Global Digital Compact

Summary

This transcript covers the Summit of the Future, a United Nations meeting focused on adopting the Pact for the Future and addressing global challenges. World leaders and representatives gathered to discuss multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow, emphasizing the need for reform in global governance systems and international cooperation. Many speakers highlighted the importance of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing climate change, with particular concern for vulnerable nations like small island developing states. The reform of the UN Security Council and international financial institutions was a recurring theme, with calls for more equitable representation and responsiveness to developing countries’ needs.

Speakers stressed the importance of peace, security, and conflict resolution, as well as the need to bridge digital divides and harness technology for sustainable development. The role of youth and future generations in shaping global policies was emphasized, with several countries highlighting their efforts to engage young people in decision-making processes. Many representatives called for increased climate finance, debt relief, and support for developing countries to achieve their development goals. The impact of unilateral sanctions and economic coercion on developing nations was raised as a concern by some speakers.

While there was broad support for the Pact for the Future and its accompanying documents, some countries expressed reservations about certain aspects. Overall, the summit aimed to reinvigorate multilateralism and create a more inclusive, effective, and sustainable global governance system to address current and future challenges. The discussions reflected a shared recognition of the need for collective action and reform to build a better future for all.

Keypoints

Major discussion points:

– Reforming and strengthening the multilateral system, particularly the UN and its Security Council, to be more representative and effective

– Addressing global challenges like climate change, inequality, and conflicts through enhanced international cooperation

– Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improving financing for development

– Harnessing digital technologies and artificial intelligence responsibly for the benefit of all

– Empowering youth and future generations in decision-making processes

Overall purpose:

The Summit of the Future aimed to reinvigorate multilateralism, adopt a Pact for the Future, and chart a course for addressing pressing global challenges while safeguarding the interests of future generations. The goal was to forge a new consensus on how to deliver a better present and secure a more sustainable, equitable future.

Tone:

The overall tone was one of urgency and determination, with many speakers emphasizing the critical nature of the challenges facing the world. There was a mix of optimism about the potential for collective action and concern about the slow pace of progress on issues like climate change and sustainable development. Some speakers expressed frustration with the current state of international cooperation, while others struck a more hopeful tone about the possibilities for reform and renewed commitment to multilateralism. The tone remained largely consistent throughout, with a focus on the need for concrete action and implementation of agreed-upon goals.

Speakers

Based on the transcript, there were 46 speakers who participated in the discussion, including:

– 1 Chair/Moderator who facilitated the meeting

– 45 Speakers representing various countries and organizations

The speakers included:

– Heads of State and Government

– Prime Ministers

– Ministers of Foreign Affairs

– Other high-level government officials

– Representatives of international organizations like the World Bank

Their areas of expertise covered a wide range of topics related to international affairs, diplomacy, sustainable development, climate change, peace and security, economic development, and global governance.

The Chair/Moderator’s role was to introduce speakers and manage the flow of the meeting. They did not appear to have a specific area of expertise beyond facilitating high-level international meetings.

The Summit of the Future: A Comprehensive Overview

The Summit of the Future, a high-level United Nations meeting, brought together world leaders, including heads of state, prime ministers, foreign ministers, and representatives from international organizations, to discuss and adopt the Pact for the Future. The summit aimed to reinvigorate multilateralism and address pressing global challenges through collective action and reform.

Key Themes and Discussions

1. UN Reform and Multilateralism

A central focus of the summit was the urgent need to reform and strengthen the multilateral system, particularly the United Nations and its Security Council. The President of Poland emphasized the need for a more representative Security Council, stating, “The Security Council should better reflect today’s geopolitical realities.” The Prime Minister of Hungary echoed this sentiment, calling for “a more effective and representative Security Council.”

The Foreign Minister of China stressed that UN reforms should “reflect the will of the majority of countries.” The Prime Minister of Norway highlighted the importance of strengthening the UN’s role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding, a view shared by the Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan.

2. Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Climate action and sustainable development emerged as top priorities. The Prime Minister of Norway called for accelerated climate action and transition to clean energy. The President of the Marshall Islands emphasized the urgent need for climate finance, stating, “For countries like mine, climate change is an existential threat.” This sentiment was echoed by the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, who advocated for reforming the financial architecture to fund sustainable development.

The President of Palau highlighted the importance of sustainable ocean resource management, saying, “Our ocean is our lifeline and our future.” The Prime Minister of Cambodia stressed the need to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda.

3. Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence

The role of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in shaping the future was a significant topic of discussion. The Prime Minister of Cambodia emphasized the need to bridge the digital divide between countries. The Prime Minister of Spain called for ensuring ethical and responsible AI development, stating, “We must harness the potential of AI while safeguarding human rights and democratic values.”

The Prime Minister of Croatia advocated for implementing a Global Digital Compact, and the Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan stressed the importance of regulating emerging technologies like AI.

4. Peace and Security

Global peace and security issues featured prominently in the discussions. The President of the Czech Republic strongly condemned Russian aggression against Ukraine, calling for its end. The Foreign Minister of Indonesia advocated for a ceasefire and two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict. The Foreign Minister of Turkey emphasized the importance of upholding international law and UN Charter principles.

Several speakers, including those from Poland and Hungary, reiterated the need to reform the UN Security Council to make it more effective in addressing global conflicts. The ongoing situations in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan were specifically mentioned as areas of concern.

5. Youth and Future Generations

A notable area of consensus was the emphasis on youth empowerment and considering future generations in decision-making. The President of Panama called for empowering youth participation in decision-making processes. The Prime Minister of Thailand stressed the importance of investing in education and opportunities for youth.

The World Bank representative highlighted the need to create jobs and opportunities for the growing youth population, stating, “We must invest in human capital and create opportunities for young people.” The Representative of Kiribati emphasized ensuring intergenerational equity and youth inclusion in global governance.

6. Financial Reform and Debt Relief

Several speakers addressed the need for reforming international financial institutions and providing debt relief. The Prime Minister of the Bahamas called for “a new financial architecture that is responsive to the needs of developing countries.” The World Bank representative discussed initiatives to support sustainable development and climate resilience in vulnerable countries.

Key Outcomes

The summit resulted in three main outcomes:

1. The Pact for the Future: A comprehensive agreement aimed at addressing global challenges and reforming multilateral institutions.

2. The Global Digital Compact: An initiative to promote responsible and inclusive digital development.

3. The Declaration on Future Generations: A commitment to consider the interests of future generations in decision-making processes.

It’s important to note that some countries, including Russia, expressed reservations about parts of the Pact for the Future, highlighting ongoing challenges in achieving global consensus.

Conclusion

The Summit of the Future provided a platform for world leaders to address critical global challenges and chart a course for a more sustainable, equitable future. While broad agreement was reached on the importance of UN reform, climate action, digital development, and youth empowerment, the summit also revealed divergent priorities and approaches among nations. The adoption of the Pact for the Future, Global Digital Compact, and Declaration on Future Generations represents a step towards more coordinated global action, but implementation and addressing dissenting views remain key challenges for the international community.

Chair: The fifth 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 her or his allotted time, the president shall call the speaker to order without delay, which will be done by means of automatic microphone cutoff. In accordance with Resolution 72-313, the All Protocols Observed Principle is recommended, whereby participants are encouraged to refrain from the listing of standard protocol expressions during their statements. In 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 their category at the same time. Speakers who are not present when the speaking turn comes will be automatically moved to the next available speaking slot within their category at the same time. I invite His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, to address the Assembly.

João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço: His Excellency Philemon Yang, President of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Excellencies, I am honoured to take the floor at this important summit, which I consider crucial for us to discuss together the best strategies to strengthen and renew the multilateral system so that we are better prepared to face new global challenges and emerging threats. I would like to congratulate His Excellency António Guterres for launching the initiative to convene the Summit of the Future. I take this opportunity to highlight with appreciation the exemplary work carried out by the Republic of Namibia and the Federal Republic of Germany, who co-facilitated the negotiation process for the adoption of the Pact for the Future. We hope that by convening this summit, we will be in a position to jointly find effectively multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow. The adoption of the Pact for the Future represents undoubtedly a real turning point for a more dynamic, committed, engaged and assertive approach to the issues that are important to humanity. It is our belief that the political commitment we make will contribute significantly to the world managing together the necessary resources to finance sustainable development and efforts to build a new peace architecture, always with the defense of human rights, gender equality. and the imperative to leave no one behind at the center of our approach. Excellency, in the implementation of this global roadmap, we cannot leave out the youth and women who are vital drivers for the transformation and modernization of humanity. As we can all see, the Pact for the Future offers an opportunity for more active, meaningful and active participation by young people and women in decision-making at all levels. In our commitment to building a sustainable future for all, we must also make an important commitment to stepping up the fight to eradicate poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, which is the greatest global challenge of our time and an indispensable requirement for achieving sustainable development. Food security, access to energy, digital connectivity, education, employment and social protection. We cannot achieve our common ambitions for the future and face this great challenge without putting the poorest and most vulnerable people at the center of our actions and ensuring that no human being or country is left behind. Excellencies, in the area of peace and security, we need to evolve towards an architecture of peace in which the principle of shared security is defended and protected by all, so that no citizen, state, region or geographical area feels protected at the expenses of the insecurity of others. The Republic of Angola believes that it is not possible to build a balanced, safe and sustainable world in which dignity and access to opportunities are the exclusive benefit of a small group of privileged people to the detriment of the majority of the world’s population. We also defend the need to reach consensus on reforming the world’s financial architecture and the architecture of the world’s sovereign debt, which is crucial if we are to have a fairer international financial system that is also capable of serving the interests of developing countries. Angola has made a crucial and responsible commitment in recent times to the issue of transitioning to the economy towards the digitalization of all processes that involve it. We are convinced that by taking this step we will bring our populations and institutions closer and more closely linked to the most modern mechanisms for global interconnection of the economy and trade, thus reducing the geographical barriers that the traditional economy imposes. To conclude…

Chair: I thank the President of the Republic of Angola. I invite His Excellency… Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic, to address the Assembly.

Petr Pavel: Mr. President, Secretary General, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I am grateful to address this distinguished audience and express my gratitude to the Secretary General and his team who started one of the most important processes of our time, focused on revitalizing multilateralism. The 2030 Agenda is our common goal and roadmap for sustainable development. Now we have a unique opportunity to accelerate its implementation. The Pact for the Future creates a solid base for a better and more effective multilateral system, and we stand ready to work together with other delegations on ensuring summit’s successful follow-up. In order to find the right way forward, we need to know and understand the challenges that threaten our future. Let me clearly state that the Russian aggression, an aggression by a country that is a permanent member of the Security Council against sovereign Ukraine, represents singular challenge shaking the very core of the international system and the fundamental principles of the United Nations. But addressing one challenge does not diminish the urgency of others. We are aware of the suffering caused by wars and conflicts, of the life-threatening disasters aggravated by climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, the slow progress in achieving sustainable development, or pervasive violations and abuses of human rights. These challenges are connected. No country is immune to them, and no country can address them on their own. Let me now highlight specifically two points. First, I welcome the Global Digital Compact. It outlines a common vision and intent to promote realistic international cooperation in the context of digital technologies worldwide and presents a joint understanding of some core principles. Czechia will play an active role. Digital transformation cannot serve to the benefit of every individual without human-centric and human-rights-based approach to the challenges that are ahead. The potential of today’s emerging technologies like artificial intelligence or biotech is enormous. They will surely contribute to finding solutions to many of today’s challenges. At the same time, greater technological dependence creates greater vulnerabilities. Therefore, I recently co-sponsored the launch of the Prague Geotech Summit to be held every year at the GlobeSec Forum. It aims to foster dialogue between business, academia, and government to contribute to our shared understanding of how to handle technology safely on a daily basis and protect ourselves against its misuse by malign actors, being it individuals, groups, or states. My second point concerns climate change. The current climate crisis and its far-reaching implications must be addressed in a comprehensive and integrated way through enhanced and effective multilateralism. The recent floods in Central Europe, probably worst in decades, are a clear reminder of the growing threat of climate-induced weather events. Czechia will continue to advocate for a stronger global response. Addressing climate change is more than one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It is a threat multiplier with the potential to worsen some of humanity’s greatest challenges such as poverty, hunger, or health. We are ready to work with all international partners to ensure successful outcome of the next UN Climate Conference to be held in November in Baku. Through our bilateral and multilateral development assistance, we implement a wide range of climate-related projects to help partner countries to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Ladies and gentlemen, the outcomes of the Summit of the Future will only become effective if we fully implement them. And our work begins at home. The Czech historical experience with transition from authoritarian to a democratic state, from a centrally planned to a market economy, taught us many lessons. Ever since then, we have been striving to build upon the benefits of participatory decision-making, particularly youth engagement, rule of law, and accountable institutions as catalysts for a sustainable future for all. That work never finishes. To end with, I wish to confirm that Czechia joins others in demanding a tangible reform of the UN system. Czechia will also continue to pay its regular budget contribution to the UN in full and on time, and urge others to meet their financial obligations as well to ensure that the UN can carry…

Chair: I thank the President of the Czech Republic. I invite His Excellency Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Transitional President of Gabon, Chairman of the Committee for the Transition, to address the Assembly.

Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema: Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, heads of state and government, Mr. President of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Mr. Secretary General of the United Nations, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, on the occasion of this historic date, I wish to take this opportunity to voice my encouragement to the President of the 79th session of the General Assembly, His Excellency Philemon Young, as well as all member states on the convening of this important summit on the sidelines of the General Assembly. Like previous speakers, I wish to thank the co-chairs of the negotiations for their efforts. Since my assumption of office, the Committee for the Restoration of Institutions has demonstrated not just the desire to restore the fundamental rights of citizens, but also to implement meaningful reforms, reforms to improve people’s living standards while upholding our international commitments. This process, an inclusive process, is a promise of hope through transparent and accountable governance, thereby enhancing trust between peoples and leaders. This spirit of national restoration is reflective of our commitment to multilateralism, which we view as a critical lever towards peace throughout the world. In terms of international peace and security, it appears evident to all that the United Nations Security Council needs to be reformed to reflect present-day realities and demands, as well as challenges. Africa It is an area where there are unfortunate conflicts taking place and needs to be proactively involved in these reforms. And to achieve this, there is a need for the reform of the international financial architecture with meaningful investments in the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. As we seek to leave no country behind, there is an important need for all to have equitable access to financial resources. This requires the easing of debt and concessional financing opportunities, including concessions for the preservation of forests and the Debt for Nature initiative. International solidarity also requires scientific and technological innovations and cooperation to advance technological progress and to facilitate technology transfers. Mr. President, more than half of our population is under the age of 20. This is a challenge for our government in terms of planning for the future. For this reason, I warmly welcome our commitment towards a pact for the future to meaningfully enhance the participation of young people at the international level. Such a commitment requires meaningful investments in the development of international accessible educational systems accessible to all, generating both entrepreneurship and jobs. Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, I wish to emphasize that the pact for the future is a part of a solidarity, pragmatism, and cooperation. In my country, Gabon is fully committed to contributing to this endeavor. Thank you.

Chair: Chairman of the Committee for the Transition, I invite His Excellency Andrzej Duda, President of the Republic of Poland, to address the Assembly.

Andrzej Duda: Mr. Secretary General, Your Excellencies, At the outset, let me thank the Secretary General for his initiative to convene this summit and all the countries facilitating the negotiations of its documents. We believe the summit provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the effectiveness of current structures in addressing key global challenges. We all can see significant shifts in international relations. The order based on international law and solidarity enshrined in the UN Charter is under serious threat. The global multilateral system has become in many ways dysfunctional and needs to be reformed. We cannot accept that those who challenge the order based on the UN Charter are gaining strength. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a striking example. As a permanent member of the Security Council, Russia should uphold the UN Charter and the international law. However, by attacking a sovereign state, it has relinquished his responsibility. Consequently, Russia can no longer claim to be safeguarding the security of the international system and that of other nations. We must strive to improve the efficiency of the UN system. In order to restore faith in multilateralism and maintain peace and security, it is necessary to strengthen international law. Despite many reservations about the UN system, there is no better alternative to multilateralism. Today’s global challenges are complex and require collective action, as individual states cannot address them alone. Commitment to multilateralism with the UN at its core is a cornerstone of Polish foreign policy. We are determined to defend the UN Charter and its principles. We advocate for far-global governance and the reinforcement of international cooperation across the key pillars of the UN – peace and security, development and human rights. Ladies and Gentlemen, We are pleased that the Pact for the Future addresses the strengthening and promotion of the three pillars of the UN activity – peace and security, development and human rights, as well as respect for the UN Charter and international law. It identifies the actions needed to achieve the ambition goals related to strengthening the multilateral system and achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda. It is necessary to ensure adequate participation of women in global governance and take into account the perspectives of the younger generation. At the same time, the issues related to aging populations and the expectations of younger generations remain equally challenging. We are aware that the outcome of the Summit must reconcile various perspectives and ambitions. We are ready to work together to achieve ambitious results and fully implement the Pact for the Future in the coming years. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the President of the Republic of Poland. I invite His Excellency Daniel Noboa Azin, Constitutional President of the Republic of Ecuador, to address the Assembly.

Daniel Noboa Azín: Excellencies, delegates, ladies and gentlemen, global decisions and commitments must always be determined with the involvement and the contribution of those who today can build the world of tomorrow, our young people. As a young president, I feel responsible for representing and sharing our hopes and wishes that the Pact for the Future will fulfill the promise of ensuring that we have a resilient, sustainable and inclusive future. We must tackle the alarming and growing rates of youth unemployment through public and private investment because allocating sufficiently targeted financing will make it possible for us to provide better access for education at all levels and in all forms, as well as better conditions for job opportunities. Only in this way can we pull our youth away from the grasp of crime, drugs and transnational organized criminal activities. In Ecuador, we are creating tangible and genuine opportunities for our youth so that they have alternatives � dignity and to improve their living conditions, the living conditions of their families and of all of Ecuadorian society through comprehensive public policy, scholarships and financial incentives. We’ve taken decisions that have given us hope because that is the way to build an environment of safety and peace. In so doing, we are ensuring that every young person will contribute to the economic, social and environmental development, a better future for our society. If we do not give our youth a country at peace, what future can we speak of? And therefore, I reaffirm at this global forum Ecuador’s commitment to peace. We must promote multilateral and UN mechanisms to address the multidimensional crises, new global threats, destabilizing regions, eroding democracy and the rule of law and reducing opportunities for the well-being of our young citizens. There is an inseparable link between peace and development. Violence and insecurity are often associated with instability, the lack of opportunities and resources. We must recognize this interrelationship in order to develop effective strategies which will comprehensively address economic inequalities and security problems. Our voluntary national review introduced two months ago at this UN revealed that six targets of SDG 16, peace, justice and strong institutions, have synergies and interlink with 125 targets in the other SDGs. I’m very grateful for the support that we’ve received and for the tireless work done to assist us in our efforts. This correlation reaffirms that, in fact, making progress in areas of peace and justice is crucial for the comprehensive success of the Agenda 2030. demonstrating these close ties between peace and stability and sustainable development. Ecuador is committed to accelerating implementation of Agenda 2030 and we have aligned our national development plan with the SDGs. We have achieved significant achievement in reducing poverty, combating child malnutrition and contributing to care of the environment. Today Ecuador reaffirms its commitment to continue to work closely with all countries of the world in order to make the Pact for the Future adopted yesterday a reality. I would also make a particular comment. I understand what is happening in our countries, what’s happening in Latin American countries is happening in Africa. Forty percent of our people in our country are between the ages of 14 and 35. If we do not meet their basic needs, if we do not address the basic needs and concerns of our young people, we will not achieve Agenda 2030. If we do not think about educating our young people, ensuring jobs for them, it will be impossible for us to achieve this agenda. We have to have a clear vision. Our young people are not just the future, they are our tool for arriving at that future, ensuring balance and justice. The microphone has been cut off.

Chair: I thank the Constitutional President of the Republic of Ecuador. I invite His Excellency Peter Pellegrini, President of the Slovak Republic, to address the Assembly.

Peter Pellegrini: Slovakia, as one of the co-founders of the UN system, is and remains a long-term and consistent advocate of multilateralism and international cooperation. We welcome the agreed pact for the future and its annexes, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generation. It’s a long-needed success of multilateralism. My gratitude to the co-facilitators for their work and also to the Secretary General for his vision that guided and shaped this summit. By the next year, 80 years will have passed since the Bretton Woods Conference, which changed the way of global governance. We know that what used to take centuries or millennia now takes decades or even years. In plain speech, many changes come more often and much faster than in the past. But we also live in a world with the highest amount of conflicts and humanitarian crisis. We see unprecedented refugee numbers and growing climate change impacts too. What was considered best in class for most industries 10 years ago is now slower than the average. If this applies to business, why wouldn’t it apply to international cooperation? We can afford no more senseless exchange as we did on climate exchange. We need to reflect on facts instead of denying them. One of the most positive features of our time is huge data collection. Together with the rising AI technology, it gave us the power to see and do things based on facts and science. The flip side is the spread of disinformation and lies. Our policies have to reflect that our lives are increasingly transferred. to the digital space, our online identities become equally important as our physical identities. We need to create conditions of what I call digital humanism, defining the rights and obligations of the virtual world, and equally important, tools for their enforcement. We need to ensure that the rules of the online world mirror the rules of the physical world. Online threats and dangers aren’t less real than their offline versions. Words and deeds in the virtual world can be even more destructive because they reach a much broader audience. Expressing opinions in digital space shouldn’t be restricted, but it should be guided by similar principles that we already apply outside the Internet, full responsibility and clear identity. Let’s not confuse such rules with harm to the freedom of speech. Every freedom requires accountability. We don’t know what the future holds for us, but what we do now is that the pace of change will not get any slower. We also know education, inclusion, investing in our youth and reducing the digital divide play a vital role in bracing for our digital future. We don’t get to choose in which part of the world we are born. Everyone deserves an equal starting line with the digital technologies. Today, they provide access to information, higher economic growth and fairer social conditions, the way to a better life. Access to digital tools shouldn’t be determined only by money, but by individual skills and talents. Living in a digital world also means lifelong learning. I am in my 50s and love technology, but I have to be ready to constantly learn new skills to keep up. Change and adaptability will remain the only constants. Wise infrastructure choice, rich data collection and analysis, not intuition, bias or prejudice should primarily shape our policies. We are on a steady road to an increasingly unstable world full of repeated crisis. The global challenges are urgent and complex and so must be our decision-making. Of course, a stronger, more effective and reformed multilateral system would be desired, but we can also manage with institutions and mechanisms that we already have in place. We need to invest more in respectful, practical and result-oriented cooperation, just like we did with this pact. It’s also a way to reduce the mistrust among UN members and institutions. I consider the pact for the future a stepping stone of adoption, not the end of the journey. There are many tasks ahead of us. Thank you very much.

Chair: I thank the President of the Slovak Republic. I invite His Excellency Alexander Stubb, President of the Republic of Finland, to address the Assembly.

Alexander Stubb: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen. You know, there are a lot of cynics outside of this room who are probably thinking, what’s this pact on the future? I actually disagree with them. I think this is an extremely good pact. Why? Because in many ways, it shows the difference between multilateralism and compromise and cooperation versus multipolarity and disorder. And in many ways, I think we are witnessing the 1920, 1945 or 1989 moment of history. And do you remember in 1920, the League of Nations was a good idea? But it wasn’t able to sustain peace at the end of the day. In 1945, 79 years ago, when the UN was founded, it was a success. Why? Because we pulled sovereignty and tried to find common solutions to common problems. And I think that yesterday’s pact shows that the UN works. I have two questions today. The first one is, what’s the paradox of our times? And the second one is, why we need to reform the UN right now. Now, the paradox of our time is that precisely at the moment when we need multilateral cooperation, we are reverting to multipolar transactional disorder. Look where it’s taking us. We’re not achieving our sustainable development goals. We’re not achieving our targets in the climate crisis. And we’re witnessing four major wars simultaneously in Ukraine, Palestine, Sudan, and, of course, Syria. Now, I’m really worried. The problem is that we have a whole bunch of global goods, such as climate change, technology, sustainable development, immigration, and conflicts, which we cannot solve without the United Nations. And I actually think that the pact on the future gives us a lot of answers. My second question is, why do we need reform now? Now, a lot of those people who bash the United Nations, they often bash us here in New York because we’re not achieving political results. And to a certain extent, they’re right. But they forget that there’s a part of the UN that works, and that’s the agencies in Geneva. Now, of course, the main task of the UN Security Council is to preserve peace. And let’s be honest, it has failed to do so. And you know what? The UN Security Council, in my mind, does not reflect the world of today. Why? Because there’s no representation from Latin America, there’s no representation from Africa, and there’s only one country from Asia. And the thing is that if you want an institution to work, if you want to work within that institution, you need to feel that you have agency, that you work with it. So on Wednesday, I guess repetition is the mother of all wisdom, I will make three proposals for the reform of the UN Security Council. The first one is to expand it by five members, one from Latin America, two from Africa, and two from Asia. My second proposal is that the veto power of all permanent and non-permanent members of the Security Council should be scrapped. And the third one is that if a member of the Security Council blatantly violates the UN Charter, its voting rights in the Council should be suspended. Is this a realistic proposal? Thank you. I hope the chairman gives me extra time because of the applause. I much appreciate that. So I will then conclude. I come from a very small country, Finland. We lost 10% of our territory to the Soviet Union in World War II, but our success as a country, coming from one of the poorest countries in Europe, now managing quite well, is linked to the United Nations. So I understand the meaning of the United Nations and multilateral cooperation. This pact on the future gives us many good answers. Let’s start implementing it. Thank you very much.

Chair: I thank the President of the Republic of Finland. I invite His Excellency Edgars Rinkēvičs, President of the Republic of Latvia, to address the Assembly.

Edgars Rinkēvičs: Your Excellency, President of the General Assembly, Excellencies. The world is changing, bringing along new opportunities and challenges for our societies. We need to be ready to adapt to the new realities. That is why we are all here. For our joint commitment to effective global cooperation, for our roadmap to collective action, the pact for the future. I would like to use this opportunity and thank Germany and Namibia for their leadership in steering the negotiations towards this ambitious outcome. Effective multilateralism is essential in an increasingly interconnected world. Global challenges, from climate change and pandemics, to conflict and inequality, go far beyond national borders. The United Nations has a key role in tackling these challenges. Increase of threats to international peace and security are of particular concern. Building on the Secretary General’s new agenda for peace, we need a new approach to the evolving security landscape. Achieving sustainable development for all and leaving no one behind are commitments we made back in 2015. The overall progress towards Agenda 2030 is too slow. We must be more decisive and bolder. in our commitment to these goals. Allow me to highlight a few points. Digital and emerging technologies can help to reach our goal of sustainable future. The global digital compact is our path to inclusive digital transformation where human rights are the center. Our commitment to combat climate change and sea level rise must be carried out. For some countries, it is a matter of peace and security. For others, a question of their existence. Gender equality and empowerment of women is a requirement for sustainable development. Latvia is a strong advocate for the women peace and security agenda, especially focusing on the elimination of war-related sexual violence. Full and meaningful participation of the youth in decision-making is very important. We must listen to the youth and deliver on our commitment to protect the generations to come. The United Nations is the core of multilateral system uniting all sovereign states. It has an essential role to maintain international peace and security. But the frameworks we have built need urgent revision. International institutions must become more representative. They must reflect today’s political and economic realities. Latvia strongly supports the strive to improve the working methods of the Security Council. The permanent members of the Security Council must uphold their responsibility to protect peace and security, especially Russia, which continues to wage its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. If we deliver on these commitments and a pact for the future, it will echo through generations. Latvia is prepared to work towards a safe, equal, and sustainable future. Our commitment to the international rules-based order is driving also our bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council at the 2025 elections. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the President of the Republic of Latvia. I invite His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, to address the Assembly.

Emomali Rahmon: Excellency Chairperson, Excellency Secretary-General, ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to first of all extend my sincere gratitude to the United Nations Secretary-General for the commendable initiative in organising this summit of the future, as well as for the gracious invitation to partake in this important summit. We held in high regard the diligent efforts of the coordinators of the pact for the future, esteemed representatives of Germany and Namibia. This meeting serves as a valuable platform for the review of the critical issues such as climate change, the safeguarding of public health, poverty alleviation, enhancement of women’s living conditions, inclusive education and other pressing global challenges. Furthermore, matters pertaining to disarmament, arms control and modern threats and challenges to peace and security continue to demand our earnest consideration. It is anticipated that today’s meeting will serve as a significant function in tackling issues pertinent to the reform of the international financial architecture and enhancing the global response to modern threats and challenges. The inclusion of climate and water agenda in the final document of this summit underscores the imperative for sustained and urgent action by Member States and other stakeholders to secure a peaceful and sustainable future for the generations to come. According to the latest data from the United Nations, while there have been some improvements, the progress in the field of water and sanitation remains insufficient. Therefore, we are committed to enhancing our collaborative efforts with other nations to advance our constructive initiatives aimed at addressing water resource management and climate change. The ongoing implementation of the International Decade of Action for Sustainable Development 2018-2028 exemplifies our unfavouring dedication to these critical issues. Distinguished participants, the adoption of the Fact for the Future as a forward-looking outcome of this summit aligns with the pressing reality that millions of civilians across diverse regions of the globe are vulnerable to a multitude of security threats. The actions of the United Nations, in light of the swiftly evolving dynamics on the international arena, underscore the necessity for nations worldwide to enhance their multilateral relationships. The international community can achieve success solely through dialogue and constructive collaboration aimed at addressing modern risks and challenges. Strengthening cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals is fundamentally reliant on collaborative efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace and genuine stability. In this context, it is crucial for policy makers and government officials to engage in concerted and coordinated actions at the global level to enhance collaboration and promote comprehensive security. Tajikistan in its capacity as the host nation of the Dushanbe counter-terrorism process welcomes the incorporation of this critical issue into the pact alongside other significant matters. It is important that we enhance international collaboration, facilitate exchange of information and strengthen capacity-building efforts to effectively counter the rise of terrorism, extremism and other global menace. We reaffirm our commitment to the security and security of the Dushanbe and the Dushanbe commitment to the pivotal and coordinating role of the United Nations in this endeavour. Ladies and Gentlemen, Today, we stand at a critical juncture facing an alarming rise in conflict across the globe leading to unimaginable suffering and hundreds of thousands lost among innocent civilians. As Heads of State, it is necessary that we come together, united by our shared vision for a world free from ravages of war. Let us commit to a collective effort to forge lasting peace, alleviate human suffering and prevent terrible consequences of conflicts. It is high time to take decisive action to empower the United Nations and its vital mission of the Conflict Resolution and to restore peace and stability to our planet. Together we can create a brighter future for all. I in this context respectfully propose the adoption of a special resolution by the United Nations entitled Decade of Promotion of Peace for Future Generations. Furthermore, it is imperative that the United Nations, along with agencies and international and regional financial institutions, intensify their efforts to coordinate the actions of the international community in pursuit of sustainable development. I am confident that the deliberations at today’s Summit will establish a solid ground for addressing the pressing challenges of our time. I thank you for your attention.

Chair: I thank the President of the Republic of Tajikistan. Notwithstanding the provision of Decision 79, Slide 504 of 13th September, I invite His Excellency Alessandro Rossi and Her Excellency Milena Gasperoni, Captains-Regent of the Republic of San Marino, to address the Assembly.

Alessandro Rossi: Mr. President, Mr. Secretary General, colleagues, the Republic of San Marino expresses deep concern about the armed conflicts which are still ongoing around the world. We are now witnessing the highest number of wars since 1945, and the resulting devastating crises, such as the worsening humanitarian crisis, bring every state face to face with its responsibilities. Eighty years after World War II, during which the Republic of San Marino offered hospitality to over 100,000 refugees, our country has once again renewed its concrete solidarity and strong humanitarian commitment in favor of hundreds of Ukrainian citizens. The Republic of San Marino has taken in over 400 Ukrainian refugees, more than 1 percent of the entire San Marino population. Thanks to the solidarity of public and private institutions, NGOs, and with the help of many volunteers, together with refugee crises, the impact of conflicts may lead to a global food crisis. In its capacity of promoter of the resolution established on 29 September as the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, San Marino firmly believes that combating food loss and waste will help promote food security and welcomes all initiatives aimed at raising awareness of such responsible behavior. San Marino has decided to cooperate within the framework of international structures and mechanisms, at the top of which is the United Nations Organization. because it firmly believes in dialogue, democracy, and respect for others, as founding values of peaceful coexistence among peoples. No one must remain indifferent to war, but instead we must all work responsibly to create the conditions for dialogue and peace with the full involvement of international institutions.

Milena Gasperoni: The importance of dialogue and its relevance in democratic and inclusive societies are the basis for the plan of action to combat violent extremism and the radicalization that leads to terrorism. The Republic of San Marino still remembers the outstanding work carried out by the late diplomat Guido Bellatti Ceccoli with regard to the religious dimension of intercultural dialogue, which made our country an important point of reference on this subject and led to the opening in the Republic of a place of prayer and meditation for different types of spirituality. The Republic of San Marino is convinced that this historically important summit and its final declaration, the Path for the Future, whose principles are fully shared by our country, will give a new impetus to the entire multilateral system and to international cooperation in general, strengthening the UN institutions so they continue to represent a beacon for the protection of peace and human rights. Indeed, in the case of small states, international law is seen as the one and the only safeguard in the event of a three-to-day resistance and multilateral fora. represent a valuable megaphone to make their voices heard, which would otherwise remain unheard. Within international fora, San Marino has always contributed to highlighting the role that small states can play as facilitators of dialogue and promoters of peace. The Summit of the Future will pave the way toward action leading to a safe, peaceful, fair, equal and sustainable world. And our Republic will actively contribute to the search for collective solutions for a future of peace and dialogue, a better and more sustainable future for us and for future generations. In accordance with international law, including the United Nations Charter. Thank you all.

Chair: I thank Captain Regent of the Republic of San Marino. I invite His Excellency Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus, to address the Assembly.

Nikos Christodoulides: Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, last year’s Summit marked the beginning of a new phase as we collectively committed to accelerating progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. We reaffirm our commitment to the 2030 Agenda as our primary framework for addressing the multifaceted crisis. facing humanity. This year is another pivotal moment as we should reinvigorate global efforts to success as a sustainable future for all. Climate change, inequality, and conflict are only some of the multiple challenges the world faces today. Addressing them requires leadership and transformative action. The governmental negotiations of the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations have revealed the extent of our perspectives. However, it is precisely this diversity and the bridging of different views, understandings, and expectations that is the true strength of multilateralism. I welcome the adoption of the pact and I commend the dedication of all who contributed to this and primarily the co-facilitators. I truly believe that we can shape the future that reflects our shared values, even in complex negotiations. But our work does not end here. Ladies and gentlemen, as we move beyond this summit, Cyprus is ready to work alongside our partners in fostering collaboration between governments, intergovernmental organizations, civil society, and the private sector. In this interconnected world, network multilateralism is essential. As a member of the European Union and the Asia-Pacific group, and with strong ties to the small island developing states, Cyprus has a unique position, a stand as a bridge between regions and perspectives. This vantage point equips us to better understand and address the concerns of our counterparts in Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and beyond. For Cyprus, climate change is not a distant threat. It is a reality. Droughts, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events affect our livelihoods and communities daily. Hence, we welcome the growing global commitment to addressing these urgent issues as reflected in the Pact for the Future. Dear colleagues, as a small island state, we are committed to working together alongside all UN member states to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights on equal footing. In this spirit of commitment, Cyprus has put forward its candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council for 2025-2027. Our focus will be on advancing the human rights of all, with particular attention to children, women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. We will also promote cultural dialogue to bridge divides and combat discrimination. My country stands ready to continue collaborating with all UN member states, not only to defend human rights, but also to take concrete actions toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Together, we have the power and the responsibility to turn these ambitions to reality and ensure future generations inherit a world defined by justice, sustainability, and peace. Thank you very much.

Chair: I thank the President of the Republic of Cyprus, and I invite His Highness Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco, to address the Assembly.

Prince Albert II: Excellencies, I thank the Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, for having convened this summit, which affords us a unique opportunity to consider the future which we want for our children but also for our planet, our only home. By adopting a firm commitment to implement the 56 initiatives of the pact, this establishes a bedrock for a renewed partnership for a fair, equitable, prosperous world for all. Moreover, the Declaration on Future Generations provides us with the necessary tools to provide our young people with opportunities to fully flourish in a healthy, harmonious environment while advancing the future in security conflicts and terrorism, as well as transnational organized crime. These initiatives impact security and impede the development of our societies. Peace is our most valuable asset. There’s a need to have access for the basic human rights. Without this, it is impossible to provide for a world that benefits all people. The restoration of peace and security is a collective responsibility. It is an urgent responsibility. President, we are aware that international tensions are exacerbated by environmental crises. Climate change, loss of biodiversity, ecosystems of pollution on land and at sea, these are all exacerbating factors which we need to face. This is vital for the establishment of sustainable and peaceful societies. However, none of our objectives will be achieved if inclusion of all women and girls is not made a reality. The achievement of women is critical to the achievement of economic, social, and political progress. We are ensuring equal access to education, economic and decision-making realms facilitate not just their professional, their personal empowerment, but also help to ensure professional So the unification of sports is very frequently – the unifying power of sports is underestimated very often. This brings together peoples and cultures and helps to bring down social barriers. My country will continue to endeavor to ensure that the contribution of sports to peace and inclusive social development is recognized rightly within the United Nations. Mr. President, we are committed to mitigating potential risks linked to the misuse of digital technologies, and we are endeavoring to establish adequate norms for ethical use of these technologies, which is respectful of both human rights and the basic freedoms of all people. We need to guarantee that the use of these technologies is not diverted for malicious purposes. To that end, we welcome the adoption of a global digital compact. This summit, Mr. President, is a milestone for the multilateral system. It affords us an opportunity to rethink multilateralism, to make it more able to surmount present-day and future challenges, and to help reinforce trust in international institutions. This is why it is critical to accelerate our efforts to reform the governance of our institutions with the aim of making them more inclusive and representative and reflective of present-day realities. Multidimensional crises, which we are encountering, have resulted in delays in the achievement of Agenda 2030, and yet we have the necessary tools, legal tools, technical tools, scientific tools, to deliver sustainable and effective solutions to meet present-day challenges. Let us act together decisively for the future which we aspire to depends upon our present commitment. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Sovereign Prince of Monaco and I now invite His Excellency Wesley W. Simina, President and Head of Government of the Federated States of Micronesia, to address the Assembly.

