osero-Ageng’o

Agreed on

Importance of intergenerational dialogue and collaboration

Climate change impacts on vulnerable communities

Explanation

Jilani highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, particularly in developing countries. She argues for the need to compensate and support these countries in addressing climate-related challenges.

Evidence

Personal experience from Pakistan, which is among the top 10 countries affected by climate change

Major Discussion Point

Challenges and Opportunities for Future Generations

A

Abdullahi Alim

Speech speed

181 words per minute

Speech length

1042 words

Speech time

344 seconds

Population growth and economic development in Africa

Explanation

Alim discusses the rapid population growth expected in Africa and the need for commensurate economic development. He argues for strategic investments in key competitive sectors to drive economic growth and improve living standards.

Evidence

Projection of 1 billion Africans to be born in the next generation, and 3-4 billion by the end of the century

Major Discussion Point

Challenges and Opportunities for Future Generations

Debt burdens and financing for developing countries

Explanation

Alim highlights the challenges of debt and financing for African countries. He argues for restructuring debt measurement and improving access to affordable financing for development.

Evidence

Statement that debt in Africa is four times more expensive than elsewhere in the world

Major Discussion Point

Challenges and Opportunities for Future Generations

Agreed with

António Guterres

Agreed on

Need for reforming global financial systems

Restructuring debt measurement for African countries

Explanation

Alim advocates for reforming how debt is measured and managed for African countries. He argues that current systems disadvantage African nations and hinder their economic development.

Evidence

Mention of debt restructuring as one of three main priorities identified in consultations with African leaders

Major Discussion Point

Reforming Global Systems

Agreed with

António Guterres

Agreed on

Need for reforming global financial systems

Supporting progressive young political voices

Explanation

Alim emphasizes the importance of supporting and training young, progressive political voices in Africa. He argues that this is crucial for preparing future leaders to address long-term challenges.

Evidence

Mention of backing and training young progressive political voices as part of the Africa Future Fund’s activities

Major Discussion Point

Youth Engagement and Empowerment

Agreed with

Saumya Aggarwal

Agreed on

Importance of youth participation in decision-making

S

Saumya Aggarwal

Speech speed

120 words per minute

Speech length

686 words

Speech time

342 seconds

Meaningful youth participation in policymaking

Explanation

Aggarwal advocates for the inclusion of youth in decision-making processes at various levels of governance. She argues that young people must be part of policymaking to ensure their perspectives are considered in shaping the future.

Evidence

Call for establishing national youth consultative bodies and including youth in foreign and national policy-making

Major Discussion Point

Youth Engagement and Empowerment

Agreed with

Abdullahi Alim

Agreed on

Importance of youth participation in decision-making

Investing in youth-led solutions and organizations

Explanation

Aggarwal calls for increased financial support and resources for youth-led organizations and initiatives. She argues that this is crucial for enabling young people to develop and implement innovative solutions to global challenges.

Evidence

Recommendation to allocate flexible, accessible, and sustainable financial support for adolescent-led and youth-led organizations

Major Discussion Point

Youth Engagement and Empowerment

C

Carole Osero-Ageng’o

Speech speed

126 words per minute

Speech length

518 words

Speech time

245 seconds

Intergenerational dialogue and collaboration

Explanation

Osero-Ageng’o emphasizes the importance of fostering dialogue and collaboration between different generations. She argues that this approach is crucial for addressing complex global issues and creating sustainable solutions.

Evidence

Reference to intergenerational activities at the conference and the need to reframe the narrative on aging

Major Discussion Point

Youth Engagement and Empowerment

Agreed with

António Guterres

Hina Jilani

Agreed on

Importance of intergenerational dialogue and collaboration

O

Oli Henman

Speech speed

168 words per minute

Speech length

768 words

Speech time

273 seconds

Strengthening UN human rights mechanisms

Explanation

Henman calls for strengthening the human rights pillar of the UN and improving its implementation at the country level. He argues that this is essential for protecting and enhancing rights globally.

Evidence

Call for ‘accelerating support for the human rights pillar of the UN and forging clearer links at the country level with resident coordinator teams’

Major Discussion Point

Reforming Global Systems

Agreements

Agreement Points

Importance of intergenerational dialogue and collaboration

Speakers

António Guterres

Carole Osero-Ageng’o

Hina Jilani

Arguments

Intergenerational solidarity and responsibility

Intergenerational dialogue and collaboration

Developing socially connected communities

Summary

These speakers emphasized the need for collaboration and dialogue across generations to address global challenges and create sustainable solutions.

