(Interactive Dialogue 4) Summit of the Future – General Assembly, 79th session

Summary

This interactive dialogue focused on enhancing the global system for current and future generations, emphasizing the urgent need for action to address pressing global challenges. Participants, including world leaders, UN officials, and civil society representatives, discussed various aspects of building a sustainable and equitable future.

Key themes included climate change mitigation, gender equality, human rights protection, and the importance of youth engagement in decision-making processes. Many speakers stressed the need for reforming multilateral institutions to make them more inclusive and responsive to contemporary challenges. The importance of regional cooperation and innovative financing mechanisms was highlighted as crucial for achieving sustainable development goals.

Several participants emphasized the interconnectedness of global issues, calling for a holistic approach to problem-solving. The role of education, technology, and digital inclusion in empowering future generations was widely recognized. Health equity and pandemic preparedness were also identified as critical areas requiring immediate attention and investment.

The dialogue underscored the importance of intergenerational solidarity and the need to consider the long-term impacts of current decisions. Many speakers advocated for the meaningful inclusion of youth perspectives in policy-making and the protection of children’s rights. The urgency of climate action was a recurring theme, with calls for accelerated efforts to transition away from fossil fuels and build resilience in vulnerable communities.

Overall, the discussion reflected a shared commitment to creating a more just, sustainable, and inclusive world for both present and future generations. Participants emphasized that the time for action is now, calling for concrete steps to implement the agreed-upon goals and principles outlined in the Pact for the Future and related UN initiatives.

Keypoints

Major discussion points:

– Reforming and strengthening the multilateral system and global governance to address 21st century challenges

– Taking urgent action on climate change and environmental protection for future generations

– Promoting inclusive economic development and reducing inequalities within and between countries

– Enhancing youth participation and intergenerational dialogue in decision-making processes

– Investing in health, education, and social protection systems to build human capital

Overall purpose:

The purpose of this dialogue was to discuss ways to enhance the global system to better address current and future challenges, with a focus on safeguarding the interests of future generations. Participants shared ideas on reforming institutions, changing mindsets, and taking concrete actions to create a more sustainable, equitable and peaceful world.

Tone:

The overall tone was one of urgency and determination. Many speakers emphasized that “the future starts now” and stressed the need for immediate action rather than just words. While acknowledging the scale of global challenges, the tone was generally optimistic that positive change is possible if countries work together. Towards the end, the UNICEF representative’s passionate closing remarks reinforced a tone of hope and a call to action.

Speakers

Moderators/Facilitators:

– Andrew Holness (Prime Minister of Jamaica) – Co-chair

– Luc Mercelina (Prime Minister of St. Martin, Kingdom of the Netherlands) – Co-chair

Special Invitees:

– Volker Turk (UN High Commissioner for Human Rights)

– Mafalda Duarte (Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund)

– Felipe Paulier (Assistant Secretary General for Youth)

Speakers (35 in total):

– Representatives from countries:

– Spain

– Mongolia

– Croatia

– Tanzania

– Montenegro

– Indonesia

– Singapore

– Burundi

– Comoros

– Slovakia

– Bangladesh

– Madagascar

– Saint Kitts and Nevis

– Panama

– Australia

– Ecuador

– Chile

– Germany

– United States

– Representatives from international organizations:

– Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

– World Health Organization (WHO)

– Economic Cooperation Organization

– Pacific Island Forum

– Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)

– Inter-American Development Bank

– Representatives from civil society organizations:

– AARP

– Center for International Environmental Law

– International Treatment Preparedness Coalition Global

– Warbe Development Foundation

– We, The World, Botswana Chapter

– Civics Unplugged

– Stimson Center

– Somali Help Age Association

– Closing remarks:

– Kitty van der Heijden (Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF)

The speakers represented a diverse range of expertise including government leadership, climate change, human rights, youth affairs, economic development, health, environmental law, and civil society advocacy.

Expanded Summary of Interactive Dialogue on Enhancing the Global System for Current and Future Generations

Introduction

This interactive dialogue brought together world leaders, UN officials, and civil society representatives to discuss ways of enhancing the global system to address current and future challenges. Co-chaired by Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, and Luc Mercelina, Prime Minister of St. Martin, the dialogue focused on safeguarding the interests of future generations while tackling pressing global issues.

Key Themes and Discussion Points

1. Reforming Global Governance Systems

There was broad agreement on the need to reform and strengthen multilateral institutions to make them more inclusive, accountable, and responsive to 21st-century challenges. Andrew Holness emphasized the need for fundamental shifts in global governance, including reforming the UN and international financial institutions. The Economic Cooperation Organization proposed using regional organisations as building blocks for a networked global governance system.

While there was consensus on the need for reform, approaches differed. Some speakers focused on specific UN bodies, while others emphasised broader systemic changes or regional cooperation. This highlights the complexity of reforming global governance and the need for further dialogue to reconcile different perspectives.

2. Addressing Climate Change and Environmental Challenges

Climate action emerged as a critical priority, with multiple speakers stressing the urgency of addressing environmental challenges. The United States introduced a new Framework for Climate Resilience and Security, while We The World Botswana advocated for a fast and fair transition away from fossil fuels. This difference in approach highlights ongoing debates about balancing adaptation, security, and mitigation strategies in climate action.

The Green Climate Fund representative emphasized the need for reform in the climate finance ecosystem and increased support for developing countries. Spain highlighted their commitments to climate finance, pledging to double their contribution to the Green Climate Fund.

The Warbe Development Foundation linked climate action to migration pressures, underscoring the interconnected nature of global challenges. The Center for International Environmental Law called for a rights-based approach to climate action, emphasising the human rights dimension of environmental issues.

3. Promoting Intergenerational Equity and Youth Engagement

A significant focus of the dialogue was on intergenerational equity and meaningful youth participation in decision-making processes. The UN Youth Office stressed the importance of engaging youth as full partners in policy processes, calling for core principles to guide youth engagement in intergovernmental processes. Germany advocated for including future generations’ perspectives in global governance, while Civics Unplugged called for creating opportunities for youth to contribute to SDG initiatives.

Jamaica emphasised the need to incorporate long-term thinking in policymaking. Luc Mercelina highlighted the importance of intergenerational thinking in addressing global challenges, emphasizing the need to consider the impact of current decisions on future generations.

4. Advancing Sustainable Development and Human Rights

Speakers emphasised the importance of a rights-based approach to sustainable development. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights stressed the crucial role of human rights in addressing global challenges and achieving sustainable development. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted health as crucial for achieving all SDGs.

Mongolia shared their initiatives for sustainable development, including efforts to promote gender equality and environmental protection. Ecuador outlined their efforts in sustainable development and climate action, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation.

The Somali Help Age Association advocated for adopting a convention on the rights of older persons, while UNICEF stressed the need to strengthen social protection systems for children. These interventions highlight the importance of considering the needs of vulnerable groups in sustainable development efforts.

5. Enhancing Global Health Security and Pandemic Preparedness

Several speakers addressed the need to strengthen global health systems and improve pandemic preparedness. The WHO called for developing a new pandemic agreement to ensure equity in future health crises and strengthening health systems in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

The International Treatment Preparedness Coalition advocated for improving access to healthcare for vulnerable populations and adopting a One Health approach linking human, animal, and environmental health. This holistic view of health security reflects growing recognition of the interconnected nature of global health challenges.

Thought-Provoking Comments and Future Directions

Javiera Toro, Minister of Social Development and Family from Chile, introduced the often-overlooked issue of care work, challenging traditional notions of responsibility and broadening the discussion to include social policy and gender equality considerations in sustainable development efforts.

In her closing remarks, Kitty van der Heijden, Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF, reframed population growth as an opportunity rather than a challenge, emphasising the potential of future generations and the importance of investing in children’s futures. She also highlighted the urgent challenges facing children globally and called for immediate action to protect their rights and well-being.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The dialogue concluded with a shared commitment to creating a more just, sustainable, and inclusive world for both present and future generations. Participants emphasised the urgency of action, calling for concrete steps to implement the agreed-upon goals and principles outlined in the Pact for the Future and related UN initiatives.

However, several issues remain unresolved, including specific mechanisms for reforming the UN Security Council, details of implementing a global transition away from fossil fuels, and concrete plans for achieving the SDGs by 2030. These unresolved issues highlight the need for continued dialogue and negotiation to address complex global challenges effectively.

The discussion underscored the interconnected nature of global issues and the need for holistic, inclusive approaches to problem-solving. As the world faces increasingly complex challenges, this dialogue represents an important step towards enhancing global cooperation and building a more sustainable future for all generations.

Andrew Holness: Heads of State and Government, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, distinguished participants, I call to order the Interactive Dialogue Four of the Summit of the Future, our common agenda. I am delighted and honored to co-chair this Interactive Dialogue, together with my esteemed co-chair, His Excellency, Luc Mercelina, the Prime Minister of St. Martin from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and we warmly welcome all of you participating in this dialogue. I would also like to acknowledge and welcome our special invitees here with us on the podium, Mr. Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Mafalda Duarte, Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund, and Mr. Felipe Paulier, Assistant Secretary General for Youth Affairs. In accordance with the concept note circulated through the website of the President of the General Assembly and the e-delegate platform on August 14, this Interactive Dialogue will focus on the theme, The Future Starts Now, Enhancing the Global System for Current and Future Generations. This dialogue brings together member states and other relevant stakeholders to discuss this theme in keeping with the terms of Assembly Resolution 76307 on the modalities for the summit of the future and Decision 77568 on the scope of the summit. Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, allow me at this point to make a few personal national remarks as it relates to the theme of this dialogue. The significance of this moment, this opportunity to reaffirm and reorient our commitment to multilateralism cannot be overstated. As we gather at this summit, it is vital that we reflect on the successes of the past and celebrate the remarkable achievements made under the current global framework. Yet while we recognize these accomplishments, we must also be clear-eyed about the need for a fundamental shift in our approach to global governance. The global landscape has fundamentally changed since 1945, when the United Nations systems and the Bretton Woods systems were created to address the challenges of the post-World War II conditions and the geopolitical dynamics of the time. Today we live in an era defined by rapid technological advancement, an era in which the pace of innovation has surpassed our ability to regulate its use. A great digital divide looms, threatening to leave many behind. Economic power is more diversified than ever, though our economies are more interconnected and interdependent than ever. At the same time, multidimensional challenges confront us, including the adverse impacts of climate change. Though the nature of the world is changing, we must continue to work together to address of our challenges has changed since 1945, the need for an effective and responsive multilateral system remains as imperative and urgent as ever. We must therefore use this opportunity to commit to reforming the multilateral system, including the international financial architecture, to be more responsive to the realities of today and capable of preparing us for the future. On Jamaica’s part, the government I lead is committed to fully engaging in a forward-thinking process of reform, leveraging data and science as tools to inform our decision-making and embedding long-term thinking into every level of policymaking. I take great pride in our co-facilitation of the Declaration on Future Generations, which was adopted yesterday, and we will continue our leadership and advocacy in the area of financing for development through the Group of Friends of SDG Financing and the SDG’s Global Stimulus Leadership Group. Excellencies, let this moment be one of reflection, but more importantly, one of action. Together, we must seize this opportunity to ensure that the multilateral system is not just a relic of the past, but a dynamic force for inclusive progress in the 21st century. I now have the pleasure to invite my fellow co-chair, His Excellency Luc Mercelina, the Prime Minister of St. Martin, to make some introductory remarks.