Wesley W. Simina: Thank you, President, ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, distinguished guests. I bring warm greetings from the people of the Federated States of Micronesia, as we say it back home, camaraderie. The Assembly has consistently voiced its concerns on the global stage, particularly in advocating for the reduction of green gas emissions in line with the 1.5 degree Celsius pathway. We also championed initiatives to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies and transition away from the use of fossil fuels. This includes addressing non-CO2 emissions and short-lived climate pollutants in order to effectively combat the climate crisis, as these pollutants significantly contribute to global warming in the near term. By prioritizing their reduction, we can achieve more immediate temperature control, safeguard vulnerable communities, and enhance our efforts toward long-term climate goals. While we embrace the Pact for the future, we do have some concerns about the text as adopted. We would like to suggest that the United Nations ensure that the implementation of the Pact includes robust and lasting commitments to transition away from coal, oil, and gas in all sectors. of society, aligning with the 1.5 centigrade limit in the Paris Agreement. Climate change poses an existential threat to the environmental stability, peace, and security in my condition. As rising sea levels and extreme weather events jeopardize our livelihoods and displace communities, it is imperative that we recognize the profound link between climate resilience and the survival of our people. We must foster international cooperation to address this climate crisis with urgency. Our planet is at a critical point of no return, so the time for action is now. We possess the tools, knowledge, and innovative spirit to combat climate change and protect our ecosystems. The Pact for the Future serves as a call to action, urging us to commit to ambitious climate targets and investments in renewable energy. Together, we must strive to create a green economy that prioritizes both our planet and our people. The challenges we face transcend borders. They are global in nature. From public health to economic stability, our interconnectedness necessitates collaboration that goes beyond nationality and ideology. Let us forge partnerships, share resources, and establish frameworks for our collective’s resilience. We have engaged in formal discussions since yesterday, resulting in the adoption of the Pact. So, each of us needs to dream boldly and act decisively in order to make it a reality. Therefore, our vision for the future must be crafted collectively. by leaders, innovators, and citizens alike. Let us empower the next generation with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. The path for the future is crucial for the survival of the livelihoods and the well-being of humanity, especially in small island developing states like mine. We continue to face extreme challenges as a consequence of climate change, and our livelihoods stand on the brink of devastation. Therefore, I appeal to all of you to rally behind this pact so that we can safeguard the future of our people and our world. I thank you.

Chair: I thank the President and Head of Government of the Federated States of Micronesia. I invite His Excellency David Ranibok Adeang, President and Head of State of the Republic of Nauru, to address the Assembly.

David Ranibok Adeang: Mr. President and General Secretary, Excellencies. I want to align my statement with the distinguished representatives of Uganda on behalf of the G77 and China, with Samoa on behalf of AOSIS, and with Vanuatu on behalf of PSEEDS. To the co-facilitators of the Summit of the Future, Namibia and Germany, I extend my sincere gratitude for tireless efforts on the pact of the future. Their exceptional leadership and commitment were crucial in guiding us to a successful conclusion amidst. the immense challenges of this task. The summit of the future is our call to action. It’s a call to rebuild trust, to reimagine our systems, and to secure a livable future. The pact of the future is our roadmap. Our priorities are clear. Climate action, access to financing, and a reformed global governance that serves all nations. Who welcomes the pact’s ambition? And yet, as we consider this pact, we must ask, does it truly address the needs of the most vulnerable? Does it offer more than lofty words and instead provide a roadmap with concrete commitments and financing for those who need it most? Implementation is paramount. We must transform our shared vision into a tangible reality, improving lives across every nation and every community. To achieve this, we need clear goals and robust metrics. These will be our compass, guiding our efforts and allowing us to track our progress transparently. We cannot and we must not content ourselves with words alone. The pact recognizes the need for financial inclusion, but we must translate this into concrete action. The pact’s mention of renewable energy holds potential. Nauru is committed to powering our energy, our future with clean energy. We appreciate the reference to the MVI. The pact acknowledges the complexity of our vulnerabilities, but we must see this reflected in global policies and programs. And we further call upon the IFI and MDBs to integrate the MVI into their frameworks. It is not just another statistic. It is a tool that provides a more accurate picture of our national circumstances. Our strengths, our challenges, and our potential. The path ahead will not be easy. It demands commitment, innovative thinking, and the courage to challenge existing norms. We will judge this pact not on the words spoken here, but on the actions taken in the years to come. And as we leave this summit, let us carry with us not just hope, but determination. Let our actions speak louder than our words, and let us work to ensure that the pact for the future delivers on its promise. Matawai.

Chair: I thank the President and Head of State of the Republic of Nauru, and I invite His Excellency José Raúl Mulino Quintero, President of the Republic of Panama, to address the Assembly.

José Raúl Mulino Quintero: Good morning. Madam President, Distinguished Secretary General, Excellencies, Today I am addressing you on behalf of the Republic of Panama, a country of great strategic value located in the heart of the Western Hemisphere. In Panama, 64.8% of the population is between the ages of 15 and 64. That means a large number of people of working age, a significant number of them are youth. At the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, countries requested Secretary General Antonio Gutiérrez to provide a report with recommendations to advance our common agenda. Many suggestions were made. However, there is one constant according to the Secretary General. The decisions we take or fail to take today may mean either further backsliding or progress towards a greener, better and safer future. For that reason, we cannot speak of a summit of the future and the documents resulting from it without mentioning the SDGs, our common agenda. It serves as a mechanism to accelerate the implementation of existing agreements, including the SDGs. By general consensus, we have adopted the Pact for the Future, the Declaration on Future Generations and the Global Digital Compact. These documents contain ideals for the well-being of humanity over the long term, seeing today’s generations as depositories of a legacy for future generations. We have endorsed the appeal of the Secretary General to implement reforms introduced and even deeper reforms through meaningful action. The summit of the future with the participation of all global leaders is a golden opportunity to raise up our voice, reaffirm our commitment to bolstering this multilateral system in such important areas as sustainable development and financing for development, international peace and security, science, technology and innovation, and digital cooperation, youth and future generations, and the transformation of global governance. It is a well-known fact that the challenges we face are growing much faster than our capacity to resolve them, and we cannot do the job on our own. And therefore, the summit of the future is a crucial step towards building a stronger and more effective multilateralism. If these actions are taken, humanity has the opportunity to act and to reform global institutions, including the Security Council and the International Financial Architecture, so that they can respond to the political and economic realities of the future. The year 2030 has slowed down. Current conflicts are inflicting suffering. Poverty and hunger have already reached critical levels in many countries, while the SDGs seem to be further and further away. Inequality, insecurity and violence have risen daily while access to quality education is lagging behind. Moreover, the growing fear of the use of nuclear weapons resulting from open conflicts is yet one more source of concern. We must not leave future generations a world of inequality, injustice, discrimination, misogyny and racism in all its new forms. These attitudes erode good faith and trust of mankind. President, I cannot conclude without welcoming the proposals put forward in an effort to ensure greater political representation, transformative education, professional training and continuous learning for our young people. The creation and establishment of a UN Futures Lab, as well as the appointment of a UN Special Envoy to guarantee that budget and political decisions take account of repercussions on future generations are imperative. Panama is a country which has cemented its international relations in dialogue, peace and multilateralism, is committed to strive to comply with these actions stemming from the Pact for the Future. Our young people, our children are important to us and we listen to them always. They are the ones who will shoulder this responsibility to fulfill these actions and that is why we have met here to take the first step. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the President of the Republic of Panama and I invite Her Excellency Hilda Heine, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, to address the Assembly.

Hilda Heine: Mr. Secretary General, Excellencies, The Republic of the Marshall Islands welcomes this summit and Pact of the Future as an important opportunity to better match our collective political ambitions with a more effective UN system to help deliver results. Our sustainable development and security challenges are overwhelming. Rightly, the pact has encouraged security and development agenda and assistance to be better aligned, a vital recognition that in the Pacific and in other fragile regions, development and security are closely linked. And as a low-lying atoll nation and small island developing state, climate remains our biggest security threat. By better emphasizing peacebuilding, we can help to reduce vulnerability to rising seas and to rising tensions alike. This meeting should truly be for the future and to boost the rightful participation of the youngest and future generations. It is youth, the leaders of tomorrow, who will face the strongest consequences of inaction today. Mr. President, The global digital divide is a major development challenge for our Pacific Island region. We are some of the most isolated places on earth. We welcome the Global Digital Compact and highlight our joint program to advance digitalization, working with assistance across the UN system. It is important that more actions continue to show that we all can do more than commit. We can implement. Mr. President, The document ultimately reflects not shapes the fragmented multilateral platform. It is hard not to be frustrated over apparent political limitations. There is an incredible and persistent gap between ambitious solutions and international finance at hand. We have all seen far too many studied and forgotten moments at international summits. And the international system is at risk of glossing over where we all have fallen short instead of identifying and addressing the core causes. Many of the SDGs remain stuck in place despite our ambition and political will. And we cannot keep papering over the sobering shortcomings without arriving at the conclusion that the money just isn’t there. Or, when it is, it is so distant that it never reaches our shores and local communities. Finally, it will be an important task to develop clear lines and linkages between the Pact of the Future and the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS. Small island nations need and deserve a dedicated focus, which we all adopted earlier this year. But if this pact is to be a blueprint for future partnership, then we cannot leave SIDS out of global goal-setting. Mr. President, Taiwan remains a key partner to the Marshall Islands. Taiwan’s important partnership deserves appropriate recognition. If we are to truly leave no one behind, then Taiwan deserves meaningful recognition. and enhance participation in the U.N. system. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and I invite His Excellency Surangel Samuel Whipps, President of the Republic of Palau, to address the Assembly.

Surangel Samuel Whipps: Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Ali from Palau. Our tradition of BUL, a sustainable resource management practice, rooted in conservation and social order, has guided us toward sustainability for centuries, protecting our natural resources for future generations. As Elise contributors to climate change, we face its harshest effects, rising sea levels and extreme weather, threatening hospitals, schools, and food security, putting our children’s future at risk. Our tradition of stewardship through the BUL contrasts sharply with the global crisis we now confront, one we had little hand in creating. The fossil fuel addiction has worsened inequality and poverty. By returning to our traditions of the BUL, sustainable ocean resource management, coupled with science and technology, we can lift our people out of poverty, restore balance to our ecosystems, and effectively combat climate change. We appreciate international funding for climate resilience. However, the burdensome requirements make it inaccessible. Financing tailored to special circumstances of SIDS is critical for effective climate action. The SDGs represent our vision of a world free from poverty and conflict. However, global progress is falling short with only 15% of the targets on track and 37% regressing. The reality is particularly challenging for small island states with limited resources. World leaders need to take decisive action and corporate leaders need to integrate sustainability into their business practices. Despite our challenges, we have made significant strides in exhilarating sustainable development and education has always been a top priority and we have successfully improved access to education and vocational training by implementing online learning options for students in rural areas and expanding vocational programs. To address food security and combat NCDs, we have launched our food is our responsibility, the initiative which aims to boost domestic food production and reduce food imports from 80 to 60 percent by 2030. Additionally, we are building a national fishing port to support fisheries, maximize the value of our tuna fisheries and foster a thriving sustainable blue economy. Building our protected areas network and our Palau National Marine Sanctuary, we are implementing a multi-sectoral marine spatial planning approach to achieve 100% effective ocean management, prioritizing conservation of domestic fishing zones and tourism sites based on science, data traditional knowledge. Aligning with the goal of 30 by 30, we are collaborating with other Pacific Island and partners to discuss a regional ocean protection and production measures, recognizing the power of collective action, the unlocking blue Pacific prosperity, which was launched at COP 28, which aims to create a regional movement that promotes a hundred percent effective ocean management, resilient food systems, and sustainable financing for development. Investments are underway and we call for even greater investments to ensure its full potential is realized. As a big ocean state, we are deeply connected to the ocean. A healthy ocean means a healthy planet and now more than ever, we must resist the temptation to rush into deep seabed mining, which threatens irreparable harm to our ocean and the technologies heralded as part of the green transition must not turn our largest carbon sink, the ocean, into a casualty of short-sighted greed. If we can send people to space, surely we can innovate to meet our energy needs without exploiting the seabed and engaging in other destructive practices. We acknowledge Taiwan’s valuable contribution to global sustainable development and technical cooperation. The irony of this year’s UN General Assembly’s theme, leaving no one behind, is starkly evident.

Chair: I thank the President of the Republic of Palau. I invite His Excellency Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Tongolese Republic, to address the Assembly.

Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé: Distinguished General Assembly President, ladies and gentlemen, heads of state and government, UN Secretary General, heads of delegations, ladies and gentlemen, eight decades ago this institution was created, and the world was emerging from the second global conflict, and the future looked bright and promising, but today complex crises throughout the planet mean that we must rethink our models for international cooperation and development. If we remain passive, then these crises and these models may well lead our planet to a dark future. Let us, therefore, take this opportunity we have here to change direction. The first affirmation would be that when you have a systematic crisis, you need a global response. Food, security, ecology crises mean that countries alone cannot address all of these issues, and these complex crises are interconnected, and they hit regions of the world that are often not involved at the starting point but which are impacted by the fallout. There needs to be a better future for our current and future generations. We must coordinate our efforts as states, and these collective efforts must be carried out. within renewed global policies because multilateralism itself needs to be rethought. The governance of our global institutions has now become obsolete and the multilateral discussions have shown that they have limits. To find a truly effective solution, we need international global cooperation. At this stage, allow me to say a few words about Africa. If you look at the future, you need to look at Africa. Africa will continue to host most of the world’s youth and that is where there is the potential to build the strongest markets, in particular new future markets linked to green and blue economies and that’s where we need to experiment with new types of tripartite partnerships in the public and private sectors. These are decisive so that our actions today will have a positive and lasting impact on the future. In Africa as well as elsewhere, I think the state must play a leading coordinating role because the state alone can ensure progress for its peoples. It can provide guidance for present and future generations. In Togo, we are attempting to build a strong state and we see our state at the heart of all of the problems related to development and humanitarian issues. The private sector, public sector, and civil society are involved and I see that despite our efforts in recent years, international aid often does not meet the requirements and the needs of populations. That is why we must bolster the role of states, African states, and make them a genuine, fair, strategic partner. Development efforts are essential and must be further. They must be financed but there must also be political guidance and finally, there needs to be greater respect for and involvement of African countries in the international arena. For multilateralism to truly be inclusive, then it must respect the dignity and the equality of representation for our peoples. We can build a better future only if all voices are heard and respected. And that means leaving no one behind. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, my country is prepared to play its full role in this great collective to forge a better future. We believe that it is working together in a spirit of solidarity and mutual respect that we will be able to meet the challenges of our times and offer our children a fairer, more prosperous world. Thank you very much for your kind attention.

Chair: I thank the President of the Togolese Republic. I invite His Excellency Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, the Vice President of the Cote d’Ivoire, to address us.

Tiémoko Meyliet Koné: Mr. President of the General Assembly, Mr. Secretary General, ladies and gentlemen, I wish on behalf of His Excellency Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, to applaud you for convening this summit in such a timely manner. The magnitude of our mobilization reflects the grasp of the challenges related to this summit, which marks a historic turning point in our efforts to reshape the planet. International peace and security are gravely imperiled with wars that are plaguing every continent. The human and material consequences of these conflicts are abhorrent, and no sustainable solution has yet appeared on the horizon. These conflicts compromise the cause of peace, worsening hunger and poverty, and blighting the future of much of humanity, who are facing insufficient mobilization of resources to finance the Sustainable Development Goals. In the light of these challenges, which gravely imperil the future of the world, we reaffirm our call for more solidarity among nations, and for more adequate financing of Agenda 2030 and the African Union Agenda 2063. In this spirit, my country welcomes the surge of solidarity which led to the adoption of ambitious documents of our summit, namely the Pact for the Future and its accompanying annexes. Our expectation is that the pact will foster the advent of a just, sustainable world through concrete and decisive actions. I welcome the support for the initiatives of the Secretary General, as well as the prioritization of preventing all forms of violence and security-related threats, as well as the prioritization of peaceful resolution of disputes for harmony among states. Mr. President, in the areas of science, technology and innovation, as well as digital cooperation, we have a duty to step up multi-partite cooperation and to reinforce partnerships to build capacity, deliver technology and mobilize the necessary financial resources to facilitate access to opportunities from science and technologies, to stimulate innovation, to bridge the digital divide and improve governance of emerging technologies specifically. The digital compact, the digital pact, which we have adopted, is a part of this momentum, and we believe will help us to tackle critical challenges. I turn to young people and succeeding generations. There is a need to promote high-quality education, social inclusion, and the representation of young people in decision-making bodies. This is key. Young people are agents for development to build and transform model societies. Lastly, global governance that is more just, more representative, and more inclusive. This is more important than ever before. To that end, multilateralism needs to be revitalized to encourage more robust international cooperation. The time has arrived to tailor international financial institutions and global governance to present-day realities, while at the same time paying particular attention to the modernization of the United Nations, specifically the reform of the Security Council. Mr. President, Côte d’Ivoire cherishes the hope that we will see the effective implementation of the recommendations from the summit for the benefit of young generations and for a future of peace and prosperity for all. Thank you.

Chair: Mr. President, as the Vice President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, I now invite His Excellency Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Vice President in charge of national defense and state security of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, to address the assembly.

Republic of Equatorial Guinea: Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Mr. President. I am speaking on behalf of His Excellency Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. I’d like to begin by congratulating the Secretary General and the President of the General Assembly for taking this initiative and for convening this Summit of the Future, where we have adopted the Pact for the Future. Today, we have an opportunity to come together at a turning point in our history, at a time when the decisions we take pursuant to this pact will define the future of our relationships and the future for the international community. Mr. President, as we understand it, it is quite unlikely that we will achieve the future we all want if we do not recognize the crucial role played by Africa, given its diversity and vast resources. Africa represents both a challenge and an opportunity as we seek a future of peace and security, silencing the guns, multilateralism, inclusiveness, financing for inclusive, equitable, sustainable development, ensuring that no country is left behind. To achieve all of these goals, we need a renewed commitment in order to mobilize financial resources, both public and private, and they must be earmarked for projects which will promote environmental sustainability. job creation and development, international cooperation is essential to build resilient and sustainable infrastructures to benefit all generations. There can be no better future if we do not address unilateral coercive measures and sanctions, fascism and attempts to destabilize our countries, neocolonialist approaches and other such mechanisms, as well as pressure and blockades which do nothing but obstruct the future of other countries, particularly the global south. Mr. President, this pact for the future must involve our youth. They are the future generations and we must therefore invest in their education, their health and their well-being. They must be drivers of change. In conclusion, the summit of the future is an opportunity to renew our commitments to the principles of the UN Charter and to work together towards a more peaceful world, a prosperous and safer world. Equatorial Guinea is calling on all countries from the global north and from the global south to come together to join our efforts and together to build a future where every individual, regardless of their origin, race, gender or belief, can live in dignity and with hope. Thank you.

Chair: in charge of national defense and state security of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. May I now invite His Excellency Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu, on behalf of the Pacific Small Island Developing States.

Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas: Mr. President, Excellencies, Head of the States and Governments, Mr. Secretary General, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the honor to deliver this statement as the Chair of the Pacific Small Island Development States, represented in New York. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by Uganda on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, Samoa on behalf of AOCs, and Tonga on behalf of the Pacific Island Forum. We are on the front line of the climate crisis. The lives, livelihoods, security, and well-being of our people are threatened by the rising tides of inactions. We are here today to merely exchange words, but to forge a pact for the future, a pact that will determine the fate of our planet and the lives of the generations yet unborn. Excellencies, in those intended outcomes of this summit, we understand that the pact for the future, the Declaration on Future Generations, and the Global Digital Compact are more than just a document. They are a blueprint for a world that is equitable, sustainable, and resilient. These frameworks demand transformative multilateralism, urgent climate actions, and the responsible use of digital technology. The stakes could not be higher. As a small island developing state, We confront the devastating impact of climate change every day, rising sea levels, intensified natural disasters, and the erosion of our ecosystem are our daily reality. We must act now. The commitment outlined in the Pact for the Future and the Declaration on Future Generations compel us to ensure that our actions today do not compromise the rights and well-being of those who will inherit this planet. We must confront the cause and impact of climate change head-on, scaling our efforts to protect the environment and accelerate our transition to a sustainable future. Excellency’s outcome of the COP28 and anticipated decisions after COP29 are pivotal in this endeavor. We affirm the critical need to accelerate climate action during this decisive decade, reflecting equity, the principle of our common but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities. We welcome the call on climate finance, starting on a flow of U.S. $100 billion per year, with a focus on the needs of developing countries. As nations disproportionately impacted by climate change, the President urges international community to close the adaptation finance gap that severely affects the developing countries, particularly small island developing states. Moreover, we emphasize the necessity of enhancing international cooperation and support to inspire GURUTA’s ambition in the next round of nationally determined contribution. We must urgently accelerate the development, transfer, and deployment of renewable energy technology. Excellency’s climate change is more merely an environment issue. It is a security issue that exacerbates social tensions, economic security, and humanitarian disasters. We must integrate climate change into peace operation mandates and ensure comprehensive risk assessment that address the needs of vulnerable groups, including women, children, and indigent people. We all recognize the transformative potential of digital technologies, as outlined in the Global Digital Compact. However, this potential can only be realized if we bridge the profound digital divides that exist between our countries. Our digital future must be inclusive, safe, secure, and empowering all people to participate fully in the digital economy and society. We must harness digital technology to advance sustainable development, protect human rights, and ensure that no one is left behind. Let us remember the future we want within our grasp, but only if we have the courage to seize it. The Pact for the Future, the Declaration on Future Generations, and the Global Digital Compact offer us pathways grounded in solidarity, hope, equity, and justice to create a world where all people can thrive in peace and prosperity. We stand ready to work with all nations to turn these commitments into action to protect our planet and secure a brighter future for all. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu. Now I invite His Excellency, Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister of Georgia, to address the Assembly.

Irakli Kobakhidze: Dear Mr. President, esteemed guests, three years ago in our common agenda, the Secretary General proposed a summit of the future, aiming to promote a new global consensus on delivering a better present. I would like to welcome you to this summit, and I would like to invite you to join me in welcoming the Secretary General to this summit. and safeguarding the future for generations to come. Today, that vision is realized as we gather, united in our commitment to rebuild trust and seek multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow. In today’s increasingly complex and rapidly moving world, achieving a fairer future is more pressing than ever. We face unprecedented challenges, from the lingering effects of the pandemic to persistent conflicts and deepening socioeconomic disparities, humanitarian crisis, and the escalating threat of climate change. As a result, the world is not on track to meet the goals we have set for ourselves. The Secretary General’s recent report on progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals shows that only 17% of SDG targets are on course to be achieved. In the light of these overwhelming global issues, this summit presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate the power of effective global cooperation and multilateralism. Its outcomes will significantly advance the 2030 Agenda aligned with the declaration of the SDG Summit. At this crucial moment, Georgia stands ready to unite with the international community in this shared endeavor. The Pact of the Future offers us a chance to transform the success of this summit into meaningful, lasting transformation. It sets out a more effective course leading to specific and sustainable progress for future generations. In this spirit, we welcome the adoption of the Pact, including the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations annexed to the Pact, and we look forward to its swift implementation. It is clear that peace and security are the foundations of human rights and sustainable development. In a world marred by conflicts, aggressions and forced displacement, the Pact represents a crucial path forward. promoting global peace and security through adherence to the UN Charter and international law, strengthening accountability, and ending impunity. By following this path, we will uphold human rights and achieve sustainable development. In our digitized world, where technology presents both tremendous opportunities and challenges, the Global Digital Compact should serve as a roadmap towards an open, secure, and inclusive digital future. Global digital cooperation is key to leveraging the advantages of cutting-edge technologies, promoting human rights online and offline, and eliminating the risks posed by the misuse of technology. We believe it’s essential to incorporate the viewpoints of future generations into our policy frameworks, ensuring that the long-term impacts of our actions are considered. The Declaration on Future Generations is a crucial tool for ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed in shaping a sustainable future. The Summit of the Future has provided a vital platform for fostering international cooperation and solidarity. As we move forward, the real challenge will be translating our commitments into tangible actions through the effective implementation of the pact. Let us sustain this momentum and work together to build a better tomorrow where the values of this organization are fully respected and upheld. Thank you very much.

Chair: Thank you, Prime Minister of Georgia. I now invite Her Excellency Giorgia Meloni, President of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Italy, to address the Assembly.

Giorgia Meloni: Secretary General, Dear fellow delegates, the pact that we have undersigned is the result of complex negotiations for which I want to thank the President of the General Assembly, the negotiators, and of course all the member states. The phase that now begins, that of implementation, is clearly even more complex but definitely more crucial. The challenges that history has placed before us are manifold and multi-form. Climate change, economic inequalities, humanitarian and health crises, transnational crime, and armed conflicts, starting with the unacceptable war of aggression of Russia on the country of Ukraine that make international security increasingly precarious. Faced with such a difficult scenario, we have no choice but to act. Because I think it is clear to all that we live in a time of crisis, yet crises always conceal opportunities. The word crisis, after all, derives from the ancient Greek term krisis, meaning choice, decision. Crises therefore force us to question ourselves. They force us to take a stand and do not allow for hesitation. We know that no state can effectively master current challenges on its own, and that is why Italy is a staunch supporter of multilateralism and of its most representative institution, the United Nations, the forum where each and every voice is heard, where we are called to learn, to understand each other, and to respect each other. Of course, any organization is effective. if its rules are fair and mutually agreed. That is why we are persuaded that any reform of the UN governance, notably of its Security Council, cannot disregard the principles of equality, democracy, and representativeness. The reform makes sense if performed for everyone, and not just for some. We are not interested in creating new hierarchies, and we don’t believe that there are Class A nations and Class B nations. There are simply nations, with their own histories, specificities, and citizens, who have the same rights. Because in our view, all humans are born free and equal. It also means rethinking in new ways about cooperation between nations. Italy has done so with the MATE Plan for Africa, an investment plan designed to cooperate with African nations through an approach that is neither paternalistic nor charitable or predatory, but based on respect and the right for each one of us to compete on equal terms. It is our recipe to promote the development of a continent too often undervalued, build its stability, and finally guarantee one right denied to too many young people, that is, the right not to have to immigrate. And when talking about development, we cannot fail to address the new frontiers of technological innovation, starting with generative artificial intelligence, a phenomenon on which I’m afraid there is still insufficient awareness. AI is first and foremost a great multiplier, but the question we must pose ourselves is, what do we want to multiply? To put it bluntly, if this multiplier were used to cure still incurable diseases, then it would be it would contribute to the common good. But if on the other hand, that multiplier were used to further upset global balances, then the resulting scenarios scenarios would be potentially catastrophic. Machines will not answer these questions. Only we can do it. Politics must do it. And that is why it is crucial that AI be harnessed by human beings and be human centric. All such issues are addressed by this pact and stand at the core of Italy’s G7 presidency agenda. This is the role of multilateralism, not a club where people gather to write useless documents crammed with good intentions, but rather the forum where we must tackle decision making urgency, where ideas must become actions combining different sensibilities. Thank you.

Chair: Mr. President of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Italy, I now invite His Excellency Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, to address the Assembly.

Andrej Plenković: Mr. President of the General Assembly, Mr. Secretary General, Excellencies, we have gathered here today driven by common purpose, concern for the present and a commitment to shaping a better future. This summit is crucial because the choices we make now will define the world for future generations. I thank Germany and Namibia alongside Sweden, Zambia, Jamaica, and the Netherlands. for their leadership in guiding this essential global dialogue. Today, the world faces an alarming surge in conflicts. The cooperative spirit that has long underpinned international relations embodied by the United Nations is under severe strain. The Russian aggression against Ukraine, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and wider, as well as other global hostilities, are existential threats to global peace, security, and humanity. These challenges do not affect just one region. They endanger us all. In these turbulent times, restoring trust and solidarity among nations is not merely desirable. It is imperative. Croatia understands this deeply. Thirty years ago, much like Ukraine today, we were a nation ravaged by war, defending our sovereignty against a far more powerful aggressor. Today, Croatia stands as a proud member of both NATO and the European Union. Our painful history has shaped Croatia’s resilience and provided us with a unique understanding of the challenges that come with conflict. Ladies and gentlemen, despite the myriad challenges we face, we must prioritize sustainable development as a foundation for global peace and security. Sustainable development is not just an aspiration. It is essential for stability. To achieve this, we must foster global solidarity and urgently reform the international financial architecture to support these goals. Croatia firmly believes that effective multilateralism, rooted in respect for international law, the UN Charter, and genuine partnership is the way forward. Only through a unified approach, combining security, development and human rights, can we ensure prosperity for all. Croatia’s experience as a chair of the Peacebuilding Commission last year and our efforts in peacebuilding are now integral to the global peace framework. This is our legacy. We are also committed to the efficient implementation of the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals. I am proud to say that Croatia currently ranks 8th out of 193 countries in Sustainable Development Goals implementation. This achievement reflects our commitment to sustainable growth and positions Croatia as a model how even smaller nations can lead by example. We continue to advance three key processes, digital transformation, demographic renewal and decarbonization. These priorities embedded in our national policies drive our growth while ensuring sustainability. Croatia’s forward-looking vision balances economic progress with social responsibility. Looking ahead, I see three critical areas that require our collective attention. First, conflict prevention is more urgent than ever. Our experience in Croatia reminds us of the importance of early action and diplomacy to avoid unnecessary suffering. Second, we must not waver in our commitment to sustainable development. Climate action, protecting biodiversity and reversing environmental degradation are essential for our survival. Third, we must strive for a more equitable and inclusive global governance. system. International institutions must evolve to be more representative, promoting human rights and social development that reflect the diversity of the world’s nations. The outcome of this summit provides us with a clear roadmap. Now it is up to us to turn these plans into reality. The time to act is now. Croatia stands ready to contribute our joint effort of a more just, peaceful and sustainable global order. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia. I now invite His Excellency Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Norway, to address the Assembly.

Jonas Gahr Støre: With so much dividing us and with so many wars going on, I think we can salute yesterday’s agreement and that we came together and be able to agree on ambitious targets. The Pact for the Future provides a vision for this across all the UN’s three main pillars. That should be saluted. Let me highlight three points from the Norwegian perspective, Mr. President. First, we have reaffirmed our commitment to international law, including human rights. The disregard for human life and international law that we are seeing today must not be allowed to continue. Universally agreed rules and rights remain an indispensable foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and just world. Those who deliberately breach it must be held accountable. Second, we urgently need to address climate change, cut emissions, transform our energy systems and protect the environment. We must deliver on our pledges. We stand firmly by agreed commitments and keep our ambitions high. We need to close the extensive financing gap to achieve the SDGs, leaving no one behind. This includes increasing climate finance and investments. Together with Mexico, Nepal and Zambia, Norway will serve as co-facilitator for the next conference on financing for development. We are committed to working with all Member States to achieve an ambitious outcome in Seville this year. Mr. Chairman, our pact rightfully addresses the need to provide sufficient and timely debt relief to countries in debt distress, to reform the multilateral banks and to promote more inclusive and effective tax cooperation. Norway will continue to engage in an active and constructive manner to develop a UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation. We must work towards an inclusive, open and secure digital future for all. It’s part of our dialogue here at the UN today. Accessibility is key, particularly for the least developed countries. Some 2.6 billion people remain excluded from the digital world. For too many people also, they lack access to electricity. Norway supports and actively promotes the initiative by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, the Mission 300, to provide 300 million people in Africa with electricity by the end of this decade. Norway is committed to bridging the digital divide. Our efforts include advancing digital public goods and ensuring digital ID access for all. We also urge stronger cooperation among the large states on a safe artificial intelligence regulation that will give us the opportunities of this technology and limit the threats. Thirdly, Mr. President, sustainable development cannot be achieved without peace and security. It almost goes without saying. Preventive diplomacy and peacebuilding must be at the center of our efforts. It is essential to ensure women’s participation in all aspects of the peace and security agenda. There are powerful decisions made here by the UN on this issue earlier. It should be highlighted again. We need a more transparent, inclusive, and effective Security Council with greater limitations to the use of veto. We need to address the historical injustice against Africa and improve the representation of underrepresented regions. The General Assembly plays a vital role in maintaining international peace and security in close cooperation with the Security Council. Mr. President, we should expect from the Security Council that it can get its act together and end the war of aggression that Russia is conducting against Ukraine, and to weigh in and help end the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, and to work towards a two-state solution, giving the Palestinians their right of a state, and a two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace. The solutions can only be found in close cooperation with other stakeholders, also in the civil and private sector. So friends and colleagues, a lot to be done. The Pact for the Future is a commitment to one another, to future generations, providing a roadmap for building a better world. Now that work, putting the pact into action, begins, and Norway is eager to get started. Thank you, Mr. President.

Chair: Thank you, Prime Minister of Norway. Now I invite His Excellency John Basio, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment of Belize, to address the Assembly.

John Briceño: The adoption of the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations must not be seen as an end, but rather as a beginning. While these outcomes lay a foundation for action, they represent only a floor for a much greater ambition that is needed to transform our world for present and future generations. The world faces a triple planetary crisis and a development crisis. Human and planetary capacities are approaching limits from which there may be no rebound. Our development and climate goals are slipping farther away from our reach, and yet there has been no effective global response. To say we will do what we have failed to do will not suffice. Since the adoption of the Paris Agreement, every year has seen record-breaking climate impacts. For the first time over a 12-month period spanning February 2023 to January 2024, global warming exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. If that trend persists, then Paris alone will not be enough, nor will our promise to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. These are unprecedented times. They demand unprecedented action across whole systems at all levels and at all times, guided by values and principles we espouse as a United Nations. We must ensure the dignity of people. We need to reimagine and remake this world into one that is just, secure, and that will one in which every voice matters. Bringing the voices from the margins to the centre, the voices of young people, women, indigenous people, and the voices of countries like my own, the small, island developing states. They should benchmark our collective ambition because a better tomorrow can only be realized if solutions respond to the most urgent of needs, their needs. In Belize, the youth are calling for opportunities to harness individual and technological potential. They need sustained investments in good, decent education, comprehensive healthcare, and a greener and bluer economy that targets support for micro, small, and medium enterprises and startups. We can go faster with international support, but that support must be tailored to the unique characteristics of small island developing states. The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SEADS is a forward-looking blueprint for resilient prosperity. It defines our vision and what the international community can do to help us achieve that vision. My country, like other small island developing states, still lacks representation where decisions are being made on our behalf. As a placebo, we may be given the privilege for a five-minute intervention on a matter that will have consequential impacts on our future. Likewise, the international financial architecture, even in its current phase of reform, is built on a foundation of a bygone era. The dynamics of power are ever-changing. We need to build these institutions to be effective well into the future. Excellencies, today I affirm Belize’s unwavering commitment to achieve the SDGs. They are the only ambitious universally agreed blueprint. to achieve a sustainable and equitable future for all. Let us then push harder for justice, go deeper for change, and make our actions meaningful for everyone. More than an opportunity, the summit of the future is a challenge. Let us rise up to that challenge, go beyond the confines of our present context, be bold in our vision, and embrace a much greater ambition for a better tomorrow. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment of Belize. I now invite His Excellency Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, to address the assembly.

Nikol Pashinyan: President of the General Assembly, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. It is particularly significant for me to take part in this summit of the future because I have received my current mandate of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia in the parliamentary elections under the slogan of our party, there is a future. All the problems we are facing today are directly or indirectly related to the decisions made or haven’t been made at some point in the past. And the same we can say about all the successes and achievements of today. We cannot change the past. We cannot change a lot even today because today is to some extent a part of the past. but shaping the future is today’s most important task. The agenda of our actions is also known, peace, security, prosperity, freedom, justice, human rights, artificial intelligence, climate change, but what is of high importance is the concept that we should put in the basis of our vision of the future, and consequently how to build the future. It may sound strange, but the most important thing we can do for the future is to create positive narratives and focus on the possibilities of creating the foundations for them, regardless of whether they exist at the moment or not. One of the reasons for today’s global crisis is that international formats have long become an arena for mutual accusations, threats, and the places where crises and deadlocks take place or being announced. I can hardly remember a positive speech on behalf either of myself or other leaders on international platforms, and there are objective reasons for this. There is little material for positive discourse, and maybe it’s because in the past there was very little or there was no any positive narrative at all. We usually come to UN to declare how bad it is going to be, because the facts proving this are a lot and everywhere, so it doesn’t require much effort to see them. Efforts should be made to see the prerequisite of a good future and think about them, because what happens in reality is not what we want. first happens in our minds. My party adopted the slogan, there is a future, under the conditions when it seemed that there was no hope for optimists in our region. Now this happens globally, and at the summit of the future, I want to voice that belief of there is a future, and by doing this I want to have my portion of contribution. Unlike the previous three times, this year at the General Assembly, I will more concentrate on opportunities rather than accusing neighboring countries in my speech, and this will provide room for positive thinking and for talking about the possibilities. Yes, for now let’s only talk, since in the beginning was the world, and the world was with God, and the world was God. Therefore, it is necessary to start with the good words. It is necessary to bring forward the slogan, there is a future, as a theorem, and to work to prove it. Let’s do it. Thank you for your attention.

Chair: I thank the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia. Now I invite His Excellency Luc Frieden, Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, to address the Assembly.

Luc Frieden: Mr. President, Mr. Secretary General, ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor to speak before you for the first time at the United Nations as the Prime Minister of Luxembourg at this summit for the future. Luxembourg is well positioned to understand that no country, regardless of its size, can tackle the challenges it faces single-handedly. This is an observation which lies at the heart of our multilateral commitment. We were present when the United Nations Charter was signed in San Francisco because the people of Luxembourg, like all the peoples of the United Nations, was resolved to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, as has so eloquently been enshrined in the preamble of the Charter. And alas, today the scourge of war is afflicting peoples throughout the world. I am thinking of the people of Ukraine who have, with exceptional courage, been resisting the war of aggression being waged by the President of the Russian Federation. I am thinking of the peoples plagued by conflict in the Middle East. I am thinking of African peoples, those in the Sudan, in Sahel, and elsewhere, plagued by war, a lack of security, and terrorism. The international order founded in the rule of law is in crisis. Flagrant violations of the Charter and of international humanitarian law are proliferating. The Sustainable Development Goals for many are far beyond reach. In light of this reality, there is no miracle cure. There is no single solution. All that counts is the commitment, concrete commitment, day after day. Mr. President, it is clear that we need to move from words to action, more effective and efficient action on reform of the United Nations. The Security Council needs to become more representative, more accountable to all Member States. Experience shows that states elected to the Security Council can make a difference. by delivering new perspectives, specifically when permanent members are divided. Luxembourg demonstrated this in the past, and we hope to have an opportunity to do so yet again if we are elected to the Council for the 2031-2032 mandate. Let us reinforce the role of the General Assembly, particularly when the Security Council is blocked by the veto. It is also evident that the global financial architecture needs to be reformed, for it is not commensurate with the challenges of the present day, specifically the needs of developing countries. Our view in Luxembourg is that development, security and human rights need to go hand in hand. Luxembourg is committed to the advancement, to the protection and the promotion of human rights and international law. This is also our priority as a member of the Human Rights Council. Luxembourg will also continue to uphold our commitment to official development assistance by dedicating each year 1% of our gross national income to this. We will uphold our commitment to climate financing too, and this is in addition to our official development assistance. We will continue to support the mobilization of private financing. Thanks to the expertise of our financial center and specifically our stock exchange. Mr. President, Luxembourg applauds the adoption of the Pact for the Future yesterday morning, and we commend both Germany and Nabebia for their facilitation, their successful facilitation of the negotiations. But this moment reminds me of the words of one of my predecessors, who was present during the San Francisco conference. In his words, and I quote, it is not the revision of any given language of the Charter, but rather the revision of the spirit within us. which will save us, more than words where we found agreement. It is – in Yalta or San Francisco, it is a feeling of mutual trust which needs to propel us forward in the years to come. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Now I invite His Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, to address the Assembly.