Need for reforming global financial systems

Speakers

António Guterres

Abdullahi Alim

Arguments

Reforming international financial institutions

Debt burdens and financing for developing countries

Restructuring debt measurement for African countries

Summary

Both speakers highlighted the importance of reforming international financial institutions and debt structures to better support developing countries, particularly in Africa.

Importance of youth participation in decision-making

Speakers

Saumya Aggarwal

Abdullahi Alim

Arguments

Meaningful youth participation in policymaking

Supporting progressive young political voices

Summary

These speakers advocated for increased youth involvement in policy-making processes and leadership roles to shape the future.

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers emphasized the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities and the need to incorporate local perspectives in global decision-making.

Speakers

Paolo Baca

Hina Jilani

Arguments

Bridging local and global perspectives

Climate change impacts on vulnerable communities

Unexpected Consensus

Importance of indigenous knowledge in addressing global challenges

Speakers

Paolo Baca

António Guterres

Arguments

Indigenous perspectives on time and nature

Inclusive and networked multilateralism

Explanation

While not explicitly stated by Guterres, his call for more inclusive multilateralism aligns with Baca’s emphasis on incorporating indigenous perspectives, suggesting an unexpected consensus on the value of diverse knowledge systems in global governance.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of agreement include the importance of intergenerational collaboration, the need for financial system reforms, increased youth participation in decision-making, and the recognition of diverse perspectives in addressing global challenges.

Consensus level

There is a moderate to high level of consensus among the speakers on these key issues. This suggests a shared understanding of the critical challenges facing future generations and the need for inclusive, collaborative approaches to address them. The implications of this consensus could lead to more coordinated efforts in implementing the Declaration on Future Generations and related initiatives.

Disagreements

Disagreement Points

Approach to addressing climate change impacts

Speakers

Hina Jilani

Paolo Baca

Arguments

Jilani highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, particularly in developing countries. She argues for the need to compensate and support these countries in addressing climate-related challenges.

Baca emphasizes the importance of connecting local and global perspectives in addressing climate change and future challenges. He argues for incorporating indigenous knowledge and perspectives into global decision-making processes.

Summary

While both speakers acknowledge the importance of addressing climate change, they differ in their proposed approaches. Jilani focuses on compensation and support for vulnerable countries, while Baca emphasizes the incorporation of indigenous knowledge and local perspectives.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of disagreement among the speakers were primarily related to specific approaches and focus areas in addressing global challenges, rather than fundamental disagreements on core issues.

Disagreement level

The level of disagreement among the speakers was relatively low. Most speakers shared similar overarching goals related to sustainable development, addressing climate change, and improving global governance systems. The differences were mainly in the specific strategies or areas of emphasis each speaker prioritized based on their expertise and regional perspectives. This low level of disagreement suggests a general consensus on the importance of considering future generations and the need for systemic reforms, which could facilitate more unified action on these issues.

Partial Agreements

Partial Agreements

All three speakers agree on the need for reform in global financial and decision-making systems to better address future challenges. However, they differ in their specific focus areas: Guterres emphasizes reforming international financial institutions, Holness focuses on incorporating long-term thinking in government processes, and Alim specifically addresses debt measurement for African countries.

Speakers

António Guterres

Andrew Holness

Abdullahi Alim

Arguments

Guterres advocates for reforming international financial institutions to better support sustainable development and climate action. He argues that current systems are inadequate to address contemporary global challenges.

Holness emphasizes the importance of incorporating long-term thinking into government decision-making processes. He argues for the need to consider the impacts of current decisions on future generations.

Alim advocates for reforming how debt is measured and managed for African countries. He argues that current systems disadvantage African nations and hinder their economic development.

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers emphasized the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities and the need to incorporate local perspectives in global decision-making.

Speakers

Paolo Baca

Hina Jilani

Arguments

Bridging local and global perspectives

Climate change impacts on vulnerable communities

Takeaways

Key Takeaways

The Declaration on Future Generations aims to ensure the rights and interests of future generations are at the heart of global decision-making

There is a need for intergenerational solidarity and responsibility in addressing global challenges like climate change

Youth engagement and empowerment is critical for shaping a better future

Reforms are needed in global systems like the UN Security Council and international financial institutions to better serve future generations

Indigenous and local perspectives are valuable for sustainable development and addressing climate change

Economic development and industrialization in Africa presents both challenges and opportunities for future generations

Resolutions and Action Items

Governments should develop plans to foster socially connected communities

Countries should focus on developing their most competitive economic sectors to drive growth

Wealthier countries should provide compensation and resources to developing countries facing climate impacts