Luc Mercelina: Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, and other participants, the United Nations was created… created with four main purposes. First, to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. Second, to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights. Third, to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from international law can be maintained. And finally, to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom. These goals, as described in the United Nations Charter, reflect the long-term vision that nations had when the United Nations was founded 79 years ago. We have accomplished a lot over the decades, but we face human-made problems that demand joint solutions. Inequality, discrimination, climate change, food insecurity, rising sea levels, the digital divide, and conflict. Conflicts are on the rise, and human rights are under pressure. These problems are not solved by the United Nations Charter. These challenges call for a fundamental re-evaluation of our social fabric, touching upon issues such as economic growth, social cohesion, and intergenerational justice. Key actions must be taken. must prioritize include decoupling economic development from environmental degradation. Secondly, promoting gender equality, recognizing that gender parity drives societal progress. Third, investing in long-term quality education and universal health care. While four, fostering a equitable, just, and inclusive society. Yesterday’s adoption of the Summit of the Future Outcome document, including the declaration, gives us just that. It’s our collective responsibility to set things right, not just for today’s generations, but to put future generations at the heart of our decision-making. Because they cannot represent themselves, it’s up to us to do that for them. This may be a difficult and challenging task. After all, it’s much easier to think about our own current interests or about those of our friends and family. By embracing our diversity and turning challenges into opportunities, we can build a sustainable future for all. Because we have the solutions we need, it’s in our hands, the solutions. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is ready to put the declaration on future generations. into practice. In the Netherlands, we have already developed a generation test that assesses the long-term impacts of government policies on different generations. In this way, we hope to institutionalize intergenerational thinking and thoughts. Thinking and acting for future generations require a shift in mindset, but also a shift in our souls. To achieve this, we need to make the long-term impact of our actions and inaction the starting point of our thinking. I look forward to this interactive dialogue and to exchange ideas on what we can do to make future generations a part of our present. For this, I want to thank you for us to make this happen together. Thank you very much.

Andrew Holness: I thank my esteemed co-chair for a statement. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I now have the pleasure to invite our distinguished special invitees to make some scene-setting remarks for three minutes each before we proceed to the list of speakers for this dialogue. I now give the floor to Mr. the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Volker Turk: Distinguished co-chairs, excellence, colleagues, will the world continue to hurtle towards breakdown, or will we choose justice, sustainability, and peace. The decisions taken at this summit, including the Declaration on Future Generations, could create a turning point in the history of this century, and I really want to pay tribute to the ambassadors of Jamaica and the Netherlands for having co-facilitated this important declaration. Our capacity to harm, even extinguish, all of humanity has reached unparalleled dimensions. But we can use that technological capacity to contribute to the well-being of future generations. We face a precipice of acute crisis created by the triple planetary threat, swiftly morphing digital technologies, and a new wave of shocking conflicts. But we can pull back from that precipice. We can rebuild the spaces for genuine multilateral discussion that have been shriveled by polarization. We can set forth a multilateralism that is effective, cooperative, the guarantor of our long-term common good. We can achieve the sustainable development goals whose very name is a promise to future generations. We have that capacity. We have that responsibility. What we need is the will. At the heart of this summit, and the goals that it is trying to achieve, is a fundamental shift in mindset that encompasses the long-term interests and rights of generations to come. We need to address planetary threats clearly, decisively, and together. We need to put an end to the conflicts that are tearing up lives and hopes. We need to responsibly regulate new technologies. And we need to learn again to respect international law. We need to invest in justice, in social harmony, in development that delivers a fair share to all. We need a strategic, future-oriented vision that can deliver on the promises of the Charter and the 2030 Agenda, leveraging science, data, and technology. foresight into nimble, long-term planning that adapts to threats while standing steady on the main goals. In short, we need the pragmatic, effective, tested principles of human rights. Human rights norms draw on the lessons of the past and bring them into the decision of today to protect our present and future. To safeguard humanity, we need to foster organisational cultures that are both based on human rights and oriented towards the future. And I challenge all policymakers, from local mayors to heads of state and national representatives in global fora, to ensure that every decision takes into account its impact on human rights and our planet generations down the line. That is leadership that we can all look up to. And that leadership will make a huge difference. Thank you.

Andrew Holness: I thank the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Next I give the floor to Ms. Duarte, the Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund.

Mafalda Duarte: President of the General Assembly, Secretary General of the United Nations, Excellency Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, Excellency Luc Mercelina, Prime Minister of St. Martin, Kingdom of Netherlands. I will begin by actually celebrating progress that we have collectively achieved, given that I think it’s really important to build confidence that we can collectively face the challenges that are ahead of us, in particular climate change, and that we can actually meet our collective goals. We need to have this confidence. We need to have hope. So it’s important to remember that if it weren’t for the climate policies and the actions that have taken place since 2009, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We would have already warmed by more than one degree centigrade than we are at the moment. We know that clean technologies are sweeping the globe. In just seven years, the countries have added nearly enough clean energy capacity to electrify the entire European Union. We also know that the costs of renewables are lower than ever. Solar energy costs have dropped by 85 percent, wind energy by 55 percent, and lithium-ion batteries by 85 percent. So it is important to celebrate progress. It is important to have hope. But of course, as we all know, this progress, hard-won as it is, is not moving fast enough. And the science, every time, is telling us that that’s the case. And in fact, since 2016, annual investments across the entire energy sector in developing and emerging markets have dropped by approximately 20 percent. So we are actually moving in the wrong direction. The development gains of recent years are being threatened by compounding crises – armed conflicts, debt distress, and uneven recoveries from COVID-19. So really, this is – we are at a time, and therefore this summit of the future, where we need to raise our collective ambition and deliver. And we must face the truth that Prime Minister of Jamaica also mentioned, that the institutions built on the 20th century frameworks have not been able to adequately respond to the 21st century challenges. So we need to embrace reform of this entire climate finance ecosystem from multilateral development banks to climate funds, private sector, philanthropies and civil society. We fundamentally need to reform how we measure and assess risk and how this influences a whole range of important decisions we make, in particular investment decisions. Every part of this financial landscape must work together and every part has a role to play. They must all have a seat at the table when decisions are being made because we either succeed together or we fail together. How is the Green Climate Fund doing its part? We take our responsibility as the world’s largest multilateral climate fund to empower a diverse network of partners. We work with multilateral institutions, national public and private sector financial entities, NGOs and beyond. In the last nine years we have committed 15 billion dollars to support 130 developing countries and locking an additional 45 billion dollars in investment. We have been amongst the few balancing finance for mitigation and adaptation. 50% of our resources are being provided for building resilience of the most vulnerable states, LDCs and African states. But we also know that this level of investment falls far short of what’s required. The pace of action when measured against a rapidly closing window to meet the 1.5 degree target is completely inadequate. And this is why one year ago at the United Nations Climate Ambition Summit we announced a roadmap for the Green Climate Fund to manage 50 billion dollars by 2030 with maximum efficiency and impact. And this strategy focuses on four pillars, supporting the most vulnerable, mobilizing private capital, streamlining systems, and shifting from individual projects to ambitious programs and partnerships. And we are making progress. With the support of our board, we have introduced a fit-for-purpose organizational structure because we are, in fact, talking about institutions that are fit-for-purpose for 21st century challenges. We are developing a new framework for accrediting partners, and we are moving swiftly to make processes a lot faster, a lot more streamlined. We have – we are keeping our promise to the most vulnerable, having doubled our funding for locally-led adaptation, and we have earmarked half a billion dollars for fragile and conflict-affected states. And we are partnering directly with the private sector to mobilize more finance. In the past 12 months, we have committed over $1.3 billion for private sector investments, unlocking a total value of $7.5 billion in market-shaping proposals that will transform how the private sector invests not just in mitigation, but as well in resilience in developing countries. Colleagues, 2024, this year we are in, is being called the year for climate finance. But every year is and every year will continue to be until we address the scale and the quality of the finance we deploy for climate action. We have enough data to understand the scale of the challenge. The evidence is overwhelming, and what we need is clear leadership and action. Let us set clear, tangible targets and build focused partnerships that contribute to a cohesive, fit-for-purpose climate finance. finance architecture. Let us come to the General Assembly and the COPs every year, not to make new announcements, but to actually showcase real, measurable results. We stand ready to be a partner in this journey, one that requires ambition, action, and results. Thank you.

Andrew Holness: I thank the Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund, and we will now hear from Mr. Felipe Paulier, Assistant Secretary General for Youth.

Felipe Paulier: Thank you to both co-chairs, Prime Minister of San Martin and Prime Minister of Jamaica, dear delegates of member states, and dear colleagues in the room. It is a pleasure to be part of today’s session and to contribute to this discussion. Today, young people’s participation can no longer be questioned. Young people have the right to be represented when laws are adopted, when budgets are negotiated, and when governments are held to account. The exclusion from these processes undermines the valuable contributions they bring for the good of all people today and for the good of future generations. So I am glad to note that the political recognition and investment towards increased and meaningful youth participation has evolved with significant progress. However, despite the progress, we are not yet where we would like to be, and many of the young people still left behind. It is that, while with great excitement, we witnessed yesterday the adoption of the Pact for the Future, which includes a dedicated chapter on youth, and its annex on future generations. I am hopeful that this provides us with a great foundation and an opportunity to further advance the commitments for a meaningful youth engagement in policy and decision-making spaces at all levels. Because we need institutions that are not afraid of working hand-in-hand with young people, that can rethink and reshape their structures and how they work. We must engage young people in a meaningful, diverse, and effective manner. And we must engage young people as full-fledged partners and not only as beneficiaries. And we must do it at every step on the way, from the conceptualization to the delivery and the monitoring and evaluation. And that implies acknowledging and transcending the barriers that young people face when participating in decision-making and policy-making. Concretely, this includes transforming social and cultural beliefs that keep portraying that young people are inexperienced or unable to take decisions. This implies resourcing young people with adequate and flexible funding that caters to their specific needs. And this includes taking affirmative actions that support the participation of young people at every level in decision and policy-making, with a special focus on the representation of young people who have been traditionally left behind. Dear colleagues, dear delegates from member states, our office, the United Nations Youth Office, is committed to support in the implementation of the Pact and beyond, in particular in regard to Action 36, that speaks about strengthening meaningful youth participation at the international level. We welcome and stand ready to assist with the commitment to develop core principles on meaningful, representative, inclusive and safe youth engagement in relevant intergovernmental processes. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that meaningful youth engagement becomes the norm rather than the exception at all level of intergovernmental decision-making. And this can only be realized by embracing the full spectrum of youth diversity within intergenerational support and solidarity that bring us into a real and genuine dialogue between generations. Thank you.

Andrew Holness: I thank the Assistant Secretary General for Youth Affairs, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. We will now hear statements by delegations inscribed on the list of speakers for this dialogue. Before I open the floor, I would like to inform speakers that the time limit for all statements is three minutes and that this will be strictly enforced through the activation of the automatic microphone cutoff when a speaker’s allotted time elapses. The red light on a speaker’s microphone will start to blink 30 seconds before the end of their speaking time of three minutes when their 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 statements and to submit the full text to the estatements at UN.org to be posted in the UN Journal as part of the record of our proceedings. I will now give the floor to His Excellency Pedro Sánchez Pérez Castillo, President of the Government of Spain.

Spain: Thank you very much, Chair, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. We have three critical challenges. Firstly, climate. The second is gender equality. And the third is defense of human rights. Firstly, we must fight the climate emergency to leave a planet that is more habitable. This is purely a matter of intergenerational justice. At the Baku Climate Summit, we have a great opportunity to adopt a new, strengthened, fair and equitable climate agenda. We have an opportunity to demonstrate that the path that we have set is the right one and to develop a new international financial architecture. This latter is necessary to integrate the reality of climate change, to facilitate access to funds, eliminate obstacles and identify new sources of funding. We need a financial architecture that means that we will not have to choose between paying off debt or dealing with climate change. Spain has committed to unlocking 1.35 billion euros per year in climate finance from 2025, and last year we approved a cross-cutting strategy to meet this pledge. Secondly, gender equality. We must resist any regression in the rights of women and girls. As indicated in the Pact for the Future, women should participate fully, equally and effectively in peace processes in order to achieve fairer societies and more lasting peace. And that is why Spain proposes that following the term of Antonio Guterres, we elect the first female secretary-general of the organization and that we alternate the gender of the presidency of the General Assembly. And thirdly, we have to maintain our commitment to human rights and to dignity without discrimination of any kind. In times of conflict, fundamental principles such as international law and the principles of the UN Charter must be upheld, and we must continue to strengthen and update them to meet the challenges of our time. Respect for human dignity cannot be selective or conditioned by political or strategic interests. We need to mobilize the political will and decisive and urgent action by the international community to achieve a multilateral order that responds effectively to the great challenges of our time and to those yet to be faced by generations to come. We need a multilateralism fit for the 21st century, effective, inclusive, transparent, and people-centered. I thank you, Chair.