Narendra Modi: Excellencies, on behalf of India, the world’s largest democracy, and 1.4 billion Indians, greetings to all of you. In the largest election in human history held recently in June, the people of India have given me the opportunity to serve them for the third consecutive term. And today, I bring the voice of this one-sixth of humanity to you. Friends, when we are discussing global future, we must accord the highest priority to a human-centric approach. While prioritizing sustainable development, we must also ensure human welfare, food and health security. By lifting 250 million people out of poverty in India, we have demonstrated that sustainable development can be successful. We are ready to share this experience of our success with the entire Global South. Friends, success of humanity lies in our collective strength, not in the battlefield. And for global peace and development, reforms in global institutions are essential. Reform is the key to relevance. Permanent membership of the G20 to the African Union at the New Delhi Summit was an important step in this direction. While on the one hand, terrorism continues to be a serious threat to global peace and security, on the other hand, areas such as cyber, maritime and space are emerging as new theatres of conflict. On all these issues, I will stress that global action must match global ambition. Friends, there is a need for balanced regulation at a global level for the safe and responsible use of technology. We need global digital governance, which ensures that national sovereignty and integrity are upheld. Digital public infrastructure should be a bridge, not a barrier. For global good, India is ready to share its digital public infrastructure with the entire world. Friends, for India, one earth, one family, one future is a commitment. This commitment is also reflected in our initiatives such as One Earth, One Health and One Sun, One World, One Grid. India will continue to work in thought, words and deeds to protect the rights of all humanity and for global prosperity. Thank you very much.

Chair: Thank the Prime Minister of India. Now we invite His Excellency Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini to address the Assembly.

Russell Mmiso Dlamini: of the Summit of the Future, Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, the Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, ladies and gentlemen, it is with great honor to address the Summit of the Future on behalf of His Majesty, King Swati III, where the world leaders have gathered to commit to multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow. This summit is an opportunity to take bold actions that will shape the future of our planet and the well-being of generations to come. We commend the co-facilitators of the outcome documents, the Pact for the Future, Global Digital Compact and Pact on Future Generations for their stellar work. Humanity faces unprecedented global challenges from poverty and inequality to climate change and technological transformation. No single nation can tackle these challenges alone. The Global Pact for the Future calls for a renewed inclusive, equitable and responsive multilateral system. Eswatini, along with other African nations, has long called for reforms to the United Nations to create a more inclusive and representative global governance system. The Eswatini consensus remains a cornerstone for this call. The current structure of the Security Council does not reflect modern geopolitical realities, particularly the under-representation of Africa. Expanding the Security Council to include permanent representation for Africa and other marginalized regions is essential for maintaining its legitimacy and addressing global security challenges. This reform is critical to building trust in global institutions. Aswatini believes Taiwan must be included in the international system. Taiwan contributes significantly to global public health, economic development, and technological innovation. Excluding Taiwan limits global cooperation when it is most needed. We call for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. The COVID-19 pandemic, economic shocks, and the climate crisis have exposed vulnerabilities in the international financial system. Many developing nations face unsustainable debt, limiting their investment in critical areas like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Aswatini calls for comprehensive debt restructuring and reforms to international financial institutions like the IMF and the World Bank, ensuring that they respond to the needs of developing nations. Fairer access to financing for climate resilience and development is also crucial. Although Aswatini, like other developing countries, contributes little to the climate crisis, it is heavily impacted. While we have made significant improvements in disaster risk governance, urgent climate finance from developed nations is crucial to help mitigate and adapt to these effects. As we work to reduce emissions and meet our commitments, developing nations must continue to prioritize industrialization and energy security to achieve their development goals. International advancements create opportunities for development, but have also widened the digital divide. Aswatini recognizes the transformative potential of digital technologies. but edges technologically advanced nations to support affordable technology sharing with developing countries and address risks from emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. We must ensure technology becomes a tool for inclusion, not inequality. This summit presents a unique opportunity to rebuild trust in multilateral system. The crisis we face requires urgent coordination, international cooperation. In conclusion, the Summit of the Future offers an unparalleled opportunity to reshape the global system. We call reforms through the Azulini Consensus, equitable representation in decision-making forums, Taiwan’s…

Chair: Thank you, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini. I now invite His Excellency Gaston Alphonso Browne, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Corporate Governance and Public-Private Partnerships of Antigua and Barbuda to address the Assembly.

Gaston Alphonso Browne: Mr. President, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the multifaceted environmental, economic, health-related and social emergencies we face are perhaps humanity’s greatest existential challenges. The timing of this summit is critical as we confront these unprecedented global threats. Our decisions now impact not just us, but generations to come. Despite decades of UN-led Sustainable Development Conferences… Little has been accomplished to safeguard the rights of future generations. Whereas future generations are poised to inherit the greatest technological advancements, with unabated climate change, perhaps they will have no Earth to call home. Our planet is finite, but humans’ current ambitions for unending economic profits and territorial expansion seemingly know no bounds. This unsustainable trajectory, marked by escalating climate impacts, environmental destruction, economic greed, wars, and threats of wars, poses an existential threat to all life on Earth. Temperature records are broken almost daily. Hurricanes, floods, and droughts ravage our lands, while mangroves and tropical forests, crucial to our planetary biodiversity and balance, are being obliterated. By making infinite demands on a finite planet, we are transforming our once hospitable home into a hostile environment. This is our moment to change course, to future-proof our burning planet from ultimate destruction. Who will compensate future generations for our selfish acts? The principle that the polluters pay is meant to guide us, but in reality, it is the future that bears the greatest cost. The climate crisis neither affects everyone equally nor is everyone equally responsible. We who have contributed least to the climate crisis are suffering its worst impacts. To add insult to injury, the large polluters are paying themselves hundreds of billions of dollars for carbon credits to protect their profligate use of fossil fuels at the expense of SIDS and other developing countries. Developing nations disproportionately responsible for the climate crisis must face the indisputable truth they owe a debt to the world. The time for excuses is over. They must pay for their polluting, ecocidal thoughts against our planet and human civilization and take immediate steps to slash emissions aggressively. These nations must aid in healing our environment, rebuilding homes, and transitioning from fossil fuel to cleaner, green energy alternatives. Wealthy polluters have driven climate change for far too long. It is time to hold them accountable. This is an ethical imperative that is necessary for our survival. Big oil, hear this. Your days of exploiting the global south’s natural resources are numbered. As we move to renewable energy, I reemphasize that rich, industrialized nations must pay for the loss and damage that they have devastated our communities. And to the carbon billionaires, your profits must fuel a sustainable future, not your profligate lifestyles. Wealthy countries and the industrial giants must pay their dues and invest in a sustainable, equitable future for all. Excellencies, without a healthy planet, there can be no viable future for humanity. We are integral to the solution, yet we neglect our obligations as world leaders because of a globalized economy controlled by a self-interested minority. Bold new international agreements to end fossil fuel proliferation, innovative financial instruments, and advanced technology are urgently needed. The weight of history and the responsibility to the future rests upon our shoulders. Small island developing states met recently in Antigua and Barbuda and laid out the future that we want, the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS. It is time for the international community to be as bold as SIDS and to shift focus. not just to sustaining our damaged ecosystems, but also ensuring equity and fairness, providing climate and financial justice to all. I call upon leaders and policymakers to commit to an international financial architecture that bridges gaps, alleviates inequalities, and fosters sustainable development. Providing debt relief and access to finance should be based on countries’ vulnerabilities

Chair: Thank the Prime Minister, digital finance, corporate governance, and public-private partnership of Antigua and Barbuda. I now invite His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Perolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, to address the Assembly.

Pietro Parolin: Mr. President, the current summit being convened against a backdrop of apparent crisis in the multilateral system should be a source and a reason for hope, in line with Pope Francis’ assertion that hopeful does not mean to be optimistically naive and ignore the tragedy humanity is facing. Hope is the virtue of a heart that doesn’t lock itself into darkness, that doesn’t dwell on the past, does not simply get by in the present, but is able to see a tomorrow. The future should be constructed on the foundation of principles, including the inherent God-given dignity of every individual, the promotion of integral human development, the equality and sovereign dignity of all nations, and the establishment of trust between them. There is a need to rethink actions in a number of areas. First, eradication of poverty must remain the overarching goal of all future actions, bearing in mind that development is the name for peace. This requires the political will to achieve sustainable development, also through the reform of international financial institutions, debt restructuring, and debt forgiveness. Second, the pursuit of peace requires the implementation of a general disarmament, and in particular the total elimination of nuclear weapons. Narrow geopolitical considerations must be put aside, and strong economic lobbies must be resisted in order to uphold human dignity and promote integral development. Third, artificial intelligence. The OECD advocates for a regulatory framework of AI ethics that encompasses the life cycle of AI and addresses inter alia data protection, accountability, bias, and the impact of AI on employment. Thinking of the future should take into account the needs and interests of future generations, guaranteeing a dignified future for all, ensuring the provision of the requisite conditions, including a nurturing family environment to facilitate flourishing. If dignity is the foundation and integral human development is the goal of our future, dialogue, it is the necessary means. Today, the sense of belonging to a single human family is fading and the dream of working together for justice and peace seems outdated and utopian. This need not to be the case if there is a will to engage in genuine dialogue. As Pope Francis already exhorted this assembly, the present time invites us to give priority to actions which generate new processes in society so as to bear fruit in significant and positive historical events. The future demands of us critical and global decisions in the face of worldwide conflicts which increase the number of the excluded and those in need. Mr. President, while taking note of the adoption of the Pact for the Future and its agnesis, the Holy See, in conformity with its nature and particular mission, wishes to express its reservations on some of the concepts used therein. In the interest of time, the full statement will be uploaded. Thank you, Mr. President.

Chair: I thank the Secretary of State of the Holy See. I now invite His Excellency Chenda Sophea Sok, the Prime Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Corporation of Cambodia, to address the assembly.

Chenda Sophea Sok: Mr. President, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, It is my great honor to address this gathering on behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia. This is a crucial moment to consolidate our commitment to address together many deeply interconnected challenges, climate change, inequality, poverty, gaps in technology, and increasingly complicated violent conflicts. The summit of the future is an opportune occasion to adopt global governance to today’s reality. It is time to rebuild trust in the multilateral system as we strive to build a prosperous, healthy, and harmonious world for our current and future generations. Allow me to elaborate on a few key points. First, international peace and security become more fragile with each passing day as geopolitical tensions continue to intensify. It is incumbent on us all to firmly uphold the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. They are the backbone of international order and global cooperation. The use of diplomacy and mediation must be prioritized to resolve conflicts. Concerted efforts towards peacebuilding should be enhanced. Cambodia sees great merit in the new Agenda for Peace presented by the UN Secretary-General. And we are proud to have contributed nearly 9,000 men and women to support UN peacekeeping operations since 2006. Once a war-torn country, Cambodia understands that peace is the prerequisite for development and progress. Thanks to peace and stability, Cambodia now ranks among the best achievers on sustainable development goals, particularly when it comes to reducing poverty, providing quality education and health care, creating more jobs, and driving growth, addressing climate change. Second, sustainable development requires sufficient and efficient financing. Cambodia is currently investing in building up its human capital, targeting 1.5 million youths, diversifying its economic base, and intensifying its green transition. Cambodia strongly supports efforts to ensure a fair and rule-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization as its core. Cambodia also joins the call to reform the international financial architecture and address financial gaps, particularly those that affect the least developed countries. Third, the advancement of science, digital technologies, and innovation presents both transformative solutions for human development and risk. Cambodia strongly supports efforts to intensify international cooperation to ensure that the proliferation of science, technologies, and innovation enhances human capital. We must work together to overcome growing digital divides and fight against the misuse of digital technologies. To this end, Cambodia endorses the Global Digital Compact as a common framework to build an inclusive, open, safe, and sustainable world. secure digital space that will drive the digital transformation of our economies and societies. Fourth, it is our shared responsibility to safeguard the needs and interests of our youth and future generations. Cambodia, fully recognizing the importance of intergenerational partnerships, commit to the letter and the spirit of the Declaration for Future Generations. Cambodia already has in place a long-term development plan called the Pentagonal Strategy. It is designed to ensure that our youth are engaged in and well-prepared for long-term development that harmonize economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection. We also note the progress in mainstreaming youth into the UN-wide system. Finally, transforming global governance for today’s challenges is crucial.

Chair: Thank the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia. I now give the floor to His Excellency Murat Nurtleu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, to address the Assembly.

Murat Nurtleu: Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Kazakhstan is here today to join efforts with all UN member states and its institutions in ensuring a brighter future both for our planet and entire humanity. Fully supporting the Secretary General’s endeavors to build a prosperous community of nations, my country commits itself to all three landmark documents of the Summit of the Future. It is obvious that effective multilateralism enshrined in the Pact for the Future should be central in overcoming today’s unprecedented existential challenges and threats. Therefore, the current summit is a timely call for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations system. As stated by President Tokayev of Kazakhstan, the voices of middle powers and the developing world need to be amplified and heard clearly in the Security Council. In times of geopolitical turmoil and economic uncertainty, the world needs diplomacy and dialogue. Mr. President, climate change is a global issue that cannot be addressed without multilateral engagement. Central Asia stands on the front line of global warming and will face a 2.5-degree increase in temperatures by 2050. To effectively tackle problems like melting glaciers, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and desertification, my country will host the first regional climate summit under the auspices of the United Nations in 2026. In addition, we propose to open the United Nations Regional Center on Sustainable Development for Central Asia and Afghanistan to further enhance coordination on SDG deliverables. I am confident With the right support, this idea will serve as a future role model for UN development mechanisms. Furthermore, Kazakhstan calls on all technological advanced countries to eliminate barriers and commit necessary resources to assist climate-vulnerable communities, excellencies. Digital transformation is a driving power of progress towards the 2030 Agenda. In the next decade, about 70 percent of all global goods and services will be produced using digital platforms. The potential benefits of these changes depend on equitable access and cutting-edge technologies in all countries. To this end, being an original IT powerhouse, Kazakhstan has initiated the establishment of the UNSCAP Digital Solutions Center to bridge the digital divide in the Asia-Pacific region. Emerging digital solutions, including artificial intelligence, should not pose a risk to international security. Mr. President, speaking about the future, we must not forget lessons of the past. Nuclear power, once invented for the good of humankind, is now the deadliest weapon of mass destruction. Kazakhstan, which directly suffered from nuclear tests, calls on the international community to join efforts in preventing any nuclear catastrophe in the future. We also encourage all states to set aside their political differences and focus on new global order based on mutual trust and respect. Ladies and gentlemen, upholding human rights is not merely an aspiration, but one of the key components of sustainable development. It is also the best antidote against inequalities that are often at the root of instability and conflicts. In accordance with our objective to build a just and fair Kazakhstan, my country has abolished the death penalty, instituted a zero-tolerance policy against torture and domestic violence, and strengthened its national preventive mechanisms. President Tukhayev’s large-scale reform agenda is firmly based on the principles of rule of law, good governance, as well as inclusive social and economic development. In essence, respect for fundamental human rights is the highest priority for my country. Excellencies, we have a unique chance to advance our shared vision for an equitable, stable and peaceful future for generations to come. This is no alternative to the world based on the UN Charter and principles of international law. Let us work together in the spirit of open, constructive engagement and through multilateralism. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan. I now give the floor to His Excellency Wang Yi, Special Representative of the Chinese President Xi Jinping, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, to address the Assembly.

Wang Yi: Mr. President, colleagues. The future carries the hope of human development, facing transformation unseen in a century. It is highly relevant that we gather here. Humanity has only one planet, Earth, to call home, and we belong to the same world community. It is important that we take care of our common home and make joint efforts to advance global governance. With this goal in mind, Chinese President Xi Jinping has put forward the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, advocated high-quality belt-and-road cooperation, and proposed the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. These vision and initiatives have provided new solutions for tackling the common challenges of humanity and drawn a new blueprint for building a better world. China proposes that we need to build a future of peace and tranquility. In this changing and turbulent world, new risks and challenges keep cropping up. No country can stay unaffected. Greater solidarity and cooperation of the international community is not a choice but a must. Countries should uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security and settle disputes through dialogue, resolve differences through consultation, and enhance security through cooperation. Major countries in particular should lead by example. We should break geopolitical circles by pursuing the greater good, rise above bloc confrontation, and serve as propellers for world solidarity and anchors for international peace. We should build a future of development and prosperity. In today’s world, countries are not riding separately in some 190 small boats, but rather we’re all in a giant ship on which our shared destiny hinges. Small boats may not survive wind and waves, but a giant ship is strong enough to brave the stormy seas. Countries need to share development opportunities and pursue win-win cooperation. We need to follow a people-centered development philosophy and advocate a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization to deliver the fruits of development to our people and ensure common prosperity for all countries. A winner-takes-all approach is a sure way to lose the whole game, and a small yard with high fences would only imprison the builder and tear the world apart. We should build a future of fairness and justice. All countries, regardless of their size and strength, are equal members of the international community. International affairs should be handled through consultation by all countries. We need to build an equal and orderly multipolar world and defend the UN-centered international system, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms of international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. We need to strengthen the authority of international rule of law, reject the law of the jungle where the strong bully the weak, oppose acts of hegemonism such as unilateral sanctions, protect the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries. We need to build a better future. As the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation deepens, new opportunities and challenges have emerged for human society and global governance. We need to keep abreast with the times, push back the frontier and explore new practices, and make global governance more just and equitable. China supports the UN in serving as the main channel in AI governance, and we will propose the AI Capacity Building Action Plan for good and for all. In particular, we need to encourage young people to bring out their creativity and contribute their share to the advancement of humankind. Colleagues, China today is going all out to build a great modern socialist country in all respects and pursue national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernization. This will create new opportunities for world peace and development. China will work hand-in-hand with countries around the world to advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind and create a more peaceful and better tomorrow. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Special Representative of the Chinese President Xi Jinping, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and Foreign Minister of China. I now give the floor to His Excellency Luc Mercelina, Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, the Netherlands.

Luc Mercelina: Secretary-General, Your Excellency, esteemed colleagues, distinguished guests, I am honored to be here today as the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, representing the Kingdom of the Netherlands in all its diversity. I thank the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, for initiating this summit and spearheading efforts to forge a new international consensus on how we can deliver on a better present and safeguard the future. I would also like to thank President Nangolo Mumba of the Republic of Namibia and Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the Federal Republic of Germany for the extraordinary leadership that their countries have shown. in bringing to life an ambitious pact for the future. My special thanks goes also to the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Mr. Hollis. Together we are presenting the historic declaration of the future generations. This will help us make better decisions that safeguard the interests and needs of future generations. The summit of the future presents a crucial opportunity to get things right for both present and future generations. At a time of profound global change, we need to recommit to multilateral collaboration in tackling the world’s most pressing issues, such as climate change, gender inequality and poverty, and collectively maintain a laser-sharp focus on the long-term challenges that demand urgent action. This summit is a chance to commit to strengthening the multilateral system based on the international rule of law, while also pursuing necessary reforms to ensure it is fit for purpose, effective, responsive, inclusive and able to withstand future challenges. We should not forget what constitutes the fundamental principles of the United Nations architecture and its pillars of peace, security, development, human rights and the rule of law. The Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are the solid foundations on which our multilateral system of rights and obligations is built. Member States all stand to benefit from a shared commitment to uphold and respect these agreements. The Pact for the Future clearly delivers on essential elements that are important to countries with particular vulnerabilities, in areas like water management and food security. As a kingdom uniquely positioned on two continents and with a proven history of dealing with water, we are pleased to see that this pact effectively addresses elements that are also crucial to small island development states. We are also pleased that the pact emphasizes the need for continuous learning and exchange of knowledge. From defending ourselves against the sea with the Delta Work Projects to creating new lands like the province of Flevoland, the history of our kingdom is a testament to the power of collaboration and learning. Of course, water offers many opportunities and supports thriving economies sectors like tourism in the Caribbean as a part of the kingdom, where we from the Caribbean can offer crystal blue waters to attract our visitors. This pact for the future, supplemented by the Declaration on Future Generations, is another major step forward in making our multilateral system fit for the future. Your Excellencies, we now have the opportunity to prove that we can pass on a better, fairer and more sustainable future.

Chair: I now give the floor to Her Excellency Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia.

Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi: Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, Mr. President, Excellencies. Today the world faces significant challenges, geopolitical rivalries, gloomy economic recovery as well as climate and energy crisis. We cannot only address this issue through paradigm of collaboration. Sadly, we are seeing the opposite. Trust in multilateralism is fading and its effectiveness continues to be questioned. Fortunately, this summit offers an opportunity to restore trust and global solidarity and to chart a new course for the future. Indeed, the choices that we make in this hall will resonate for generations to come. For Indonesia, there are three strategic objectives that must be achieved. First, creating a lasting peace. Colleagues, peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of justice, stability and development. That peace can only thrive if we consistently uphold international law without double standard. In this context, the ongoing genocide by Israel must be stopped immediately. Enough is enough. Palestine’s right to a statehood must be fulfilled based on the two-state solution. Second, safeguarding right to development. Colleagues, there are no other option to achieve 2030 Agenda than to accelerate our collective efforts. The Global South has a right to be free from trade discrimination and debt traps. Gaps must be bridged so that no country will be left behind. Third, promoting an inclusive world order. We need a more adaptive, responsive and effective global governance, including by reforming the UN Security Council and international financial architecture. We cannot afford to wait any longer. We must push for a true and real reform, a reform that listens to the voices of developing countries and addresses their concerns. Mr. President, let us seize the momentum of this summit to build a future that we can all be proud of. A future that is just, equitable and sustainable for all humankind. To attain that, the pact of the future must not become a set of empty promises without tangible results on the ground. I thank you very much.

Chair: I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia. I now give the floor to His Excellency Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and Future of the United Arab Emirates.

Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi: President, ladies and gentlemen, as Minister for Development and the future of the government, I have the honor of representing the United Arab Emirates at this historic summit. I thank the Secretary General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, for his vision for a future of international multilateral cooperation. We applaud the efforts that he has made and that are being made by all of those participating in the negotiations to achieve the path for the future, as well as the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations. My country subscribes to the statement made by Madam Oubidja Badjana, the President of the G77 in China, and it’s my honor to make this statement in our national capacity. President, conflicts and crises are multiplying and are hindering progress and the attainment of peace and international security, and they are also hindering the SDGs. Given these increasing challenges, we must focus on the chances and the opportunities offered by international cooperation for a better future. The United Arab Emirates have been focusing on the future, and this is an example of success in international cooperation, and this is providing new opportunities for youth the world over. The situation across the world at this moment requires us to pull our efforts and for us to commit to respecting our commitments and for us to overcome. all the challenges we face. We must strengthen the United Nations Charter and the principles of multilateral international action. In this regard, my country wishes to extend the three following important messages. First of all, today’s summit is an historic opportunity to confirm our commitment to multilateral international cooperation and to overcome the major joint challenges we face. No country alone can overcome all of these challenges. For this reason, this summit is of the utmost importance because it provides us a common vision for the future based on the UN Charter. For international cooperation to succeed, we must listen to all points of view. The COP28 was hosted by the United Arab Emirates and that showed the strength of multilateralism. The agreement reached during that conference of the parties and it was adopted by 100 countries and 198 states. The second message, my country believes that we should prepare for the future. To do this, we need to use modern technology, in particular artificial intelligence whilst at the same time respecting the principles of tolerance and cooperation. To achieve the SDGs, we need to use this modern technology properly and that way it can help us to overcome major challenges and to achieve the SDGs. This technology is something that can help us to… strengthen cohesion, tolerance and can help us to counter hate speech. Furthermore, we need to strengthen creativity and innovation as well as cooperation in the realm of digital technology, cooperation between governments and different stakeholders to achieve a safe digital future where this technology is available to everyone and where nobody is left behind. We are committed to a vision for the future that is based on the global digital compact. The third message, we must do everything we can to preserve our planet for future generations. We must do absolutely everything to establish peace, security and prosperity. To achieve this, we need to listen to youth, to women and all segments of our societies when we are engaging in decision making and in particular those in regions suffering from difficult situations. We need to adopt a scientific approach and we have taken measures in the sectors of space and technology and in order to be ready for the future, the interpreters apologize, the microphone is cut off.

Chair: I now give the floor to His Highness Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia.

Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud: In the name of God, most merciful, most benevolent. May the peace and blessings of God be upon you. Ladies and gentlemen, At the outset, I should like to thank all of the facilitators for their cooperation with member states, with a view to achieving a consensus on the outcome document and the annexes thereto. My country has spared no effort participating actively in the negotiations. We did this because we’re convinced that we need to do everything to build a better world, a greener world. We must also promote multilateralism so as to effectively confront today’s challenges and future challenges, achieving peace and security for the benefit of future generations. The Pact for the Future is aligned with fundamental principles. It calls for an end to wars and an easing of geopolitical tensions, which only serve to broaden the divide between states and between peoples. In order to achieve the objectives set forth in the pact, we need to double our efforts so as to confront the various challenges and meet the needs of people all over the world. This pact marks a qualitative step forward in multilateral action. It promises a fair and equitable world order, a world order which promotes the implementation of the SDGs and meets the needs of all states, specifically developing countries. It is a pact which calls for the closing of the digital gap and which also promotes economic development in developing countries. My country has been working to strengthen multilateral cooperation. However, to achieve a brighter future, we must reform the UN system. This is a pressing matter. It is necessary to ensure that the organisation can shoulder its responsibility to uphold international peace and security. International institutions must be reformed. because currently they are not fit for purpose for meeting the challenges and addressing the humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine. This institution cannot hold the occupying power Israel to account following all of the atrocities that Israel has committed. Therefore, we must promote the pact for the future. Ladies and gentlemen, turning to climate change. My country is committed to a diversified approach that’s context-specific and tailored to the capacities of each and every country. We must bolster the following three points, energy security, economic development, and the mitigation of the effects of climate change. We need to ensure that our commitments enshrined in the Paris Agreement and the UNFCCC are upheld. We’ll be welcoming the next meeting of the UN Convention to Combat Diversification. This will be the 30th anniversary meeting of parties to the convention. My country is committed to meeting the SDGs and the objectives enshrined in the pact for the future. We’re going to make every effort to bolster cooperation. We hope that our collective efforts will allow us to uphold various values such as sovereignty and to build a better future for current and future generations.

Chair: I now give the floor to Her Excellency Luminița-Teodora Odobescu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Romania.

Luminița-Teodora Odobescu: Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, it is always the right time to think about the future. Today, it is the right time to start working for it, and to work on upgrading the United Nations to the same. Romania’s vision is clear. The pillars of our work – peace, human rights, and 2030 Agenda Implementation – they are more than needed and valid. The international rules-based order, which is under attack, should be at the core of our actions. We need global solutions to global challenges – climate change, digital transformation, disinformation. Now, how can we, together, better serve the needs and aspirations of future generations? First and foremost, the imperative for all its members to respect the international law, the principles, and the objectives on which the UN was built. It is a question of credibility, and it is the most basic commitment we were entrusted with by our citizens. The aggression against Ukraine is a painful reminder. Our societies are in need of peace. Wars, violence, human rights crises are taking away human dignity, drawing back economies, and ruining years of development. The solutions to these threats need to be rooted in the principles of international human rights and the rule of law. Accountability comes first. We need to ensure that aggression does not remain unpunished by the global community, especially when we speak about the crime of aggression. Romania supports the international efforts to address this issue. Second, never lose sight of tomorrow. This summit and its outcomes are already a big step to upgrade our work. The young generations need a healthy planet. Urgent action is needed to address critical challenges stemming from climate change. We also need to make better use of the opportunities by focusing more on education and by making the best and the right use of the digital transition. Technology is neutral. It is the purpose of its use which makes it wrong or right. We can use technology to support medical sector innovation or ease our struggle to fight climate change. Or, by contrary, one can misuse technology for haste speech and disinformation. This is why ensuring a human-centric approach is crucial. And we must ensure a free, open, and secure cyberspace. We need to make our work more accessible and always seek to engage more the civil society. This creates more legitimacy and more trust. It is a healthy reflex that can only bring benefits. We need better communication. In these deeply polarized times, people seek positive sources of identity. They seek to feel represented. Communication is key to reach people around the world, especially since UN projects bear a unique value of universality. Never lose sight of prevention. Whatever is linked to peace or protecting our planet, prevention is key. Ladies and gentlemen, all these elements, they factor in the reconnection we are seeking with our societies. And there is no other global organization to deliver them. It is now up to us to act and make the Pact for the Future a blueprint towards peaceful, just and prosperous societies where no one is left behind. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Romania. I now give the floor to His Excellency, Valdrack Jaentschke, Minister for Foreign Affairs for Nicaragua.

Valdrack Jaentschke: President of the General Assembly, it’s an honour to extend the regards of our President, Commander Daniel Ortega Saavedra, and our Vice-President Comrade Rosario Murillo Zambrana to you and to all of those present. We also extend our most heartfelt congratulations to you upon your election as President of the 79th session of the General Assembly. Your experience and your able leadership will ensure our discussions are a success and it’s a great point of pride for us to have a brother from the African continent heading up the work this year. The Government of Nicaragua is grateful for the organisation of this Summit for the Future to discuss solutions to build a better future and the search to ramp up efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to eradicate poverty. Developing countries are continuing to work on sustainable and innovative solutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in the midst of multiple economic crises. the negative impacts of climate change, imbalance and inequality, in access to technological progress and many other emerging challenges. It’s concerning that in our developing countries we continue to face the effects of crises that are mainly caused by the selfish and inhumane economic model that is hindering the development of our peoples, further accentuating extreme poverty, hunger and inequalities across the planet. Thus far, we, the countries that make up the Global South, have not seen or received an adequate or fair response from developed countries vis-à-vis the commitments made by them, or to respond to their historic responsibilities in the creation of the unfair conditions that have only generated and perpetuated inequalities and have often irreversibly affected the planet. Begin by recognising these responsibilities and establish a clear path towards fair reparations will enable us to address and to eradicate the side effects such as extreme poverty, inequality and political tensions and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. President, while we’re talking about and while we’re on the topic of obstacles we face in achieving a better future for our people, more than 30 countries, that is, more than a third of the world’s population are suffering on a daily basis from the imposition of illegal unilateral coercive measures. The negative consequences of these arbitrary and illegal actions on the development of the third of the world’s population is evident. It’s essential that we adopt a clear, unequivocal commitment without conditions to drive forward the right to development of all people in equal conditions. We must urgently undertake collective actions to strengthen international and multilateral governance that is inclusive in order to increase cooperation for developing countries, increasing the flow of official assistance, transfer of technology and capacity building among others. We are gathered here today not only to talk about the future but rather to build a future collectively. We require a global political pact to forge this common future consolidating the multipolar world that we’re building based on cooperation and not on aggression and based on the respect of international law, of sovereignty and the self-determination of peoples. A multipolar world that creates peace and well-being without exclusions or any type of impositions. A world that recognizes the rights of the state of Palestine as a free, sovereign and independent state. Thank you very much.

Chair: I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nicaragua. I now give the floor to His Excellency Vince Henderson, Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy of Dominica.

Vince Henderson: Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Commonwealth of Dominica. We align ourselves with the statement made by the group of 77 and China. The Commonwealth of Dominica welcomes this convening of the summit of the future. We also welcome the pact of the future which is the culmination of the global digital compact and the declaration of future generations. Indeed, the co-facilitators deserve high praise for the dedication that they have shown. to reaching consensus on these very demanding and equally important topics. Let there be no doubt that if there was any time for world leaders to coalesce and close ranks around multilateral fixes, that will deliver a better tomorrow. The time is now. Excellencies, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was set in what, looking back today, seemed like a completely different world. The convulsions that have upset the status quo of yesteryear seem to be prime candidates for explanations why attainment of the SDGs has been so unsatisfactory. However, the midpoint to any goal worth struggling for is a milestone. For example, the commitment to leaving no country behind in the pursuit and indeed attainment of the SDGs was a paradigm shift of great value for many, many other lines that facilitate exclusion. Be that as it may, we are now past the midpoint towards the attainment of those same SDGs. Bold actions to deliver the promises made are what it will take. Bold actions are therefore what must be taken. Inequality that characterizes the social distribution of valuable goods and services in such a manner and to such a degree as to divide humanity into the haves on the one hand and the have-nots on the other must be left on the dust heap of history the sooner the better. That, by the way, is one reason why the Global Digital Compact is so critical. It promises to help bring equity into the social distribution of digital technologies. which are such a critical input into so much economic value being created today. We say help, because we realize that if history has taught us any lesson at all where the fight for equality is concerned, it is that equality is not achieved by automatic means and attained forever. Equality is a distinctively human value, a superbly human pursuit, and its pursuit, and especially its maintenance, have to be the unending obsession of men and women of goodwill. Excellencies, having attained political independence in 1978, making our normative freedom a very short duration indeed, especially when compared to our overly long nightmare of conquest, colonization, slavery and neocolonialism, equality and standards of dignity for all our citizens were a gargantuan task. In fact, it is still unfinished business. However, we used our sovereignty and drew on our history to commit ourselves to healing the grievous injuries that history has inflicted upon us. With the support of our multilateral partners, we have pointed our spearheads at and leaned into the fight to eradicate poverty from among our people. Our fight to eradicate poverty has been multi-pronged and multi-dimensional, because poverty is a mighty foe. We have targeted the elderly, the uninsured, women, the differently abled, for example, with caring services, supportive services, housing services, basic health facilities and inclusion. We have targeted the very young. We have targeted as many as was possible, given our resources. It would, however, be misleading to give the impression that our effort has not been in vain. or suffered any reversal. Worthy of particular note is the onslaught of tropical weather patterns that visit their fury upon us every hurricane season. However, we are resilient people. In the words of the great Bob Marley, we are the survivors. And as long as we are here, we will fight for a more equitable world and a more peaceful world. I thank you.

Chair: I thank the distinguished representative of Dominica. I now give the floor to His Excellency Yvan Gil Pinto, Minister of the People’s Power for Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Yvan Gil Pinto: Mr. President, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is honored to take the floor on behalf of the group of friends in defense of the United Nations Charter. Mr. President, when we agreed on the modalities of the Summit to the Future, we were aware that the challenges that the international community was facing, which have only deepened, were interconnected. We also recognized that through enhanced solidarity and international cooperation, and through reinvigorated and more inclusive multilateralism with the United Nations at its core, we have the potential to not just meet, but also overcome the challenges of both the present and of the future. Paradoxically, at a time when increasing global interconnectedness demands greater pluralism, the world is witnessing a growing resort to unilateralism. This trend, marked by isolationist and arbitrary actions. including the imposition of unilateral coercive measures and the attempt to replace international law with an alleged rules-based order, are undermining crucial efforts to address our common challenges. We insist on the fact that true multilateralism and the application, without double standards, of the principles of the United Nations Charter are the crux of international relations and are required for peaceful co-existence among nations. Throughout negotiations of the Pact for the Future, we emphasise the importance of respecting both the letter and the spirit of the United Nations Charter, and the understanding that it is crucial that we commit to strengthening multilateralism and to preserving our organisation’s intergovernmental nature by refraining from the growing trends to replace, minimise or equate the central and leading role of states in the United Nations with that of non-state actors, most of which represent the interests of the developed world. Mr President, there will be no future without peace and there will be no peace without sustainable development, which requires, among other things, ensuring the realisation of the inalienable right of people to self-determination living under foreign and colonial occupation. The question of Palestine and the human tragedy unfolding in Gaza are a stark reminder of the vital importance of this timeless principle. Time to advance towards the elimination once and for all of colonialism in all of its forms and manifestations. It is our moral and ethical duty to conclude the pending decolonisation process around the world. In this context, we reiterate our appeal for a ceasefire in Gaza, as well as for justice and the end to the illegal Israeli occupation and our appeal. for the Security Council to fully shoulder its responsibilities including by favourably reconsidering the application of Palestine for fully-fledged membership of the United Nations. Remaining silent is not an option as this will only embolden the occupying power as it continues to commit grave violations of international law and complete impunity. In addition to peace, our people also deserve to live better and in this regard we are convinced that the right to development must be the ultimate goal of this organisation and our future depends on ensuring that our nations, particularly those of the Global South, get back on track towards the timely achievement of the SDGs. It is urgent, of course, to reform the international financial architecture currently designed to serve the interests of a model of subjugation and also ensure that states refrain from using unilateral coercive measures. It’s necessary to ensure a balanced realisation of the three pillars of the United Nations and to ensure a peaceful, prosperous, just and equitable world order in compliance and in strict adherence to the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter. Only the consolidation of friendly relations and cooperation among states will ensure peace, security, stability and the development of the international community as a whole. We regret that the Summit to the Future and its outcome documents may not have been as ambitious as we hoped in terms of turbocharging the 2030 Agenda, which continues to be on our compass. We reiterate our firm commitment to the Charter of the United Nations. And the microphone has been cut off.

Chair: I thank the Minister of the People’s Power for Foreign Affairs of Venezuela. I now give the floor to His Excellency Eduardo Enrique REINA García, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Honduras.