The UN should appoint a Special Envoy for Future Generations

An upcoming forum will be held to check on progress of implementing the Declaration

Unresolved Issues

How to effectively implement the intergenerational pact ordered by Colombia’s Supreme Court to stop deforestation

Specific mechanisms for reforming international financial institutions

How to balance rapid population growth in Africa with sustainable development

Concrete steps for meaningful youth inclusion in policymaking processes

Suggested Compromises

Balancing economic growth and industrialization with staying within ecological boundaries

Combining global frameworks with local and indigenous knowledge and practices

Integrating perspectives of both older and younger generations in decision-making

Thought Provoking Comments

We need multilateralism that is more inclusive, more effective and more networked, with stronger links between international institutions and with the people. That means greater representation in developing countries, and it means a stronger voice for all of you and what you represent.

Speaker

António Guterres

Reason

This comment highlights the need for a fundamental shift in how global governance operates, emphasizing inclusivity and stronger connections between institutions and people.

Impact

It set the tone for the subsequent discussions on reforming multilateral institutions and including diverse voices in decision-making processes.

One billion Africans will be born in the next generation alone, and I think by the close of this century, you can expect about three to four billion total more Africans to be born. When you think of the mega cities of the future, it’ll be cities like Lagos, cities like Dar es Salaam, cities like Mogadishu, where I was born.

Speaker

Abdullahi Alim

Reason

This comment provides a striking perspective on demographic shifts and urbanization in Africa, highlighting the continent’s growing importance in shaping the global future.

Impact

It shifted the conversation to focus more on the specific challenges and opportunities facing Africa, and the need for targeted strategies to support sustainable development in rapidly growing regions.

For Andean indigenous peoples, the time is not linear or chronological. It happens in Western cultures. For them, for example, the future is behind us, and the past is in front, and that is women carry on their kids, their children, on the back, because children are the future. And the past is in front because in front they find the wisdom of the elders.

Speaker

Paolo Baca

Reason

This comment introduces a fundamentally different cultural perspective on time and generations, challenging Western assumptions about the relationship between past, present, and future.

Impact

It broadened the discussion to include non-Western perspectives on intergenerational relationships and responsibility, encouraging participants to think beyond conventional frameworks.

I think my top priority, apart from many others that compete with this one, is governments must ensure that they have a plan to develop communities that demonstrate the power of social connection.

Speaker

Hina Jilani

Reason

This comment shifts the focus from abstract policy discussions to the importance of building strong, connected communities as a foundation for addressing future challenges.

Impact

It introduced a more human-centered perspective to the discussion, emphasizing the role of social cohesion in creating resilient societies capable of addressing long-term challenges.

Overall Assessment

These key comments shaped the discussion by broadening its scope beyond traditional policy frameworks. They introduced diverse cultural perspectives, highlighted the specific challenges facing regions like Africa, and emphasized the importance of social connection and community-building. This led to a more nuanced and inclusive conversation about how to address long-term global challenges, incorporating voices and viewpoints from various sectors and cultures. The discussion evolved from abstract policy talk to considering practical, human-centered approaches to building a sustainable and equitable future for all generations.

Follow-up Questions

How can we reform international financial institutions to provide better access to financing for developing countries?

Speaker

Andrew Holness

Explanation

This is important to address capacity limitations of developing states in dealing with multidimensional challenges like climate change and debt sustainability.

What mechanisms can be developed to drive inter-jurisdictional models between national governments and indigenous peoples?

Speaker

Paolo Baca

Explanation

This is crucial for implementing intergenerational pacts and stopping deforestation in regions like the Amazon.

How can we restructure the way debt is measured and managed in Africa?

Speaker

Abdullahi Alim

Explanation

This is important because debt in Africa is primarily owned by the private sector and is significantly more expensive than in other parts of the world.

What strategies can be employed to advance export-oriented industrial policies in African countries?

Speaker

Abdullahi Alim

Explanation

This is crucial for increasing African countries’ gains in global supply chains and fostering economic development.

How can we create an intergenerational dialogue platform to ensure long-term thinking and planning in governance structures?

Speaker

Saumya Aggarwal

Explanation

This is important for incorporating youth perspectives in policymaking and decision-making processes.

What concrete actions can be taken to embed futures thinking in decision-making processes across national and local governments?

Speaker

Andrew Holness

Explanation

This is crucial for effective implementation of the Declaration on Future Generations and other global frameworks.

How can we develop communities that demonstrate the power of social connection to address issues like loneliness and social isolation?

Speaker

Hina Jilani

Explanation

This is important for fostering intergenerational connections and informing global governance on essential needs.

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