Andrew Holness: I thank President Castillo for his statement, and I now give the floor to Her Excellency Bulgantuya Khurelbaatar, Deputy Chairwoman of the State Great Hurrel Parliament of Mongolia.

Mongolia: Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, at the outset I wish to convey Mongolia’s profound appreciation for convening this important dialogue. The theme, The Future Stats Now, resonates deeply with Mongolia’s enduring commitment to sustainable development, inclusive governance, and the well-being of both present and future generations. Mongolia firmly believes that the global system must be responsive to the evolving challenges of our time. The multifaceted crises we face – climate change, economic inequalities, and rapid technological advancements – require a unified, collective response and enhanced global solidarity. First, Mongolia advocates for inclusive partnerships that engage governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector. Mongolia’s One Billion Trees campaign exemplifies collaborative action can address pressing environmental challenges, contribute to the achievements of the Sustainable Development Goals, and safeguard the livelihoods of future generations. Second, we underscore the necessity of strengthening multilateralism. As a landlocked developing country, Mongolia has first-hand experience of the critical importance of inclusive and fair governance at the global level. We uphold the principle of the United Nations must reflect the voices and aspirations of all its member states. Only through genuine and inclusive cooperation, we can formulate the policies that leave no one behind. Third, Mongolia supports innovative financial mechanisms to enhance global resilience. We advocate for comprehensive reforms of the international financial architecture to ensure equitable access to resources for all countries, particularly those most vulnerable. Innovative financial solutions, including climate finance and blended finance, are essential to achieving Sustainable Development Goals and securing a sustainable future. Fourth, Mongolia underscores the importance of institutional coordination. Enhanced alignment between global, regional, and national policies is crucial for achieving long-term impact. In this regard, Mongolia is honored to host the 17th Conference of Third Parties, COP 17 of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. This will serve as a platform for advancing international cooperation to combat land degradation and protect our ecosystems for future generations. Fifth, Mongolia is deeply committed to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women. The recent World Women Forum held in Ulaanbaatar on 22nd to 24th of August of 2024 showcased the vital contributions of women leaders in addressing global challenges. We firmly believe that gender equality and the meaningful participation of women must be at the core of the policy-making process to ensure a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. held in July of this year increased women in Parliament from 17% to 25% through various legislative reforms for gender equality.

Andrew Holness: I thank Her Excellency Khurelbaatar for her statement and I now give the floor to his Excellency Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia.

Croatia: Thank you, Honourable Chairman, ladies and gentlemen. In today’s interconnected world, the future of sustainable development depends on our ability to strengthen global alliances, mobilize financial resources and engage the private sector and civil society. Croatia is committed to these efforts, knowing the success of the SDGs depends on navigating these challenges effectively. For Croatia, intergenerational solidarity and justice are central to sustainable development. Each generation must preserve the diversity of natural, cultural and social resources. Education is key to this process, transmitting knowledge and preparing young people for future challenges. We prioritize engagement of women and youth to ensure their perspectives also shape global policies. At the same time, reforming the international financial architecture is crucial to support these goals. One innovative approach Croatia supports is blended finance, which leverages public funds to attract private investments for long-term sustainable projects. By combining resources, we can direct capital toward critical areas, such as climate adaptation. infrastructure, and digital transformation. Additionally, green bonds and impact investing can create new avenues for financing reforms while ensuring social and environmental responsibility. Peacebuilding is another priority that deeply resonates with Croatia’s own experience. As a country that emerged from war in the 90s, Croatia understands the importance of conflict prevention, post-conflict recovery, and reconciliation. This experience informs our active role in the Peacebuilding Commission, where we served as chair last year. Croatia’s journey from a war-torn country to being fully integrated in the European Union and NATO demonstrates that rebuilding trust and strengthening institutions are crucial for achieving lasting peace and stability. We remain committed to global peacebuilding efforts by sharing our experiences to help others. In line with the 2030 Agenda, Croatia is building a sustainable society, investing in infrastructure, social safety nets, and disaster preparedness. Our geographical diversity at the crossroads of the Mediterranean and Central Europe gives us unique insight into climate adaptation. We have adopted a comprehensive strategy backed by legislation to mitigate and adapt to climate change, reducing vulnerabilities in our natural and social systems. I’m also proud to share that Croatia currently ranks eighth in the world in implementing the SDGs. I thank you very much for this opportunity.

Andrew Holness: I thank his excellency Plenkovic for his statement. And now I give the floor to his excellency Kassim Majaliwa. Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Tanzania: Thank you, Mr. Chair, all protocol observed. We gather at a crucial moment in history, forced with the challenges that demand our unified and deliberate action to secure a peaceful, sustainable and prosperous future for all humanity. The theme of this dialogue is indeed thought-provoking. Tanzania recognizes that the future is already upon us. We cannot afford to wait. We must act urgently to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, repair our stained material institutions, stop environmental degradation and human suffering caused by conflict, and rebuild the trust necessary to steer the world away from self-direction. Mr. Chair, Tanzania is dedicated to taking concrete, ambitious action aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement. It is crucial that our development model meets the needs of the present without compromising those of future generations. We must continue our fight against poverty in all its forms while enhancing the effort to build educated, healthy and productive communities capable of navigating the complex challenges ahead. We call for prioritizing sustainable financing mechanisms, strengthening climate action, and promoting technology transfer to achieve goals, development aspirations, without leaving anyone behind. Mr. Chair, the challenges we face are too complex to tackle in isolation. Only with cohesive, multi-stakeholder collaboration can we ensure that our policies and actions benefit everyone, including future generation. Partnership between government, the private sector, civil society, and international organizations are essential. Tanzania advocates for reforming international institutions to be more inclusive and equitable, particularly for countries in the global south. We must guarantee that future generations have access to the knowledge and tools necessary to build a sustainable future, emphasizing quality education, science, technology, and innovation. Investing in youth programs that empower young people to take an active role in shaping their futures is critical. In conclusion, we must act with determination and solidarity. The global system we create today will shape the world for generations to come. We must work together to create a better, more inclusive, and sustainable future for everyone. Thank you.

Andrew Holness: Prime Minister Mahliwa of Tanzania and Deputy Prime Minister Filip Ivanovic of Montenegro

Montenegro: Thank you, Honorable Chairs, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen. I am very pleased to join you this afternoon, which I see as an excellent opportunity for us to collectively discuss the way forward in strengthening the global system for the benefit of both present and future generations. Unfortunately, today’s world is more multipolar and less multilateral. We are witnessing an unprecedented number of conflicts since the Cold War, compounded by humanitarian, energy, and climate crises, as well as rising food insecurity due to the increase in food prices. increasing polarization among the countries. We are at a crucial juncture where we must decide the shape of our future. Could we do more for the generations yet to come? The answer lies in our collective will and actions which will ultimately determine the legacy we leave for succeeding generations. To honor our commitment to the future generations and create a better world, we shall work together to build strong institutions, uphold agreed rules, and reinforce international law. On these values, Montenegro has made multilateralism a cornerstone of its foreign policy, recognizing that one of its primary objectives is to commit to a shared set of rules agreed among nations. Choosing multilateralism means choosing rules over the force. In this light, we firmly believe that contemporary challenges must be addressed in joint cooperation of all international community actors, regardless of their geographic size, economic standing, and military power. Such collaborative approach will contribute to meaningful reforms and pave the way for a more peaceful, secure, democratic, and prosperous future for all citizens. Dear colleagues, effective multilateralism is fulfilled when all voices are heard. In this context, Montenegro, as a member of the Forum of Small States, welcomes all initiatives aimed at fostering a more inclusive, accountable, and effective global governance framework. For the benefit and well-being of the future generations, we need to reform the UN system in order to make it more relevant, efficient, and credible for today’s world. This includes reforming the Security Council, revitalization of the work of the General Assembly, and enhancing cooperation with other stakeholders. We shall intensify our efforts to address the climate crisis through migration, mitigation, and adaptation, building partnerships with all stakeholders. As we reach the midpoint of SDG implementation, it seems that the world is far from achieving sustainable development. development, highlighting the urgent need for scaled-up action. For the well-being of future generations, we have to do more to accelerate implementation of the Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals. In short, we are here to act. Thank you.

Andrew Holness: We thank Deputy Prime Minister Ivanovic for his statement, and we now give the floor to Her Excellency Retno Marsudi , Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.

Indonesia: Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates. We are meeting at a pivotal crossroad, a watershed moment, and a defining juncture of our era. As we stand at the halfway point toward 2030, it is crystal clear that no nation can afford the failure of the SDGs, and our future will very much depend on what we do in the present. In confronting future challenges, Indonesia chooses to be optimistic and aims to be part of the solution. And I wish to underscore two key priorities. First, advancing multilateral reform. Colleagues, we need substantive progress on the reform of the United Nations and the international financial architecture toward achieving a more inclusive, accountable, and responsive global governance. Full reform of the UN Security Council is also imperative to make it more representative and effective in addressing challenges in peace and international security, including to bring a just and lasting peace in Palestine. Summit of the Future is presenting us with a single single best opportunity to advance multilateral reform and to turbocharge the implementation of SDGs. Moving forward, we need to work on ensuring implementation of the Pact for the Future as our roadmap toward a successful reform and in tackling key challenges facing humanity and future generation. Second, ensuring greater representation for the Global South. Inclusiveness is key to an effective multilateralism and it requires meaningful participation of countries of the Global South. Global governance must be built for developing countries to thrive and to make developmental leaps. Countries of the Global South have the right to participate equitably in the global supply chains. Excellencies, to conclude, let us work hand-in-hand to ensure that future generation inherits a world where peace, prosperity, and justice are not merely aspirations but realities. Our future starts today and the time to act is now. I thank you very much.

Andrew Holness: I thank Her Excellency Marsudi for her statement and I now give the floor to His Excellency Mohamad Maliki , Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore.

Singapore: Thank you very much, Excellencies. The focus of this dialogue session, Enhancing the Global System for Current and Future Generations, asks a very simple question. How can we do better? Unfortunately, we find ourselves in a dangerous world today. Major challenges like climate change, pandemics, and the risk of digital technology cast a long shadow over the world that we are and our future generations will live in. Given the volatility of changes these days, all governments need to be agile and nimble. to be able to address these challenges and ensure that we continue to build a better world for the future generations, allow me to make three suggestions. First, the need to include anticipatory planning and foresight into our policy work has never been greater. As the velocity of change increases, the complexity of problems, frequency of strategic shocks, and amplitude of their impacts seem to be increasing. We have seen this rapidly unfolding in the past few years in how climate change is affecting other ecosystems like oceans, how technology is shaping the markets and societies and human behaviour, how conflicts and geopolitical tensions are disrupting and reconfiguring supply chains. As a small and open country that is easily buffeted by external trends and forces, Singapore has sought to incorporate a long-term vision in our policy planning. This is why Singapore established a Centre for Strategic Futures, situated under the Prime Minister’s Office, to serve as the focal point of Singapore’s futures-related work and facilitate our whole-of-government thinking on key strategic issues to chart our next steps in a forward-looking and adaptable way. Second, to build a better world for future generations, we also need to engage our peoples, including the youth. We need to understand their aspirations and forge an inclusive vision that we can work towards collectively. Third, we must continue to uphold an inclusive multilateral system that is based on the rule of law and the UN Charter. This remains the necessary precondition for the effective international cooperation required to tackle the major challenges of today and tomorrow. To secure our collective future, we need all countries, big or small, to work together to keep the world open and interconnected, to engender a global commitment to the common good and to reject zero-sum approaches. Singapore will continue to do our part and contribute. to the international cooperation in areas from the oceans to digital issues within this vital framework. Excellencies, Singapore welcomes the Declaration on the Future Generations, which contains critical elements to build a multilateral system that is strong, effective and fit to safeguard the interests of our current and future generations. Singapore looks forward to working with fellow Member States to implement this Declaration and to build a brighter and better future for our people today and the generations of tomorrow. Thank you.