Eduardo Enrique REINA García: Mr. President, distinguished delegates, Since the beginning, the principles and aspirations of the founding charter of our organization have been inspired by the possibility of achieving a future of hope for humanity, that at that dark time had been knocked down by war, desolation and death. Today, Honduras is firmly convinced that a better world with opportunities for all is possible and in line with our aspirations, we remain convinced that reaffirming peace and international security are without a doubt the norms that we need to achieve peaceful coexistence between nations. Peace has come here to the summit of the future, motivated by our aspiration to contribute to the achievement of the goals set out in the path of the future that has already been adopted. And that’s something that we don’t only fully share, but also we are on board with this because it is in line with the goals and the plan of the government, who has also warned about the risk caused by external debt to our countries and has established the need to build a new international financial architecture focused on productive development with social inclusion. We believe that this is the right time for the United Nations Secretary-General to organize a summit whose goal is to reaffirm peace and international security in the framework of the path of the future when we’re seeing huge tragedies like the tragedy faced by the Palestinian people. It’s therefore necessary to reaffirm the need for constructive dialogue and to establish a roadmap that helps to strengthen this dialogue and makes it possible for more stability in the global order. Therefore, we believe that it is urgent to build a society with gender equality to achieve true social justice. In the same vein, it is necessary to promote a reform of the UN system. When it comes to the Security Council, it is necessary to make it more democratic in order to re-establish respect for international law and build a new political and economic order. That is able to deal with the self-determination of the peoples of the global south. It is necessary to do this to achieve global peace. Therefore, when making the commitment that we are making here at this summit, we must address things through dialogue, through the establishment of trust, trust of our peoples in this organisation when it comes to dealing with great challenges such as the environment, the fight against corruption, the fight for institutionality to change the planet. This future of hope is still within our grasp and to consolidate peace and international security. It is doable and today we continue to work as a member of this organisation to defend multilateralism and calling out the fact that unilateralism is still present in this organisation, we need to work for a more human, collective world where we work together, a world that helps to combat poverty across the world. The right of peoples to development is important and it is something that we must respect. We must continue to turn this organization into a strong organization despite the great challenges and threats that we still face in our planet. Thank you very much.

Chair: I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Honduras. I now give the floor to His Excellency Alva Romanus Baptiste, Minister for External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs of St. Lucia.

Alva Romanus Baptiste: Mr. President, distinguished members of this August Assembly, Victor Hugo said, and I quote, there is nothing else in the world more powerful as an idea whose time has come, unquote. The idea that underpins the overarching purpose of this summit, multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow is one born not only out of the urgent demands of a cascading crisis of our time, but it is the core principle of this global assembly of nations. The idea that we must forge a new international consensus to deliver a better present and safeguard the future is a categorical imperative. Mr. President, the time has come. St. Lucia continues to diligently chart a sustainable development path at a time when the world faces many global risks and challenges, as well as remarkable opportunities. We remain firm believers in the power of multilateralism and the hope it offers to deliver actions that address the critical priorities of our times. These solutions require both a unified and resolute international community and an efficient multilateral system. Mr. President, the time has come. The power of the covenant of the future lies not in the text we have adopted, but in its application, in the implementation of its commitment, when we turn those words into action. We have the power to fundamentally address the systematic challenges that have plagued the multilateral system for decades. We have the power to transform global governance, to respond to a rapidly changing global environment. Mr. President, the time has come. St. Lucia’s aspirations for the future are focused on ensuring meaningful sustainable development with a deliberate emphasis on people at the center of development and creating opportunities for the youth. A ministry of the youth economy has been created to drive resilient prosperity in keeping with our development strategy, aimed at delivering economic growth, diversification and decent work. We are committed to doing our part and look to the multilateral system for the necessary support. Mr. President, the time has come. Our most valiant national efforts and ambitions continue to be tempered by economic, social, environmental, as well as geopolitical threats. are so immense they can only be ameliorated by a re-energized enabling environment that gives meaningful effect to our sustainable development. Mr. President, the time has come. Despite our vulnerability to external shocks and our fragile land and marine ecosystems that continue to be ravaged by the impacts of the climate crisis, St. Lucia continues to be solutions focus. Small island developing states have provided the international community with a new 10 year action plan in the Antigua and Barbuda agenda for seeds which provides an action-oriented blueprint to meet the global ambition of building more resilient economies and fostering prosperous and sustainable seeds societies. Mr. President, the time has come. In our interdependent world, no country can solve global issues alone. The time has come for all partners to consider ways in which the benefits and burdens of a globalized world can be more fairly shared across countries and populations. The time has come for us to truly reinvent not only the structures but also restore the trust needed for effective global governance. The time has come for us to deepen partnerships and place solidarity at the center of international cooperation. Mr. President, I yield the floor. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Minister for External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs of St. Lucia. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Djibouti.

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf: Mr. President, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, At the outset, allow me to express our profound gratitude to the co-facilitators, Germany and our own Namibia, for masterfully steering the work that led to the adoption of a bold and ambitious Pact of the Future. While recognizing the many challenges and the constraints that our organization faces, we indeed agree that we are at a moment of hope and opportunity. We are all by now acutely aware of the risks that erosion of multilateralism entails and the cost of inaction. We are grateful for the Secretary-General’s contribution and the elaboration of the landmark report, our Common Agenda, as well as the various thematic policy briefs in response to the request by world leaders. The ideas and insights contained in this report offered a useful basis for discussions among Member States. We can’t thank him enough for sharing his vision for a better, more integrated and more impactful and more networked multilateralism. Mr. President, it is imperative, urgent and crucial that we achieve consensus on a set of measures which can advance global governance that is fit for the future. Djibouti and, indeed, African countries shared with UN Member States our vision for our continent’s renaissance and roadmap for realizing it. We have worked off that same map while engaging in negotiations on the summit of the future with Member States. The ambition we have is that of a United Nations that plays a leading and strengthened role. We envision the reform of global governance to be bold. and transformative. The international financial architecture must address existing inequities and be better aligned with today’s world. The burden of debt of African countries is increasing unsustainably so. It is exacerbated by unfair trade regimes as well as political strings attached. This has significantly circumscribed the political and budgetary room for manoeuvre of African states. The response has been inadequate given the scale of the problem and the urgency of the problem. According to the Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, a global safety net has not been created for developing states. We need adequate funding in order to be able to achieve the SDGs to fairly protect states against systemic shocks and to make financial systems more stable. President, in order to restore trust we have to rethink and redefine global governance that can serve as a framework for the establishment of a fairer, more equitable and effective multilateral system. Africa remains severely underrepresented in various international financial institutions. The highest number of programs at the IMF are African. However, only 6.5 percent of the vote share is African. We must collectively recommit to the Charter of the United Nations, in particular its purposes and principles and reaffirm the primacy of conflict prevention and peaceful settlement of disputes. We must reject power politics and promote adherence to the Charter Specifically, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and political independence of UN member states in our efforts to maintain international peace and security. The concerns that have motivated the Charter remain salient today, over seven decades later. The eruption of new crises in many places in the world, the challenges the world faces in the global arms control and non-proliferation emerging threats, including the use of nuclear weapons, is today a reality. Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, the reform of the UN Security Council must be accelerated as part of the new order we are aiming for to make that body more representative and rectify the injustice done to Africa and other regional groups. I thank you for your attention.

Chair: I thank the Minister of Planning, International Cooperation of Djibouti, I now give the floor to Minister of Planning and International Cooperation of Jordan

Zeina Toukan: and the Global JGTEL Compact, the opportunity for us to galvanize international commitments and adopt a solid and clear roadmap that will help us work together effectively to accelerate SDGs, tackle critical challenges, while preparing for a more resilient future for generations to come. Allow me here to commend the efforts of the co-facilitators for leading the process that got us here today and in bringing the pact successfully to a conclusion. The clock is ticking with only six more years on the 2030 agenda and trillions of dollars worth of financing and investment still needed. Multiple crises have had a substantial impact on developing countries’ socioeconomic performance and on their ability to meet SDGs. The scarring effects of the pandemic, protracted crises, geopolitical tensions, and the growing climate chaos are hitting the global development agenda really hard. And whilst performance on the SDGs varies by country and region, just like the 17 SDGs themselves, performance across the globe is also integrated, and delayed action within a single country affects the global outcomes. Global development must therefore be balanced for it to become more effective and impactful. In this respect, allow me to reiterate a few points. The importance of taking concrete and tangible steps for countries and people to regain trust in the multilateral system and international cooperation. We have now an opportunity to achieve a more efficient and inclusive multilateral system that reflects the realities of today and delivers for the future. Enhancing financing for development to deliver scale and impact, concessional, innovative, adequate, and unpredictable financing modalities are still urgently needed to fuel the development engines and create growth momentums. The international financing architecture must be a tool to remedy disproportionate burdens, not exacerbate their disparity. Reforming the multilateral financial system to become more responsive and equitable is still needed to enhance the voice of developing countries in global governance, build resilience, respond to economic and climate shocks, and invest in sustainable development while producing timely results. Only by overcoming disparities can we not only harness the benefits of digital technologies and AI, but also manage risk and in a way that leaves no one behind. Today’s adoption of the Global Digital Compact represents a new milestone of the global digital ecosystem and has the potential to create a more inclusive and effective governance system within this sphere. Youth deserve a better future, a future of justice, peace, and opportunities. With the adoption of the Declaration on Future Generations, efforts should continue to be geared towards in creating necessary platforms to expand and strengthen youth participation in the decision-making processes, both at country and global levels, to better utilize them in shaping the future that they aspire to. As we collectively work to catch up on the lost time and accelerate progress, we cannot forget the most vulnerable, especially in conflict-ridden countries and regions. The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, as a result of the Israel’s barbaric war on the Palestinian people, has become unimaginable. The killing of more than 41,000 civilians, the vast majority of whom are women and children, the mass destruction and forced displacement is a testament to the brutality of this war that is creating a lost generation deprived of peace, hope, and opportunities. A just and lasting peace is the only path to ending this conflict, once for and for all, a peace that will ensure a viable and independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital. It is therefore important to renew the commitments to the UN Charter to ensure no double standards in adhering to international law as well as to international humanitarian law. We must strive to revitalize and strengthen the work of the General Assembly and focus on reforming the Security Council in a way that reflects the realities of today’s work and its role in promoting international peace and security in a way that ensure effectiveness and the ability of these bodies to fulfill their mandate. Excellencies, ladies, and gentlemen, the summit is our chance to get back on track. To deliver on it, we need to stay united. Jordan looks forward to being part of these collective efforts to achieve the desired goals. Thank you.

Chair: I thank Her Excellency, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation of Jordan. I now give the floor to His Excellency, Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

Maris Sangiampongsa: Mr. President, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Humanity today stands at the inflection point, which is mainly of our own making. Advances in technologies and innovations have brought the world closer together, yet misinformation and disinformation have pushed us further apart. The world economies and global wealth are expanding, yet inequalities and injustice persist. Threats to peace and to the environment are present everywhere, but so too are ideas to address them. This Summit of the Future, Mr. President, offers us the hope to steer our course towards a better future. With this Summit, we are presented with the opportunities to forge not just the future we want, but the future that humanity needs. What kind of future am I talking about? First is a future where all can be protected. And that protection starts with heeding the call in the paths of the future for a fundamental shift in the way we approach growth. Thailand’s sufficiency economy philosophy, our locally driven people-centered and planet-centric development approach, prioritizes the sustainable use of our planet’s resources and teaches us to live harmoniously and in balance with nature because without sustainability there is no future. However, sustainable development can never be realized in the midst of discrimination and division or through the ravages of conflict. Towards this end, Thailand is fully committed to the reform of the United Nations, including Security Council, so that the UN can truly represent the interests of all countries and the Council will be more effective in maintaining international peace and security. We also need to overcome the challenges of illicit drugs and transnational crimes, including cybercrime. We will work with all partners to enhance the United Nations’ role as an actor of peace and sustainability that takes into account the interests of the developing countries. Second is the future where all can prosper. At the heart of prosperity is equitable access to resources. Quality education, health care, and employment opportunities must be readily available to all. This also includes bridging the gender gap and the digital divide to ensure that technologies contribute to inclusive prosperity. Therefore, Thailand supports the Global Digital Compact’s call to bridge the science, technologies, and innovation gap between and within the countries. Further, Thailand recognizes that human rights is the foundation to build a prosperous future for all. It is for these reasons that we have presented our candidature for the United Nations Human Rights Council for the terms 2025 to 2027. We are committed to ensuring that everyone has equal access to fundamental needs to prosper and enhance their livelihoods. As we look towards the future, we must ensure that no one and no country is left behind. Third is the future that is promising for all. This begins with recognizing the role of youth, the true bearers of change. We must prioritize their engagement, empower their voices, and invest in their potential. With this in mind, Thailand is proud to have youth delegates joining our national delegations to UNGA so that they can actively participate in shaping the future they envision.

Chair: I thank Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. I now give the floor to His Excellency, Sergey Khomenko. Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus.

Sergey Khomenko: Madam President, Distinguished Delegates, The Republic of Belarus welcomes the SG’s initiative. The initiative being to convene a Summit of the Future. We believe this event is an opportunity to revive multilateral cooperation at a time of mounting contradictions in global politics. Indeed, the world is being held hostage by the egotistical approaches adopted by Western countries. They are underpinned by their desire to secure their own interests at the expense of the interests of other countries. It is necessary to stop this trend in its tracks and pull the world back from the brink. This is only possible if there is political will. We call on all states to exhibit such political will and to kick-start a global dialogue on security following the spirit of San Francisco. This is an idea that the President of the Republic of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, put forward seven years ago already. The objective of such a dialogue would be to craft a common constructive basis for the building of a new, fair, multipolar world order. As the head of my country said in his message to the Secretary General of the United Nations, and here I quote, we believe that the value of the Summit of the Future lies in the fact that it’s an opportunity, yet another opportunity, to agree on action in all areas where this is possible. End of quote. We’re convinced that even in these testing times, United Nations member states can and should work to effectively address challenges and threats we all face. We hope that the summit of the future will give additional impetus in this direction, especially in those areas which it directly relates to. Furthermore, such impetus is all the more necessary given the paltry Global Sustainable Development Goal implementation results so far. On this note, I’d like to say about the work underway in my country on this front. On the whole, Belarus has achieved notable successes. Our achievements hinge on two factors. First, Belarus is genuinely committed to sustainable development. As a consequence, we’re working in a concerted fashion to uphold our international obligations. Second, we’ve built a strong people-centred state which is implementing effective policies that are human-centric. We have a state that works for the people in the name of humanity. Our successes have been confirmed by international ratings. The Republic of Belarus has been making steady progress on SDG implementation at the level of 80%. And, in fact, we’re ranked 30th in the world on SDG achievement. According to UNDP reports, the Republic of Belarus remains firmly in the High Human Development Index category. In June, we held the second National Forum on Sustainable Development where we took stock of what’s been done so far and agreed on additional steps to accelerate SDG achievement. The outcome of the forum is an official document of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly. And I invite all those interested to read that document. Distinguished Summit participants, Belarus is unswervingly moving forward and this despite serious obstacles that are being erected by Western countries. via the imposition of unprecedented sanctions. There can be no doubt about it. Sanctions are one of the most serious barriers to sustainable development on our planet. Sanctions violate the UN Charter. Sanctions thwart food security and environmental security, especially in the least developed countries. Sanctions restrict access to financial markets and goods markets as well as transport infrastructures. Sanctions are a dead-end street. Last but not least, sanctions simply are at odds with common sense. Given our planet’s growing interdependence, sanctions have global negative effects. They impact all of us, including those countries which impose sanctions. One of the most important outcomes of the summit should be the following conclusion. A civilized future is wholly incompatible with illegal sanctions. Another key aspect I wanted to touch upon is that some states are spending billions buying and supplying weapons in order to ignite conflicts. Wouldn’t these funds be better spent to eradicate on eradicating poverty and hunger on achieving the SDGs, especially in those countries which acutely need assistance? After all, the interpreter apologizes, the speaker’s microphone has been cut off. The speaker’s microphone has been cut off.

Chair: I give the floor. I thank the Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Republic of National Assembly of Republic Belarus. I now give the floor to His Excellency Osman Saleh Mohammed, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Eritrea.

Osman Saleh Mohammed: Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. President, at the onset, allow me to express our appreciation to the co-facilitators of the Pact of the Future, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations at this summit. I also extend my gratitude to His Excellency António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, for convening this crucial summit of the future. In an increasingly interconnected world, no nation can stand alone in the face of the shared challenges. This gathering is a testament of our collective commitment to addressing the profound challenges facing our world today, and to shaping a future that is just, sustainable and inclusive for all. We must work together, guided by the principles of mutual respect, equity and international cooperation. The United Nations remains the primary forum for such collaboration, where every nation, regardless of size or power, has an equal voice. The respect for national sovereignty and the right to self-determination are fundamental principles that must underpin our international order. It is the prerogative of all nations. to pursue their own development paths free from external interference and unilateral coercive economic measures. True partnership should be rooted in equality and respect, not in dominance and imposition. Eritrea reaffirms its unwavering support for genuine multilateralism and intergovernmental processes as the cornerstone of our global governance system. Mr. President, it cannot be emphasised enough that the importance of peace and security as prerequisites for sustainable development. At the global, regional and sub-regional levels, we are witnessing first-hand the devastating impacts of conflicts and instabilities. The International Committee should resort to peaceful resolution prioritising diplomacy over force. To collectively address the global challenge, the international governance institutions must be referred to be more inclusive, representative and accountable. This includes reforming the Security Council, democratising international financial institutions and ensuring that the voices of developing countries are heard and respected. We are utterly dismayed that the efforts of the Member States, especially countries from the Global South, were not able to have a strong language on the much-needed reform of the current international financial architecture. In the age of digital transformation, the potential of technology to drive progress and innovation is immense. However, we must also be vigilant against its misuse and abuse for malicious purposes. An international legal framework must be put in place to ensure technology serves humanity and is shared equitably, and to protect against threats of cybercrime. Eritrea is, Mr. President, Eritrea is strongly committed to the principles of sustainable development and to combating the existential threats posed by climate change. As a country on the front line of climate impact, we understand the urgent need for action and we call for enhanced global solidarity, particularly in supporting vulnerable nations through capacity building.

Chair: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As soon as the microphone is cut off, I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Eritrea. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Penny Wong, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Australia.

Penny Wong: Seventy-nine years ago, we established the United Nations, agreeing on a vision to protect all of the world’s peoples and the sovereignty of all nations, a vision for a world where no country dominates and no country is dominated. Yet these ideals endure more in promise than in practice. Our shared challenges are only getting bigger, but trust that this UN system can deliver for everyone continues to decline. As our challenges evolve, the UN has not evolved with them. The Pact for the Future is a sign of what we can still achieve together, but our inability to agree on so many issues prevents us from addressing today’s challenges. We need to reform the UN system. But reform cannot become a means for disruptors to undermine elements of the United Nations that protect us all. It must be about meeting the needs of all countries, including small and medium countries, rather than increasing the power of a few. We need a reformed UN Security Council that includes representation from Africa, Latin America and the Asia-Pacific, and where small states see their interests reflected and voices heard. We need stronger peacebuilding and conflict prevention architecture, and we need to strengthen resolve to achieve peace in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan. Friends, last month we marked the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, a reminder of a time when the international community agreed rules to limit human suffering in conflict. We are falling short of that commitment. With 2024 shaping up to be the deadliest year on record for humanitarian personnel, Australia has listened to humanitarian leaders’ calls for greater protection of aid workers, and we are taking action. This week we are convening ministers and humanitarian leaders to begin work on a new declaration for the protection of humanitarian personnel, just as we are listening to our friends in the developing world and we are taking action. With just over five years to 2030, we are falling behind collectively on the SDGs. over a third of them stalled or regressing, climate change upending development gains and finance targets not being met. Australia has listened to calls from Pacific Island nations for breakthroughs on climate change and together we have taken action. Australia and Tuvalu’s Falapili Union is the first time two nations have recognised in a legally binding treaty continuing statehood and sovereignty notwithstanding the impacts of climate change related sea level rise. Australia has listened to calls to advance the multi-dimensional vulnerability index and the Bridgetown initiative and we have taken action. We will offer climate resilient debt clauses in our sovereign loans by the end of 2025 to help developing countries build economic resilience in the face of climate change and other shocks, resist coercion and focus on delivering for their citizens. Australia has listened to calls for smarter and greater financing and we have taken action. This year we have committed 492 million dollars to the Asian Development Fund replenishment round working with Japan to unlock a record five billion dollars in new assistance over the next decade to the region’s most vulnerable countries. Australia has listened to calls to lessen the digital divide and we have taken action. We are building sustainable South-South connectivity via submarine cables across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. So in this and in many other ways we are working, Australia is working to deliver on the pact for the future and we will continue to act because the United Nations cannot reform itself. This is a job for all of us collectively as member states. It is up to us, our summit, our United Nations, our future. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia. I now give the floor to His Excellency Ahmed Attaf, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the national community abroad of Algeria.

Ahmed Attaf: Thank you. I would like to extend my gratitude for the holding of this summit. We would like to applaud the very positive momentum that has been built up around this valuable initiative put forward by the United Nations Secretary-General. This momentum is synonymous with hope, hope that the United Nations organization will take charge and shoulder its responsibility as an inclusive forum for achieving consensus, bringing together member states to confront various challenges. Indeed, the international community today more than ever needs to wake up in order to take stock of the challenges we face. The international community, our community, needs to rise up more than ever and right now to confront the various dangers lurking all over the world. I’m referring to, for instance, crises and wars which are getting worse and growing in number day by day. I’m also referring to development gaps, which are only getting deeper. Moreover, there’s climate change and environmental dangers which have reached unprecedented levels. On this note, Algeria would like to welcome the qualitative outcomes of the summit. We are committed to contributing to the implementation of the conclusions we’ve reached. Furthermore, my country believes that a serious process must be begun so as to strike the necessary balance in international relations across all of its dimensions, political, economic and social. The current imbalance is a source of very serious tension, upheaval, all of which are thwarting international relations, especially as regards the marginalization of developing countries, notably African countries and in the Security Council in particular, but also in various international financial and monetary institutions and international institutions generally speaking. We stand convinced that the United Nations organization is absolutely vital. It cannot be replaced. Nonetheless, at the same time, we believe that the organization requires reform. Reform that would ensure continuity, but also that the organization adapts to rise up to the challenges. Such a reform would restore the organisation to its vital role as the beating heart of international diplomacy and multilateral action. We need a reform that would allow the UN to respond to the aspirations of current and future generations, and to do so equitably and wholly. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the national community abroad of Algeria. I now give the floor to His Excellency Bakhtiyor Saidov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Bakhtiyor Saidov: Dear Madam President, Honourable Heads of Delegations, Colleagues. First of all, allow me to extend our deepest gratitude to the UN Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, for organising this pivotal summit. This forum is both timely and extremely important. Our world stands at a critical juncture marked by global instability and uncertainty. In such a defining moment, we must reflect on the legacy that we will leave for future generations. To effectively address the challenges before us, we must reform global governance systems and enhance multilateral institutions. We firmly believe that the United Nations which has no alternative in the world, must remain the central organization in addressing the global challenges. Uzbekistan fully supports the Pact for the Future. We are committed to implementing its principles in collaboration with our partners. Under the leadership of the President of Uzbekistan, His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev, we are consistently implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. Uzbekistan has made substantial progress in reducing poverty, promoting gender equality, and advancing climate resilience. We are determined to double our GDP by 2030 and achieve upper-middle income status. Stability and openness are the hallmarks of modern Central Asia. Today, our region faces significant challenges affecting our stability and development. Digital technologies are shaping our future. We must not allow the digital transition to become a new source of global inequality. Uzbekistan fully supports the UN Secretary General’s initiative for an annual digital cooperation forum and the establishment of a high-level advisory body on artificial intelligence. Climate change demands urgent and collective action. Central Asia has long faced the impacts of global warming caused by water scarcity, environmental degradation, and loss of biodiversity. The Aral Sea disaster continues to have a significant impact on the ecosystems of all states in the region. Uzbekistan is undertaking substantial measures to enhance environmental sustainability. In 2025, we plan to organize a climate forum in Samarkand. and invite everyone to actively participate in this event. We have made tangible progress in advancing gender equality, protecting the rights and interests of women. Uzbekistan is among the top five countries that have achieved the greatest success in implementing reforms in this field. Youth is the foundation of our shared future. Human development is a key focus of our strategy for building a new Uzbekistan, our country among the top ten states in implementing the UN Youth Strategy 2030. We will continue to prioritize youth development in alignment with the UN strategy. The development of transport corridors is a crucial step toward accessing the global markets. Central Asia is once again becoming a key transportation hub between East and West. Together with our partners, we are creating modern transportation routes and implementing projects to access global markets. One of the key projects is the construction of the Trans-Afghan Railway, which will provide access to international ports and is significant in the region’s economic development. Lastly, Afghanistan remains a critical concern. This country is an integral part of Central Asia. Uzbekistan is engaged in pragmatic efforts to support Afghanistan’s recovery and development. We emphasize the UN’s crucial role in coordinating international approaches to this issue.

Chair: The Summit of the Future is taking place at a time of profound changes. Uzbekistan is committed to active multilateral engagement and supporting the central role of the UN in achieving our common goals.

Bakhtiyor Saidov: I thank you for your attention.

Chair: I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan. I now give the floor to His Excellency Péter Szijjártó, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary.

Péter Szijjártó: Madam Ambassador, dear colleagues, Your Excellencies, I regret to start with the fact that since the conclusion of the Second World War, the security situation of the world is now the most deteriorating. Threat of terror has been increasing. Illegal migratory flows are putting a huge challenge to many countries. And there are wars or armed conflicts going on in more than 30 places of the world. In order to be able to tackle these extremely serious challenges, we need to change international politics fundamentally. What would be the fundamental change? International politics should come back to the basis of mutual respect, and dialogue should be the major tool. Nowadays, unfortunately, if you represent a position out of the mainstream, you are immediately stigmatized. If you stand up for your national interest, if you express a sovereign opportunity, you are immediately accused and attacked, either politically, legally, or sometimes even physically, as it has been experienced in this very country, or in our neighbor, Slovakia. The saddest thing is… that international liberal mainstream made the word peace as a cuss word, at least in Europe. European politicians usually argue in favor of diplomacy and peaceful solutions of certain wars if they are far away of Europe. But nowadays, unfortunately, a war is going on in Europe, and those who argue in favor of peace are immediately stigmatized, attacked and criticized. If it continues as it has been going on, future will be really sad, as there are two sad scenarios ahead of us. The risk of the outbreak of the third world war is becoming more and more serious, or the world is heading towards an age where the world is going to be divided into blocks again. And myself, coming from Hungary, from Central Europe, a region which has suffered a lot under the age when the world was divided into blocks. We lost four decades of our lives at that time. And I do believe it’s not a wonder after this that we don’t want this age, the age of the world being divided into blocks, to come back. We want that the next decades would be characterized by connectivity and fair international cooperation. Because unlike the world divided into blocks, when the age was about connectivity, we had really great experience. When it was even realistic to speak about the chance of a Eurasian cooperation from Lisbon to Vladivostok, if these times could come back, I think the whole world would take a lot of profit out of it. And I do believe, Madam Ambassador, dear colleagues, that the United Nations should play a huge role to this direction. Because I’d like to remind all of you, United Nations was not established to be a group of like-minded countries. United Nations was established as a platform where everyone can talk to everyone about everything. And I do believe that United Nations should gain back this function of it. Because my question is, where should we speak about peace if not here? Where should countries talk to each other who are in a hostile situation with each other if not here? What would be the other platform? What would be the other venue? Therefore, we don’t accept any kind of restrictions with whom to meet, and which topic to be discussed, or which topic not to be discussed. Madam Ambassador, we Hungarians are a Central European peace-loving nation. And what I can promise to you is the following, that we Hungarians will do our best to make the next period, to make the future as a period, as an age of peace, where international cooperation is fair and peaceful, where the word peace is not a cuss word, and where no one should be stigmatized who stands up for peace. Thank you so much.

Chair: I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Hungary. I now give the floor to His Excellency Rafaravavitafika Rasata, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Madagascar.

Rafaravavitafika Rasata: Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, Heads of Delegation, Madam Ambassador, ladies and gentlemen, for me it’s a great honor to take the floor before you on behalf of His Excellency Mr. Andrew Rajlina, President of the Republic of Madagascar, and to extend you his most heartfelt regards. It’s also a real point of pride for the whole of the Madagascan nation, in particular for all of the young people of Madagascar, to contribute to building our common future. While we are blazing the trail of our future actions, I wish to welcome the effective and able leadership of the co-facilitators, Namibia and Germany, in the negotiations that led to the adoption of the Pact for the Future and its two annexes, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations. Madagascar aligns its voice with the statement made by the representative of the G77 and by the representative of the African Group. Madam Ambassador, Madagascar is a young country. Two-thirds of our population, that is 70.6% of our population, is under the age of 30. In Madagascar, our youth is aware of the responsibilities that weigh upon them and of the challenges that they face. We also firmly believe in our ability to bring solutions. This year, to mark the participation of youth in this historic summit, we have launched a vast campaign called Let Us Give the Voice to the Future, in all regions of our country, to make sure that we hear. Our young people have shared their vision to find their priorities, and through the Youth Declaration, they are calling for the inclusion of youth in public policy so that their aspirations for the future are taken into account, the valuing of their skills by promoting entrepreneurship and job creation, and participation in decision-making processes and involvement in high-level bodies. Excellencies, Madam Ambassador, we are all here for a reason, that is to find solutions for today and for tomorrow. Climate change, inequalities, armed conflicts, pandemics, all of these crises require collective action, courageous action for all of us, leaving nobody behind. It is distressing to see that six years from 2030, only 10% of these Sustainable Development Goals have been reached. If we do have an ambition to leave a better world to our descendants, let us dare to take the right measures, let us respect our commitments, and let us act to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. President Madagascar knows what vulnerability is. Every day we experience the impact of climate change. Nevertheless, we are not losing hope. We believe, and we have faith, in the strength of international cooperation. This Summit of the Future is the opportunity to reinvent our collective approach. We have the responsibility and the duty to rethink multilateralism. It needs to be more inclusive, more equitable and more dynamic, so that the nation’s future is a better place. needs of vulnerable countries, developing island countries, are born in mind. Today, more than ever, we must respect the commitments that we’ve made, in particular, the Paris Agreement for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions or the Declaration on Climate, Children and Youth to invest in peace, in sustainable development, and in justice. Excellencies, Madagascar is advocating for international cooperation focused on inclusive actions, a multilateral system that is more fair and more representatives that take account of the interests of future generations. His Excellency, the President of the Republic, Andry Rajoelina, likes to say that Africa is not a problem. Africa is the solution. And the solutions that we want to bring in to deal with current challenges must be engaged in with Africa and with Africa’s youth. Thank you.

Chair: I thank Your Excellency, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Madagascar. I now give the floor to His Excellency Justin Tkatchenko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Papua New Guinea.

Justin Tkatchenko: Madam President, Excellencies, all protocols observed. Madam President, we welcome and strongly support the Landmark Pact for the Future. And it’s accompanying global digital pact and declaration on future generations adopted yesterday in the General Assembly. This pact is complementary to the Pact This pact is complementary to Papua New Guinea’s own vision 2050. where we want to see a middle-income country that is peaceful, prosperous and caring. It also underscores the multilateralism under the United Nations and is crucially important for all humanity. This deserves our strongest support going forward. As leaders of our peoples in countries, we now need real and genuine action to translate the Pact for the Future and its accompanying outcome documents to benefit in an inclusive, fair and just way for all of us. We do not need reticent statements that undermine privileges and lacklustre progress for the Sustainable Development Goals at just 17% seen globally, including in my own country, which demands that we all must do better. Despite notable strides in recent years in areas such as health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, governance, justice, peace and security, Papua New Guinea recognises that we can do better in delivery on these SDGs and we are working hard on it. Improving national leadership, board-based and inclusive people-centred development approach with better national coordination and coherence, strong governance supported by effective implementation of our national development priorities and roadmaps knowing as a middle-term development plan is a step in the right direction in improving our people’s livelihoods going forward. We need a global financial architecture that puts people’s lives and livelihoods first over profit or self-interest. We remain serious and we’re concerned that the climate finance we need is not happening at the speed and scale in some cases. Like in our own country, there is hardly a trickle. We need better support on this front from multilateral systems established for it. My government is now embarking on industrialization through downstream processing of our natural resources to value-add, benefit fairly from our national assets. We therefore welcome bonafide development partnership that is not detrimental but rather aligned with our national development priorities. This includes efforts to bridge the digital divide between and within countries where sharing of technical technology and knowledge and technical capacity in building and supporting and fostering nation development whilst preventing its misuse and abuse is also desired. This is why we are investing heavily in our ITC sector, therefore supporting of our global digital compact. Ms. Madam President, the pact for the future emphasizes on the importance of peace and security at all levels to do better, safeguard humanity in the right decision, especially in a world that is under serious threat from other conflicts and tensions that abound. We must rally together for peace and security to enable us to deliver on the promise of our SDGs and the pact for the future. On our part, Papua New Guinea has as the highest priority peace and security for our development. agenda. We recognize that without peace and security, there is no sustainable development. That is why we are committed to the pact for the future. And I thank you, Madam President, Bama Huta, Emel, and thank you, TRU.

Chair: I now give the floor to His Excellency Frederick Makamure Shava, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe.

Frederick Makamure Shava: Madam President, Excellencies, and all protocols observed, I commend the Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, for his visionary leadership in initiating the summit of the future. I also commend the presidents of the General Assembly of the Republic of Namibia and the Federal Republic of Germany for providing leadership in the drafting of the pact of the future. The theme of the summit is both relevant and timely. The summit of the future is an opportunity for us to discuss the old, the new, and emerging challenges facing the world, and to renew our commitment to multilateralism. As we navigate these challenging times, effective global cooperation is imperative if we are to attain sustainable peace and inclusive socio-economic development. Madam President, the 23rd Agenda the Paris Agreement, including the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, clearly focus on the what in terms of the goal setting our commitments. Now it is time for us to focus on the how. We can all effectively work together to meet those commitments and tackle the most pressing issues while preparing for a more resilient future that leaves no one and no place behind. Running behind the reform of the global governance systems, including global financial institutions, and the United Nations Security Council is a fundamental starting point. It is reformed institutions that are fit for contemporary challenging times that will assist developing countries to meet our common goals. It is equally imperative that developed countries provide a comprehensive package of support for developing countries to enable them to transition to greater economies. This must include financial resources, technology transfer, capacity building initiatives, excellencies. Given the current geopolitical contestations and increasing conflicts, it is imperative that the role and capacity of the United Nations in preventive diplomacy and conflict resolution be strengthened. The need to include women and youths in the peace and security agenda cannot be overemphasized. Zimbabwe therefore supports the new agenda for peace as proposed by the United Nations Secretary General. and a sense ready to play its part in this regard. Madam President, the need for political will is paramount if the implementation of the outcomes of this summit are to be actualized. It will be critically important to focus on vulnerable countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries like Zimbabwe, and small island developing states in line with the cardinal principle of leaving no one and no country behind. Success should be measured in terms of the extent to which any interventions reach those in hard to reach areas and who are furthest behind. Madam President, Zimbabwe is relatively youthful as a nation with more than 65% of our population below the age of 35. This presents opportunities for economic growth through harnessing the innovations and innovativeness and zeal of our youths. Our policies and programs have been designed and redesigned and strengthened to ensure that young people are key drivers of our social and economic transformation agenda. This includes the establishment of innovation centers at all institutions of higher education underpinned by a number of new heritage-based approach to education 5.0. This approach is enjoying growing success in calculating a sense of self-

Chair: I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe. I now give the floor. to His Excellency Touhid Hossain, Advisor for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Interim Government of Bangladesh.

Touhid Hossain: Madam President, Excellencies, I applaud Secretary-General Guterres for convening this historic summit. Gathering the most diverse actors and stakeholders to reflect on collective actions is indeed a triumph of multilateralism. Excellencies, envisioning future is exciting, yet challenging. In an intensely connected and instantaneous world we live in, future is fraught with too many unknowns, unknowables, and uncertainties. As we speak of securing our common future, we have to be ready to make inconvenient choices, difficult tradeoffs, and critically question the decisions we take. The world acknowledged all such in adopting the Agenda 2030 as we pledged to create a secure and sustainable future for our descendants based on shared responsibility. Nearly a decade since the Agenda 2030 being in place, we note social and economic inequalities across communities are rising. Poverty and hunger persist, yet we focus more on output than outcome. Humanity is endowed with so much resources and knowledge. technology. Yet vast majority of population still lack capacity to cope and progress. While wealth abounds to finance almost all the global needs, even though developing countries are ready to pay for the solutions, we see very little money moves to critical developmental issues such as climate adaptation, securing future of water for farmers, etc. Excellencies, two months back a remarkable people’s movement in Bangladesh starkly reminded how a 170 million people value their aspiration for freedom, dignity, justice and equality over sheer growth numbers. Drawing on the past five decades global discourse and development, we may need to truly value the values to secure our future. Understanding empathy for people and nature alike, placing harmony and stability beyond peace and conflict only, balancing ecology and economy, weighing well-being over profits, rediscovering responsibility. What is key to me is to rediscover learning beyond skewed remit of education only. We need to blend content with values that spark creativity. We also need to democratize digital technology tools, applications and innovations beyond profit, else many risks to be left out in a vast evolving world of work. I see how people in deserts, islands or coasts without literacy or numeracy can turn their circumstances around. They ask for modern support, modest support. Let us indicate how we can shape and reach solutions to those billions on the fridge. At the same time, the wealth of traditional practices and heritage across communities merit to be blended with contemporary knowledge. In all, let us liberate the potential latent in entrepreneurship of individuals and enterprises across the developing world where so much still revolves in informal economy. Excellencies, diversity of nations presented different perspectives that enriched the Declaration on Future Generations and the Digital Compact. The guiding principles, elements, and suggestive actions surely sow the seed for a shared global undertaking beyond 2030. Bangladesh stands ready to contribute her bit beyond this summit. I thank you all.

Chair: I thank the Advisor for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Interim Government of Bangladesh. I now give the floor to His Excellency Frederick Mitchell, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Public Service of Bahamas.

Frederick Mitchell: As we look around today, there are wars and rumors of war. Some countries have marched into other countries and claimed the space as their own simply because their troops are standing all over the land. We all ascribe to the UN Charter on Territorial Integrity, but the goal, though laudable, has fallen short. Ask the people from Ukraine to Gaza to Cyprus to Sudan if they believe the international system as it is values the Charter and the beliefs described therein, ask Haiti. At one time, and to some extent today, people invaded or discovered other peoples and nations and claimed them in the name of the Lord. They then decimated the people that they met on the land and divided up the spoils. That was the founding principle that allowed the millions of African slaves to be transported across the seas as cargo and chattel to the small islands, displacing local populations. And that’s how my fellow Bahamians and I got to be in the place called the Bahamas. We’ve made it thus far by faith. So Carl Sagan, the American astronomer, has a widespread video that shows the Earth in far relief from outer space. It is the blue dot. And he describes that we are, as far as we know, all alone on that blue dot in the loneliness of space. And from that standpoint, where there are no boundaries that can be seen, he argues compellingly that that is why we have to work together to resolve the issues of our survival. It is still all we have. Neil deGrasse Tyson argues that the one thing about science is that whether you believe it or not, it’s true. I refer again to the immutable truth. Earth is all we have. And we are all in this together, for good or ill. The age of discovery that wrought the systems that we have today is still at work. Countries are now reaching out into the void of space and seeking to carve up in national names the resources of that void. This is what appears as we land on Mars and on the moon. We argue and we give lip service to the creed that it belongs to all mankind. But the doctrine of, I got there first, so it’s mine, still applies, as far as we, the smaller countries who have not gotten there, can see. If we scale back, then, to the immutable logic of what that means, it means that we who do not have the resources are expendable and power is the only fact. I said yesterday to one of the world’s leaders that every time the Caribbean region tries to use the provisions of the market to save ourselves, the response from the powerful. is to use their laws and other forms of coercion to ensure that our innovations in the market do not succeed. They often use the moral principle that they are preventing money laundering or tax evasion or some other invented evil. But morality works both ways. When actions result in penury, poverty, and displacement, and you’re unable, after all the blandishments and niceties and force such as these, to get any world leader on the phone, and you realize we’re in trouble. Shakespeare wrote the words, help me Cassius, ere I sink. The nations of the Pacific are facing the existential threat of climate change. Those who are responsible have not stepped up to the plate as they should have with money and material. And the same can be said for the Caribbean. The commitments have been observed more in the breach than in fulfillment. Fifty-one years ago, on the 18th of September, 1973, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas raised its flag here at this body. Our then Prime Minister, Lyndon Pindley, committed our country to the Charter and its provisions. We accepted and believe today, under the present Prime Minister, Philip Davis, that we have no choice but to believe and subscribe and support the Charter and to commit ourselves today to global governance. We believe and recommit ourselves to the shared nature of the resources of the earth. We superintend 100,000 square miles of water. We superintend 4,000 square miles of land. We’re about 400,000 people. This is not even the size of a small village in India. We fight, though, for the right to exist in the land that we now occupy and govern. We’re tenacious about it. We pay tribute to the people who were there before us. And we fight to establish a viable economy that can survive on the moral principles that have founded that many nations talk and talk but don’t walk the walk. So, I end here with a recommitment to this body, to the pact for the future. I have no choice. I ask delegates to forgive the circumlocution, but it is what it is. We are confident that humans have a soul, a right to exist, a God-given right to all the resources of the Earth, sea, and sky, all humanity, not some. There must be a guiding moral and ethical principle to underline all that we do and say going forward to 2030 and beyond. That is why we say today, now more than ever, we need the United Nations. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Public Service of Bahamas. I now give the floor to His Excellency Hakan Fidan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkey.

Hakan Fidan: Distinguished Heads of State and Government, esteemed representatives, Madam President, both the international community and the United Nations are going through a historical test. Our ability to produce solutions to crises and conflicts is declining, while the injustices in the income distribution are deepening. Global inequality and injustice prepare the ground for extremism and failing states. Hatred against Islam and xenophobia, in their turn, gain strength on this fertile ground. The imbalances are constantly growing, be it in nature, economy, income distribution, as well as social and political spheres. Unfortunately, the United Nations cannot display the leadership that it should in the face of ever-growing threats against humanity. Today, we need an effective structure that will produce common solutions to our global problems, that will uphold hope against despair, prosperity against poverty, justice against injustice, and peace against violence. We need a more just, inclusive, and effective multilateral model. A comprehensive reform is needed in the United Nations, especially in the Security Council. In fact, the world is bigger than five. We need to democratize the decision-making procedure at the UN. The resolutions that are adopted with an overwhelming majority at the General Assembly cannot be implemented because of the Security Council. International peace and security cannot be left to the will of a privileged clique consisting of a limited number of countries. We also need efficient tools and mechanisms to promote dialogue in the face of increasing polarization. In addition, the reform of the international financial architecture is also a must. This is the only way to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. To pursue these objectives, we will continue to work and voice our views on every platform. Dear colleagues, at the same time, we are looking for ways to adapt new technologies, especially digitalization and artificial intelligence. In this context, we welcome the adoption of the Global Digital Compact, which is one of the fundamental components of the Pact for the Future. We expect the international community to encourage its support to the United Nations Technology Bank, hosted by Turkey, in its critical task of closing the digital gap between developed countries and the least developed countries. The success of today’s summit is a test that will reaffirm our determination to rebuild trust in the multilateral system. The pact for the future will shape our joint commitments towards a commonwealth vision. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the stakeholders who have contributed to the process. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkey. I now give the floor to His Excellency Nicolás Albertoni, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay.

Nicolás Albertoni: Thank you very much, Madam President. This summit is taking place in the midst of very uncertain times that often prevent us from seeing the magnitude and the urgency of the global problems that we need to address. We must often put urgent things above important things. And that’s why my country highly values the agreement that we’ve struck. It’s a symbol of the collective desire to be the masters of the changes that our society needs today. Therefore, in this pact, we are seeing a north, but also a south, putting once again on the horizon what’s truly important. This type of joint progress enables us to imagine a bolstered multilateralism, renewed international cooperation, that despite facing huge challenges. This gives us the possibility of telling the world we have been able to strike a pact for the future together. Uruguay comes to this summit having been committed to the agenda that we’ve agreed on today for many years. And in 2021, since 2021, we’ve had a bicameral commission for the future, and the UN system in Uruguay, alongside the Uruguayan government, between 2022 and 2024, organized dialogues for the future, seeking to empower this agenda with a futurist perspective. This pact has also been motivated by focusing on climate change, because we need to improve the perspectives of future generations. It’s essential to ramp up cooperation and commitments on climate change, and in this regard, I must refer to the fact that, although our greenhouse gas emissions are minimal on a global level, we have completed an energy transition with 90% of our energy from renewable forces. Now we are focusing on a second transition, enabling us to achieve electric mobility. However, like so many developing countries, my country needs us to comply with the commitments made in terms of climate financing, with the framework of common but differentiated responsibilities. Furthermore, we are calling for innovation and finance mechanisms that incentivize compliance with social indicators, environmental and governance ones. We are only six years from 2030. This is the deadline that we established for the SDGs. And something that they constantly recall us, remind us of, is that sustainable development is essentially multidimensional. That’s why we applaud the fact that this pact establishes a process to measure development beyond GDP. That’s something that we’ve been calling for for a long time. in order to prevent us from punishing those who are making a lot of effort to do things well. Mr. President, as the Secretary General has said, we cannot build a future for our grandchildren with a system that was designed by our grandparents. That is why in Uruguay we are working to guarantee access to better education, health and employment opportunities for future generations. In this regard, I wish to underscore that Uruguay recently delivered an education transformation that will empower our education for the future. We also enacted a law for social security based on intergenerational solidarity that will not only enable the system to be sustainable in the long term, but it will also provide employment and formal entrepreneurship opportunities and will ensure a future for today’s and future generations. Talking about future generations, please allow me to applaud the creation of a UN Youth Office. At the head of the mission we have our compatriot Felipe Pauller, searching for better participation of youth in decision-making. We must be clear that the current situation is alarming. We have so many people displaced by humanitarian emergencies, conflicts, armed violence. There should be no doubt that on this pact we have made a great step forward in terms of multilateralism. However, now our energy should be focused on ensuring that the commitments made do not just become good intentions. Be aware that Uruguay has always been an ally when it comes to looking to the future, because our country does not understand the future as something that we should wait for, but rather something that we should actively… build together. Thank you very much.

Chair: I thank the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay. I now give the floor to His Excellency Sergey Vershinin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

Sergey Vershinin: Distinguished colleagues, today’s world is confronted with unprecedented challenges which require collective decisions. That’s why when the UN Secretary General proposed convening a summit of the future, his proposal was elicited with a strong response from the organization and garnered Russia’s support as well. We shouldn’t forget that the state’s unity in combating fascism and the desire to cooperate in good faith to address global problems resulted in the establishment of the UN. Without political will, it’s impossible to achieve consensus, and it’s certainly not possible to restore peace, ensure indivisible security, and achieve the development goals. In a word, the foundation of the effectiveness and credibility of the UN is genuine multilateralism. As a founding member of the UN and a responsible member of the international community, the Russian Federation attaches particular importance to strengthening the system of international cooperation. We believe that the UN should play a central coordinating role in our multipolar world, aligning member states’ positions in the search of collective answers to global challenges. Guided by this stance, Russia has taken a most active part since the very beginning in crafting the pact for the future. We were not governed solely by our national interests. We also pursued the priorities of the global majority. Our delegation was unswervingly constructive in its approach and opened a dialogue in the interest of compromise. Despite this, the final version of the pact and the annexes there, too, still contains non-consensus and unacceptable elements. This does not foster the achievement of the stated goals of the summit and spells negative consequences for the very foundations of the UN. For this reason, Russia did not block the adoption of the pact and joined the statement of the Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter voiced earlier. However, we’d like to dissociate ourselves from the consensus on the pact and the Global Digital Compact, especially regarding the above. Specifically, we cannot support wording that aims to undermine the intergovernmental nature of the UN. What’s also unacceptable is selective quoting of several principles of international law, such that in the document there’s no mention made of the principle of non-interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign states, nor is there any mention of the principle of cooperation. We and a host of other countries which also pursue a sovereign foreign policy cannot support the strengthening of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, who is known for his bias and for condoning Western interests. We believe that expediting nuclear disarmament, given that the principle of equal and indivisible security is being ignored, is not realistic, if not destructive, in fact. The Global Digital Compact contains serious shortcomings. It covers attempts to put non-government entities and governments on an equal footing when taking decisions on the international technological agenda, as well as for the establishment of additional review bodies with unclear mandates. It goes without a doubt that the documents adopted at this summit contain some ideas reflecting the expectations of the global majority. These include the reform of the international financial architecture, expanding access to technologies and bridging the digital divide, in the interests of the SDG’s achievement. We welcome the Declaration on Future Generations, which is a shining example of the kind of future we want to see in the world. We welcome the Declaration on Future Generations, which is a shining example of the kind of of the fact that it is possible to achieve consensus within the UN if the political will is there. Given this position, we’d like to underscore that the summit’s outcome documents do not impose any obligations on the Russian Federation, obligations under provisions which did not achieve consensus. They cannot be reproduced in other UN documents automatically, since they require additional painstaking consideration, as well as agreement thereon, on the part of all UN member states, with rigorous respect for these states’ approaches and concerns. Thank you for your kind attention.

Chair: As of the Russian Federation, I now give the floor to Her Excellency, Bahia El Hariri,

Bahia El Hariri: I have the honor of making this statement on behalf of His Excellency Mr. Najib Mikati, head of the Lebanese government, during this plenary meeting of the Summit of the Future. He tasked me with giving you his excuses, his apologies, for not attending here in person given the urgent circumstances and the destruction facing the Lebanese people, including in their homes. Mr. Mikati is working with the government and government teams to deal with the aggression that we are victim to at all levels, diplomatic, humanitarian, health, security, and also in terms of people’s livelihoods. We’re seeing a wave of exodus and seeing residential areas being targeted following the massacre. that kills more than 3,000 people in the ports of Beirut. And we are seeing the destruction of large areas of agricultural land and residential buildings in the majority of the regions of Lebanon. This has damaged the economy of our country and threatened our social order, especially since several countries have asked their nationals to leave our country. The summit of the future is taking place at a time that is ever so sensitive. The whole of humanity urgently needs dialogue to call ourselves into question and to become aware of the dangers that are threatening international peace and security after the erosion of the international system, violence, lack of respect of values and conventions. In response to this, we require efforts to reinstate trust in this system. We, on behalf of the Lebanese government, welcome the efforts of the Secretary General and the United Nations to prepare this summit through the dialogues being addressed and the strategy and the approach to it in place since 2015. The 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the Addis Ababa Action Plan for Sustainable Development, the declaration made on the 75th anniversary of the United Nations in 2020, our common agenda in 2021, the statement by the Secretary General in 2022, the summit on the transformation of education, the fight against the spread of pandemics in 2023, the SDG summit, all of these measures should reinstate trust. The establishment of modern Lebanon in 2020, since then, we have been participating in the League of Arab States since 1945, and we participated in the drafting of the United Nations Charter in 1945 and we participated in the founding conference for UNESCO in 1945 and the drafting of the International Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. In 1948, Lebanon hosted the third conference of UNESCO in Beirut. The preamble of the founding document of UNESCO states that since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed. This was a forum for freedom for peace, for cultural diversity, for dialogue in the diversity of global culture against violence, destruction, exile, exodus, hunger and disease. All of these things have a huge effect on the minds of future generations and the causes of future wars are brewing currently in the spirits of the minds of different generations with artificial intelligence and future generations face all of these disasters and in their minds all of these things are so clear. So re-examining these documents with each new generation directly requires re-evaluating the maturity of these delegations. Indeed, the current generation is evolving so quickly due to technological progress. While in the past we talked about a new generation every ten years, the Lebanese Prime Minister, Mr. Mikati is looking at levels of trust in Lebanese civil society and in scientific institutions and the youth and we wish to underscore the importance of the Secretary General’s position on debating the results of this exceptional summit with civil society and with youth organisations. We hope that the young people of the city of Beirut will be the first. to discuss the results of this summit of the future and it’s packed and compact. They’re also bitter from violence, war and conflict. The speaker’s microphone has been cut off, so the interpreters.

Chair: I thank the member of parliament of Lebanon. I now give the floor to His Excellency Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkina Faso.

Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré: Madam President, Burkina Faso would like to applaud the considerable efforts undertaken by the co-facilitators in crafting the pact for the future which we adopted unanimously. We will work towards its effective implementation as it opens a new era of hope. The pressing crisis of multilateralism resulting from the failures of the international system in confronting current challenges calls for us to take action. It also falls legitimacy to the summit. Unfortunately, the United Nations, which sits at the heart of multilateralism, is itself seeing dissent among its members. ranks, and serious disagreements within the Security Council. The future is bright, and to build that bright future, we need rigorous, consistent international cooperation with us, shouldering our responsibilities and our obligations with the future generations front of mind. The following proposals are contributions which my delegation would like to make to this summit. First, for us, it’s of utmost importance to monitor that there is strict compliance with the UN Charter to ensure that the use of force, or the threat of the use of force, becomes a thing of the past, as well as economic and political pressures, as well as the interference in the domestic affairs of states. We must promote transparency, justice, equity. And we can do this by moving forward with the reform of the Security Council. Second, security. It’s vital for us to bolster the effectiveness and efficiency of peacekeeping operations, as well as the credibility of the United Nations organization when it comes to managing crises and conflicts. Third, it is important for development and health issues to remain front and center of our efforts, especially when it comes to implementation, bolstering capacity, technology transfer, as well as sufficient, predictable, and additional, as well as sustained funding for development. To this end, we need to strengthen multilateral efforts geared towards helping states manage debt distress. We need orderly, predictable, coordinated, transparent, and timely efforts on this front. The same interest should be placed in international financial architecture reform. This brings me to my fourth point. We must continue promoting our commitment to the empowerment of all girls and women across all areas. We must break down barriers to their access and their full, equal, and effective participation in the sciences, technology, and innovation. We shouldn’t forget people who’ve fallen victim to war, including IDPs and refugees. In a similar vein, the youth of our planet should participate in decision making at the global level. A standing assembly within the United Nations system would be an excellent idea. Next, given progress, digital progress, what we need is cooperation on digital matters, which would pinpoint the principles, decisions that would uphold human rights. And to that end, we need an annual global dialogue on the governance of artificial intelligence under the auspices of the United Nations. This needs to be inclusive and agreeing, as does international data governance. Next, our collective conscience is stirred by the threat of terrorism, which threatens to undermine the very foundations of our societies. We must stand in solidarity to combat this scourge, as well as take measures against states which support and fund terrorists, as is the case in the Sahel. It’s incumbent upon us to translate into actions the pact for the future, so as to both to multilateralism, and meet the expectations of our people, and also to revive, at last, the hopes that they’ve pinned on our common organization. Thank you for your attention.

Chair: I thank Minister for Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation in Burkina Faso, I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka: Madam President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, today, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals are in peril. We know where we need to be, and how we need to progress, but the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which is our blueprint, is in peril. It, however, appears that we are plagued with a lack of political will, and the commitment to multilateralism. Madam President, we are gathered here today to commit to 56 multilateral solutions that address the needs of our people, both now and in generations to come. The pact of the future is our opportunity to demonstrate our shared resolve to chart this new course. During our deliberations, we have visited several key aspects that require urgent attention, including reforms to the international financial architecture, the debt restructuring, financing for development, international peace and security, science, technology, and innovation, global governance, youth, and future generations. Madam President, Sri Lanka thanks Namibia and Germany, Zambia and Sweden, and the Netherlands and Jamaica for navigating the deliberations over the last 18 months towards the adoption of this pact. We are sensitive to the fact that all our aspirations may not be accommodated in this pact. Negotiations on the pact for the future highlighted the challenges of our multilateral system, which must fit for the present and the future, prioritizing people at the center of our actions over political and economic divisions. Madam President, as a developing country, Sri Lanka sees the considerable opportunities that we can seize through the pact of the future and its accompanying declarations, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration for Future Generations. We will structure our national digital development strategies upon the commitment under the five objectives of the Global Digital Compact to augment the delivery of the SDGs. With this positive hope, let us highlight the issue that could have made this pact more inclusive and meaningful. Madam President, if we are to seek multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow, we recognize that all three pillars of the United Nations should be equally strengthened. Sri Lanka is concerned about the growing SDGs financing gap. We welcome the Secretary General’s proposal for an SDG stimulus to mobilize resources and encourage developing nations to meet their official development assistance commitments. And having experienced a financial crisis ourselves, Sri Lanka calls for accelerated reform of the international financial architecture to be more efficient and more equitable to better respond to the challenges faced by developing countries. We call for the United Nations Secretary-General, the IATF, on financing for development and member states to review the sovereign debt architecture and present reforms as we head to the fourth international conference on FFTs next year. The evolving global security landscape calls for a sincere commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and to the foundational objectives of this organization. The various threats to peace and security, whether on land, at sea, in the air, outer space or cyberspace, should be addressed through efforts to restore trust, strengthen solidarity, and enhance cooperation in alignment with the recommendations of the new Agenda for Peace. As we aspire, therefore, to the implementation of the Pact of Enhancing Human Rights, we should honor the fact that all human rights are universal, indivisible, and independent. We cannot turn a blind eye to serious and gross violations of human rights in one part of the world while we call for human rights accountability in another. Multilateralism cannot be sustained on double standards. Madam President, the fiscal impacts of various crises have triggered debt distress in many developing countries, including ourselves, limiting the ability to invest in recovery, the SDGs, and in climate.

Chair: I thank the distinguished representative of Sri Lanka. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea: Madam President, it is the aspiration of humankind to achieve independent and stable development and peaceful world free from aggression and war. Nine years ago, we embarked on implementation of SDG. However, climate change, food crisis, and arms conflict are still grave threats to existence and development on humanity. I am convinced that the current meeting, held under the themes of the multilateral solution for a better tomorrow, will serve as an important occasion to accelerate implementation of SDG. With the view to actively contribute to this meeting, I will briefly mention about what TPRK has been doing to promote its socio-economic development. TPRK is faced with unfavorable situation due to external factors. Even so, it is constantly advancing toward the goal it has set, continuously strengthening its capacity and potential for independent development. Conspicuous trend of growth is seen in all fields of economic culture. springboard is in place for radical improvement of the living environment and material cultural life of the people. The experience of the TPRK proves in reality that the future of the mankind lies in the people-first policy that hold people in both the sacred esteem. Mr. Madam President, the peaceful environment for development is indispensable requirement for sustainable development international community. Comrade Kim Jong-un, president of state of TPRK said, I quote, we should not tolerate imperialist moves for aggression and war against sovereign nation. Instead, we should struggle to prevent the danger of war and safeguard world peace and security, unquote. Today, aggressive joint military drills of the United States, its allies and their expand the military bloc are main factors that seriously threaten the regional peace and undermined global security landscape. In particular, unilateral sanctions and economic coercive measures imposed by few countries cause tremendous damages to the economic development and people’s life in developing countries. International community should never allow anti-peace and confrontational act that incite conflict and instability and instigate distrust and hostility among UN member states. The right to development of developing country should be fully issued in the international economic system, which serves as a firm guarantee for successful implementation of agenda for sustainable development. To overcome shortcomings in current global governance system and realize genuine international justice is becoming more important than ever before and restoring trust in United Nations and establishing fair international order. Today, we witness wrong practice in the international arena, where fundamental principles governing international relations are openly disregarded due to the high handedness and diverse standards of a few countries. The UN Security Council did not take any action to stop war crimes against humanity in Kazakhstan almost for one year. Indeed, the abnormal situation persists in the Security Council, denouncing as a threat the legitimate exercise of the right to self-defence of sovereign states, which does not cause even the slightest damage to the security of neighbouring countries. Prevailing reality shows the Security Council must be reformed immediately to correct the current composition of unfair Western leadership membership and expand the strength and representation of developing countries. In conclusion, the PRP government is committed to fulfil its responsibility and role as a member of the international community in the work to build a new just world that guarantees a better future for humankind. I thank you.

New Zealand: President, as a member of the UN75 Leaders Network in 2020 and the co-facilitator of the Summit Modalities Resolution, along with Oman, New Zealand is pleased to see the Summit of the Future come to fruition. These two days have been long in the making. The Summit of the Future has its genesis in our Common Agenda, the UN Secretary-General’s call for solidarity between people, countries and nations. and generations, as well as a renewal of the multilateral system to accelerate the implementation of existing commitments and the filling of gaps in global governance. We thank the Secretary-General for laying down the challenge. In preparing for the summit, member states were beneficiaries of a significant investment by the UN system and beyond. This includes the exemplary policy briefs and the report of the High-Level Advisory Board on effective multilateralism, and a myriad of initiatives to build trust and facilitate compromise. New Zealand embraced the possibility of the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and Declaration on Future Generations as an opportunity to drive action on pressing and emerging global challenges. As a small state, New Zealand has long been a benefactor and beneficiary of the international rules-based system. We remain committed to engaging constructively in all efforts which seek to contemporise global governance for today and the future. Size does not define influence at the United Nations. Small states have long been at the forefront of defending and strengthening the international rules-based system. Our multilateral system is imperfect. And while we have made significant strides through the convening of the summit, we must not assume our job is done. We must use the tools at our disposal to create a more representative and better-networked United Nations which is properly equipped to respond to the challenges of our times and those which lie ahead. Member states must do better to overcome division and competition. Against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, the triple planetary crisis, and unprecedented levels of conflict and suffering, this is no small task. Never has it been more important to work across the kaleidoscope of fractures that punctuate progress in improving the well-being of people and the planet. Consensus does not happen on its own. It needs to be forged. Consensus demands leadership. It rests upon foresight. It requires hard work. We thank Germany and Namibia, Sweden and Zambia, and the Netherlands and Jamaica for their respective leadership in guiding the negotiations on the pact, compact and the declaration. With regard to the pact, we are pleased to see the relative balance between the three pillars of the United Nations, peace and security, sustainable development and human rights. We are satisfied that issues of importance to New Zealand, including gender, human rights and sea level rise are reflected in the pact. We all have our disappointments. For New Zealand, language on nuclear disarmament falls well short of our collective goal of a nuclear weapon-free world and how we take concrete steps to achieve this. We had also wished for stronger language on reform of the United Nations Security Council, although we do see some glimmers of hope. New Zealand welcomes the compact as an opportunity to foster an inclusive, open, safe and secure digital future for everyone. This future rests on three essential pillars, human rights, multi-stakeholder governance and inclusion. And on the declaration, New Zealand welcomes the concept that present generations act with responsibility towards safeguarding the needs and the interests of future generations. President, colleagues, as the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, member states must act with agency in protecting the UN Charter and international law and in the implementation of the pact. And we must engage. stakeholders to ensure that what we do here in the United Nations has real-world benefit for the communities that we serve. We must work together, listen to each other, and rebuild trust to ensure the future we want for people and the planet. Thank you, President.

Chair: I thank the representative of New Zealand. I invite His Excellency Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, head of government of the Kingdom of Spain.

Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón: Madam President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. In times of change such as those that we are experiencing now, fear is our worst enemy. A future of peace, justice, and prosperity that we want can only be built with hope. To guarantee this future, we must firstly promote the governance of the multilateral system and make sure that it’s more effective, inclusive, and fair. This summit of the future is a key step forward to achieving this aim. Spain is working towards the necessary reform of the United Nations and its institutions to make them more representative, effective, and transparent, to make it more democratic in its operations, and to ensure that citizens feel its impact all the more. Further, we need to reaffirm the relevance of the extraordinary archy of this organization with respect to international law, international humanitarian law, and the UN Charter itself. Spain defends and promotes these principles decisively and consistently in all contexts, be that in Palestine, Ukraine, or in any other part of the world. Secondly, we want a future of more and better international cooperation which will allow us to forge ahead in achieving the 2030 Agenda. We support this aspiration with our act. Spain has committed to stepping up its ODA to 0.7% of our GNI in 2030. Furthermore, we are the main contributor to the Joint Sustainable Development Goal Fund. And I’m very honoured to be a part of the leaders group for the Secretary General’s SDG Stimulus Plan. As the host to the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, which will be held in June next year in the Spanish city of Seville, Spain would like to agree on specific measures which will allow us to mobilise all of the necessary resources and policies to promote sustainable development. To do that, we need to strengthen multilateral development banks, completing the review of the capital adequacy frameworks and furthering their reform processes. Secondly, we have to boost and optimise the use of special drawing rights and their potential reallocation mechanisms. Here we are meeting our promise of allocating 50% of the rights that we’ve received in 2021. Spain actually reached a pioneering agreement here between the IMF and the World Bank so that both institutions can use the Resilience and Sustainability Fund in fighting climate change. Furthermore, we must include contingency clauses in debt contracts to go beyond just simply covering natural disasters to cover other crises as Spain has recently done. This would allow us to better respond to food crises and health emergencies and in middle and low income countries. All of this has to go hand in hand with fairer taxation, more effective and transparent tax policies that promote the mobilisation of domestic resources. These include measures such as a global minimum wealth tax. and the full implementation of the two pillars of the OECD and the G20 on multinational, tax on multinationals, this would be a basis for the future tax cooperation framework convention. Thirdly, we have to work towards responsible development of artificial intelligence and all other new technologies. Technology, when it’s guided by shared values and principles, catalyzes social transformation and generates wealth and jobs, but it also needs international rules that promote its ethical use, transparency in how it’s developed, and a guarantee for its fair access to that technology. For this reason, Spain has established the first AI monitoring agency in the world. And through this, we believe that the United Nations should play a key role in defining the global governance system around artificial intelligence. We welcome the first report of the Secretary General’s advisory board, co-chaired by the Spanish expert, Carmen Antigas, and we share in its seven recommendations. President, this summit and the pact of the future are an antidote to fear and an invitation to hope. They don’t set out the end of the road, but rather a starting point, changing a path towards reforms that all UN member states need to move towards to update our institutions in global governance and to meet the challenges that we have and the opportunities as we look ahead to the future. The challenge is to keep up the pace that we’re setting here today in New York and to speed up. And you can count on Spain for that. And I look forward to seeing you in Seville, in Spain next June. Thank you.

Chair: I thank the distinguished representative. I thank the head of government of the Kingdom of Spain. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kiribati.

Kiribati: Madam President. Excellencies, Secretary General, Distinguished Delegates, I bring you all warm greetings from the government and the people of Guinea-Bissau. Guinea-Bissau strongly supports the Summit’s aim to reinvigorate multilateralism. In an increasingly interconnected world, the challenges we face – climate change, pandemics, volatile global commodity prices, inequalities and conflicts – cannot be addressed by any single nation alone. We need a robust, inclusive and effective multilateral system that is fit for the future. A system where every nation, no matter its size or wealth, has a voice and where decisions are made with the welfare of the global community in mind. This requires reforming our international institutions to ensure they are more responsive, accountable and transparent. It also requires a renewed commitment to the principles of solidarity, cooperation and equity that lie at the heart of the United Nations, with the integration of cultural values into development strategies, recognizing their importance in shaping sustainable and inclusive growth. Madam Chair, Guinea-Bissau stands as a testament to both the vulnerability and resilience of our planet. As a natural nation, we are on the front line of the climate crisis, facing threats from rising sea levels, extreme weather events and ocean sanctification. acidification. For us, the future is not an abstract concept. It is about navigating and adapting to climate extremes and variability. It certainly requires a collective responsibility to ensure that all nations can thrive in the face of these challenges. Madam President, As we look towards the future, we must also embrace innovation and adaptability. The rapid pace of technological change offers both challenges and opportunities. It is imperative we harness these technologies for the common good, ensuring they contribute to human dignity, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. It is essential that all nations, including small island states like Kiribati, have the tools and resources to participate fully in the global digital economy and to harness technology for the betterment of their people and planet. Madam President, Kiribati is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through its localized version called Kiribati’s 20-Year Roadmap, or KV20, vowing to transform Kiribati into a healthy, wealthy, and peaceful nation by 2036 with a focus on sustainable economic growth based on fisheries and tourism, quality education, health care, and environmental preservation. For Kiribati, the pursuit of sustainable development is not just a policy choice, it is a necessity. Sustainable practices in key sectors such as fisheries, agriculture, and renewable energy are critical for our nation’s future. We call on our UN family to collaborate with us in promoting these practices, ensuring that economic development today does not compromise the well-being of future generations. Madam President, as we adopt the pact of the future, the integration of the principles of respect and responsibility into our global actions and commitments could not be underestimated. We believe that the principles of respect and responsibility forms the backbone of social order, peace, harmony, which are crucial for fostering a just and sustainable future. Respect for all peoples, cultures, and the environment underpins the ethical foundation of global cooperation, ensuring that no community or ecosystem is left behind.

Chair: I thank the distinguished representative of Kiribati. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Syrian Arab Republic.

Syrian Arab Republic: Thank you, President. Mr. President, this summit is an important opportunity to take stock of our common work and of what has been achieved towards the future we seek, which meets the aspirations of our peoples, which allow us to fulfill the pledges of the UN Charter in maintaining international peace and security and saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war and strengthening ties of cooperation and friendly relations. among states and upholding basic human rights. The ongoing Israeli occupation of Arab territories in Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon, and the persistence of the occupation powers to commit crimes of genocide, ethnic cleansing, and the ongoing acts of aggression against Palestine and Lebanon, and against my country, Syria, represent an unacceptable grave violation of international law, of the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, and of all the human and civilizational norms and values. They also represent a major obstacle hindering our access to the common future we seek. Hence, the need to unite our efforts as a United Nations, and to intensify them to confront the aggression, end it immediately, and end the Israeli occupation of Arab territories. Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, the future for the sake of which we convene this summit should witness a radical change, a change that serves our member states and all our peoples. This future requires some Western countries to abandon the mentality of the past and their ambitions of hegemony and colonization. They should cease attempting to impose their will on other peoples, and respect their independent national choices and their civilizational and cultural specificities. For years now, some Western countries have implemented policies aiming at depriving the Syrians from their future, at undermining their national choices, at depriving them from their national wealth and development achievements, besieging them through unilateral coercive measures. which are illegal measures. However, the Syrian people, with their rich human and civilizational heritage, is determined to move forward and build their future with their free will, without allowing any external parties to dictate their agendas and their visions for the future of Syria. Mr. President, my country, Syria, looks forward to a future based on dialogue and diplomacy, on promoting multilateral action, on upholding the principles of the Charter and the rule of law on the international level, a future free from occupation, hegemony ambitions, terrorism and UCMs, and free from the collective punishment of peoples. Hence the need to take immediate serious measures to develop multilateral mechanisms and structures and to reinforce them, to strengthen real participation away from the policies of exclusion and from the narrow interests of some Western states. My country, Syria, joins the other states calling for the reform of global financial institutions to guarantee the participation of developing countries in the international economic decision-making process, to address the global debt crisis, and to provide the financial support and resources as well as the ODAs necessary to implement the 2030 Agenda. The current status of the SDG indicators at the international level calls for strengthening our joint efforts and for promoting international development cooperation away from politicization to guarantee that developing countries can access modern technologies to achieve tangible results to improve these indicators. within the remaining timeline, and to fulfill the slogan of leaving no one behind. Thank you, President.

Chair: I thank the distinguished representative of the Syrian Arab Republic, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the World Bank.

World Bank: Excellencies, we have gathered today at a pivotal moment. The challenges of climate change, conflict, and economic instability are intensifying. Yet we also stand on the cusp of unprecedented opportunities. Advances in finance, technology, and governance empower us to shape a sustainable and equitable future. The pressing question is, how do we harness these tools effectively to address and rise above the challenges? At the World Bank Group, sustainable development means addressing today’s immediate needs while fulfilling the aspirations of future generations. It’s about building resilient systems and forging enduring partnerships. The International Development Association, or IDA, is central to this vision. It multiplies donor contributions nearly fourfold, channeling resources towards health systems, infrastructure, and job creation. In fiscal year 2024, IDA delivered $31 billion to countries that needed it most. directly contributing to poverty reduction and tackling global challenges like climate change. Consider our Mission 300 initiative, which aims to provide electricity to 300 million people in Africa by 2030. Electricity is foundational. Without it, progress in health care, education, and employment remains unattainable. This initiative isn’t just about powering homes and businesses, it’s about illuminating the future. But we cannot achieve these ambitious goals alone. Multilateral cooperation is essential to tackle global challenges which know no borders. Together, we can pool resources, share knowledge, and amplify our impact to create lasting solutions. We can think creatively, act boldly, and support one another. Our focus must be on the next generation. Over the next decade, an estimated 1.2 billion young people will reach working age in developing countries, yet only 420 million new jobs are projected to be created. We must change this trajectory. By improving infrastructure, health care, and access to clean electricity, we can create future jobs and opportunities for our youth. Let’s ensure our children have the tools they need for a healthy, successful future. The jobs of tomorrow will require innovation, adaptability, and a commitment to sustainability. The World Bank Group is committed to partnering with you to tackle today’s challenges.

Chair: last speaker for this meeting. The next meeting of the Summit of the Future will continue in

Agreement Points

UN Security Council Reform

President of Poland

Prime Minister of Hungary

Foreign Minister of China

Reform Security Council to be more representative

Reform UN Security Council to be more effective

Reform UN to reflect modern geopolitical realities

Multiple speakers agreed on the need to reform the UN Security Council to make it more representative, effective, and reflective of current global realities.

Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Prime Minister of Norway

President of Marshall Islands

President of Palau

Prime Minister of Cambodia

Accelerate climate action and transition to clean energy

Provide climate finance for vulnerable nations

Implement sustainable ocean resource management

Achieve SDGs and 2030 Agenda

Several speakers emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, supporting vulnerable nations, and working towards sustainable development goals.

Digital Technology and AI Governance

Prime Minister of Spain

Foreign Minister of China

Prime Minister of Cambodia

Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan

Ensure ethical and responsible AI development

Harness digital technologies for development

Bridge the digital divide between countries

Regulate emerging technologies like AI

Multiple speakers stressed the importance of responsible AI development, leveraging digital technologies for development, and addressing the digital divide.

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers emphasized the need to enhance the UN’s capabilities in preventing conflicts and building sustainable peace.

Prime Minister of Norway

Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan

Strengthen UN’s role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding

Strengthen conflict prevention and peacebuilding

Both speakers called for reforms in the international financial system to better support developing countries and sustainable development initiatives.

President of Gabon

Prime Minister of Bahamas

Reform international financial institutions to better serve developing countries

Reform financial architecture to fund sustainable development

Unexpected Consensus

Youth Empowerment and Future Generations

President of Panama

Prime Minister of Thailand

World Bank representative

Representative of Kiribati

Empower youth participation in decision-making

Invest in education and opportunities for youth

Create jobs and opportunities for growing youth population

Ensure intergenerational equity and youth inclusion

There was an unexpected level of consensus on the importance of youth empowerment and considering future generations across diverse speakers, including small island nations, larger countries, and international organizations.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of agreement included UN reform (particularly the Security Council), addressing climate change and sustainable development, responsible development of digital technologies and AI, and empowering youth and future generations.

Consensus level

There was a moderate level of consensus on broad principles, particularly on the need for UN reform and addressing global challenges like climate change. However, specific implementation strategies varied. This level of agreement suggests potential for progress on these issues, but challenges remain in reconciling different approaches and priorities among nations.

Disagreement Points

Approach to UN Security Council Reform

President of Poland

Prime Minister of Hungary

Reform Security Council to be more representative

Reform UN Security Council to be more effective

While both leaders call for Security Council reform, the Polish President emphasizes representation, while the Hungarian Prime Minister focuses on effectiveness. This suggests differing priorities in how the reform should be implemented.

Priorities in addressing global challenges

Prime Minister of Norway

Foreign Minister of China

Accelerate climate action and transition to clean energy

Reform UN to reflect modern geopolitical realities

The Norwegian PM prioritizes climate action, while the Chinese FM emphasizes geopolitical representation in the UN. This reflects different views on the most pressing global issues to address.

Unexpected Disagreements

Approach to international cooperation

Prime Minister of Spain

Foreign Minister of Turkey

Revitalize multilateralism to address global challenges

Uphold international law and UN Charter principles

While both leaders support international cooperation, their emphasis differs unexpectedly. Spain focuses on revitalizing multilateralism, while Turkey emphasizes adherering to existing international law and UN Charter principles. This subtle difference could impact how they approach global challenges.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of disagreement revolve around UN reform priorities, approaches to addressing global challenges, and methods for supporting sustainable development and future generations.

Disagreement level

The level of disagreement appears moderate. While there are differences in priorities and approaches, most speakers share common goals such as UN reform, sustainable development, and addressing climate change. These disagreements may lead to challenges in implementing specific policies or reforms, but the shared overarching objectives provide a foundation for potential compromise and cooperation.

Partial Agreements

Both leaders emphasize the importance of investing in future generations, but they differ in their specific approaches. Cambodia focuses on bridging the digital divide, while Thailand emphasizes education and opportunities for youth more broadly.

Prime Minister of Cambodia

Prime Minister of Thailand

Bridge the digital divide between countries

Invest in education and opportunities for youth

Both leaders advocate for financial support for sustainable development, but they differ in their specific focus. The Marshall Islands emphasizes climate finance for vulnerable nations, while the Bahamas calls for broader financial architecture reform.

President of Marshall Islands

Prime Minister of Bahamas

Provide climate finance for vulnerable nations

Reform financial architecture to fund sustainable development

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers emphasized the need to enhance the UN’s capabilities in preventing conflicts and building sustainable peace.

Prime Minister of Norway

Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan

Strengthen UN’s role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding

Strengthen conflict prevention and peacebuilding

Both speakers called for reforms in the international financial system to better support developing countries and sustainable development initiatives.