Andrew Holness: I thank His Excellency Ospun for his statement and I now give the floor to His Excellency Albert Shingiro, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development of Burundi.

Burundi: Mr. President, all protocol observed, I am delighted to participate in this interactive dialogue of the Summit of the Future at a point in time when the international community must decide and design a world that we want for future generations. Our dialogue on the Future Starts Now, enhancing the global system for current and future generations, is not only timely but crucial. The SDGs provide us with a roadmap to navigate the most urgent challenges, such as climate change, the reform of global governance and pandemics, over and beyond these progressive improvements. These major challenges require transformative action. Our collective response must be swift, far and far-reaching, and must reflect the urgency and scale of the global challenges that we face today. In this context, Burundi has taken specific initiatives to meet these challenges whilst investing. in the future. Despite our limited resources, we set up the Youth Investment Bank. This is an innovative institution that plays a crucial role in the economic empowerment of young people, to transform them into real agents of peace and development. We’ve also set up a Women’s Investment Bank. This is an essential project to promote women’s empowerment by easing access to loans, so they can fully tap into their economic potential. In order to strengthen our commitment to a fairer, more inclusive and lasting future, Burundi favours tackling the root causes of inequalities and ensuring that no one is left behind. Sir, this dialogue highlights the importance of a revitalised multilateral system and an intergenerational dialogue in decision-making. Our global challenges transcend borders and generations, and mean that we must work co-operatively and cohesively. As we make progress, Sir, we need to envisage practical innovative strategies to promote intergenerational solidarity by incorporating long-term perspectives into political decisions and by cultivating an ethos of protecting our planet. The future truly does start now, as our theme states. We have the ability to make choices to protect our planet and thus guarantee a better world for current and future generations. I thank you very much for listening.

Andrew Holness: I thank His Excellency Shingiro for his statement. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I will now hand over to my esteemed co-chair, His Excellency Luc Mercelina, the Prime Minister of St. Maarten, from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, to chair the remainder of our proceedings this afternoon. Prime Minister.

Luc Mercelina: I thank my eminent co-chair, His Excellency Mr. Andrew Alnus, Prime Minister of Jamaica, for his official… manner in which he has guided our proceedings during the first part of this dialogue. Dr. Andrew Holness, once more, thank you very, very much. We will now continue with our list of speakers. I would like now to invite to the floor His Excellency Mohammed Bey, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Comoros.

Comoros: Thank you very much, Co-Chair, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, all protocols observed. On the 27th of September 2024, rather on this date, the Comoros were affected significantly by climate change. There were floods affecting our coastlines and threatened our homes in several villages. Sea level rise represents an existential threat for our country where most people live near the coast. This incident, it was tragic, but it’s not an isolated incident, unfortunately. It is part of a worrying trend of extreme climate links to climate change. The survival of our nation depends on international mobilization and a fairer and more effective global system. We need to step up climate financing mechanisms to support vulnerable countries such as ours. This involves stepping up efforts for adaptation and resilience for natural disasters. There’s also an urgent need to prioritize local mitigation efforts for the impact of climate change, such as the adoption of renewable energies and the protection of our coastal ecosystems. The summit of the future must mark a turning point. It is up to us to build a global context that meets the aspirations of present generations and current generations. whilst guaranteeing a good future for future generations. The future really does start now, so let’s work together to develop plans together to build our capacity and be more resilient. Thank you very much indeed.

Luc Mercelina: I would like to thank His Excellency Mohammed Bay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and I would like to invite to the floor His Excellency Tomas Drucker, the Minister of Education, Research, Development, and Youth.

Slovakia: Thank you. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, there is a long list of tasks that we need to tackle in order to meet the goals that we have jointly committed to in the Pact for the Future. However, there is one thing I consider more important than all the others. We must do everything we can to ensure that our children and youth succeed in today’s and tomorrow’s complex world. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the global community and its leaders for the adoption of the pact, especially with regards to young people who need our resolve and commitment to overcome obstacles, to just sustainable and peaceful development. As reflected in the pact, millions of children and young people are deprived of the conditions they need to reach their full potential and fulfill their human rights. They continue to live in extreme poverty without access to critical basic services and respect for the fundamental rights. They will live with the consequences of our actions and our inaction. Even in more developed parts of the world. Slovak Republic included, children and young people face substantial new challenges which shape their future and the advancement of their social and economic development. The mental health of young people in Slovakia has come under severe pressure over the last years, including due to the pandemic COVID-19. Social isolation and the breaking of their daily routine led to a decline in their emotional stability of young Slovaks. On the other hand, bullying and especially cyber bullying is on the rise. Our research shows that at least a quarter of young Slovaks are facing this issue. It is quickly becoming crystal clear that the digital competencies are necessary and crucial for the employment of today’s youth. The labor market, both domestic one and the international one, has high demand towards young workers. They now often need to attain competencies in previously very specialized fields, such as working with AI, data analysts, and programming. To meet this demand, we have successfully integrated these topics into our school curricular form from early age. But many young people find it impossible to get a satisfying job at their place of residence. This leads to work migration, especially immigration abroad. For small and open countries like Slovakia, this leads to the problem of brain drain, losing the most talented of the young generations to the other countries.

Luc Mercelina: Minister of Slovakia, and I would like now to invite to the floor His Excellency Mr. Touhid Hossain from Advisor of the Foreign Departments of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh: Thank you. Thank you, Co-Chair. This is – our journey in framing the Agenda 2030 and battling the COVID pandemic underlined that the existing global institutions should be more agile, responsive, and accessible. The multilateral institutions and global frameworks need to deliver further towards addressing inequality of income and choices, especially as gaps in learning, endowments, and technological capabilities widen. Drawing on the agreed values and principles, we also need to deliver much more effectively to the people on the margin and to the climate-vulnerable countries. Prospecting into the future, I wish to make a few suggestions. First, at the grassroots, Bangladesh has met with success that owed to our people. Therefore, placing individuals at the center has to be redeemed in actions at every sub-national and national tier, be it in climate action or sustainable development. Supporting and scaling up innovative enterprise or solutions should be at the core. We can accomplish so much more if we agree to alter the ways we currently work. Ending inequality and securing justice should cut across all actions and plans, not merely in respect of SDG 10 or 16. Second, many of the critical challenges merit to be approached through – in terms of related nexus than merely sectoral approach. Growing body of science and evidence suggests that valuing water or securing farming future for smallholders should better be framed within the nexus of water, agriculture, climate change, for example. Similarly, the nexus of work, manufacturing, technology is also there. So the UN agencies, IFIs, funds, and programs better step beyond respective organizational remits and redraw lines of engagement to deliver effectively as may be needed. Third, the world has enough of money and capabilities at our disposal to tackle the challenges. We have no dearth of pledges. We are rather constrained to reach modest amount of money or knowledge to the last mile, to the billions of smallholders. Let’s work on minimizing risks for investments to plow the marginalized communities or the climate-vulnerable countries. Fourth, multilateralism has to deliver to the people’s aspirations. The world of Generation Z and Generation X continue to ask about relevance of the UN to their lives and expectations. We have to creatively imagine impacts of the ECOSOC functional commissions, mandate and delivery rules.

Luc Mercelina: I would like to thank the Honorable Advisor, Foreign Advisor of Bangladesh, and I would like to invite to the floor His Excellency Marson Mustapha Abdulah, Minister of Youth and Sport of Madagascar.

Madagascar: island known as one of the richest nation in terms of biodiversity and for its multiculturalism and characterized by its vibrant youth population. As we know, over 70 percent of Malagasy citizens are under 30. Furthermore, the country faces many challenges, like many other countries, including climate change. Biodiversity, loss, pollution of environmental concerns, pandemics, conflicts, disease, natural disaster. Our best option is involving young people to achieve the SDGs in the case of Madagascar. Recently, our government have adopted the national policy for youth and the national youth strategy called FANUIT in Malagasy, Lever. A comprehensive document and an empowering young people, we have only two cases. Whether we consider youth as partner or they will be ignored and feel left behind. Our big deal today is how to address damages we have caused on biodiversity, on nature, which is the roots of all evil. Madagascar strengthen its position in line of its membership group in relation to the Paris Agreement. And we strongly believe that mobilizing when all the youth is the key of our success. We must trust in youth innovation, talent, in youth engagement, as my government decided for this year for Summit of Future to bring with the delegation six youth young Madagascar representatives. They are fully aware of the issues at the stake, but we have to give them capacities, skill, all they need for. Win-win mindset. Reinforce equity between all, South and North. We have to re-invite a model of cooperation between our countries where everyone wins. Facilitate the rallies of funds on climate change. Don’t wait two or three years more after the conference to act. Strengthen intergenerational dialogue in every scale and implementing together the resolution. Let’s learn from the community, the village too far from the city. Let’s use the ICT with efficiency, promoting digital platform to connect people, especially entrepreneurship to connect the link of the value chain by using data and ICT, especially the transportation. This is, in our perspective, the way how we should do it.

Luc Mercelina: I would like to thank the Minister of Youth and Sport of Madagascar and I would like to invite my neighbors of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Her Excellency Joelle Clark, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action, and Constituency Empowerment. Welcome.

Saint Kitts and Nevis: When considering the enhancement of the global system, it’s not the absence of foresight that threatens us, but our reluctance and delay to implement bold and transformative actions today. If the future starts now, then we must move beyond yesterday’s framework. Our government believes that reformation starts at home. We have set out to transform Saint Kitts and Nevis into a model sustainable island state through a seven-pillar mechanism. This mechanism will allow us to leverage our size, our lived intersectional experiences, and critical partnerships to integrate them. sustainable development as a household concept in our nation. St. Kitts and Nevis is pleased with the recent bold movements towards a paradigm shift in the culture of global sustainability. The introduction of the multi-dimensional vulnerability index, the recently adopted pact of the future, and the Antigua and Barbuda agenda for SIDS are significant manifestations of the strengths of the voices and intentions of small island states in the global system. And that’s why we welcome all island nations to the May 2025 hosting of the Global Sustainable Island Summit in partnership with Island Innovation as we push the agenda for transformative island solutions for sustainability. These are signals for hope for the present and future generations, but our motion cannot end there. We have to urgently reform the architecture of international community, reshaping its institutions, including the UN, so they are guided by a fit-for-purpose strategy to mobilize resources and technical assistance at a larger, more inclusive scale. This repurposing must catalyze the attainment of the SDGs for SIDS especially in the realm of climate action and adaptation. It must ensure equitable representation of developing countries, racial, gender, and geographic diversity at all levels. The voices of all matter in fostering global prosperity, peace, and security, no matter how small or how historically disenfranchised. We are not interested in lip service. Our islands are steering down the barrel of Eurasia. Now is the time for serious targeted action. Enhancing the global system and securing our future need not be complex. What has not worked must be put aside and revamped in favor of innovation. Let us commit to stowing away our reluctance and instead embracing inclusive non-traditional approaches. The world tomorrow depends on our actions today and nothing else really matters. Thank you.

Luc Mercelina: Thank you to the Minister of St. Kitts. We’re going over now to the Minister of His Excellency Carlos Guevara Mann, Vice Minister of Multilateral Affairs and Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama. Gracias.