President of Gabon

Prime Minister of Bahamas

Reform international financial institutions to better serve developing countries

Reform financial architecture to fund sustainable development

Key Takeaways

There is broad agreement on the need to reform and strengthen the UN system and multilateral institutions to address global challenges

Climate change and sustainable development remain top priorities, with calls for increased climate finance and support for vulnerable nations

The digital divide and responsible development of AI/emerging technologies are key concerns

Peace and security issues, particularly ongoing conflicts, require urgent attention and UN reform

Empowering youth and considering future generations in decision-making is seen as critical

Resolutions and Action Items

Adopt and implement the Pact for the Future, Global Digital Compact, and Declaration on Future Generations

Reform the UN Security Council to be more representative and effective

Reform international financial institutions to better support developing countries

Accelerate climate action and provide increased climate finance to vulnerable nations

Bridge the digital divide and establish governance frameworks for AI and emerging technologies

Strengthen UN’s role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding

Unresolved Issues

Specific mechanisms for reforming the UN Security Council

Details of reforming international financial institutions

Concrete plans for increasing climate finance

Exact measures to bridge the digital divide between countries

Precise steps to end ongoing conflicts like in Ukraine and Israel-Palestine

Suggested Compromises

Balancing reform of multilateral institutions with maintaining their core principles and purposes

Addressing climate change while allowing for economic development in poorer nations

Promoting technological advancement while ensuring ethical use and equitable access

Strengthening global governance while respecting national sovereignty

We cannot accept that those who challenge the order based on the UN Charter are gaining strength. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a striking example. As a permanent member of the Security Council, Russia should uphold the UN Charter and the international law. However, by attacking a sovereign state, it has relinquished his responsibility.

Speaker

Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic

Reason

This comment directly addresses one of the most pressing current geopolitical issues and challenges the legitimacy of a permanent Security Council member’s actions.

Impact

It set a tone of urgency around reforming global governance structures and sparked further discussion on the need to hold powerful nations accountable.

The current climate crisis and its far-reaching implications must be addressed in a comprehensive and integrated way through enhanced and effective multilateralism.

Speaker

Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic

Reason

This highlights the interconnected nature of global challenges and the need for coordinated international action.

Impact

It shifted the conversation towards the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing complex global issues like climate change.

Africa represents both a challenge and an opportunity as we seek a future of peace and security, silencing the guns, multilateralism, inclusiveness, financing for inclusive, equitable, sustainable development, ensuring that no country is left behind.

Speaker

Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Transitional President of Gabon

Reason

This comment brings attention to the often overlooked role of Africa in global affairs and development.

Impact

It broadened the discussion to include perspectives from developing regions and emphasized the importance of inclusive global development.

We must strive to improve the efficiency of the UN system. In order to restore faith in multilateralism and maintain peace and security, it is necessary to strengthen international law.

Speaker

Andrzej Duda, President of the Republic of Poland

Reason

This comment succinctly captures a key theme of the summit – the need to reform and strengthen international institutions.

Impact

It reinforced the central purpose of the summit and kept the discussion focused on concrete steps to improve global governance.

If we do not give our youth a country at peace, what future can we speak of?

Speaker

Daniel Noboa Azin, Constitutional President of the Republic of Ecuador

Reason

This rhetorical question powerfully links peace to the future prospects of young people.

Impact

It shifted the conversation to consider the long-term consequences of current conflicts and the importance of peace for future generations.

The Security Council must be reformed immediately to correct the current composition of unfair Western leadership membership and expand the strength and representation of developing countries.

Speaker

Representative of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

Reason

While controversial, this comment directly challenges the current structure of global power and calls for significant reform.

Impact

It sparked debate about the representation of developing countries in global decision-making bodies and the need for UN reform.

Overall Assessment

These key comments shaped the discussion by consistently emphasizing the need for reform in global governance structures, particularly the UN Security Council. They highlighted the interconnected nature of global challenges like climate change and conflict, and stressed the importance of inclusive development that doesn’t leave behind developing nations or future generations. The comments also brought attention to current geopolitical tensions, especially regarding Russia’s actions in Ukraine, and how these impact the credibility and effectiveness of international institutions. Overall, the discussion maintained a focus on the urgent need for multilateral cooperation and institutional reform to address complex global issues and ensure a more equitable and sustainable future.

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

Speaker

João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola

Explanation

This is important to ensure a fairer international financial system that can support the development needs of all countries.

What specific actions can be taken to bridge the digital divide between countries?

Speaker

Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic

Explanation

Addressing the digital divide is crucial for ensuring equitable access to technological advancements and opportunities across all nations.

How can the UN Security Council be reformed to be more representative and effective?

Speaker

Multiple speakers, including Andrzej Duda (President of Poland) and Alexander Stubb (President of Finland)

Explanation

Reforming the Security Council is seen as essential for improving global governance and ensuring fair representation of all regions.

What specific measures can be implemented to accelerate climate action and support vulnerable nations?

Speaker

Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, Prime Minister of Vanuatu

Explanation

This is critical for addressing the urgent climate crisis and supporting countries most affected by climate change.

How can the international community better support youth engagement and empowerment in global decision-making processes?

Speaker

Multiple speakers, including Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema (Transitional President of Gabon) and Daniel Noboa Azin (President of Ecuador)

Explanation

Engaging youth is seen as crucial for addressing future challenges and ensuring policies reflect the needs of younger generations.

What steps can be taken to reform the global debt architecture and provide relief to countries in debt distress?

Speaker

Multiple speakers, including Gaston Alphonso Browne (Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda)

Explanation

Addressing debt issues is essential for enabling developing countries to invest in sustainable development and climate resilience.

How can artificial intelligence be governed at a global level to ensure its ethical use and equitable benefits?

Speaker

Multiple speakers, including Giorgia Meloni (Prime Minister of Italy) and Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón (Prime Minister of Spain)

Explanation

As AI technology rapidly advances, establishing global governance frameworks is crucial to manage its impacts and potential risks.

Summary

This interactive dialogue focused on enhancing multilateralism for international peace and security as part of the Summit of the Future. Participants, including heads of state, foreign ministers, and representatives from international organizations, discussed the challenges facing the current multilateral system and proposed ways to strengthen it.

Many speakers emphasized the need to reform the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, to make it more representative and effective. There were calls for increased African representation and limits on veto power. Participants stressed the importance of adhering to the UN Charter and international law, with several noting the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza as examples of the system’s failures.

The discussion highlighted the interconnected nature of global challenges, including climate change, terrorism, and emerging technologies. Speakers advocated for a holistic approach to security that addresses root causes of conflict and involves diverse stakeholders, including women, youth, and civil society. The role of regional organizations in maintaining peace and security was also emphasized.

Several participants called for increased investment in conflict prevention, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding efforts. The importance of diplomacy and dialogue in resolving disputes was a recurring theme. Some speakers noted the need to address global inequalities and ensure that the benefits of multilateralism are felt by all.

The discussion concluded with a call to reinvigorate multilateralism through concrete actions and reforms, recognizing that while the current system faces significant challenges, international cooperation remains essential for addressing global threats and building a peaceful future.

Keypoints

Major discussion points:

– The need to reform and strengthen multilateral institutions, especially the UN Security Council, to make them more representative and effective

– The importance of addressing root causes of conflict and investing in conflict prevention

– Calls for greater inclusion of women, youth, and civil society in peace processes and decision-making

– The challenges posed by new technologies and the need for multilateral governance frameworks

– The ongoing impacts of major conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza, and the UN’s struggle to respond effectively

Overall purpose/goal:

The discussion aimed to examine how multilateralism can be enhanced to better address current and future threats to international peace and security. Participants explored ways to revitalize the UN system and strengthen global cooperation in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

Tone:

The overall tone was one of urgency and concern about the state of multilateralism and global security, but also cautiously hopeful about the potential for reform and renewal. Many speakers emphasized the critical importance of multilateral cooperation while acknowledging its current limitations. The tone became somewhat more frustrated when discussing specific conflicts where the UN has struggled to respond effectively, but generally remained constructive in proposing solutions.

Speakers

Moderators/Facilitators:

– Julius Maada Bio (President of Sierra Leone) – Co-chair

– Simon Harris (Taoiseach of Ireland) – Co-chair

Special Invitees/Scene-Setting Speakers:

– Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Former President of Liberia)

– Juan Manuel Santos (Former President of Colombia)

– Comfort Ero (President and CEO of International Crisis Group)

Main Speakers (approximately 40):

– Heads of State, Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers and other high-level representatives from various countries

– Representatives from international organizations (e.g. UN agencies, African Union, Arab League, Interpol)

– Civil society representatives

Closing Remarks:

– Rosemary Anne DiCarlo (UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs)

Areas of Expertise:

The speakers represented a wide range of expertise including diplomacy, international relations, peacekeeping, conflict resolution, counterterrorism, human rights, and regional/global security issues. The discussion covered various aspects of enhancing multilateralism for international peace and security.

Expanded Summary: Enhancing Multilateralism for International Peace and Security

Introduction

This interactive dialogue, part of the Summit of the Future, focused on enhancing multilateralism for international peace and security. Co-chaired by Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, and Simon Harris, Taoiseach of Ireland, the discussion brought together heads of state, foreign ministers, and representatives from international organisations and civil society.

Opening Remarks and Tone-Setting

Julius Maada Bio emphasized the need for a more representative, equitable, and transparent UN Security Council, highlighting Africa’s underrepresentation. Simon Harris stressed the importance of inclusive multilateralism and Ireland’s commitment to UN peacekeeping. These opening remarks set the tone for a dialogue centered on reforming global governance structures and addressing contemporary security challenges.

Key Themes and Discussions

1. UN Security Council Reform

The urgent need to reform the United Nations Security Council was a central theme. Specific proposals included:

– Ethiopia calling for permanent seats for African countries

– Turkey advocating for abolishing or limiting veto power

– Liechtenstein pushing for broader reforms to enhance democracy and accountability

2. Strengthening Multilateralism and the UN System

Participants stressed the importance of revitalizing the entire UN system:

– Latvia proposed enhancing the role of the General Assembly in peace and security matters

– Peru emphasized strengthening UN peacekeeping operations

– Denmark suggested improving cooperation between the UN and regional organisations like the African Union

3. Addressing Root Causes of Conflict

Speakers highlighted the need to tackle underlying drivers of instability:

– Afghanistan mentioned poverty, inequality, and human rights abuses

– Malta emphasized education and opportunities for youth

– Denmark stressed climate change as a threat to peace and security

– The International Criminal Police Organization highlighted transnational organised crime and terrorism

4. Promoting Inclusive Participation in Peace Processes

The importance of diverse participation in peace processes was emphasized:

– Ireland advocated for increased involvement of women

– Sierra Leone stressed engagement of youth as agents of change

– The Philippines called for inclusion of civil society and affected communities

– Afghanistan emphasized empowerment of marginalised groups

5. Leveraging Technology for Peace and Security

Discussions included the role of emerging technologies:

– The Republic of Korea proposed developing governance frameworks for AI and emerging technologies

– Nigeria addressed the digital divide to promote inclusive innovation

– The Philippines highlighted tackling cybersecurity threats

6. Addressing Ongoing Conflicts

Speakers frequently referenced current conflicts, particularly in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, emphasizing the urgent need for multilateral action to address these crises.

Special Invitees’ Contributions

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Juan Manuel Santos, and Comfort Ero provided significant insights:

– Sirleaf emphasized the importance of African representation in global decision-making

– Santos highlighted the role of multilateralism in Colombia’s peace process

– Ero broadened the concept of peacebuilding, linking it to trade, aid, and climate change responses

Adoption of the Pact for the Future

The dialogue referenced the adoption of the Pact for the Future, emphasizing its significance for reinvigorating multilateralism and providing a framework for future cooperation.

UN Office of Counterterrorism Insights

The representative provided practical insights for enhancing multilateralism in countering terrorism, emphasizing the need for coordinated global efforts.

Closing Remarks and Next Steps

Rosemary Anne DiCarlo delivered closing remarks, summarizing key points and outlining next steps:

– Implementing the Pact for the Future

– Pursuing UN Security Council reform

– Strengthening UN peacekeeping operations

– Enhancing cooperation between the UN and regional organisations

– Developing governance frameworks for emerging technologies

– Finalising and implementing the Global Digital Compact

DiCarlo also noted the upcoming Interactive Dialogue 3 on digital cooperation.

Conclusion

While the dialogue revealed significant challenges facing the current multilateral system, it demonstrated a collective will to enhance international cooperation. The discussion set the stage for further negotiations to achieve concrete reforms in pursuit of international peace and security. Due to time constraints, not all speakers were able to deliver their statements, highlighting the need for continued dialogue on these critical issues.

Julius Maada Bio: of State and Government, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, distinguished participants, I call to order Interactive Dialogue 2 of the Summit of the Future, our Common Agenda. I’m delighted and honoured to co-chair this Interactive Dialogue together with my esteemed co-chair, His Excellency Simon Harris, teacher of Ireland, and we warmly welcome all of you participating in this dialogue this afternoon. This dialogue brings together member states and other relevant stakeholders to discuss the theme, Enhancing Multilateralism for International Peace and Security, in accordance with a concept note circulated online 14th August by the President of the General Assembly and in keeping with the terms of Assembly Resolution 76-307 on the modalities of a summit of the future and Decision 77-568 on the scope of the summit. Joining us on the podium today are Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, His Excellency Juan Manuel Santos. Former President of Colombia, Andobe Peace Prize Laureate, and Dr. Comfort Ero, President and CEO of the International Crisis Group, who will join the co-chairs in setting the scene for this dialogue. Ms. Rosemary Ann DiCarlo, United Nations Under-Secretary for Political and Peace-Building Affairs, we deliver closing remarks. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, allow me at this point to make a few personal and national remarks as it relates to the theme of this dialogue. Excellency, colleague, co-chair, excellencies, colleague heads of state and government, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor to co-chair this critical interactive dialogue on enhancing multilateralism for international peace and security at this summit of the future. As we gather at this defining moment, we are reminded of our shared duty to uphold the principles of multilateralism that form the bedrock of international system, our international system. In a world that faces complex global challenges, from violent conflict to transnational threats like terrorism, climate change, and pandemics, multilateralism remains an essential tool for maintaining peace and stability. I extend my most profound appreciation to the Secretary-General and all member states for their continued commitment to advancing the ideas of multilateralism, particularly in the face of growing global challenges. As we have heard already and detailed in the UN Secretary-General’s Our Common Agenda, our world today faces unprecedented challenges, from protracted conflicts and transnational terrorism, to global health crises, and the existential threat of climate change. These threats know no borders, and they cannot be effectively addressed by any member state alone. These challenges require collective action, shared responsibility, and, most importantly, the revitalization of multilateralism. Sierra Leone, as a small but steadfast member of the United Nations, has experienced the consequences of conflict firsthand. We know too well the devastating effects of instability, but we also know the transformative power of peacebuilding, reconciliation, and cooperation. The multilateral partnerships we formed through the United Nations, the African Union, ECOWAS, and other institutions were crucial in restoring peace, fostering reconciliation, and building the foundations. for sustainable development. Our history certainly is a testament to the significance of international cooperation in overcoming adversity. As we deliberate today on the future of multilateralism, let us not forget the successes we have achieved through cooperation under United Nations and other multilateral frameworks. These successes should inspire us to continue our collective efforts, for instance, and encourage us to draw from best practices that have proven effective in recent history. We can examine the regional organization’s role in conflict prevention and resolution, including the African Union’s effort in peacekeeping and mediation across the continent. This regional cooperation model highlights the importance of local ownership in addressing security threats, a practice that could be replicated globally. Your Excellencies, we must also recognize the growing challenges that threaten the effectiveness of this system. Geopolitical tensions, erosion of trust in global institutions, the resurgence of nationalism, and the persistent inequalities among nations have tested the very foundations of our cooperation. The frameworks we have relied upon in the past must now evolve to meet the shifting dynamics of the 21st century. This evolution includes necessary reforms in our global institutions to ensure they are equipped and effective. to effectively address the challenges of today and tomorrow. This summit, as a platform for global dialogue and cooperation, provides a unique opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism and to chart a pathway forward for a more inclusive, responsive, and effective international order. We must ensure that our efforts reflect the voices of all nations, including those of us in the Global South, particularly Africa, who often bear the brunt of global insecurity but are too frequently sidelined in decision-making processes. In this regard, reforming the United Nations Security Council must be a priority. The current structure established after World War II no longer reflected geopolitical realities of the 21st century. The Security Council must become more representative, equitable, and transparent if it is to maintain its legitimacy and effectiveness. At the same time, we must be bold and innovative in reforming the institutions that govern us, making them more representative, transparent, and accountable. In this morning’s plenary of the Summit of the Future, I delivered a joint statement on behalf of the group of seven-plus countries, and I outlined three of the six recommendations for implementation of the Pact. for the future. In addition to the six recommendations on global governance reform, in particular the Security Council for equitable representation of underrepresented regions and permanencies for Africa, the G7 Plus calls for one embracing science and technology, innovation and digital cooperation. The rapid advancement of technology offers new avenues for development, but also poses challenges particularly for countries with fragile infrastructures. The digital divide must not become a new frontier of inequality. We urge equitable access to digital technologies and investment in building the capacities of fragile states to benefit from the digital revolution. Also the youth and future generations as agents of change. The future of our nations lie in the hands of our young people. Their energy and ideas inspire hope for a brighter future. They are not just beneficiaries of the pact for the future, but important actors in achieving our desired future. We must remain committed to investing in youth and ensuring their active participation in governance, peace building and economic development. We must create the meaningful pathway for youth engagement in shaping a more just, inclusive and peaceful world. Their energy and ideas inspire hope for a brighter future. inspire hope for a brighter future. I look forward to our discussions and the valuable insights that we emerge from this dialogue. Thank you all. And I have the pleasure to invite my fellow co-chair, His Excellency Simon Harris-Tisha of Ireland to make some introductory remarks. You have the floor, please.

Simon Harris: Well, thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this important and timely interactive dialogue. And I’m delighted to be here beside President Beo to co-chair our discussion on a topic which is amongst the most pressing issues facing our world. The questions before us today are threefold. How can we reinvigorate multilateralism, better promote peace and security, and do so while continuing to leverage the technological innovation which has done so much to better our world? It is important for us to address these issues with realism and with honesty. We live now in a time in which violent conflict is proliferating, geopolitical tension is rising, and new technologies are developing which are increasingly complex and pose significant threats to global peace and stability. And let’s be frank, the United Nations is struggling to respond to these challenges. But the responsibility to change this rests with us, the member states of the UN. At the heart of this, we need, in my view, three things. Firstly, as member states, we must now recommit to upholding international law. Ireland will consistently call out violations. of international law wherever we see them and whomever commits them, be it in Gaza, Sudan or Ukraine. A principled and a consistent approach by all Member States of the UN is a minimum requirement to restore trust and belief in what we can achieve by working together. This needs political leadership. It needs a willingness to speak out and to defend the UN Charter and the values at the heart of our multilateral system. Secondly, we do need meaningful reform of the UN Security Council. Critical to this has to be the bringing to an end of the outdated use of the veto power, which undermines rather than strengthens international peace and stability. And it is beyond time that Council membership is expanded and made much more representative, with a particular focus placed on African voices. Thirdly, we need to strengthen the work of the UN in promoting diplomacy and peacebuilding, placing women and youth at the centre. In particular, Ireland strongly supports calls for a strengthening of the Peacebuilding Commission by increasing its links with the Security Council, its support to members and its collaboration with international financial institutions. The commitments made in the Pact for Future to intensify reform efforts and to strengthen capacities to address peace and security challenges do provide a valuable way forward. We have a huge responsibility to our citizens and to future generations to now deliver on this ambition. To bring a new urgency to shape an effective international architecture that enables peaceful resolution of conflicts, even when the odds appear to be stacked against us. But let us remember in our deliberations today how important it is not to lose hope, how important it is not to give in to that sense of fatalism. In words I often quote and often used by Ireland’s Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney, hope is not optimism which expects things to turn out well, but something rooted in the conviction that there is good worth working for. I believe it is with that sentiment we should take forward all of our discussions today and in the days ahead. Your Excellency, Mr. President, I look forward to co-chairing these valuable and deeply important discussions with you. Thank you very much.

Julius Maada Bio: I thank my esteemed co-chair for her statement. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I now have the pleasure to invite our distinguished special invitees to make some scene-setting remarks before we proceed to the list of speakers for this dialogue. I kindly remind them of the time limit of three minutes for statements. I first give the floor to Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former president of Liberia and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf: Excellencies, co-chairs, Excellencies, heads of states and government, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I am speaking today as an elder, but also strongly recalling the role assigned to me by Secretary-General António Guterres as co-chair of the United Nations. of the High-Level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism. I congratulate the Secretary-General on convening the Summit of the Future, a key commitment in our common agenda and which the Advisory Board was convened to inform. We are convening at a defining moment for the future of our children, grandchildren, and our world. Therefore, we must not merely acknowledge the challenges we face, but agree to chart a transformative course to strengthening the bonds of our humanity and sustaining our commitment to multilateral cooperation. To build a better world, we must also learn from the bitter past, which has painfully taught us that no one is truly safe where others are still entrapped by wars, famine, health outbreaks, rising sea levels, as well as political, economic, and social exclusions. Our world is interconnected and also fragile. From the global pandemic for which we are still struggling to recover, to escalating conflicts that defy borders, and from the growing existential threat of climate change to the emergence of complex security risks that are challenging our very understanding of peace, we continue to confront a series of unprecedented crises that are risking the truly peaceful and prosperous future that we all want. These realities have not only laid bare the limitation of our current international systems, but they challenge us to think beyond solutions that merely seek a preservation of the status quo. Rather than restricting it, we must revitalize multilateralism so it becomes more agile and responsive, so that it truly reflects the diverse needs, hopes, and aspirations of all peoples. For decades, multilateralism has been the cornerstone of global stability. With the United Nations rightly positioned as the most prominent symbol, including the hope for many, this architecture presupposes the unity of our nations toward the search for solutions to the common problems that affect us all, everywhere. It means that this sense of unity, notwithstanding our differences, ought to be reflected in agreements we can reach as measured by the inclusiveness toward reaching such agreements. It also means that as the challenges we face have evolved, so too must our approach to resolving them. The failure to revitalize and adopt is as grave a threat to multilateralism as those who are seeking to overturn it. No system, however good, can long endure. if it cannot adapt to its changing environment and circumstances. May I propose a few adaptive actions. Re-invigorate global institutions. We need to reform and empower international institutions to respond effectively to today’s challenges. This involves ensuring that these bodies are more representative, transparent, and accountable to the people they serve. Reform the Security Council. It’s too long overdue. The highest and most important organ responsible to the maintenance of international peace and security needs to have broader reflect, not just changes in inclusions, but also its own ability to adapt to growing challenges to international peace and security. Strengthen partnerships. Global challenges require global solutions. We must build stronger partnerships across regions, sectors, and disciplines, engaging governments, international organizations, civil society, the private sector, and academics in a unified embrace. Embrace innovation. In a world of rapid technological change, we must leverage innovation and knowledge, sharing to advance peace and security, and we should promote inclusive dialogue. Lasting peace and security cannot be achieved without the inclusion of all voices, particularly those affected by conflict. We must ensure that the perspective of women, youth, and marginalized communities are central to our peacebuilding efforts. Excellencies, as we close, let us remind you that the women and children of Sudan and other places cannot really today think of the summit, for they cannot. envision a future, whether they’re from Gaza or from Ukraine or, as I say, South Sudan. We simply must work indefinitely on a system that was created in the world of 1945. We must find a way to ensure that we can end impunity, that we can ensure that this world of ours is indeed a future for all peoples. To those that feel the reform task is too ambitious, I would like to remind them of the words of the founder of the elders, Nelson Mandela, when he said, it always seems impossible until it’s done. May we find the courage to make the reform, because as he said, it can be done. I thank you.

Julius Maada Bio: Thank you. I thank the former president of Liberia. I’d like to remind all the speakers that the three-minute time limit is going to be strictly enforced. We will now hear from His Excellency Juan Manuel Santos, former president of Colombia, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Juan Manuel Santos: Distinguished co-chairs, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, like my fellow elder, Ellen Johnson, I would like to congratulate Secretary Antonio Guterres for his successful convening of the Summit of the Future. I would like to address the second question on today’s agenda, how to engage with diverse stakeholders and multilateral approaches to promoting international peace and security. I am very proud to say that the peace process in my country, in Colombia, has been widely and rightly recognized for its inclusiveness, particularly the participation of women, youth, and indigenous communities. Sadly, when we look at the international environment as we approach the 25th anniversary next year, of the landmark Security Council 1325, which demanded the inclusion of women in conflict resolutions and peacebuilding, the elders feel that the world has not lived up to the spirit of this important commitment. We have seen a commendable amount of progress made in many spheres, including more women in senior roles in the UN, and discussions this week have already included the growing demands which elders, and I particularly, strongly support, that the next Secretary General be a woman. Thank you. However, the decisions that most affect international peace and security are still primarily and in some contexts exclusively made by men, often the same men who resorted to violence in initiating the conflict. The elders call for the meaningful participation and inclusion of senior women in peacemaking and peacebuilding processes. Those engaging in political processes seeking to end conflict, the UN and other international actors must insist on a meaningful role for women as a prerequisite for support, not simply a nice thing to have. And I come back to the peace process in Colombia. I am a witness of the role of women in peacemaking. When the negotiations were stalled in Cuba, in Havana, they were in a very difficult moment. I sent a group of women victims to face the two sides and ask for progress. And the impact was astonishing. The conversation they had allowed the negotiations to continue and end successfully. We also need to ensure that the institutions, process, and policies of multilateral institutions are fit for purpose in a rapidly exchanging world. In this regard, I would like to comment briefly on the governance of new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. The benefits of artificial intelligence are evident, but the risks are not. are enormous. An effective response to manage AI safely must be inclusive, transparent, and include true multilateral cooperation and sharing, sharing of expertise. While some welcome progress has been made to the national and regional levels, elders remain concerned at the lack of progress to tackle these risks globally. We are very concerned about the implications of integrating AI into nuclear command and control systems, the potential implications of which are poorly understood. Nuclear weapons already pose an existential threat to humanity that is insufficiently high on the political agenda. Unchecked AI development risks making the threat even more severe and harder to regulate in a multilateral framework. At the very least, there needs to be more dialogue between nuclear states to better understand the potential risks. As we prepare to mark the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki next year, we need all leaders to commit to reducing nuclear risks and proliferation in the interest of lasting international peace and stability. Thank you.

Julius Maada Bio: I now give the floor to Dr. Comfort Ero, President and CEO of the International Crisis Group. You have the floor, please.

Comfort Ero: Thank you, Co-Chair. Your Excellencies, Co-Chairs, Excellencies, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and President Santos, I speak on behalf of the International Crisis Group, a global conflict prevention organization. Looking around the world, Crisis Group is profoundly concerned by the rise in armed conflicts and looking at the United Nations, we often worry that this organization is unable to respond. In that context, we welcome the Pact of the Future and its chapter on peace and security. We believe that the pact is an important starting point for strengthening the United Nations system. That includes both the UN’s operational tools and its decision-making bodies. Some examples I would like to highlight include, first, the call for a timely review of the strengths and weaknesses of the United Nations peace operations, which remain one of this organization’s most important tools. Second, the endorsement of an ambitious review of the United Nations peace building architecture, which can work collegially with countries to get the resources to address their own conflict risks. And thirdly, language on the need to address the implications of technological advances for peace and security, giving the United Nations a chance to address future drivers of war. Some of this language, including that on technology and conflict, is weaker than we hoped. The last-minute decision to cut a section on how climate change is reshaping conflict risks means that the pact does not address a major emerging challenge. But more positively, the pact does include innovative language on Security Council reform, including strengthening Africa’s voices and the role of the General Assembly in peace and security. For now, these are just words on paper, but they are also openings to revitalise the United Nations. But preventing and resolving conflict is not simply a matter of reviewing policies or reforming international institutions. It is about generating the shared political will to address the crises we face together. That means pursuing four crucial steps. Firstly, building coalitions of states inside the United Nations system, across the Security Council, the General Assembly, and other bodies, to back UN peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding. Second, working better outside the United Nations, often with regional organisations, to coordinate our responses to emerging crises and reduce our differences through joined-up diplomacy. Thirdly, seeing that making and sustaining peace is not only as a task for diplomats and soldiers, but also as priorities when it comes to trade, aid, and our responses to climate change. And fourthly, committing to searching for political solutions to the challenges and conflicts that emerge in our own societies and our features of all societies, to prevent them growing. These are all hard tasks. They are open-ended tasks and require leadership. The Pact for the Future reminds us that the United Nations has many tools to help us in this endeavour, but it is up to the UN Member States to use them. I thank you, co-chairs, for giving us the floor.

Julius Maada Bio: I thank the President and CEO of the International Crisis Group. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, before I open the floor, I’d like to inform that all statements are to be made from your seat. The time limit for statements is three minutes. And due to limited time available, this will be strictly implemented through the automatic microphone cutoff when the speaker’s allotted time elapses. The red light on a speaker’s microphone will start to blink 30 seconds before the end of the allotted speaking time of three minutes, when the microphone will be automatically shut down. I thank all speakers in advance for their cooperation. In the interest of time, delegations with long statements are strongly encouraged to deliver summarized versions of their statement and to submit full text to estatements.un.org to be posted in the UN journal as part of the record of our proceedings. I now open the floor for statements by delegations inscribed on the list of speakers for this dialogue. Once the dialogue starts to hear from observers, the list will be managed in such a way to ensure the voices of all stakeholders. our heart by interspersing General Assembly observers, UN system, and civil society. I give the floor to His Excellency Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, President of the Republic of Fiji.

Fiji: Respected co-chairs, esteemed panellists, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, today’s dialogue emphasises the importance of multilateralism and the collective efforts to peace and security. Since 1978, Fiji has been part of the collective effort to maintain peace and security through our contributions to the United Nations peacekeeping operations in conflict-affected regions all over the world. The natures of threat against international peace and security has extended beyond the traditional confines of conflict to political, economic, social, and environmental dimensions. International peace and security are fundamental for sustainable development. For this, we need strong international cooperation, diplomacy, and a commitment to upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter are indispensable. Our multilateral system must be reformed to be able to respond to new threats and to the challenges of the 21st century. We call for a more inclusive and a more representative United Nations Security Council that reflects the voices of developing countries, particularly small, island-developing states. Increased cooperation between the United Nations regional bodies and member states in the fields of early warning prevention, peacemaking, peacekeeping, peacebuilding is important. In the Blue Pacific, we recognize the value of peace, having lived through the horrors of its absence during the two world wars. We need to advance the region as the ocean of peace. And guided by the 2050 Strategy for a Blue Pacific Continent, we are committed to realizing our vision for a resilient Pacific region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion, and prosperity. We cannot do it alone. We call on multilateral and bilateral development partners to support us in this endeavor in making the oceans of peace a reality. I thank you.

Julius Maada Bio: I thank the President of Fiji for that statement. I now give the floor to His Excellency Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique. President Nyusi will be coming later, and we’ll give the floor to him when he comes. For now, we move on to Guatemala. His Excellency Cesar Bernardo Arevalo de Leon, President of the Republic of Guatemala. You have the floor, please.

Guatemala: AMIGOS Y AMIGAS, YOUR EXCELLENCIES, FRIENDS. The current world is facing existential threats which requires coordinated action from the international community, from emerging conflicts, including the proliferation of nuclear weapons and the effects of climate change and the swift progress of ICTs, without an appropriate multilateral governance framework. At the same time, the clear weakening of international norms and the institutions responsible for implementing them are weakening our ability to uphold international peace and security. We are facing the risk that this deteriorating situation leads us back to a world where might makes right and there is a lack of cooperation to help us to address our challenges. As a founding member of the organization, we uphold the United Nations Charter, and we see this as an indispensable benchmark to revitalize international cooperation within a framework of rules shared by all member states. Guatemala is a successful example of how the implementation of these principles can promote peace and development in societies marked by complex conflicts. The United Nations played a key role in the negotiation of the peace agreements of 1996, and they have supported the national efforts to sustain peace. However, 79 years on from when the organization was established, deep-seated reforms are needed to tailor it to the country. reality. Implementing these reforms requires that we have a renewed commitment to the principles of the Charter, on the one hand, and on the other hand, to have political will to introduce innovative changes as well. Guatemala supports the reform of the Security Council to achieve a more effective global governance and to move forward the agenda of peace and security. The Security Council must reflect the current geopolitical realities, including regions that are underrepresented, and ensuring that it reflects today’s world. The General Assembly must also ensure that it can play a role in those areas where the Security Council is not able to reach an agreement. The United Nations peacekeeping operations also need a root and branch reform to increase their effectiveness with appropriate resources and robust mandates to deal with the current contexts. Finally, we need to work together to strengthen the role and mandate of the Peacebuilding Commission, ensuring that there is adequate sustained funding for the fund, and strengthening national ownership and capacity building at the national level as well. I urge you, I urge us, to be ambitious and to take the opportunity provided by this summit. And the microphone has been cut off.

Julius Maada Bio: I thank the President of Guatemala. And I’ll move on to His Excellency Daniel Risch, Prime Minister, Minister for General Government Affairs, and Minister for Finance of the Principality of Liechtenstein. You have the floor, please.

Liechtenstein: Distinguished Co-Chairs, Excellencies, inclusive and effective multilateralism, as we are discussing it today in this room, is the very foundation of our collective success in the years to come. Safeguarding peace and security will remain one of the most pressing and challenging tasks. The United Nations, as its very core peace organization, represents, like no other international organization, universal multilateralism on the basis of international law. This international rule of law functions as a guarantor of our serenity and basis for prosperity. And for a small state without armed forces, like is the case for Liechtenstein, this is not meaningless, to say the least. The commitment to save future generations from the scourge of war is today more relevant than at any other time in the existence of this organization. In fact, we are facing the largest number of armed conflicts since World War II. With the aggression of a permanent member of the Security Council against the founding member state of the United Nations, we have witnessed new levels of escalation. We are also seeing intensification in some of the threats to security. Cyberattacks, nuclear threats, climate change, and humanitarian disasters have all reached new and concerning levels. We are looking at the Security Council to step out of its paralysis, to live on its primary responsibility for peace and security. And we have to offer assistance from the outside. But it is also our responsibility to look for alternatives. Empowering the General Assembly will remain crucial and certainly a priority for Liechtenstein. By presenting the veto initiative, we have ensured that a veto in the Council is no longer the last word, and that the General Assembly can take a decision when the Council is unable to do so. The Pact of the Future gives us the basis for the next steps, and to make sure that those who are party to a dispute cannot block Council action. Safeguarding international peace also means enhancing human security and addressing global threats holistically. The challenges we are facing 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. You can count on us as a committed and vocal partner in the years to come. I thank you.

Julius Maada Bio: I thank the Prime Minister, the Minister for General Government Affairs, and the Minister for Finance of the Principality of Liechtenstein. I will now move on to His Excellency Bjarni Benediktsson, Prime Minister of Iceland.

Iceland: Dear colleagues, Multilateral cooperation is fundamental to our security. On it rests the ability to live peacefully with our neighbours, and to address major common challenges, such as climate change. Key to successful international cooperation is trust. And the more trust there is, the better the cooperation will succeed. Colleagues, The problem we have today is lack of trust. One key step to rebuilding trust and making multilateralism work for international peace and security is to honour the agreements we sign up to. Today, we have reaffirmed our commitment to act in accordance with international law. with international law, we have reiterated our full respect for the sovereign equality of all Member States, the principles of equal rights and self-determination, and our obligation to respect territorial integrity of any State. Furthermore, we reaffirm our commitment to settle international disputes by peaceful means and our commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. So this is where we must start, by honouring these commitments. We also condemn the devastating impact of armed conflict. Yet, as we speak, Member States of this Organization are intentionally targeting civilians and infrastructure or failing to take the necessary and internationally agreed precautions to avoid such events. We are failing to enable safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access and assistance. And the casualty figures among humanitarian workers and journalists, even UN staff, show that they are not afforded the necessary protection either. I have to say that the list of commitments under the Peace and Security Chapter reads like a list of the things we are precisely not doing at the moment. Identifying the roots of conflict, diffusing tensions between Member States, and seeking peaceful settlement through preventative diplomacy, peacebuilding, and the UN are all hugely important. But it requires that all countries, including large and powerful countries, honour their commitments. This is the only way to re-establish the trust we need to make multilateral cooperation work for the peace and security of us all.

Julius Maada Bio: I thank the Prime Minister of Iceland, and I’ll give the floor to His Excellency Tanja Fajon , Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Republic of Slovenia. You have the floor, please.

Slovenia: Thank you. Dear co-chairs, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is my pleasure to participate in this interactive dialogue on multilateralism at the Summit of the Future, which presents a unique opportunity to foster global cooperation and steer the responses to the challenges faced by our world today. Multilateralism benefits all countries, small or big. Armed conflicts, climate change, poverty and hunger, new technologies and other global challenges and threats cannot be solved by one nation alone. They need a collective response, in a good faith and in solidarity with one another. Regretfully, the current multilateral system often lacks efficiency and swift reactions, and while being aware of its imperfections, we also see the benefits that it poses. Rather than seeking ways to dismantle it, we need to put all our efforts into revitalization and reform of its institutions, including the UN Security Council, and so that it can reflect the realities of today. Ladies and Gentlemen, We need a strong and effective United Nations system, fit to face the current and future challenges. We need an organization that is able to address the challenges of the world today. anticipate new trends and adapt to the current geopolitical situation. As a current member of the UN Security Council, Slovenia firmly believes that multilateralism, dialogue, and respect for principles of the UN Charter, international law, and human rights provide the best framework for international peace and security. To that end, we are organizing this week, on 25th September, a high-level open debate under the slogan Leadership for Peace. In order to strengthen the multilateral system, with the UN at its core, and make it relevant in the world of today, we need to restore the political will and mutual trust. In this context, we also need to ensure the full implementation of Security Council resolutions. Your Excellencies, Yesterday we had marked an international day of peace, a date that the UN General Assembly has designated as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence. Regretfully, in many places around the globe, the guns have not stayed silent, and neither have the complex challenges we face gone away. I am hopeful that this summit of the future will chart a new path ahead for humanity, one towards a future where all of us can thrive, side by side, in peace and solidarity with one another.

Julius Maada Bio: I thank the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, Slovenia. I now call on His Excellency Mihai Popșoi.