Panama: Thank you, Chair. Excellencies, in this dialogue we have been asked to put forward proposals to improve the global system so that current and future generations can live in conditions of greater tranquility, freedom and prosperity. We propose that to improve the current conditions and humanity’s prospects for the future, we propose turning our gaze to the principles that underpinned the creation of our international system and that we commit to their full enforcement and broader development. Seventy-five years ago, from the ruins and devastation of the Second World War, an international system emerged, one that was different to those that came before it, one based on rules and norms, including respect for human, for equal rights, self-determination and decisive and open rejection of acts of aggression, where international law should prevail as a yardstick for the conduct of all states. The fundamental norms of the international system, established in the UN Charter, have opened up a wealth of new possibilities. to the peoples of the world stemming from the concept of human dignity and sovereignty of the people. Today we see how this international rules-based system is being trampled upon in many parts of the world. We are witnessing how the will of the people is transgressed, how borders are undermined and how human life is being destroyed with impunity. Whereas this organization was created, amongst other things, in order to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom. And this organization is facing difficulties in sustaining the international rules-based order. The consequences of this are obvious to all. Unrest, suffering, impoverishment and insecurity. To ensure a better present and a better future, strengthening the rules-based international system and multilateralism must be our starting point. To this end, the deliberations of the United Nations must be primarily guided such that those who inhabit this planet today and succeeding generations of tomorrow have real, authentic, genuine opportunities for development in an environment of peace and security. I thank you, Tim.

Luc Mercelina: Thank you, Minister of Panama. I would like to invite to the floor Her Excellency Linda Burney, member of the Australian House of Representatives.

Australia: I begin by recognizing the traditional owners of this part of the world. On the 15th of November 2022, the world crossed a historic threshold. We reached a population of 8 billion. We will never know exactly who was the 8 billion member of our world. world was. But we do know on that day around 350,000 babies were born. What kind of lives will they have? In 2022, the global life expectancy at birth for a child was 72 years old. A child born today could live until 2094 or older. How they live and the world they live in is up to us. We can give future generations the world they deserve by unlocking progress across all of the sustainable development goals and ensuring the full enjoyment of the human rights and fundamental freedoms. This includes placing gender equality at the centre of our policies and programs. Policies that focus on women and girls, sexual and reproductive health rights. Policies that prioritise women and girls’ participation in public life. Policies geared towards eliminating all forms of discrimination and violence, including sexual and gender-based violence. Diversity and inclusiveness policies enrich the solutions we seek. Reflecting on the importance of First Nations people and their cultures to Australia’s national identity, it is up to us to ensure the opportunities for future generations are inclusive. These are the matters we must hold in our minds today at this summit and a long time to come. Australia urges all member states to recommit themselves to the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals. They are not just an arbitrary collection of goals. They represent a commitment to future generations. a pledge to our planet, they represent a promise to leave no one behind. I commend the Chairs for presiding over this dialogue and thank you for allowing me the opportunity to make this intervention.

Luc Mercelina: Thank you to Mrs. Burney representing the House of Representatives of Australia. I would invite now to the floor Her Excellency Sariha Moya from Ecuador.

Ecuador: Excellencies, distinguished delegates and colleagues, Ecuador, a nation deeply rooted in its vibrant cultural heritage and biodiversity, stands firm in its commitment to build a sustainable future for all generations. Our country has made significant progress in addressing the urgent challenges of our time with an NDP that is aligning 94.4% to the 2030 Agenda, and a VNR with an analysis of the 17 SDGs. We have embraced the SDGs as a roadmap for a more equitable and sustainable future. Given the pressing threat of climate change, we must adopt creative solutions tailored to the unique characteristics and needs of our nations. For example, Ecuador has taken significant strides by expanding the Galapagos Marine Reserve, investing in renewable energy sources, and prioritizing climate-resilient agricultural practices with a particular focus on empowering rural women. We understand that empowering women and girls is crucial for accelerating the achievement of the SDGs, ensuring an equitable and sustainable future. Also, we have promoted biodiversity conservation, as evidenced by the 1.54 million hectares of forests, moorlands, and mangroves nationwide that have been preserved. In addition, we are developing our second NDC, with an action plan to align it with the SDGs and facilitate future financial mobilization through green and blue bonds. In order to promote greater cooperation and cohesion among stakeholders, we must integrate intergenerational dialogue in long-term planning. This involves assuring that all voices, including those of future generations, are considered. We need to involve young people so that they can participate in decision-making, investing in their education and skills development, and ensuring that our policies and actions benefit us and our future generations. In this context, we highlight the reforms in the Basic Educational Curriculum to integrate concepts of sustainable development across all of our subjects. Additionally, we have empowered young people with over 8,000 scholarships for higher education to triple than last year. However, we understand that these challenges are global in nature and require global solutions. We call on all nations to strengthen international cooperation and accelerate the progress towards achieving the SDGs. Ecuador is committed to working with the international community to drive forward tangible and ambitious efforts that will leave an enduring impact for all those who come after us, leaving no one behind. Thank you.

Luc Mercelina: Her Excellency, Mrs. Moya, thank you very, very much. And now we are going to invite to the floor the representative of the International Development Law Organization.

International Development Law Organization: Distinguished Co-Chairs, We face fundamental choices as individuals, as societies, and collectively as one human family about the kind of future we want to build. IDLO welcomes the recognition in the Declaration on Future Generations that respect for human rights and upholding the rule of law is the most effective way to safeguard the needs and interests of future generations. Our experience confirms that if we are to maintain peace and security, achieve gender equality, eliminate the intergenerational transmission of poverty, hunger and inequality, and tackle climate change and technological challenges, the rule of law must be at the heart of our efforts. And the rule of law is key to reinvigorating multilateralism for the 21st century. I’d like to share four concrete examples why we must close the global gender justice gap. First, the rule of law enables development while making it more inclusive and sustainable, strengthening governance, promoting transparency, combating corruption, and ensuring inclusive decision-making can attract investment, generate economic opportunity, and lift people out of poverty. Legal empowerment can help to mobilize the leadership, creativity, and capacity of young people and engage them as equal partners. Second, the rule of law can be a powerful driver of gender equality. Closing the justice gap for women and girls, including by eliminating gender discriminatory laws, produces high returns in human development, economic growth, and peace. Third, the rule of law can help combat climate change by empowering people and communities to claim their rights and participate in climate decision-making. Effective laws and institutions promote the trust and accountability needed to mobilize climate finance and deal with issues of loss and damage equitably. Fourth, the rule of law can help to promote the responsible use of game-changing new technologies which have the potential to be great equalizers, but we do need effective and legal regulatory frameworks to ensure that implementation is equitable and inclusive. and does not give rise to new forms of discrimination. It is true that the future starts now. It is time for leaders to demonstrate the political will, to translate words into tangible action, and to allocate the financing needed at international and national levels. And I would emphasize the critical importance of investment in human rights and justice. IDLO is committed to working with all partners to find rule of law solutions for a more peaceful, green and sustainable world for both current and future generations. Thank you.

Luc Mercelina: Thank you to the representative of International Development Law Organization, and now I would like to invite to the floor the representative of the World Health Organization.

WHO: Prime Minister Holness, Prime Minister Weaver-Cross, Ministers, Excellencies, Distinguished Guest Delegates and Guests. As brutally demonstrated during the pandemic, an enhanced global system must be able to promote, provide and protect health and well-being for everyone, everywhere. When health is at risk, everything is at risk. Ultimately, health and well-being is both essential to accelerating every SDG and a central goal of the entire SDG agenda. But creating health and well-being is more challenging than ever, as our world has fundamentally changed since September 2015. New and emerging health threats, from mpox to antimicrobial resistance, could unwind a century of medical progress. More people than ever need humanitarian assistance, and climate change, aging populations and unprecedented migration are straining health systems. Every country, at every income level, is impacted. Advancing the SDGs, achieving equity and building resilience in this increasingly turbulent world requires enhancing the global system in five fundamental ways. First, health and well-being, physical, mental and social, must be a common goal across the global system and at the center of our collective efforts. Second, our common vision and commitment for a healthier, safer world must be bolstered by new international agreements, starting with a pandemic agreement to ensure equity and protect health in crises. Third, an enhanced system must be able to work seamlessly across sectors to address the root causes of ill health and inequities, from the air we breathe to the food we eat and the water we drink. Fourth, the system must be more inclusive, creating space and processes for the full and meaningful participation of stakeholders, especially young people and civil society. And finally, and perhaps most importantly, an enhanced health system must provide a robust approach, unwavering attention and sustained presence in the most difficult places. Because a staggering 50% of child deaths and two-thirds of women’s deaths in childbirth occur in fragile, conflict-affected and vulnerable settings. The stakes for getting this enhanced global system right are extremely high, for both current and future generations. We owe them a healthy and safe future. Healthy people learn and healthy people earn. Thank you.

FAO: Thank you, dear co-chair, dear colleagues, our dialogue today is intended the future start now, however, the future actually started yesterday and the history. Our future is shaped by our past actions especially with regard to food security, development status and the climate. Because these issues are intergenerational and called us to do better and avoid the mistake of the past. Since 2015, hunger has been on the rise with 133 million more people experience the chronic hunger. Children born into this condition will pay the price throughout their lives. Decades of relying on the fossil fuel to power our economy and the extensive development models contributed to the climate crisis we see today. How do we make our future better? Our first strategy is clear and is founded in the notion of the four betters, to transform our agri-food system, better production, better nutrition, better environment, a better life leaving no one behind. The transformation of a global agri-food system to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable is one of our six transitions identified by the UN. Our vision is clear, ensuring we have healthy food for all today and tomorrow. This requires tackling the interlinked challenges of achieving SDG 2, zero hunger, eliminating the poverty SDG 1 and growing equally while addressing the impact of the climate crisis. To make this vision a reality, IFA has shared a global roadmap which calls for hand-in-hand to break down silos we see and cross government institutions and agencies. We need a cross-cutting portfolio. of actions to change the system, to change the business model. In the roadmap, we have grouped this solution into 10 domains and 120 actions. We must continue to find new and better solutions through innovation and wisdom. International coordination is critical to ensure the effective use of the resources and we must work together in an efficient, effective, and coherent manner. It is possible to feed everyone better on this planet with 10 billion people by 2050 while they still protect our environment. The right to food is the basic human right. Better future, start a solution and action. Thank you.

Luc Mercelina: Thank you to the representative of Food and Agriculture Organization and I would like now to invite to the floor the representative of the AARP, the ARP.

Civil Society 1 AARP: Thank you, co-chair. AARP works to ensure older persons all around the world can choose how they live as they age. Here at the United Nations, the Summit of the Future is an opportunity to plan so that everyone can thrive in the future we will all share. Aged longevity is one of humanity’s greatest achievements and we know with certainty that populations everywhere are growing older. As the distinguished representative of Australia alluded to, the younger people of today will grow older. This represents a sea change in the makeup of societies, particularly those that currently see themselves as young. According to the UN, by 2050 there will be 2.1 billion people over the age of 60 in the world or 22% of the world’s population. Of these, 80% will live in low and middle income countries. Future generation. Populations will include more balanced proportions of people of each age group. These facts have been underappreciated by policymakers. Whole societies will be transformed. Population aging will impact economic growth, the labor force, migration, healthcare systems, the design of communities, and more. This can be an opportunity now and in the future, but there are risks, risks exacerbated by intersectional discrimination as older persons contend with added layers of old age discrimination and other barriers. As we experience these changes in longevity, we are working here at the United Nations in partnership with other civil society organizations and member states to advance a convention on the human rights of older persons, which would protect and support our rights in older age. Understanding the reality of changing populations magnifies risks for present and future generations of older persons. Their human rights are deeply affected by the risks identified throughout the UN’s process of looking to the future for this summit. Without changes, their equal rights are threatened by inequalities, global warming, and public health crises. Only with planning can we ensure that people of all ages everywhere can thrive in the future. The future belongs to all of us, not just the young, but older persons too. We all have a stake in our future, whether that future comprises decades or years or even days. Thank you.

Luc Mercelina: Thank you to the representative of the ARP. I would like now to invite to the floor the representative of the United Nations Special Representative of Canada. of the SDG on violence against children.