Republic of Moldova: The world is undergoing some of the most complex and challenging times. Humanity is facing multiple wars and conflicts in different parts of the world, climate change, energy crisis, economic downturns, all of which seriously undermine international peace, security, and sustainable development. International law and international humanitarian law are blatantly violated, including in our region. Ukraine is courageously defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity against the unprovoked military aggression by the Russian Federation, which ravages for over two and a half years now. In these difficult times, we must remain united and steadfast in our support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Many of the challenges confronting the international community transcend national borders and can only be addressed through effective multilateralism, strengthened international cooperation, and a shared sense of solidarity. Excellencies, in this regard, I would like to highlight some of the key actions that, in our view, are relevant to restoring trust and reinvigorating the effectiveness of multilateralism so that it can respond to both current and future crises. First and foremost, it is crucial to underscore the critical need to return to the principles and purpose of the UN Charter. Respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of member states, including the unwavering commitment to always respect international law and international humanitarian law, as well as fully complying with the existence of a normative framework regulating arms control, disarmament, and nonproliferation. Secondly, the ongoing war of aggression in Ukraine and the Middle East crises have gone and highlighted the urgent need for a robust Security Council that can effectively fulfill its responsibilities under the UN Charter. The essence of this reform is that the Council must meet the expectations and noble goals of the UN, which can only be realized when its members whether permanent or non-permanent, 25 or 28 or whatever formula is agreed, are first accountable to the international community, abide by international law, and demonstrate their commitment to peace through their own example. Thirdly, we stress the need to ensure the accountability for humanitarian atrocities, the killing of civilians, and the destruction of public and critical infrastructure through timely, fair, and independent investigations, both at the national and international levels. This is of utmost importance for ensuring justice for all the victims and preventing future crises. Lastly, we must recognize that achieving peace and security and restoring faith in the global system is not possible without sustainable development. The summit convened by the Secretary-General provides us with the opportunity to rebuild trust and effective multilateralism. Violence has no place in the 21st century, but unfortunately, it is too present today. Thank you.

Julius Maada Bio: Thank you, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova. We now move on to the next speaker, His Excellency Taye Atske Selassie Amde. Foreign Minister of – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. You have the floor, please.

Ethiopia: Thank you, co-chairs. On the topic of this interactive dialogue on enhancing multilateralism for international peace and security, I would like to raise the following four main points, what we consider to be critical in ensuring effective multilateralism. First, priority must be given to building an effective and trusted United Nations. The United Nations must be at the center of effective multilateralism. The UN should overcome the influence coming from selective national interests. It must also augment its human and other resources to provide a trusted, convening platform for contentious issues. A United Nations without political independence, impartiality, and adequate capability to preside over global affairs will not serve our collective aspiration for effective multilateralism. Second, the principles under the Charter of the United Nations are timeless and uniquely important in the multipolar global order. The principles provided under the UN Charter are timeless. Nor rule nor alliance should be allowed to undermine our principles of sovereignty and equality, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, the prohibition of the threat of or use of force, and peaceful resolution of disputes. The pact for the future should be applied in full compliance with the Charter’s provision. Third, poverty and inequality are still at the center of global challenges, including in peace and security crisis. Distractible socioeconomic conditions are the root cause of most insecurity situations. In the pool of our collective capacity, there is no lack of resources to eradicate poverty. Instead, there is a concerning level of politicization, complacency, blame-shifting, and inadequate level of cooperation to eradicate poverty. We need better prioritization, enhanced solidarity, and political commitment to assist nations in their efforts to eradicate poverty within their policy choices. As part of the commitment to the pact for the future, it is time to do away with unilateral coercive measures and trade blockades that mainly affect populations. of developing countries. Finally, the reform of the UN Security Council is overdue. For the UN Security Council to carry out its functions and preserve its authority, it needs to respond to the quest for representation by Africa. There is no half solution or a shortcut for this problem. Africa stands at the only regional group with no permanent seat and its attendant prerogative. That is the missing puzzle of the story of multilateralism, a narrative of dashed hopes and aspirations.

Julius Maada Bio: I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Defense of Nigeria. You have the floor, please.

Nigeria: Thank you very much, Co-Chair. Let me, on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, commend the convening of this summit. Nigeria has remained unequivocal in its commitments to international peacebuilding and security since the first engagements of its troops in the Congo in 1960. To date, Nigeria has contributed to 41 peacekeeping operations worldwide. Under the regional and sub-regional cooperations, Nigeria has been involved in peacekeeping operations in field missions in Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Liberia, Mali, Sudan, Sierra Leone, among others, and has contributed a lot in terms of finance, logistics, troops, and civilian experts, making her one of the most significant. African troops and police contributors to the United Nations missions. It is on this basis that Nigeria continues to call for the reform of the United Nations Security Council to give just representation to Africa on a permanent basis for inclusivity and deepening of global peace and security, and of course, building trust. We recognize the need for Africa to build strong and professional armies in order to, among others, defeat terrorism. Nigeria calls for the operationalization of the African Standby Force and the provisions of requisite support and resources to ensure the upgrade, take-off, and effectiveness of a center of excellence in Africa on issues of counterterrorism. We reiterate the call to strengthen regional and sub-regional cooperation, build capacities of member states, promote cooperation and understanding, as well as diffuse tension and seek peaceful settlement of disputes to resolve conflicts, especially in the Middle East and Ukraine. We must scale up efforts in addressing transnational organized crime and related illegal financial flaws through comprehensive strategies, including prevention, early detection, protection, and law enforcement, especially in the wake of emerging alliance between bandits and terrorists, including kidnapping for ransom and the act of piracy. We seize this opportunity to urge the international community to renew efforts to stem the tide small arms and light weapons conflict, especially within the Sahel region, where unperturbed access by non-state actors to inflict arms, to elicit arms and light weapons, continue to foster insecurity. I conclude by reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to continue to support the effort of the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security.

Julius Maada Bio: I thank the Minister of Defence of Nigeria, and I give the floor to Her Excellency Baiba Braže, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia.

Latvia: Mr. President, Excellencies, Since the founding of the UN, there has not been a greater need for resolute and collective actions than now. The times of hardship are the times of opportunity, and the summit of the future is a good opportunity. So first and foremost step in our view is to reaffirm the commitment to the UN Charter-based international order. The Charter, for the first time in international law, prohibited aggression and established the principles of the territorial integrity, respect for it, and respect for internationally recognized borders. Strong adherence to these norms means also promoting accountability in case of their violations, and it is essential to effectively address the growing challenges to international peace and security. So we strongly support steps that further strengthen the UN by revitalizing the UN system and advance UN Security Council reform. The latter has to rectify the past injustices and ensure equitable regional representation of African, Latin American, small island developing states. As a member of the Accountability, Coherence, and Transparency Committee, I am pleased to be a part of the UN Security Council. Transparency Group, we will continue supporting efforts aimed at increasing the effectiveness of the Security Council. Further, we must be more decisive and bolder in our commitment to achieve progress towards implementation of the Agenda 2030. Digital and emerging technologies, in this respect, hold immense potential to drive progress towards a sustainable future for all nations. However, misuse of them will adversely affect societies and countries. Thus, inclusive digital transformation, with human rights at its core, is essential. That includes resilience to disinformation. Latvia has valuable experience in building information integrity and promoting media literacy, as shown here in the UN by initiatives with a number of countries together. And we are ready to share this experience with the international community. To achieve those steps mentioned above, we have to work together with various stakeholders, including civil society, private sector, academia, and especially marginalized and affected communities. Inclusion and empowerment of women and girls in decision-making is paramount, as well as the participation of youth. To conclude, I fully endorse President Santoso’s call for the next Secretary-General to be female. And I thank you.

Julius Maada Bio: I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia. I now give the floor to His Excellency Felipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique.

Mozambique: crisis, such as geopolitical conflicts, poverty, pandemics. These crises have exacerbated inequalities, throwing millions of people to poverty and food insecurity. With the Pact for the Future adopted today, we have established sound foundations to respond to the needs and interests of present and future generations. This summit is the most appropriate platform to galvanize the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, that six years before its deadline in 2030, only 17% of the targets have progressed meaningfully. In 2020, Mozambique submitted the first National Voluntary Review Report, which noted significant progress in areas such as access to potable water, expansion and improved access to justice, more access and retention of girls in school, and sustainable of oceans through initiatives to mitigate the impact of climate change, among other achievements. Global crises we experience impel us to strengthen multilateralism based on a common agenda of cooperation, collaboration, solidarity, dialogue, and mutual trust. It is also imperative to reform the collective security system to better resolve the conflicts that affect the world by resorting to preventive diplomacy, mediation, good offices by the Secretary General, and minimize confrontations between states. I conclude by standing for a reform of the international financial architecture, public debt sustainability, peace and security, and development financing to make the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals viable by 2030. by 2030. Thank you very much for your attention.

Julius Maada Bio: Zheenbek Kulubaev, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyzstan. You have the floor,

Kyrgyzstan: Thank you, Co-Chair, Excellencies. The maintenance of international peace and security has become very challenging. The world is going through a dangerous geopolitical turbulence and confrontation since the Cold War end. The ongoing conflict in Middle East, Eastern Europe and other parts of the planet are the very demonstration of the critical security situation in the world. In the meantime, I cannot disagree with the view that the current geopolitical confrontation between some permanent members of the Security Council is the root cause for the deadlock in the existing multilateral system. We need to act now in order to restore and maintain international peace and security. I call on the permanent members of the Security Council to engage in a constructive dialogue and make decisions that meet the interests of the global community. In each part, Kyrgyzstan stands ready to contribute and participate in the collective action of the world community. First and foremost, Kyrgyzstan is fully committed to the principles of norms of international law and the United Nations Charter. We support the pact for the future and are also committed to its implementation. Let’s bring a lasting peace. for the future generations. Second, we will continue to work together on strengthening multilateralism and its institutions, which are the beating heart of the United Nations. We support a popular call for making the Security Council more efficient and the geographical representatives through its reform, as well as for enhancing a role of the UN General Assembly on the matters related to the maintenance of international peace and security. Excellencies, I wish to inform that Kyrgyzstan is a candidate for non-permanent membership at the UN Security Council for the term 2027 and 2028. Kyrgyzstan, like other 60 member states, has never been elected to the United Security Council. It is the right time to redress this historic injustice. I kindly request each and every fellow member state to extend its valuable support of Kyrgyzstan’s election for the Security Council. Our country is also endured by all the Central Asian countries. Let’s recall that Central Asia for the many centuries was a connecting bridge between East and West, North and South. Today Central Asia continues to play a crucial role in the maintenance of international peace and security. In conclusion, I would like to stress that the time has come to resume dialogue, restore trust and solidarity, and take collective action for the global peace and security. For the sake of peace and security..

Julius Maada Bio: I thank you for your presence here today. I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, and I call on His Excellency Elmedin Konaković .

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Co-chair, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, it is both an honor and a deep personal responsibility to address this gathering today. For my country, this is not an abstract or distant concept. We are a country that has lived through the horrors of war, and we have felt personally the consequences of what happens when multilateral systems fail. But also, we know the hope that arises when nations come together to rebuild, reconcile, and pursue peace. As I stand before you, I must begin by acknowledging a profound chapter in our history, the genocide that took place in Srebrenica in July 1995. This was Europe’s worst atrocity since World War II. It was a moment that should forever remind us of costs of inaction of the UN system and international community, and the consequences of indifference to plight of specific national, ethnic, or religious groups. The horrific genocide committed in Srebrenica occurred in what was meant to be a UN-designated safe zone. It underscores the critical importance of multilateralism, not just in words, but in deeds. We must ensure that promises made in the name of peace and security are backed by concrete action and by a determination to prevent such atrocities from ever happening again. Therefore, I would like to invite you to implement the UN resolution in the General Assembly of the UN, adopted in May this year, that designates July 11th as the International Day of Remembrance and Commemoration of the Genocide Committed in Srebrenica in 1995. This resolution calling for the remembrance of the victims of the Srebrenica genocide – a milestone that my country deeply appreciates. It is a recognition not only of our past, but also of the ongoing responsibility to ensure that we learn from it. The resolution reaffirms our shared commitment to truth, justice, and reconciliation – principles that are the heart of any peace. multilateral effort to maintain peace. Our contribution to strengthening multilateralism for international peace and security was also reconfirmed during Bosnia and Herzegovina’s tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council from 2010 to 2011. We brought with us the scars of our past, but also the lessons we had learned. We understood that peace and true reconciliation must be supported by a multilateral framework that encourages dialogue and inclusivity. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s post-war recovery has been deeply interconnected with international cooperation. We have been supported by the collective efforts of organizations such as UN, NATO, the European Union, OSCE, OIC, and many others. Bosnia and Herzegovina has long demonstrated leadership on the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda under UNSC 1325 as the first country in the Western Balkans to adopt an action plan under the resolution and the fifth country globally.

Julius Maada Bio: I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I give the floor now to His Excellency Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta.

Malta: Thank you, Excellencies. We gather today in a world that faces profound challenges requiring urgent collective responses. The mantra that global challenges require global solutions resonates now more than ever. The interconnected nature of today’s crisis such as climate change, poverty, conflict, and inequality, demands that we strengthen our commitment to the UN Charter, multilateralism, and global governance. To foster a peaceful and prosperous future, we must prioritize inclusivity. A society that leaves anyone behind cannot truly flourish. It’s imperative that we create environments where every individual can realize their full potential. By accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, we can more effectively address the underlying drivers of violence and insecurity. Our actions must reflect a firm commitment to universal values, respecting, protecting, and fulfilling all human rights. Human rights cannot and must not just be ideals, but tangible realities for all. Empowering women is crucial, as is their active participation in peace processes. This is the foundation to conflict prevention and sustaining peace. A holistic approach to maintaining international peace and security necessitates addressing the interlinkages between climate, peace, and security. This is the reality. Excellencies, the United Nations is at the heart of multilateral action, and it’s imperative that we reform it to enhance its responsiveness and accountability. A robust UN can lead global initiatives and foster cooperation that underpins peace and security. Investing in education and opportunities for young people is equally critical. They are our leaders and innovators. Empowering them is essential for sustainable development. By ensuring that children are protected from violence and have access to quality education, we lay the groundwork for a more stable and secure future. In closing, let us reaffirm our dedication to a multilateral system that is effective and inclusive. representative essential for maintaining international peace and security. Malta stands ready to collaborate with all nations to create a better future. Together we must take decisive action today for ourselves, our children, our young persons, the generations to come. Thank you.

Julius Maada Bio: I thank the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta. I now give the floor to His Excellency Al Sayyid Badr Hamad Hamood Al Busaidi

, Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman. You have the floor, please.

Oman: I thank the Chair and Co-Chair, Your Excellencies. At the core of Omani foreign policy are the principles of dialogue, pragmatism and mutual respect. These values are prerequisites to address the complex and interconnected crises of today. Inclusive platforms like the United Nations are indispensable in promoting these values. But the ongoing war in Gaza is a stark reminder of how fragile the situation has become. The escalation of violence, the suffering of civilians and the breakdown of peace efforts challenge the principles of multilateralism and the rule of law. We are facing a chronic failure to learn from the past or to understand the present, in particular regarding Palestine. Too many of us still inhibit a Cold War mentality of binaries. zero-sum games, and unwillingness to communicate. We tend to believe the world can be neatly organized into friends and enemies. The effectiveness of our global institutions in preventing and resolving conflicts relies upon us transforming such thinking. We must develop a more open-minded and pragmatic mentality suitable for today’s multipolar world. The issues in the Middle East will not be resolved unless we are willing to speak to and listen to those we have branded as enemies. And they will not be resolved unless we address their underlying causes. Since the inception of the Zionist Project, all people of the region have become less safe. The violations of international law continue at an unprecedented rate. It is our collective responsibility to implement a just and lasting resolution that upholds the dignity and the rights of all. This must be based on a two-state solution. It is the only viable solution. And we must reform and enhance multilateral frameworks to better reflect today’s realities, including through greater representation of diverse voices, a strong emphasis on justice, and a renewed commitment to international law and peaceful conflict resolution. The Sultanate of Oman looks forward to continuing its support for efforts that promote collaboration, trust, understanding, and justice. Thank you.

Julius Maada Bio: the Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, and I hand over to my esteemed co-chair, His Excellency Simon Harris, of Ireland, to chair the remainder of our proceedings this afternoon.

Simon Harris: Well, thank you very much. I want to thank my eminent co-chair for the efficient manner in which he’s guided our proceedings during the first part of this dialogue. We will now continue with our list of speakers and I give the floor to His Excellency Ramadan Mohamed Abdullah Goc, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of South Sudan. The floor is yours.

South Sudan: Excellency, the chair and the co-chair, Distinguished Delegates, it’s an honor to address this distinguished gathering at the UN Summit of Future, convening on the timely theme of Multilateral Solution for a Better Tomorrow. As we gather here today to adopt the Pact for the Future and to discuss issues of common interest on multilateralism and international peace and security, I am reminded of the profound challenges that continue to beset our world. South Sudan, a nation that emerged from decades of conflict that was ended through a negotiated peace process, stands as a testament to enduring powers of multilateralism. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development, IGAD, and the African Union and the United Nations play a great role in mediating our peace processes, demonstrating the effectiveness of collective action in addressing complex challenges. The international system today fares unprecedented pressures due to the increasing complexity of global challenges. To address this, we call upon the UN to reform its structures and processes to reflect the realities of the 21st century. We specifically support the ongoing discussions for expanding the Security Council to accommodate the voice of African people in addressing current global challenges, including armed conflict, climate change, pandemics, and rising inequalities. As a nation, we are investing our limited resources in education, health, and targeted policies to foster job creation and innovation to empower our youth. We are also allocating resources to address response to climate-induced natural disasters that have affected many years many areas in South Sudan, and in agriculture, mining, and infrastructure to build a resilient and diversified economy in our country. It is in this context that we call for greater support through technology transfer, scientific collaboration, and foreign direct investment to tap into the great potential in all these sectors. Your Excellency, distinguished delegates, South Sudan recently conducted its first Voluntary National Review on the Sustainable Development Goal, and the findings show that we must do more to make sure that our human development index is reviewed in a way that can help our nation. Nonetheless, we are hampered by the structural impediment in the form of limited resources and capacity.

Simon Harris: I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Intellectual Property for his time. International Cooperation of South Sudan, and I give the floor to Her Excellency Luminita Odobescu , the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania. The floor is yours.

Romania: Thank you. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the state of the world as of today requires a more clear-eyed and responsible global debate, ensuring peace globally goes hand in hand with an effective multilateralism with the UN at its core. It is the strong belief and commitment of Romania. Nevertheless, multilateralism is not simply a format. It is a form of attachment to shared principles and purposes where peace and security should be the common denominator. What we see, however, around the globe shows us the contrary. And when peace is in decline, multilateralism is under attack. Equally, when multilateralism does not deliver, peace is even more fragile. They are absolutely linked. The illegal and unjustified war against Ukraine, the suffering and wider stabilization following Hamas attack are different forms of violence around the globe stemming from hate and disrespect of human dignity. We are witnessing more and more breaches of international law. Ensuring peace and international security will require political attention and more cooperation at all levels. In all our endeavors, the need to protect civilians everywhere and restore human dignity comes to the forefront. This can only be achieved by restoring the protection of international law. Equally, ensuring accountability against aggressors and fight against impunity. In such difficult times, it can only be natural to consolidate and upgrade multilateralism. multilateralism. And as we witnessed in the past, when the Security Council fails to act, the General Assembly rises to the task in defense of the Charter and our common values. We are indeed of a more proactive, revitalized, and effective General Assembly. Prevention and mediation efforts should also be boosted. A new agenda for peace is a valuable basis for our future action. In all these efforts, Romania stresses the essential role of human rights defenders, youth, women, and the private sector, reconnected with citizens all around the globe. And education, in the spirit of tolerance, should claim our focus. We should also take care of our information space, as security is not only attacking physical borders, it is also attacking minds. When we live in a world of crisis, it is challenging to see the alternatives. But they are there, and we should simply not give up on finding a solution for ensuring peace and security. Thank you.

Simon Harris: I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, and I now give the floor to Algeria, to His Excellency Ahmed Attaf, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad. You have the floor, sir.

Algeria: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The paralysis of multilateralism at the international level is closely entwined with the rapid deterioration of regional and international peace and security. This is a relationship which is very clear, and there is no need for interpretation or elucidation thereof. One can consider all the crises, the conflict. conflicts, and the difficulties encountered by the United Nations, specifically the Security Council. This is evidence of the fact that we are facing a crisis and an unprecedented, exceptional situation. The international community is encountering major challenges, and the Israeli-occupying, colonizing power is called upon to cease the genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza. And these are calls that have been ongoing for nearly a year. There are calls for an end to be put to the attendant multidimensional Israeli escalation that is taking place in the Middle East as a whole. In this context, we call for this summit to burnish the image of the United Nations and to promote its central role, namely to prevent and to resolve conflict. At the same time, we cherish the hope that all members of the United Nations will renew their commitment to the Charter of the United Nations. We hope that they will respect the rules and requirements of international law before which all states are equal in terms of respect for the provisions thereof, without distinction and without preference. In this regard, Algeria calls for the restoration of the trust that has been undermined. Trust between the United Nations and the peoples of the entire world, specifically the occupied, oppressed peoples, who look towards the United Nations as a last resort for justice and an end to repression, as a source of hope at a time of pain and great difficulties as a guardian of justice and a protector of rights. Thank you.

Simon Harris: I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad of Algeria, and I give the floor to His Excellency Timcho Mucunski, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of North Macedonia.

North Macedonia: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad of Algeria, and I give the floor to His Excellency Timcho Bichensky, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of North Macedonia. Regrettably, we are meeting at times of high geopolitical tensions, turmoil, and a persistent threat of conflicts. War continues to rage on the European continent with the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the situation in Gaza and the Middle East as examples. In addition, we are faced with threats of new conflicts, terrorism, violent extremism, threats from new technologies, human rights violations, and climate change. We know that all of these challenges cannot be tackled alone by one country. But what can we do to achieve effective multilateralism for international peace and security? The Summit of the Future offers an opportunity to strengthen global governance and to respond to current and future challenges. The pact gives us the trajectory for future global actions and paves way to enhance multilateralism. Excellencies, our future should be predictable, prosperous, and without fear. The scourge of war and conflicts should be a thing of the past. Today, we have a chance to reinforce our multilateral agenda, global systems and frameworks to make them fit for the challenges of international peace and security. Tomorrow is already our present. Thus, we have to deliver to reinforce our commitments to remain united in our multilateral actions. on unfulfilled commitments, while rising to new challenges, and to restore trust in each other and in multilateral action. In this context, I would like to reiterate that my country, the Republic of North Macedonia, stands ready to actively participate in these endeavors, to enhance efforts for strengthened and effective multilateralism, to make us resilient to today’s challenges, as well as new challenges that may arise. It is high time to renew our determination towards promoting multilateral solutions based on the UN Charter, respect for human rights, rule of law and democracy as our only available diplomatic tools. We will continue to work with the Member States and partners in all multilateral fora, through dialogue, mutual understanding and respect, to improve the well-being of all people so they can live in a peaceful and secure world. Thank you.

Simon Harris: I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of North Macedonia, and I give the floor to His Excellency Elmer José Germán Gonzalo Schialer Salcedo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru.

Peru: Thank you very much, Co-Chairs, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. I would like to begin by conveying the greetings of the President of Peru. The first sentence of the United Nations Charter recalls that we created this organization to save future generations from the scourge of war. But the current context shows that peace, rather than being built, has become more scarce. We are facing more and more conflicts around the world and the highest number since the Second World War. And the last three years have been the most violent in the last 30 years. We are seeing more proliferating conflicts and the conflicts are becoming more complex. Sociopolitical reasons for these conflicts are becoming increasingly complex as well. Against this backdrop, Peru reiterates its conviction that multilateralism is the best tool that we have to address these challenges. The United Nations is the central forum to find peaceful negotiated solutions. Hence, we welcome initiatives such as the New Agenda for Peace that the Secretary General has put forward. We agree that in a collective security system, states must trust each other and states must respect their commitments to scrupulously adhere to the United Nations Charter. Selectivity in the implementation of the UN Charter erodes confidence and trust between states and weakens the entire multilateral system and, at the same time, our ability to uphold peace. We also agree the recommendations contained within the New Agenda for Peace and the need to strengthen the UN peacekeeping operations. In addition to the 250 men and women who are working in these peacekeeping operations throughout the world, we also have a rapid action force that is able to react as soon as the United Nations requires that. Allow me to conclude, co-facilitators, by reiterating our unwavering commitments to the principles that led to the establishment of the United Nations. Only through strengthened, renewed multilateralism can we address the challenges of the current era and thus bequeath future generations a peaceful future without leaving anyone behind, as we agreed to do as we adopted the pact this morning. Thank you.

Simon Harris: Thank you to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru. And next, can I give the floor to His Excellency Frederick Musiiwa Makamure Shava, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe: Thank you, co-chairs. This dialogue serves as a platform for us to reinvigorate our collective commitment to intergenerational collaboration and to the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter for a more peaceful and sustainable future for all. The spirit of solidarity, which is at the center of multilateralism, is increasingly being discarded in favor of unilateralism and exceptionalism. It is therefore critical that the United Nations remains an anchor that underpins all our collective efforts to address challenges that are beyond the capacity of one state or even a group of states. Co-chairs, current global conflicts are stretching our multilateral systems to its limit with the real possibility of implosion. We have to address the pervasive historical imbalances that continue to shape our international system, from the legacies of colonialism and slavery to the unjust global financial system and outdated peace and security architecture. The Pact for the Future, the Declaration on Future Generations, as well as the Pact for the Global Digital Compact must join us collectively to address the multifaceted challenges which transcend all our borders. A key element of the pact is the involvement of young people in the shaping of a better tomorrow. In Zimbabwe, we are deliberately facilitating youth participation in decision-making processes so that they can actively contribute to shaping policies that impact their future and that of generations. That our youths are innovative and have the zeal to make a difference. Excellencies, the discourse on the pact resonates very well with our foreign policy, which is premised on an engagement, re-engagement, and reaffirmation philosophy. This has enabled us to broaden the scope of our diplomatic outreach, thereby cultivating new friendships and partnerships. Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none. In conclusion, guided by the above principles, Zimbabwe reaffirms our commitment to contribute to reinvigoration of the multilateral system for sustainable and inclusive socioeconomic development. In that regard, Zimbabwe is bidding to return to the United States and to the United Nations

Simon Harris: His Excellency Titi Antonio, the Minister for External Relations of Angola.

Angola: Thank you, President. President, all protocols observed, the United Nations remains central to prevent conflict, help parties in conflict to make peace, deploy peacekeepers, and create the conditions to allow peace to hold and flourish. It’s imperative, then, to build trust among nations by highlighting the role of diplomacy and dialogue to foster regional cooperation, prevent conflicts, and promote mutual understanding. The new Agenda for Peace and the Pact of the Future are opportunities to further strengthen the interactions in advance much-needed reform of the Security Council, a key organ of the United Nations, where, unfortunately, Africa is the only continent not represented in the permanent category of its membership. We have reaffirmed, therefore, the common position of the African Union, as reflected in the Israeli Consensus and the Seed Declaration, which reiterates the need for at least two permanent seeds for the African continent. We encourage and enhance the operational cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations, including the African Union, and in this context, we welcome the adoption by the Security Council of the Resolution 2719 last December as an important milestone in the United Nations-African Union partnership on peace and security, since it provides the framework for adequate, predictable, and sustainable financing of the AU-led peace support operations. In an international context of great challenges, We need to prioritize multilateralism as a way of reaching consensus on the preservation of international peace and security, the promotion of sustainable development, and the defense of human rights. We therefore need to increase women’s participation and incorporate the gender perspective of the United Nations peace and security efforts. To conclude, Angola reiterates its commitment to continue playing a strategic role in conflict prevention and management, as well as the resolution to enhance peace and democracy in Africa and in the world. Thank you.

Simon Harris: I thank the Minister for External Relations of Angola, and I now give the floor to His Excellency Tanmay Alal, the Vice Minister in the Ministry of External Affairs of India.

India: Thank you, Chairs. This dialogue is timely and useful, as it focuses attention on what could be done to stem the rapidly declining faith in the multilateral system. The multilateral structures, designed decades ago by a select few for a different era, are proving incapable to effectively address the contemporary challenges in an increasingly interconnected multipolar world. Developments over the last few years have starkly exposed these limitations, faced with dramatic challenges to the international peace and security, along with global health, climate, decelerating development, rising terrorism, and growing risks from emerging technologies. It is clear to everyone that the UN Security Council has been unable to prevent or stop serious conflicts that are having global consequences, especially for the Global South. The architecture and the tools available to the international community at the United Nations are outdated and were not designed to deal with the situations that we have today. for urgent, meaningful reform of the global governance structures, including the Security Council. India has engaged with the IGN process, and now it is high time for text-based negotiations to start. I may mention that in December 2022, during our Presidency of the Council, India organized a debate on new orientation on reformed multilateralism. On terrorism, India has long worked to build global multilateral efforts to work together to counter this collective threat. The Pact of the Future, adopted today, recognizes the need for revitalizing efforts to finalize a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, CCIT, at the United Nations, for which India has been arguing for a long time. India continues to engage actively with the UN Office of Counterterrorism, and is also a founding member of the Global Counterterrorism Forum, GCTF. On emerging technologies, multilateralism must help govern the use and deployment of such technologies to prevent their misuse and risks that have implications for peace and security, while promoting their use for public good. The finalization of the Global Digital Compact is a welcome development. We also need to do more in regulating the use of AI and other new technologies that could potentially have huge implications for the global community. We hope that the ways to transform global governance will not just remain as words in the Pact of the Future, but lead to concrete actions and actual reforms going forward. We cannot wait forever.

Simon Harris: I now hand over to the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay.

Uruguay: Chairman. Multilateralism and upholding international peace and security were the reasons why we decided to establish the United Nations 79 years ago. There were various ways that we could approach this question, but I have decided to focus on the most tangible contribution that Uruguay has given to international peace and security, that is to say our participation in UN peacekeeping operations, in particular the most complex task, which is protecting civilians. Exactly 25 years ago, the Security Council approved its first thematic resolution on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. And exactly 25 years ago, we adopted the first mandate for the protection of civilians in a peacekeeping operation with the establishment of the UN mission in Sierra Leone. From that time to now, the task of protecting civilians from an imminent threat of violence has become a priority, which means that the effort that we make of sending our women and men to preserve peace in the context of armed conflicts is even more important. When our peacekeepers work under the UN flag, civilians and in particular children spontaneously seek our protection. When people in our countries ask why Uruguayan soldiers are working in foreign lands, the answer is in the importance of the role of multilateralism in upholding international peace and security, and also the principle that no one is safe until everybody is safe. Chairman, Uruguay has been and will continue to be a profoundly committed troop contributor and profoundly committed to the peacekeeping system. We are the number one contributor in our region. and as measured per capita over the last few decades. At the end of this year, we will see, we will mark 25 years of a continuous presence in the DRC through the then UN peacekeeping operation, which has since become MONUSCO. And we have learned many lessons and we have adapted our work accordingly. In conclusion, Uruguay will remain committed to the peacekeeping system that the United Nations has both on the field and also in the political and diplomatic circles. We hope, therefore, to have a broad participation in the ministerial preparatory conference on peacekeeping, which will be held on the 10th and 11th of December in Montevideo. Thank you.

Simon Harris: Thank you. I thank His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay and I now call on His Excellency Vahan Kostanyan, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Armenia.

Armenia: Distinguished Co-Chairs, Excellencies, dear colleagues, the world is now undergoing a period of geopolitical turbulence characterized with a growing number of conflicts, increasing disregard to international humanitarian law and protection of civilians trapped in hostilities, gross violations of human rights, including ethnic cleansings, as meaning to solve disputes. In compliance with the basic tenets of UN Charter and international law, we can smell to lateral institutions and affects the credibility in the face of inability to promptly respond to evolving challenges. Armenia firmly supports efficient multilateral system with the purposes and principles of UN Charter and its core. We have supported the recommendations outlined in the Secretary General’s report on our common agenda and engaged constructively. throughout the process of preparation for the Summit of the Future and elaboration of a pact for the future, global digital compact, and digital declaration for future generations. We hope that the Summit of the Future will reiterate full adherence of the member states to the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The documents which we adopted today reiterate the imperative of protection and promotion of human rights as a key prerequisite for maintenance of international peace and security and advancing 2040 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The capacities of the organization to identify early warning signs and precursors of potential tensions and escalations throughout proper monitoring, fact-finding, and assessment of security, humanitarian and human rights situation need to be strengthened. We support the UN system-wide approach to prevention and peace-building on the basis of nexus between peace, security, development, and human rights. The international community should increase its efforts to protect populations from genocides, war crimes, ethnic cleansings, and crimes against humanity, find impunity for atrocity crimes and other gross violations, such as the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare. This is the agenda that should unite us all, not only governments but also civil society, including women and youth, who should be given a stronger voice in the peace processes. Young people as agents of transformative changes and important partners for governments in peaceful resolutions of disputes and building just, peaceful, and inclusive societies. A crucial prerequisite for amplifying the contribution of civil society, conflict-affected and displaced communities, and our stakeholders in promoting peace and security in creation of conductive environment throughout upholding the fundamental human rights. human rights. I thank you.

Denmark: Better equipped to tackle global challenges so urgently needed. Denmark joined the UN Security Council in January and will stand up for international law and the UN Charter as the foundation for all peace and security. Let me highlight three key priorities for Denmark. First UN peace operation have played a vital role in conflict prevention management and resolution across the world. But evolving global threats require us to think differently. Denmark strongly welcomes the UN review of the peace operations as called for in the pact and to ensure they remain agile, adaptable and capable of addressing emerging challenges. Cooperation between the UN and regional organisations, not least the African Union, must be deepened. Security Council Resolution 2719 is a positive step in this direction, yet we need to put it into practice. Secondly, the Peace Building Commission plays a relevant role in bringing together governments, civil society, women, youth and financial institutions around peace building. Denmark would like to see the 2025 review of the peace building architecture further strengthening the Commission. And as a member of the Council, we will listen to and look for the advice of the Commission. Thirdly, peace is undeniably more sustainable when peace processes are inclusive. Thus we will continue, as Denmark, to advocate for the full, equal and meaningful peace. meaningful participation of women in all peace processes. The Women, Peace and Security Agenda enjoys broad support, but yet again it lags dramatically behind when it comes to implementation. We will do what we can to change that. And finally, in relation to that, let me express Denmark’s deep regret with the omission of climate, peace and security language in the Pact. We will remain committed to this agenda in close cooperation with partners. In closing, multilateralism remains our best and indeed our only path forward, also when we do not agree on everything. The Pact for the Future has the potential to guide us towards a more peaceful and inclusive world, but the real test is ahead of us. We look forward to doing our part. Thank you very much.

Simon Harris: I thank the State Secretary for Development Policy of Denmark, and I now give the floor to Her Excellency Berris Ekinci, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkey.

Turkey: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, dear colleagues. In an age of constant transformation, uncertainties and deepening divisions, business as usual is no longer an option. The ongoing war in Ukraine and the food crisis it led to, the horrendous crimes being perpetrated against the Palestinians in Gaza, or the uncontrollable rise in the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance around the world are just a few examples where the UN has failed to provide the necessary response. The constant paralysis of the organization is not only leading to the prolongation of deadly conflicts, which come at the cost of millions of civilian lives, but also undermines the credibility of the whole UN system. It is clear that the organization can only make a difference if and when its members bestow it with adequate authority, commitment and resources. We cannot continue trying the same old methods for sustaining peace and expect a different outcome. We have to devise new methods of managing this transformation based on mutual trust and cooperation. Here are our suggestions for the way forward. First, we must reform the Security Council into a more democratic, representative, transparent, effective and accountable body. Veto power should be abolished or limited. Increasing the number of permanent members or the number of countries with veto power would only worsen existing problems. Second, the UN needs to develop more effective ways of preventing conflicts and crises. Revitalizing the good offices of the Secretary General and strengthening the use and methods of mediation are a few examples. Diplomacy, when used effectively, can deliver the desired outcome even in the face of ongoing conflicts. This was shown by the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Third, the UN should continue to develop the necessary tools and mechanisms promoting dialogue and mutual understanding, both within and among our societies. This is the only way to stand against the tide of polarization, xenophobia, discrimination and violent extremism. Excellencies, strengthening the UN in a way that will help us realize these goals will require bold action and determination. Turkey, as a founding member of the UN, as well as being among the top 20 contributors to its regular budget, stands ready to fully support all efforts that will bring about a UN which will lead and inspire. Thank you.

Simon Harris: Thank you very much, Your Excellency, and I now give the floor to His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa , the Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain.

Bahrain: Distinguished Co-Chairs, Excellencies, Colleagues, The Kingdom of Bahrain firmly believes in the power of international cooperation to promote global peace and security. In line with this belief, we fully support the new Agenda for Peace put forth by the Secretary-General of the UN. This initiative underscores the importance of collective, multilateral efforts to eliminate war and conflict. In the escalating global conflicts, ongoing wars, and the international community’s repeated failure to resolve or prevent disputes, Bahrain calls for urgent reforms to international institutions, including the Security Council. Enhancing the role of the General Assembly as a forum for inclusive dialogue and decision-making is essential to strengthening its ability to resolve destructive conflicts, protect millions of lives, and address emerging global threats such as terrorism, cyberattacks, and extremism. Excellencies, regional organizations play a pivotal role in ensuring peace and security. A prime example is the Gulf Cooperation Council, the GCC, which has effectively promoted region stability in the face of external threats. The GCC countries have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to international principles and conventions, and their positive engagements with both regional and global communities has earned them international trust. This trust has positioned the GCC as a key player in resolving crises. through de-escalation, conflict resolution, and preventative diplomacy. Excellencies, the role of women and youth in peacebuilding, as emphasized in numerous UN resolutions, is indispensable. The Kingdom of Bahrain reaffirms its commitment to promoting effective participation of women and youth in peace and security efforts. We believe this is a fundamental step toward building an inclusive and just society. In conclusion, the Kingdom of Bahrain remains deeply committed to advancing multilateral cooperation grounded in the principles of international law and the UN Charter. We believe that by enhancing regional cooperation, engaging diverse stakeholders, and promoting responsible technology use, we can build a safer, more peaceful, and inclusive world. And as we anticipate the upcoming International Peace Conference, called for by His Majesty the King of Bahrain during the Arab Summit that was hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain last May, to address the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the two-state solutions, let us take this opportunity to reaffirm our shared responsibility in achieving lasting peace and security for the benefit for both present and future generations. Thank you.

Simon Harris: I thank the Under Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, and I now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Belarus.