UN System: Mr. Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, dear colleagues, in line with the Pact of the Future and Sustainable Development Agenda, accelerating the progress across all SDGs is crucial in building peaceful, just and inclusive societies. They cannot be built without ending all forms of violence against children. Unlocking the progress across all SDGs is possible and requires a people-centred and life-cycle approach starting at early childhood. Protecting children and their rights cannot wait. Children who are not responsible for the multiple crises they face are paying the highest price with long-lasting impact. The human and economic cost of violence is huge, undermining human capital development and economic growth across countries, regardless of their income or cultural context. Indeed, direct and indirect costs of violence against children can be up to 11% of national GDP. Annual costs of violence against children can be six times higher than the annual government expenditure on health. Given the cross-sectoral dimension of violence and the interlinkages among all SDGs, revitalising and scaling up multi-stakeholder actions to prevent and end violence against children within and between countries is crucial. This requires a renewed multilateralism that is inclusive and accountable, and a revitalised cooperation that moves away from a donor-driven approach to context-specific solutions. and results-oriented partnership. And lastly, intergenerational solidarity and dialogue is not an option. It is a vital element that connects generations. Getting the youngest members of society more involved helps them to develop their knowledge and skills and to be actors of positive change. Their participation will also help nurture their trust in institutions. Let the ambition of a world free from violence for all children, leaving no one behind, guide our work. It is possible if we come together and act now. Thank you.

Luc Mercelina: Thank you to the representative of the United Nations, Special Representative of the Secretary General on Violence Against Children. I would like now to invite to the floor Her Excellency Javiera Toro, Minister of Social Development and Family from Chile.

Chile: Thank you very much, Chair. Very good afternoon to you all, ladies and gentlemen. Each region is facing specific challenges and can contribute valuable experiences to address the global challenges that we are discussing at this summit. Latin America and the Caribbean is no exception to this. While in recent decades progress has been made in the fight against inequality, deep disparities persist. And these were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlight the vulnerability of large sectors of the population and the urgent need for inclusive social policies. One of the drivers of the growing pace of vulnerability in our societies is the profound sociodemographic shift of an aging population and the reduction in family networks. This is a phenomenon that is particularly stark in Chile. These changes put pressure on health and pension systems. systems. They increase the burden of care within households, mainly affecting women and limiting educational and employment opportunities for young people. At the economic level, the region is facing structural stagnation in growth. This poses an additional challenge for social protection policies. Not only must we improve redistribution mechanisms, but also strengthen capacity for generating wealth, integrating the care approach in a central way. A concrete initiative in this regard is the national system of support and care promoted by the government of President Gabriel Boric. This system recognizes the right to care and promotes social and gender redistribution. It is expected to become the fourth pillar of social protection, alongside health, education and welfare, under the principle of universality and with efficient planning to adapt to the changing needs of society. Similar discussions are taking place across Latin America. Countries such as Uruguay, Brazil and Colombia are making progress in implementing care systems. Care policies not only promote joint responsibility within the family, but also expand this idea towards broader social responsibility. Care is fundamental for the sustainability of life, for society and for the economy. It cannot be understood as a private problem that falls exclusively to family groups and therefore on women. Instead, it should be a shared responsibility between the state, communities, families and the market. This includes intergenerational joint responsibility. The care crisis cannot be addressed if the interests and needs of young people are not considered. The title of this dialogue is extremely relevant for us to reflect on care and accept the importance for states. If we say that the future is now, the most coherent thing to do is to take charge of the growing burden of support and care in our societies. Tomorrow will be too late and the burden will be greater. unbearable for societies and institutions, leaving individuals and families to their fate. To provide this care has a serious impact on social inequality.

Luc Mercelina: Thank you to the Minister of Chile. I’m now going to invite the representative of Economic Cooperation Organization.

Economic Cooperation Organization: Excellencies, distinguished guests, today we stand at a critical juncture, an inflection point where our actions determine the destiny of generations to come. What we choose to do now will echo through the future. It is time we seize this moment with firm resolve to tackle the formidable challenges that threaten our shared future. The world grapples with a multitude of crises, from climate change and biodiversity, loss to pollution, and rising sea levels, from burgeoning inequalities and ballooning developmental disparities to monstrous debt stockpiles of most underdeveloped and developing countries. We are uneven and unequal at best. The subregions of Asia are acutely vulnerable to these challenges. In this context, regionalism is more relevant today than ever before. The SDGs, though ambitious in their targets, can be most effectively achieved by adopting a bottom-up approach where we enhance regional cooperation mechanisms by fostering closer collaboration between regional organizations and UN regional commissions. Regional organizations, with their targeted and specific objectives and ability to improvise and learn from regional success stories and best practices, are better positioned to address local challenges while contributing to global They complement multilateralism by acting as a building block for a more inclusive, comprehensive, and networked global governance system. We know that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. We need to customize and prioritize a result-oriented approach which is more practical and less ideological. Full political ownership at the global level and local levels, and popular embrace by our people will get us the resources so critical to achieving SDGs. The Economic Cooperation Organization, comprising 10 member states, 7 of which are landlocked, has been actively fostering collaboration to achieve the SDGs in the region. We have, through our Vision 2025, launched numerous initiatives within our region to promote economic growth, strengthen connectivity, enhance trade linkages, and improve environmental sustainability by integrating cleaner and greener sources of energy into our growth models. ECO stands ready to collaborate with the UN and its entities, bringing our regional expertise and commitment to the table. Together we can create a more prosperous and sustainable future. Regionalism, when embraced and supported, becomes a powerful catalyst for global progress. Let us reaffirm our commitment to regional cooperation and multilateralism. Let us work together to protect this planet for present and future generations. Together we can turn our aspirations into reality. I thank you.

Luc Mercelina: Thank you to the representative of Economic Cooperation Organization, and I would like now to invite to the floor Warby Development Foundation, the representative of, of course.

Civil Society 4 Warbe Development Foundation: Thank you, Honorable Chair, distinguished delegates, Excellencies. This is Saiful Haque, Chairman, Warby Development Foundation. Foundation from Bangladesh, advocating for the rights of migrants and promoting safe, fair migration for 27 years. It focuses on empowering migrants and enhancing their social and economic well-being. We are also a member of the Civil Society Action Committee, the largest global platform for civil society actors working on international migration policy and governance. As the UN advances its reform agenda ahead of 2030 SDGs deadline, migration must be prioritized as a critical global issue affecting all others. Migration drives economic growth, social progress, and cultural enrichment. As a representative of a grassroot level organization, our recommendations focusing on the migration sector are, number one, integration and reintegration of migration in global framework. Migration should be a key cross-cutting issue in future SDG framework due to its impact on growth, equity, and rights. Policies must be coherent across frameworks and center the safe migration, the protection of migrant rights. Number two, investment in digital and social inclusion. The digital divide impacts migrants, especially from developing countries. Addressing that requires investment in digital literacy and affordable technology across the technology access that ensure migrants benefit from the digital economy. Three, strengthening international cooperation and governance. Effective migration governance needs stronger international cooperation and investment of resources based on equity, solidarity, and shared responsibility. Number four, urgent climate action to mitigate migration pressure. The link between climate change and migration is increasingly evident. We demand urgent global action to address environmental challenges that disproportionately impact migrants and put many communities at the risk. risks of displacement, the right to stay must also be protected. In the spirit of international equity and sustainable development, we ask the United Nations member states to adopt a more inclusive, comprehensive, and human approach to migration. As we move toward 2030, our collective action must reflect a commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of migrants, ensuring they are not left behind in the global pursuit of peace, security, and sustainable development. Thank you.

Luc Mercelina: Thank you to the representative of Warby Development Foundation. I would like now to invite to the floor His Excellency Tobias Lindner, Minister of State of Germany.

Germany: Thank you so much, Chair, for giving me the floor. Climate change and sustainable development, war and conflict, shrinking resources and their equal distribution, digitalization, and artificial intelligence. Today major issues have one common denominator. They have an important impact on future generations. And these challenges can only be properly addressed from a perspective of all humans. That includes the view of the younger generation and future generations as well. I will give you one figure. Today, half of the world’s population is younger than 24 years. That is roughly 4 billion people. This youngest generation on earth will soon be outnumbered by the first future generation, which will be outnumbered by the next generation, and so on and so forth. All of this happens within the limits of our planetary boundaries. What needs to be done to make sure that our world remains habitable for all these generations to come? How can we bring in future generations’ views more systematically? more effectively. Ladies and gentlemen, Germany is committed to finding appropriate answers to these questions. The Declaration on Future Generations is one crucial part of the Pact of the Future. And it is groundbreaking. For the first time ever, heads of state and government committed themselves to systematically adopt the perspectives of future generations when working together on the challenges we are facing. This is a fundamental change in mindset. In 2015, the Youth Peace Security Agenda was adopted by the UN Security Council. It continues to be policy in the making. Germany is ready to contribute to further developing that policy, together with UN partners and the UN Youth Office. I am pleased that we have sent six youth of service from my country to the Summit of the Future this year. Seven of them are here today. And young voices matter. We are resolved to promote the perspectives of the young generation. Future generations must have a place in our minds, and young generations must have a place at the table. I thank you.

Luc Mercelina: Thank you to the Minister of State of Germany. And I would like now to invite to the floor the representative of the International Treatment Preparedness Coalition, Global.

Civil Society 3 ITPC Global: Excellencies, Honourable Members, Ladies and Gentlemen. While you may hear my voice, I represent many. Many who have been excluded even from this room. So it is indeed a privilege to address this Assembly. And on behalf of ITPC Global and community partners affected by various health conditions, and as the co-lead of the Health Impact Coalition, which includes over 300 NGOs, we strive for health equity and human rights worldwide. Today’s dialogue is pivotal, and in only three minutes, I have five urgent messages. Health must be a priority. Without good health, we can’t effectively tackle any other global goods. It’s that simple. If we fail to prioritize health now, we doom future generations to a cycle of suffering and inequality. Let’s not forget that this summit began because we faced serious challenges during COVID and other health crises. Yet despite what we’ve learned, the current pack still doesn’t prioritize health meaningfully. This must change today. There is no future without health. Global crises need local responses. While global discussions can lead to more conventions and treaties, we must also focus on local realities and provide substantial resources to empower communities and strengthen national institutions. Meaningful participation of youth and affected communities in decision-making at all levels is crucial. Recent emergencies like Mpox and the COVID-19 pandemic have not only affected the physical health but also led to other knock-on crises including mental health and unemployment. This shows yet again that the most vulnerable lack a voice and bear the harshest impacts. Number three, we can no longer ignore the health-climate link. The one health approach is essential for survival. We cannot afford to separate health from environmental issues any longer. Resilience relies on active community involvement and equitable access to clean water and healthy ecosystems. We must also recognize that strengthening these systems enhances our pandemic preparedness and promotes a shared approach to addressing shared threats. If we ignore this connection, we are condemning our future. Number four, we need to transform how we invest. Global public investment offers a transformative framework for financing global challenges. We must radically shift our mindset from seeing health as a cost to recognizing it as a crucial investment in our collective future. And let’s talk about accountability. If we allow vague promises to dominate, we fail those who depend on us for real action. The current pact is a betrayal of our hopes. There are no timelines. Where are the targets? where are the dedicated resources? Civil society must play a meaningful role in its governance, decision-making, and the monitoring of our commitments to ensure that our progress is transparent and accountable. Together, we must choose the right side of history. We deliver these speedy three-minute speeches, but if nothing changes, we fail those who suffer the consequences of our inaction. Our debt to the future has never been greater. The future is now. If not us, who? If not now, when? Thank you.

Luc Mercelina: Thank you. Thank you to the representative of International Treatment Preparedness Coalition Global, and I would like now to invite to the floor the representative of Pacific Island Forum.

PIF: Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, warmest Pacific greetings to you all. Our future must not be left to chance. Today is the opportunity to shape a resilient, just, and sustainable world. The 18 members of the Pacific Islands Forum are united and determined to create a region of peace, harmony, and prosperity. Our 2050 strategy for the Blue Pacific reflects the hopes and aspirations of the Pacific peoples. It recognizes that our choices today will impact our future generations. The global system must recognize the intergenerational perspective to safeguard the future for our grandchildren. For the Pacific, this means limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. In the face of sea level rise. We must build resilience. We have established the Pacific Resilience Facility, PRF, to ensure adaptation resources reach vulnerable communities. We call for your support to capitalize our resilience fund. The Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, MVI, recognizes the vulnerability of small island developing states. We strongly urge all development institutions to build on this tool to better integrate factors for vulnerability into their consideration and decision-making processes. We need an inclusive, action-oriented, and accountable multilateral system that recognizes the priorities and voices of our most vulnerable. We call for the global recognition of climate change as a security threat. Our future must be shared by diverse perspectives, including the voices and concerns of our Pacific women and girls, whose leadership is included to embrace our full blue Pacific potential. Combining traditional knowledge with technology and innovative approaches is crucial for building stronger, more resilient communities. The pact for the future requires collective global action. We need shared responsibility and transformative partnership. The Pacific Islands Forum and the Blue Pacific…

Luc Mercelina: Thank you. To the representative of Pacific Island Forum I would like now to invite to the floor the representative of Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

OSCE: Co-chairs, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I wish to thank the organizers for this insightful conversation today and for their invitation to the Summit of the Future and this interactive dialogue. This session is ultimately about action, about how to maximize impact and sustainability in our collective pursuit of the 2030 Agenda. What I would like to offer from the perspective of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, OSCE, is three concrete ideas. Firstly, sub-regional cooperation. At the international level we often hear about zero-sum games and a lack of will to progress on climate action or any other multilateral driven process in the fear that others would gain comparative advantages. At the OSCE we have successfully pioneered sub-regional cooperation, including on addressing climate change, be that in Central Asia, in Eastern Europe, Southeastern Europe or in the South Caucasus. From water management to illegal logging, from preventing wildfire to monitoring sea levels, sub-regional solutions have the advantage of building political bridges, strengthening local ownership and advancing global goals. Regional organizations can be your agents on the ground to drive global change. Secondly, the need to bring in the underrepresented. At the OSCE, in all of our work, particularly in the field, we strive to bring in those that have been structurally overlooked in policy discussions. Women, young people, minorities. There is no sustainable action if we don’t involve everyone, if we don’t take a whole-of-society approach. Thirdly, and the final idea that I want to propose, is to make the link with security. The goals we are discussing here are phenomenal conflict prevention elements. Next year, we will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act that first codified what we call the comprehensive approach to security, the idea that human rights, the environment, economic governance, arms control, they all belong together, and together they all contribute to security. Conflict prevention is both an inherent component of advancing the 2030 agenda and a byproduct of it. There is no sustainable development without peace, and there is no peace without sustainable development. I thank you.

Luc Mercelina: To the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the next that they would like to invite to the floor is His Excellency Ali Zaidi, Assistant to the President and U.S. National Climate Advisor of the United States, of course.

United States: Your Excellencies, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Ministers, and members of the global community, it is an honor to join you today. This summit represents an important moment in the history of the United Nations. This institution was founded in its very charter to save succeeding generations from the scrooge of war. Today, we confront a threat just as undermining to the flourishing of future generations, just as existential to the foundations of peace the climate crisis. That is why President Biden, Vice President Harris passed the largest investment in climate in the history of the world. Their comprehensive strategy tackles pollution in every sector of the economy – electricity, transportation buildings, heavy industry, and of course embracing the opportunity in climate-smart agriculture and forestry – all while centering around our communities and our workers, all by seeking out the hopeful in our future if we truly meet this moment. At the same time, around the world, the Biden-Harris administration is spurring billions of dollars of investment to protect those on the front lines of the climate crisis. Three years ago, for this reason, we launched the President’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience – PREPARE – to help more than half a billion people in developing countries adapt to a changing climate by 2030. By establishing critical early warning systems, planting trees and installing shade to combat extreme heat, and restoring critical ecosystems, we must do more. We must urge major economies to do more to accelerate climate action in this decisive decade and to keep 1.5 degrees within reach. And we must do more to integrate the fight against climate change into all of the other work the United Nations undertakes. Because peace and security, global health and hunger, humanitarian relief – all of this is interconnected and interconnected to the climate crisis. That’s why I’m excited to announce a new United States Framework for Climate Resilience and Security. A new United States Framework for Climate Resilience and Security, which brings together the whole of government of the United States to confront the threats of climate change that all of our nations face and threatens our collective peace. Your Excellencies, 79 years ago, what the United Nations came together around could not be more true today. 29 years from today, may history tell a story of a group of next-generation leaders who delivered on the promise of the United Nations, who combated the climate crisis, met the moment, and through hard work and action, delivered hope.

Luc Mercelina: I would like to thank His Excellency Ali Zaidi, the Assistant to the President and U.S. National Climate Advisor, and I would like now to invite to the floor the Center for International Environmental Law.

Civil Society 2 Center for International Environmental Law: Excellencies, distinguished delegates, after decades of insufficient policy action and environmentally destructive conduct, the triple planetary crisis poses an unprecedented threat to human rights, including those of future generations. The Center for International Environmental Law, FIAN International, Oxfam, and the Global Initiative for Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights therefore welcome the opportunity to intervene in this important dialogue. International law, the overwhelming majority of regional treaties and national constitutions, recognize today the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment for all. Two years ago, the UN General Assembly, here in these halls, recognized this right and its role in contributing to the full enjoyment of all human rights for present and future generations. Environmental rights and other human rights have a critical role to play, ensuring more inclusive, more effective policymaking, and steering us towards greater justice and peace. Supporting the implementation of the outcomes of the Summit on these rights is essential to correct course and set the path towards greater justice within and between generations, including by accelerating and funding the full, fast and fair phase-out of all fossil fuels and ensuring a just and equitable transition to sustainable economies. We urge Member States to act upon the recognition of these rights, and to respect, protect and fulfil not merely the interests, but the human rights of future generations. A critical process is currently ongoing at the International Court of Justice to clarify States’ obligations in the context of climate change. We call upon States to reflect in their oral interventions to the Court this December the importance of the human rights of future generations, and that of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. We must ensure that the Summit’s outcomes are implemented on the basis of human rights law and in a manner truly betraying intergenerational justice. We thank you.

Luc Mercelina: Thank you to the representative of the Centre for International Environmental Law. And I would like now to invite to the floor, we, the representative of We, the World, Botswana Chapter, Proprietary, Ltd.

Civil Society 5 We, The World, Botswana Chapter: Excellencies, delegates and fellow parents. As a young African climate justice advocate, mother and representative of marginalised communities, I speak with urgency and responsibility. Our choices today will shape the future for millions of children worldwide. The Pact for the Future adopted yesterday reaffirms that transitioning away from fossil fuels is the new basic norm for climate action. But that is far from enough. Now is time for more than words. We need an international plan to implement a fast and fair transition away from oil, gas and coal devastation. In rural Africa… climate change is not an abstract issue. Women, including myself and many mothers, face severe impacts like unemployment, gender-based violence, and substance abuse due to environmental degradation. Our livelihoods are reliant on natural resources are increasingly threatened, and this is a direct impact from fossil fuel extraction. I’ve witnessed how women, given the right tools and opportunities, drive transformative change through community projects, small-scale initiatives, and grassroots advocacy for climate policy. Young people across Africa have also shown remarkable innovation potential, but their voices are often sidelined. We must create spaces where the wisdom of older generations meet the energy and creativity of youth. Together, we are resisting and showing what the future could look like as we play an essential role in building a fossil fuel-free world. Addressing global inequalities due to fossil fuel extraction is not charity, it’s justice. We must ensure that tomorrow’s economic system benefits are widely shared, and that the burdens of transition do not fall disproportionately on vulnerable groups. This is why, as a young African mother dedicated to a future that is just, equitable, and sustainable, I call on governments to go beyond words and take the needed bold action by endorsing the call for a fossil fuel treaty already supported by 13 visionary countries. The future starts now, and it’s our collective responsibility to implement this new legal instrument that will enable us to create a world where everyone, regardless of their background, will thrive. Thank you.

Luc Mercelina: Thank you to the representative of We The World Botswana Chapter Proprietary Limited, and I would like now to invite to the floor the president of the Inter-American Development Bank.

Inter American Development Bank: Excellencies. Dear delegates, the topics covered here today have impact that transcend borders and time. Future profiting economies and ensuring intergenerational equity will require achieving SDGs with no major delay. Achieving this ambitious goal will require bold, coordinated efforts from global institutions. Multilateral development banks are uniquely positioned to lead the change. MDBs are cooperating like never before and are committed to act as a system, not any system, but one that puts countries, communities, and people in the center. Our published viewpoint note details our joint commitments with concrete, transparent, and time-bound deliverables to increase our impact and scale. We are joining forces and enhancing mutual reliance. With joint goals and shared metrics, we can better measure progress and identify gaps. Through our collective and individual efforts to stretch our balance sheet, we are unlocking $400 billion of additional lending capacity over the next 10 years. On climate, in particular, MDBs last year provided $125 billion in climate financing, with over half going toward low- and middle-income countries, more than $100 billion more in mobilization from the private sector. Global challenges require global partnerships. By working closely with the U.N., we can combine our understanding. of local needs with the UN’s global reach to amplify impact, avoid overlaps, and foster impactful development with strong ownership. In addition, we have financial innovation. From debt-for-nature swaps, to hedging instruments, to new model has the original to share, allow us to multiply resources by attracting private capital and scaling our impact. In sum, our challenges are connected and so are the solutions to the opportunities. As MDBs, we are collaborating in an unprecedented way for more scale and impact. By partnering more, we can unlock real and lasting change. The choices we make now can drive transformative change, ensuring the future generation inherit a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.

Luc Mercelina: I would like to thank the president of the Inter-American Development Bank, and I would like to invite to the floor the representative of Civics Unplugged.

Civics Unplugged: Thank you. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Arik Karim. I’m an 18-year-old Bangladeshi American, university student, and co-founder of the Student Political Research Initiative for New Governance, or SPRING Group, an international youth-led public policy think tank by Civics Unplugged, consisting of over 350-plus high school students from over 20 U.S. states and territories and 10 countries. For the last two years, we have composed over 25 policy reports for various stakeholders, including the UN Human Rights Council and high-level advisory body on on AI, tackling issues such as international arms transfers, AI development, climate change, digital education, and more. We have bore witness to some of humanity’s biggest problems, war, poverty, pandemics, climate change. But the youth will ultimately bear the brunt of the burden. We are living in an era where the youth engage in politics not out of choice, but of necessity, a necessity to regain control of their own narratives, that the world belongs not only to the generation currently in power, but to the generation succeeding. The only way to move forward is to bridge the intergenerational divide and pass the torch onto the next generation of youth leaders. Investing in efforts to train students in research, writing, and communication skills as our organization has done is the first step in the iterative process of positive change. The UN Summit of the Future and similar forums are valuable for the exchange of ideas. But the exchange of ideas is meaningless in the absence of execution. Entrusting the youth with the opportunity to contribute to that very execution of ideas, the transition from theory to practice is precisely what will improve our world. We advise governments, NGOs, and nonprofits on the local, state, national, and international level to develop opportunities for students to participate in or create their own 2030 agenda initiatives. We humbly ask policymaking institutions to seek input from youth stakeholders when forming policy from start to finish and expand opportunities to speak directly to groups like you, just as I am doing now. It is only under these conditions can we realize a bigger, brighter future for all. Because the future starts now. Thank you.

Luc Mercelina: Thank you to this young representative of Civics Unplugged. This is our new generation of course. I would like to invite to the floor Stimson Center, the representative of Stimson Center.