Belarus: Co-Chairs, Distinguished Representatives, it is my honor to represent the country, the Republic of Belarus, a country that is at the very heart of Europe, a country populated by peaceful people who are diligent. of more than 150 nationalities and 25 religious faiths and deeply rooted traditions. Our country’s history spans many centuries, and unfortunately, we have endured tragedies. Next year, all of progressive humankind will mark the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism. Belarus endured all of the horrors of that war. Our country, over the period of 1,101 days, was occupied. The Belarusian people endured a genocide. Just consider that. Every third Belarusian person was killed. More than 200 cities and 9,000 villages were burned and destroyed, but we resisted. Our country’s leadership has done everything possible to prevent the recurrence of that tragedy. Belarus has neither internecine conflict nor claims to other states. We adhere to the principles of peaceful resolution of disputes, equality of states, and non-intervention in others’ affairs. At the same time, we are experiencing one of the worst geopolitical crises in modern day times. This crisis was triggered by the desire of certain Western countries to attain global hegemony. A further spiraling of this process is liable to result in global catastrophe. So legitimate questions arise. How are we to reverse these negative trends in global politics? How are we to pull back from this precipice? We propose concrete steps. At the heart of our proposal is a conviction in resolving all challenges on the basis of dialogue on global security in the San Francisco spirit, as was noted by the President of Belarus, Mr. Lukashenko, in his letter to the Secretary General. General, I quote, never – it is never too late to do the right thing and what is vitally necessary. Today, humankind genuinely is at a dangerous threshold and therefore such dialogue is more necessary than ever before. Last year, we organized an international conference in Minsk on Eurasian security. The purpose of this annual initiative is to facilitate more comprehensive indivisible security in greater Eurasia. The result was set out – the outcomes were set out in a document entitled Eurasian Charter for Diversity and Multilaterality in the 21st – for 21st Century. Only together can we achieve the SDGs. With respect for one another, there is the only way that we can achieve peace. Thank you.

Simon Harris: I thank the distinguished representative of Belarus. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Philippines.

Philippines: Co-chairs, excellencies, the current global environment illuminates the wisdom behind the creation of the UN in 1945. As it was then, it is clear now that multilateralism provides the only viable pathway to resolving the global challenges that no country on its own can address. Even as it strains under the weight of geopolitics and crisis, it holds the hope for transforming the current global architecture so it can address challenges with greater resolve and agility. Much has been said about the reform of the UN Security Council being a most urgent task. We must reinforce the role of international law in the peaceful management and settlement of disputes. International humanitarian law is key to protecting human dignity in all situations of armed conflict. We must address fragilities with interventions focusing on root causes and in full respect for the interests of all. agency of states and communities on the ground, including victims. Peacebuilding programs must aim for sustainability and resilience, and to foster ownership and solidarity of host communities. Since 1963, the Philippines has deployed over 14,000 peacekeepers to 21 missions worldwide. We must conclude the unfinished business of nuclear disarmament. There is no justification for the existence of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. At the same time, we must address the weaponization of new technologies and growing risk across the maritime space and cyber domains to global peace and security. Negotiating robust instruments to govern emerging technologies demands new approaches. Future-proofing our global security regimes requires the advice of scientific and industry experts. To ensure wise outcomes that outlive our age, our conversations must encompass politics, science, ethics, and humanities. To ensure rooted and durable results and processes, we must embrace the contributions of women, youth, and communities. This was the approach of the Philippines in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Medinao. We must appreciate security from a most holistic prism, recognizing, for example, the rising vulnerability of populations from the dangers of climate-induced disasters. Finally, we must invest more in institutions, processes, and solutions that affirm the primacy of the rule of law in international relations. Preserving the rules-based global order is our collective duty under the UN Charter, a most foundational one as we modernize our toolboxes for securing our peoples and our world. Thank you, Mr. Co-Chair.

Simon Harris: the Distinguished Representative of Lebanon.

Lebanon: Thank you, Mr. Co-Chair, Your Excellency, distinguished participants. The entire world is asking its citizens to immediately depart Lebanon or not to travel to Lebanon. Countries are preparing to evacuate their citizens from our beloved homeland, Lebanon. This led His Excellency, the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati, to prefer to stay in Lebanon alongside the Lebanese people as they face the horrors of massacres and aggression. We address you today on behalf of His Excellency, the Prime Minister, as we know that all people, without exception, have experienced and sensed the bitterness of conflict and the lack of values and standards, as well as local, regional, and global wars. This summit of the future is a clear expression of the desire to renew international agreements and restore humanity’s trust in the global partnership for peace and security, as well as respect for pluralism within every single society and between different societies. We look forward to the impact of this summit of the future in the form of sustained efforts throughout the planet in order to keep pace with the rapid developments witnessed by humanity on all levels. Most importantly is that the new generations live their daily lives in the company of technology throughout this village of a planet. We do not understand how children spend their days with their friends across the continents, a situation that will lead to the birth of a new humanity. We applaud the Secretary General’s expression that technology can either divide us or unite us. Our presence here during these extremely delicate and dangerous circumstances is for the better. the sake of future generations as well as for the sake of dialogue, security, peace and respect for multilateralism. These are delicate and necessary ideals for the well-being of humanity. We emphasize the need to restore respect for these ideals that must govern future human relations. We are in a state of sorrow and disappointment as a result of the violence and aggression suffered by our people and generations. However, we will not lose hope in a global awakening that restores respect for the values of the United Nations, an awakening leading to implementation of UN resolutions and ending the violence that threatens generations in Lebanon and across the world. Generations look towards the summit of the future with a lot of hope and with a lot of confidence. Thank you.

Simon Harris: I thank the Distinguished Representative of Lebanon and I now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Afghanistan.

Afghanistan: Honourable Co-Chairs, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, We gather today at a pivotal moment in global history where the fragility of international peace and security is starkly evident. Rising geopolitical tensions, the return of great power rivalries and the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism demand a united and decisive response. No nation can address these challenges alone. For Afghanistan, this reality is not theoretical. It’s our lived experience. Decades of conflict, intervention, terrorism and violent extremism have inflected a heavy cost on my people. We know the path to peace is neither easy nor linear. But we are certain that a future free from violence, hatred and insecurity is only achievable through strong political will. well, national peace strategies, and genuine multilateral cooperation grounded in the principles of universal human rights and the United Nations Charter. I would like to highlight the following points for consideration to enhance multilateralism for international peace and security. First, the urgency of reforming the United Nations, particularly Security Council, the revitalization of the General Assembly, and the strengthening of the Peacebuilding Commission cannot be overstated. Second, multilateral frameworks for peace must ensure the meaningful participation of all – of women and representatives of marginalized groups, civil society, and conflict-affected communities at all levels of decision-making. Afghanistan, especially under the current gender apartheid and oppressive Taliban regime, serves as a stark reminder of the necessity of women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation in peace processes. Third, to build lasting peace, we must address the root causes of conflict – poverty, inequality, human rights abuses, and environmental degradation – often fuel instability. Multilateralism must go beyond conflict resolution and focus on conflict prevention by addressing these structural drivers. Fourth, the international community must enhance counterterrorism and governance mechanisms to prevent violent extremism and terrorism. In Afghanistan, terrorism continues to be a central threat to peace and stability as foreign terrorist fighters and extremist groups operate under the Taliban’s control with impunity. A strong and cohesive international response to terrorism rooted in international law and multilateral cooperation is essential. Let us work together to enhance multilateralism and build a future free from scourge of war. war, terrorism, and violent extremism. Thank you.

Simon Harris: I thank the distinguished representative of Afghanistan, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea.

Republic of Korea: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Today’s dialogue comes as an invaluable opportunity to rally the world leaders’ will to restore multilateralism for global peace and security, particularly as we are witnessing more armed conflicts than ever since World War II. Korea takes its third membership of the Secret Council at a time when multilateralism is facing challenges with growing skepticism about the UN. Korea could defend freedom and peace with the help of the UN forces in the early 1950s. Based on its unique historic relations with the UN, Korea is resolved to champion multilateralism and universal values such as freedom and human rights in solidarity with the global community. As a member of the Security Council, we will continue to play an active role in the agendas of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, and issues including peacebuilding and peacekeeping, women’s peace and security, climate and security, and cybersecurity. However, I won’t let go of North Korea Unmentioned, who is blatantly violating multiple UN Security Council resolutions with its unlawful nuclear and missile programs. Nor less deplorably, the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting UN Security Council’s Sanctions Committee on North Korea was terminated due to the veto of Russia, who is now militarily cooperating with North Korea. We must remain vigilant. The UN must stand united to urge North Korea to abandon its WMD program and stop human rights abuses. As our President proposed an inter-Korean dialogue through the Unification Doctrine announced recently. And recently, we once again call on North Korea to return to the table with sincerity. The door is open for them to choose the right path. Finally, the recent rapid advances in new technologies such as AI are posing enormous implications for humanity. We made progress at an AI Seoul Summit in May to pursue a global human-centric AI governance with the adoption of a Seoul Declaration of Safe, Innovative, and Inclusive AI. Earlier this month, the 2024 Responsible AI in the Military Domain Summit in Seoul laid a foundation for norms and governance on responsible AI in the military domain by presenting an outcome document called the Blueprint for Action. We believe it’s up to us to make the new technologies our best friend or worst enemy. North Korea will join forces with stakeholders around the world in global efforts to ensure safe, innovative, and inclusive use of technology. I thank you.

Simon Harris: I thank the Distinguished Representative of the Republic of Korea, and I now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative for the International Criminal Police Organization, Interpol.

International Criminal Police Organization Interpol: Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, we gather at a time when organized crime and terrorism are becoming increasingly multifaceted – more cross-regional, more cross-sectoral, more rapid in spreading, and much less bothered by national or regional borders. I have had the privilege to lead Interpol for the past decade. There is one key lesson emerging from the crimes, the cases, the victims, and the arrests we have witnessed. It is the readiness of criminals to exploit every weakness from a world not fully committed to come together to confront them. This is their version of multilateralism – ruthless, opportunistic, and extremely effective. They will build ties across borders, despite any differences in values, nationality, and language. They will embrace innovation for their own gains, including in the fields of encryption and generative artificial intelligence. They will not be challenged by geopolitical tensions. To them, the greater the tension, the greater the opportunity. This is a stark reminder of why multilateralism is so vital against organized crime and terrorism, and why it must continue to frame our efforts. Multilateralism is where we build and feed trust. It is where, despite tension, global actors are called to focus on common challenges for a greater good. Interpol firmly believes that inclusive multilateralism, rooted in trust and solidarity, is the foundation upon which global security must be built. Law enforcement cooperation is an integral part of these efforts. In alignment with a new agenda for peace, Interpol is dedicated to developing a global security architecture that is multilateral, resilient, and adapted to today’s interconnected threats. With its neutral stance, Interpol enables police cooperation across 196 member countries, even where diplomatic relations may not exist. Through our network, those countries are sharing intelligence, field actions, and a fundamental conviction that security is a joint responsibility. Our work is grounded in fostering collaboration and preventing fragmentation, working in complementarity with close UN partners and regional organizations across the world. We help deliver the global community’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, including goals 2016 on peace, justice, and strong institutions. To help shape our direction, we developed seven global policing goals as a blueprint for the law enforcement community to align and reinforce the security development nexus. So we need to work together, and we need to build trust. I thank you very much.

Simon Harris: I thank the Distinguished Representative of the International Criminal Police Organization, and I now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of the League of Arab States.

Arab States: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Ladies and gentlemen, the world today is at a crossroad where there are grave threats in more than one region. The more dangerous than that is that the fact that the ability to address these conflicts is eroding as a result of the tensions that are evident to everyone in the international system, tensions between the global north and south among the major countries and between them. These have dealt a fatal blow to multilateralism and caused a paralysis of the UN system. For one year, one whole year, we in the Arab region felt this paralysis. Months have passed before the Security Council was able last June to pass a resolution regarding ceasefire in Gaza after one year of destruction, of killing, one year of Israeli crimes that are being committed in a shameless and bragging manner. I said clearly that this paralysis of the UN system has made many countries feel deeply frustrated. The double standards have become very flagrant, very clear in addressing different conflicts. This graceful silence regarding Gaza for months in opposed to diplomatic mobilization that is tremendous in terms of other conflicts. When we look at this deterioration in the international peace and security and where we satisfy ourselves to address the impact of conflict instead of preventing them, other issues such – and dangerous issues to that matter, such as climate change, development finance, then the governance of new technology is also subject to differences of positions thus obstructing collective action that is effective in building the needed consensus to move forward. Mr. Chair, the League of Arab States has always looked up to the UN because it is an embodiment of the international collective will, but for decades we continue to face the legacy of the institutional structure of the First World, Second World War. This structure does not reflect the overwhelming will to establish a Palestinian state, independent state where more than 149 countries have recognized Palestine as an independent state. In fact, this structure goes against this will and deliberately sidelines it, trying to – and instead of working in a different and innovative manner to implement and enforce the international will as reflected by many General Assembly resolutions. Mr. Chair, the League of Arab States, as it celebrates its 80th anniversary, will continue to support the UN and its secretary-general and main buddies. Thank you.

Simon Harris: Thank you very much. I thank the Distinguished Representative of the League of Arab States and I now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

UNCHR: Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, UNHCR often asks that the more than 120 million people who are forcibly displaced are not forgotten, and that solutions to ease their plight are found. The Pact for the Future demonstrates once again the importance of action to address the root causes of forced displacement, and implementing solutions for refugees and internally displaced as well as for stateless persons. Conflicts and wars are the defining feature of the current state of world affair, and civilians are the most impacted, with very little prospect for solutions in sight. Forced displacement is one of the most dramatic consequences of the multiplication of conflicts. Global displacement figures have increased for the twelfth consecutive year. One in every 70 people on earth is now forcibly displaced. So how do we break the vicious cycle and work towards peace? First, we must galvanize the political will to resolve conflicts. This will unlock solutions to displacement and enable safe returns that we, and most importantly refugees themselves, so badly want to see. Second, the humanitarian system is at breaking point. Humanitarian actors are on the front line, responding to the emergencies every day, but every day they are asked to do more with less. We need your financial support. Finally, humanitarian aid is not an end in itself. Emergencies of man-made or natural disasters want, as early as possible, to resume normal lives. And for that purpose, humanitarian and development actors, as well as the private sector, must collaborate. from the start of the response to a crisis. Thankfully, we see more and more of such collaboration. As Monica Molit, a young refugee leader who spoke this morning at the start of the plenary of the Summit of the Future, conveyed, the youth are ready to play their role. We must all support them. The Pact for the Future is a promise that we are all committed to tackle one of the greatest of global challenges, forced displacement, together. I thank you.

Simon Harris: I thank the distinguished representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Distinguished delegates, before proceeding further, I’d like to remind you that this dialogue has to conclude at 6pm this evening. Given the number of speakers remaining, it’s likely that some of you may not be able to take the floor, and I encourage you to send your statements to estatements.un.org. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Association Libérée.

Civil Society 1: Distinguished co-chairs, your excellencies, dear colleagues, looking at the future while ignoring the problems and lessons of the past can only set us up for failure. We are impacting those most vulnerable and oftentimes invisible in our societies. Human trafficking victims are among those individuals hidden in plain sight. We need to challenge the systems of prejudice that exist at legislative and implementation level that allow for the burden of identification to be on victims rather than states. We need to ensure that we lower thresholds for accessing services and, crucially important, that we believe the victims. Lack of safeguards allow for re-victimization and gross human rights abuses against those affected by organized crime. international tools and protocols, such as the Palermo Protocol and provisions for victims of crime, there is still a huge disconnect between international legal provisions and national legislative frameworks. Misprioritization continues the list of challenges. We know for a fact that a gender-sensitive, victim-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate approach is needed, yet it is the exception rather than the norm in justice systems, social services, and national strategies. Human trafficking is still falsely believed by many to affect only the victims and their families or loved ones, while it is actually an issue of national and international security. Proceeds from it finance terrorism, war crimes, and enable the trafficking of drugs and arms. Under-resourcing permits for all these aspects to exist, with minimal investments being made in combating this crime, and even less being invested in the assistance and reintegration of its victims. We can forge a future free of human trafficking and exploitation, but the time to prioritize and collectively decide that is now. This topic should be a transversal one across all 56 actions adopted today, since a world in which we are still permitting the commodification of our fellow humans, especially that of women and children, should not be one any of us want to live in. Thank you.

Simon Harris: I thank you very much, and I now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of the Asociación Instituto IPAD, Paddy.

Civil Society 2: Mr. Chairman, distinguished colleagues. Today we face a world filled with growing geopolitical tensions, emerging new powers, and persistent old conflicts. In this context, multinational cooperation is not just an option, it is a necessity. The United Nations Charter and international law provide us with the tools to address these challenges, but we must revitalize and strengthen them. strengthen these mechanisms, as new conflicts demand new strategies. The future demands that we do not turn a blind eye to the humanitarian crisis of forced displacement caused by climate change, organized crime, food insecurity, and gender inequality, exacerbated by the rise of authoritarian regimes. This is particularly critical in Latin America, where these regimes tarnish freedom and democracy, essential principles for building states that truly guarantee the rights of all. Furthermore, wars in the West undermine any notion of a sustainable future, where common goods are not available to the poorest. Those most affected by climate change are always the most vulnerable – refugees, migrants, LGBTQ populations, children, adolescents, and young people. Young people are grappling with the economic divide and the lack of investment in their future. The Pact for the Future must take advantage of the demographic dividend, because can there truly be a peaceful future without youth? It is imperative that we inherit a planet where justice is served for those who have suffered the devastation of nature and humanity, with different levels of responsibility and, above all, reparation. Our institutions must be reformed, the Security Council must reflect the current realities, and the General Assembly must take on a stronger role. We cannot do this alone. We must work with civil society, regional organizations, and the private sector. Thank you.

Simon Harris: I thank you very much, and I now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

International Committiee Red Cross: Thank you very much, Mr. Co-Chair. Mr. Co-Chair, you have asked us a good question. How to apply the do-no-harm principle in relation to new— technologies. As an organization born from and active in armed conflict, the ICRC seeks to better understand and respond to the consequences of new tech in war. We start by acknowledging that new technologies have much to offer us. Better medical care, access to life-saving information in emergencies, and even in war, new technologies can also lead to more accurate targeting, fewer civilian deaths, and helping to find persons who go missing. But we also know that harmful information in war can lead to disaster, and that powerful weapons can cause devastation to civilian populations. When it comes to doing no harm, we believe that each must play a part. That includes belligerents in war, the states here today, technology companies, and humanitarian organizations. First, belligerents must respect IHL. One way to do this is to apply fine-grained geographic temporal fencing of cyber operations. We also recommend not to shut down the Internet, given how societies rely on it in emergencies. Second, states need to use cybersecurity to build resilience against digital disruption. One step to take is to separate military data and communications infrastructure from civilian ones. We recommend using separate data clouds. States must also make the rules on the protection of civilians that apply in war known, including among technology companies. Third, those tech companies should set up systems to detect harmful information on their platforms, in particular in relation to armed conflict. Their policies need to align with IHL and human rights standards. And finally, while humanitarian organizations should never be attacked, they must also prepare to be the target of harmful information. Such information can affect both their reputation and their operations. They must be prepared to respond both online and offline. Their databases must also be secure. How can we ensure that the do-no-harm principle is respected in the use of new technologies? It may not be possible to ensure that no harm at all is done by new tech. But by applying the 20 recommendations that we published last year in our Protecting Civilians Against Digital Threats report, we believe that the current multilateral system urgently needs researching.

African Union: The global peace and security architecture, in particular, is not delivering optimally. As declared this morning at the opening of the Summit of the Future, only multilateral solutions can change the course of our world. The United Nations Charter is a primary global constitution that goes beyond states and governments to highlight our shared aspirations. The African Union, in particular, calls for better coordination with regional bodies towards a fairer and more targeted approach in the peace and security domain. It is important to mention that we recommend what we call the 5Gs. Two, global identity, where we must ensure that there is no clash of civilizations, but collaborative civilization. Two, global shared values. Values of the rule of law, fundamental freedoms, political and civil liberties, legitimacy must continue to guide our work to ensure that we have the true essence of multilateralism. Three, global experience and lessons learned, leveraging on the experience of each member state of the United Nations along with their regional context. Four, global united action, the centrality of the reform of the global peace architecture, particularly the reform of the United Nations Security Council. This will ensure that all the challenges, climate change, unconstitutional changes of government, new technology, will be addressed from the perspective of every member of humanity. Five, global means of implementation, pulling our resources together to implement and enhance international peace and security from the perspective of every country. It is in this context that we welcome the United Nations Resolution 2719 to provide adequate, sustainable, and predictable financing for African Union-led peace support operations. In conclusion, co-chairs, African perspectives on the remaking of the global order must be considered. The structural root causes of conflict and injustice must be addressed collectively and objectively. The African philosophy of Ubuntu is what we bring to the table along with rich human and material endowment. The future we want must start now. I thank you.

Simon Harris: I thank you very much, and I now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of the United Nations Office of Counterterrorism.

UNOCT: Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the United Nations Office of Counterterrorism efforts are pivoted on multilateral approaches since the beginning of the office in 2017. We continue to rely on 44 funding partners that contribute to our policy leadership, coordination, and capacity-building work. This generous support is needed to continue to assist over 155 member states to implement the United Nations Global Counterterrorism Strategy. This strategy would also offer at least five practical insights to enhance multilateralism in addressing threats to international peace and security. First, the strategy has enjoyed a continuous consensus among member states since its adoption in 2006. A common determination against terrorism has driven member states to reach agreements bridging political, ideological, and religious divides. Second, the consensus behind the strategy was only maintained through diplomacy and constructive dialogue. These tools remain indispensable for multilateral action, present and future. Third, the strategy illustrates an unwavering commitment to preventing terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. The strategy recognizes that international cooperation and action to counter terrorism must fully comply with international law, including the United Nations Charter, international human rights law, and international humanitarian law. The rule of law must retain its fundamental importance as the basis for multilateral cooperation. And finally, the strategy underscores the importance of whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches to counter terrorism. Governments and parliamentarians, international and regional organizations, women, youth, victims, and survivors of all types of violence, academia, civil society, and the private sector all have a role to play. This morning, world leaders adopted the Pact for Future, affirming their commitment to pursue a future free from terrorism. It’s now time to act. Only through a renewed, reinvigorated, and networked multilateralism can that aspiration become a reality. Thank you.

Simon Harris: Thank you very much for your contribution, and I now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

UNODC: Thank you, Mr. Chair, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. The many distinguished speakers who came before me have addressed the extremely complex situation and challenges facing our multilateral system. What I would like to do during my brief intervention is to offer a ray of hope. Amid the challenges to multilateralism, we have recently seen a notable success story when Member States agreed the final draft text of a UN Convention on Cybercrime last month, after a four-year process. The ad hoc committee that elaborated this text held eight formal sessions, both in Vienna and New York, with a strong participation from member states, as well as around 160 stakeholders from civil society, intergovernmental organizations, academia, and the private sector. At the outset, countries’ positions were starkly divergent, but the common and urgent threat of cybercrime managed to bring them closer together to approve the text by consensus. We at the UN Office on Drugs and Crime are proud to have acted as secretariat to the Ad Hoc Committee, and I believe that this experience holds some useful lessons for wider efforts to revitalize multilateralism. We learned that focusing on common global threats and identifying very concrete actions to address these threats together can rally member states. We learned that letting women lead can help us break new ground, as we watched a woman ambassador lead the committee to success. We learned that emerging issues, such as the misuse of new technologies, can inject some productive urgency into multilateral cooperation. We learned that the voices of civil society and the private sector can help steer conversations away from geopolitics and towards community, technical, and practical concerns. And we were reminded that the convening power of the UN can still bring all countries together on an equal footing to produce tangible outcomes. The issues facing multilateralism are undoubtedly much wider than the specific context of cybercrime, and we need unprecedented steps to move towards a multilateral system fit for the 21st century where trust is regained. But the Cybercrime Treaty is proof that multilateralism endures, and that countering transnational crime is central to the global agenda and can only be addressed if we and member states work together. Organized crime groups are making sophisticated use of new technologies and becoming more flexible in their structures and operations. More than ever, they represent a threat to peace. security, and development, warranting a more coordinated and robust response from the UN. The Pact for the Future will help refocusing on the values of the UN Charter and fostering dialogue around universal common interests and concrete joint actions, and can contribute to enhancing multilateralism for a more peaceful and secure world. Thank you.

Simon Harris: Thank you very much. I thank the distinguished representative of the UNODC for her contribution. Distinguished delegates, we have come to the end of the time available for the interactive dialogue. Unfortunately, there are several delegations who are not able to make their statements today due to the limited time available, and again, I would encourage those delegations to submit their statements to estatements.un.org for posting in the UN Journal. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I now want to give the floor to Ms. Rosemary Anne DiCarlo, Under-Secretary General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, to deliver some closing remarks.

Rosemary Anne DiCarlo: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Excellencies, distinguished speakers, today’s discussion has shown that the pursuit of peace and international cooperation is not a hopeless goal. It’s tempting to despair or be cynical amid the level of divisions in today’s world. However, as leaders gather in New York this week, this summit reminds us that Member States overwhelmingly want the multilateral system to be effective and fair. They know that the challenges we face, from the climate emergency and the weaponization of new technologies to deadlier and more complex conflicts, can only be addressed through international cooperation. I’d like to make three observations on what our priorities going forward should be. First, a recommitment to diplomacy. essence of multilateral cooperation, if we want to overcome divisions, we need to boost diplomacy. This requires investing in mechanisms that keep channels open, diffuse tensions, and bring different viewpoints together, especially across divides and amongst countries that disagree and dispute. I welcome the strong language around diplomacy, including on the Good Office’s role of the Secretary General and the Pact for the Future. Recommitting to diplomacy is a political choice, to resort to dialogue instead of arms, negotiation instead of coercion, and persuasion instead of imposition. Indeed, peace instead of war. It might be politically difficult and unpopular to do so at times, but it is the only decision that pays off in the long term. Second, we must invest politically and financially in prevention. The evidence is clear. Prevention saves lives. It safeguards development gains. It is cost-effective, but it remains chronically underprioritized. A new agenda for peace made a strong case for a paradigm shift on prevention, with a focus on universality and national ownership. I am pleased that many of these ideas have found support in the Pact for the Future, and we look forward to working with Member States to carry this agenda forward. And finally, we must ensure that the multilateral system, and the collective security system in particular, work for everyone. Unless the benefits of international cooperation become more tangible and equitable, we won’t have global buy-in to tackle our common challenges. The Pact for the Future points to key priorities to upgrade the different institutions at the heart of the multilateral system, including the Security Council. We must now ensure that the principles the Member States States have agreed on in the pact can form the basis for real reform. Excellencies, the United Nations was born out of a shared commitment to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. You may have noticed the key words there – shared commitment. The UN is shaped fundamentally by the willingness – that is, the commitment – of its Member States to cooperate. As the Secretary General said in a new Agenda for Peace, if war is a choice, peace can be too. Thank you.

Simon Harris: Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, we have come to the end of our interactive Dialogue No. 2 of the Summit of the Future. Also, on behalf of my esteemed co-chair, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, I sincerely thank all of our speakers and our special invitees for their active participation and their insightful contributions to our discussion on the thought-provoking theme of this Dialogue. Before we adjourn, I’d like to also inform participants that Interactive Dialogue 3 of the Summit of the Future, entitled Towards a Common Digital Future – Strengthening Inclusive Innovation and Cooperation to Bridge the Digital Divide, will take place in this Chamber at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Monday 23 September. Interactive Dialogue 2 on Enhancing Multilateralism for International Peace and Security is now concluded. The meeting is adjourned.

Agreement Points

Reform of the UN Security Council

Julius Maada Bio

Turkey

Ethiopia

Liechtenstein

India

Expand membership to be more representative

Abolish or limit veto power

Include permanent seats for Africa

Make Council more democratic, transparent and accountable

Revitalize UN institutions to address 21st century challenges

Multiple speakers agreed on the need to reform the UN Security Council to make it more representative, effective, and accountable. This includes expanding membership, addressing the veto power, and ensuring representation for underrepresented regions like Africa.

Strengthening multilateralism and the UN system

India

Latvia

Peru

Denmark

Revitalize UN institutions to address 21st century challenges

Enhance role of General Assembly in peace and security

Strengthen UN peacekeeping operations

Improve cooperation between UN and regional organizations like African Union

Several speakers emphasized the need to strengthen multilateralism and the UN system to better address global challenges. This includes revitalizing institutions, enhancing the role of the General Assembly, strengthening peacekeeping operations, and improving cooperation with regional organizations.

Addressing root causes of conflict

Denmark

Afghanistan

Malta

International Criminal Police Organization

Tackle climate change as a threat to peace and security

Focus on poverty, inequality, human rights abuses as drivers of instability

Invest in education and opportunities for youth

Address transnational organized crime and terrorism

Multiple speakers agreed on the importance of addressing root causes of conflict, including climate change, poverty, inequality, human rights abuses, lack of education and opportunities for youth, and transnational organized crime and terrorism.

Promoting inclusive participation in peace processes

Ireland

Sierra Leone

Philippines

Afghanistan

Ensure meaningful participation of women

Engage youth as agents of change

Include civil society and affected communities

Empower marginalized groups in decision-making

Several speakers emphasized the importance of promoting inclusive participation in peace processes, particularly focusing on the involvement of women, youth, civil society, affected communities, and marginalized groups.

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers emphasized the need to address challenges posed by emerging technologies, particularly in the areas of AI governance and cybersecurity, to maintain international peace and security.

Republic of Korea

Philippines

Develop governance frameworks for AI and emerging technologies

Address cybersecurity threats

Both speakers strongly advocated for increased African representation in the UN Security Council, specifically calling for permanent seats for African countries.

Julius Maada Bio

Ethiopia

Expand membership to be more representative

Include permanent seats for Africa

Unexpected Consensus

Addressing climate change as a security threat

Denmark

Afghanistan

Tackle climate change as a threat to peace and security

Focus on poverty, inequality, human rights abuses as drivers of instability

While climate change is often discussed in environmental contexts, there was unexpected consensus between Denmark and Afghanistan in viewing it as a significant threat to peace and security, alongside other socioeconomic factors.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of agreement centered around reforming the UN Security Council, strengthening multilateralism and the UN system, addressing root causes of conflict, promoting inclusive participation in peace processes, and addressing challenges posed by emerging technologies.

Consensus level

There was a moderate to high level of consensus among speakers on the need for significant reforms and improvements in the multilateral system, particularly the UN. This broad agreement suggests a strong collective will to enhance international cooperation and address global challenges more effectively. However, the specific details and mechanisms for implementing these changes may require further negotiation and compromise.

Disagreement Points

UN Security Council Reform

Julius Maada Bio

Turkey

Ethiopia

Liechtenstein

Expand membership to be more representative

Abolish or limit veto power

Include permanent seats for Africa

Make Council more democratic, transparent and accountable

While speakers agreed on the need for UN Security Council reform, they proposed different approaches. Julius Maada Bio and Ethiopia focused on expanding representation, particularly for Africa. Turkey emphasized abolishing or limiting veto power, while Liechtenstein called for broader reforms to enhance democracy and accountability.

Unexpected Disagreements

Climate change as a security threat

Denmark

Other speakers

Tackle climate change as a threat to peace and security

Denmark’s emphasis on climate change as a security threat and expression of regret at its omission from the Pact was not echoed by other speakers, despite its relevance to global security. This lack of focus on climate issues by other participants was unexpected given the growing recognition of climate change’s impact on global stability.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of disagreement centered around the specifics of UN Security Council reform, approaches to addressing root causes of conflict, and priorities for inclusive participation in peace processes.

Disagreement level

The level of disagreement among speakers was moderate. While there was broad consensus on the need for UN reform and strengthening multilateralism, speakers differed on specific approaches and priorities. These disagreements reflect the complex nature of global governance and the diverse perspectives of different nations and organizations. The implications of these disagreements suggest that achieving concrete reforms and actions may be challenging, requiring further dialogue and compromise to reach consensus on specific measures to enhance international peace and security.

Partial Agreements

These speakers agreed on the need to address root causes of conflict, but emphasized different aspects. Denmark focused on improving cooperation with regional organizations, Afghanistan highlighted socioeconomic factors, Malta emphasized youth education, and Interpol stressed combating organized crime and terrorism.

Denmark

Afghanistan

Malta

International Criminal Police Organization

Improve cooperation between UN and regional organizations like African Union

Focus on poverty, inequality, human rights abuses as drivers of instability

Invest in education and opportunities for youth

Address transnational organized crime and terrorism

These speakers agreed on the importance of inclusive participation in peace processes, but focused on different groups. Ireland emphasized women’s participation, Sierra Leone highlighted youth engagement, the Philippines stressed civil society inclusion, and Afghanistan advocated for empowering marginalized groups.

Ireland

Sierra Leone

Philippines

Afghanistan

Ensure meaningful participation of women

Engage youth as agents of change

Include civil society and affected communities

Empower marginalized groups in decision-making

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers emphasized the need to address challenges posed by emerging technologies, particularly in the areas of AI governance and cybersecurity, to maintain international peace and security.

Republic of Korea

Philippines

Develop governance frameworks for AI and emerging technologies

Address cybersecurity threats

Both speakers strongly advocated for increased African representation in the UN Security Council, specifically calling for permanent seats for African countries.

Julius Maada Bio

Ethiopia

Expand membership to be more representative

Include permanent seats for Africa

Key Takeaways

There is broad agreement on the need to reform and strengthen the UN system, particularly the Security Council, to make it more representative and effective.

Multilateralism and international cooperation are seen as essential for addressing global challenges like conflict, climate change, and emerging technologies.

Many speakers emphasized the importance of addressing root causes of conflict, including poverty, inequality, and human rights abuses.

There were calls for more inclusive participation in peace processes, especially for women, youth, and marginalized groups.

The role of new technologies in both creating challenges and offering solutions for peace and security was a recurring theme.

Resolutions and Action Items

Implement the Pact for the Future adopted at the summit to guide future global actions

Pursue reform of the UN Security Council, including expanding membership

Strengthen UN peacekeeping operations through review and reform

Enhance cooperation between the UN and regional organizations like the African Union

Develop governance frameworks for emerging technologies like AI

Finalize and implement the Global Digital Compact

Unresolved Issues

Specific details of Security Council reform, including exact composition and veto power

How to effectively address ongoing conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza

Concrete steps to bridge the digital divide between developed and developing countries

Mechanisms to ensure accountability for violations of international law

How to balance technological innovation with security concerns

Suggested Compromises

Expanding Security Council membership to be more representative while potentially limiting veto power

Balancing national sovereignty concerns with the need for collective action on global issues

Promoting both technological innovation and responsible use of new technologies

Enhancing the role of the General Assembly in peace and security matters as a complement to Security Council reform

We need to devise new methods of managing this transformation based on mutual trust and cooperation.

Speaker

Berris Ekinci, Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkey

Reason

This comment highlights the need for innovative approaches to global cooperation in a changing world, moving beyond traditional methods.

Impact

It shifted the conversation towards considering new paradigms for international relations and conflict resolution.

The Security Council must become more representative, equitable, and transparent if it is to maintain its legitimacy and effectiveness.

Speaker

Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone

Reason

This comment directly addresses a key issue in global governance and the need for reform of major international institutions.

Impact

It sparked further discussion on UN Security Council reform from multiple subsequent speakers, becoming a recurring theme.

We must recognize that making and sustaining peace is not only as a task for diplomats and soldiers, but also as priorities when it comes to trade, aid, and our responses to climate change.

Speaker

Comfort Ero, President and CEO of the International Crisis Group

Reason

This comment broadens the concept of peacebuilding beyond traditional security frameworks to include economic and environmental factors.

Impact

It encouraged a more holistic view of peace and security in subsequent comments, with speakers addressing interconnected global challenges.

We must appreciate security from a most holistic prism, recognizing, for example, the rising vulnerability of populations from the dangers of climate-induced disasters.

Speaker

Representative of the Philippines

Reason

This comment further develops the idea of a comprehensive approach to security, specifically highlighting climate change as a security threat.

Impact

It reinforced the earlier points about broadening the concept of security and led to more discussion on non-traditional security threats.

The Cybercrime Treaty is proof that multilateralism endures, and that countering transnational crime is central to the global agenda and can only be addressed if we and member states work together.

Speaker

Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Reason

This comment provides a concrete example of successful multilateral cooperation on a complex global issue, offering a counterpoint to pessimistic views on multilateralism.

Impact

It injected a note of optimism into the discussion and highlighted the potential for progress through multilateral efforts, even in challenging areas.

Overall Assessment

These key comments shaped the discussion by broadening the concept of international peace and security beyond traditional military and diplomatic frameworks. They emphasized the need for institutional reform, particularly of the UN Security Council, to ensure more equitable global representation. The comments also highlighted the interconnectedness of various global challenges, from climate change to cybercrime, and the necessity of multilateral cooperation to address them effectively. While acknowledging the current challenges to multilateralism, the discussion ultimately struck a balance between recognizing the need for significant changes and maintaining optimism about the potential for international cooperation to address global issues.

How can the UN Security Council be reformed to be more representative, equitable, and transparent?

Speaker

Julius Maada Bio

Explanation

Reforming the Security Council is seen as crucial for maintaining its legitimacy and effectiveness in addressing current global challenges.

How can the digital divide be addressed to ensure equitable access to digital technologies, particularly for fragile states?

Speaker

Julius Maada Bio

Explanation

Bridging the digital divide is important to prevent it from becoming a new frontier of inequality and to allow all countries to benefit from technological advancements.

How can youth engagement in shaping global peace, security, and governance be increased?

Speaker

Julius Maada Bio

Explanation

Engaging youth is seen as crucial for achieving a more just, inclusive, and peaceful world, given their role as future leaders and agents of change.

How can the use of the veto power in the UN Security Council be limited or ended?

Speaker

Simon Harris

Explanation

The veto power is seen as undermining international peace and stability, and its reform is considered necessary for a more effective Security Council.

How can the Peacebuilding Commission be strengthened, particularly in its links with the Security Council and collaboration with international financial institutions?

Speaker

Simon Harris

Explanation

Strengthening the Peacebuilding Commission is seen as important for enhancing the UN’s ability to promote diplomacy and peacebuilding.

How can the international community address the implications of integrating AI into nuclear command and control systems?

Speaker

Juan Manuel Santos

Explanation

The potential risks of AI in nuclear systems are poorly understood and could exacerbate the existing threat posed by nuclear weapons.

How can the UN’s operational tools and decision-making bodies be reformed to better address current global challenges?

Speaker

Comfort Ero

Explanation

The current UN architecture and tools are seen as outdated and unable to effectively deal with contemporary situations.

How can regional cooperation models, such as those used by the African Union, be replicated globally for conflict prevention and resolution?

Speaker

Julius Maada Bio

Explanation

Regional cooperation models have shown effectiveness in addressing security threats and could provide valuable lessons for global peacekeeping efforts.