Stimson Center: Thank you so much co-chairs and your representatives in New York who so ably facilitated the Declaration on Future Generations. Convened from the 9th to 10th of May in Nairobi, the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference in support of the Summit of the Future was the first to take place in the Global South and brought together over 4,000 in-person and online participants from some 115 different countries alongside 22 UN entities and 317 member state representatives. It initiated some 23 distinct impact coalitions, multi-stakeholder groups constituting civil society, member states, UN entities, private sector and other actors who are working now to champion, take forward and fully implement the concrete actions and commitments agreed to in the pact, the Declaration on Future Generations and Global Digital Compact. I had the pleasure of serving as the youngest co-chair in 68 years of the conference’s history alongside Karola Gengo. But allow me to put forward three key points in my capacity as executive coordinator of the Global Governance Innovation Network at the Stimson Center on practical steps and strategies for a safer, more just, a more prosperous future for all. Principles of future generations and future-proofing can be a powerful diplomatic tool especially when applied to peace and security and financial architecture reform. In the same way we do not discriminate between when people are born, we should not discriminate between, in the same way we do not discriminate between where people are born, we should not discriminate between when people are born. Secondly, we encourage member states to take seriously the expertise, vast networks and other resources. resources that civil society and stakeholder groups bring to the table for follow-through monitoring and implementation of the pact. Several civil society global networks are building forums and supporting initiatives for follow-through ahead of the General Assembly’s 83rd session, including a Future Generations Review and a Future Generations Envoy or Champion. Member states should identify their key issues and actions they wish to champion in partnership with civil society organizations heading toward the proposed 83rd session review of the pact. And third and finally, we encourage all UN member states to join and actively participate in impact coalitions and other civil society networks focused on taking forward and implementing what has been agreed to these two days at the Summit of the Future. What the UN brings to the table is the table, but what is most often the most important is what happens when we get up from the table. Thank you so much.

Luc Mercelina: Thank you to the representative of Stimson Center. I would like now to invite to the floor the Somali Help Age Association representative.

Somali Help Age Association (SHAA): Dear world leaders, distinguished representatives attending the Summit of the Future, the overall situation of older persons is increasingly dire globally, as they have severe challenges from the various factories that impact their day-to-day lives. It is crucial that the principle of leave no one behind translates into the concrete actions with regard to the present and future generations. Older people are currently 900 million and projected to double within the next 50 years. We must face the reality of an aging population. It is essential to address the needs of older persons with the same urgency and dedication that we apply to children and youth. We are deeply concerned and disheartened by the continuing neglect of the rights and the need of the 900 million older persons worldwide. It is imperative that the international community reach an agreement to endorse and establish a convention dedicated to the rights of older persons. In Somalia, the situation is particularly critical. Older people face extreme hardships due to the diseases, conflict, drought, flood, famine, poverty and climate crisis. Unlike in developing nations, with established services and infrastructure such as home care, nursing home facilities and regular financial packages and social programs, the older persons in Somalia often resort to begging on the streets, asking the pedestrians for help of cash, food for survival or face severe livelihood crisis and difficulty in their displaced place, homes and those living in rural areas where financial hardships and climate crisis further exacerbate their suffering. Despite our 21 years of dedicated voluntary advocacy and services support to the older persons through Somali HelpAge associations, older persons in Somalia have not received much anticipated programming priority funding and support required from international or UN agencies operating in Somalia and beyond. This reflects the tribalist gap in international support for initiatives aimed at supporting our presence in local, regional and global level. Our effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2050 will fall short unless we adopt realistic approaches that include the perspective and need for all society groups, including older persons. Thank you.

Luc Mercelina: Thank you to the representative of Somali Health Age Association. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, we have heard the last speaker on the list of speakers. I would now like to give the floor to Ms. Kitty van der Heijden, the Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF, for some closing remarks.

UNICEF: Thank you, Chair, and distinguished delegates, colleagues, and friends. It’s really good to be with you at this critical time, at this interactive dialogue, because I was listening intently to all of your speeches, and I know we’re facing a time of really complex, interconnected crises, from conflict to climate change, soaring rates of malnutrition, public health emergencies, growing poverty, growing inequality. And I’m here, as UNICEF, to say that that has impact, real-life impact, every day on children’s rights, on children’s lives, and on children’s future. We know that currently one billion children around the world live in countries that are vulnerable to climate change impacts. That 330 million children are living in extreme poverty. Just imagine what that means. Almost half of them are in areas affected by conflict. 200 million children are not developing properly. Their brains are not developing properly, because of malnutrition. 86 million adolescent girls that are currently not going to school. And every day, including today… Today, 14,000 children die of perfectly preventable diseases like diarrhoea and malaria. In the past four years, a toxic cocktail of the triple-three, COVID, climate change and conflict is starting to unravel decades of progress we have seen on children’s well-being. And the Sustainable Development Goals seem to go further out of reach, they’re not coming closer. 2030 is very fast in its approach. We’re on track to achieve about 50%, 15, 1.5 of the SDGs and we’re barely reaching one in three of the child-related indicators within the SDGs. We simply have to do better. And the reason I am saying that is I want you to contemplate one big number today, that over the next three decades, no less than 4.2 billion children will be born. I just want you to let that think in. I’m going to rewind. Over the next three decades, 4.2 billion children will be born. Now people think that that may be a disaster. I see it as an opportunity because it’s 4.2 billion lives, each one full of potential, each life full of hope, each life full of dream. And it is up to us here to determine what that child, what their future will look like, what planet they will live on. Will it be one grappling with conflict, the devastating consequences of climate change, of discrimination, of disease and endemic poverty? Or will it be green and safer and more peaceful? Where the rights of children are at risk? are respected, protected and upheld. It’s a choice that we have. And it’s a choice that is quite clear. By creating this brighter, more hopeful future, I know that that requires a few things of us. Courage, commitment, collective action, sustained investment, drive and determination. All of that seems to be in short supply. But just imagine that we could. Because before we start to despair about the big numbers and statistics that I threw out, my main message is one of hope, is one of yes we can. Because we know how to do it, because we have done this before. We’ve been able to eradicate 99.9 percent of polio. We’ve been able to bring two billion people safe drinking water. We’ve been able to half rates of malnutrition despite the number of children going up. We can actually do it if we put our mind to it. And now is the time to get it done. What we’re hoping for the years to come is that we implement cost-effective, evidence-based policy solutions across every country, irrespective of income, that we ramp up actions and investment, and that we strengthen the systems and the social services on which children depend. Healthcare, immunization, social protection, nutrition, education, water and sanitation. And within all of those services, that we focus on those that are left furthest behind, that are most vulnerable, like girls, disabled children, those living in conflict. These sessions these days, the summit of the future, is a once-in-a-generation lifetime to course-correct. I hope we all recognize the historic opportunity that we have. And I hope that all of you here will join us as being an ambassador for children, for futures, for hope, for prosperity, and for meaningful participation of children in these deliberations. Because you may think the pact is done, the party is over, and I’m telling you the same thing I tell my children every night. Your homework is about to begin. I wish us all good luck, strength and determination, and wish you get the job done. Thank you.

Luc Mercelina: I would like to thank this very passionate Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF, Mrs. Kitty van der Heyden. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, we have come to the end of this interactive Dialogue 4 of the Summit of the Future. On behalf of my esteemed co-chair, the Honorable Dr. Andrew Holness, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, I sincerely thank all speakers and our special invitees for their active participation in our discussions of the thought-provoking theme of this dialogue. Before we adjourn, I would like to remind participants that the concluding meeting of the high-level plenary meeting on the Summit of the Future, being our common agenda, will begin in the General Assembly Hall at 8.30 p.m. this evening. Interactive Dialogue 4 on the theme, The Future Starts Now, Enhancing the Global System for Current and Future Generations, is now concluded. This meeting is adjourned.

Agreement Points

Reform of global governance systems

Speakers

Indonesia

Mongolia

United States

Economic Cooperation Organization

Jamaica

Arguments

Need for inclusive, accountable multilateral system

Reform international financial architecture for equitable access

Revitalize UN General Assembly and enhance stakeholder cooperation

Regional organizations as building blocks for networked global governance

Reform global health architecture to address 21st century challenges

Summary

Multiple speakers emphasized the need to reform global governance systems to be more inclusive, accountable, and effective in addressing 21st century challenges.

Addressing climate change and environmental challenges

Speakers

Warbe Development Foundation

United States

Croatia

We The World Botswana

Tanzania

Pacific Island Forum

Arguments

Urgent climate action to mitigate migration pressures

New US Framework for Climate Resilience and Security

Decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation

Implement fast and fair transition away from fossil fuels

Strengthen climate action and promote technology transfer

Establish Pacific Resilience Facility for climate adaptation

Summary

Multiple speakers stressed the urgency of addressing climate change through various approaches, including resilience building, technology transfer, and transitioning away from fossil fuels.

Promoting intergenerational equity and youth engagement

Speakers

Jamaica

UN Youth Office

Germany

Civics Unplugged

Chile

Arguments

Incorporate long-term thinking in policymaking

Strengthen meaningful youth participation in decision-making

Engage youth as full partners in policy processes

Include future generations’ perspectives in global governance

Create opportunities for youth to contribute to SDG initiatives

Implement care policies with intergenerational responsibility

Summary

Several speakers emphasized the importance of including youth perspectives and considering long-term impacts in decision-making processes.

Similar Viewpoints

These speakers emphasized the importance of strengthening global health systems, improving access to healthcare, and addressing various health challenges including mental health and pandemic preparedness.

Speakers

WHO

International Treatment Preparedness Coalition

Slovakia

Arguments

Prioritize health as crucial for achieving all SDGs

Develop new pandemic agreement to ensure equity in crises

Strengthen health systems in fragile and conflict-affected settings

Improve access to healthcare for vulnerable populations

Adopt One Health approach linking human, animal and environmental health

Address mental health impacts of global crises

These speakers shared a focus on advancing human rights and sustainable development, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, older persons, and women.

Speakers

Center for International Environmental Law

Burundi

Somali Help Age Association

UNICEF

Australia

Arguments

Implement rights-based approach to climate action

Address root causes of inequalities and leave no one behind

Adopt convention on rights of older persons

Strengthen social protection systems for children

Promote gender equality and women’s empowerment

Unexpected Consensus

Intergenerational approach to global challenges

Speakers

Jamaica

UN Youth Office

Germany

Civics Unplugged

Chile

Somali Help Age Association

Arguments

Incorporate long-term thinking in policymaking

Strengthen meaningful youth participation in decision-making

Include future generations’ perspectives in global governance

Create opportunities for youth to contribute to SDG initiatives

Implement care policies with intergenerational responsibility

Adopt convention on rights of older persons

Explanation

There was an unexpected consensus on the need for an intergenerational approach to global challenges, with speakers advocating for both youth engagement and consideration of older persons’ rights. This comprehensive view of intergenerational equity was not anticipated and suggests a growing recognition of the importance of considering all age groups in policy-making.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of agreement centered around reforming global governance systems, addressing climate change, promoting intergenerational equity, and strengthening global health systems.

Consensus level

There was a moderate to high level of consensus among speakers on these key issues. This suggests a growing recognition of the interconnected nature of global challenges and the need for comprehensive, inclusive approaches to address them. The implications of this consensus could lead to more coordinated efforts in reforming international institutions and policies to better address 21st century challenges, with a particular focus on climate action, health security, and intergenerational equity.

Disagreement Points

Approach to climate action

Speakers

United States

We The World Botswana

Arguments

New US Framework for Climate Resilience and Security

Implement fast and fair transition away from fossil fuels

Summary

The United States proposes a framework focused on climate resilience and security, while We The World Botswana advocates for a rapid transition away from fossil fuels. This represents different approaches to addressing climate change, with the US focusing on adaptation and security, and Botswana emphasizing mitigation through energy transition.

Focus of global health efforts

Speakers

WHO

Slovakia

Arguments

Develop new pandemic agreement to ensure equity in crises

Address mental health impacts of global crises

Summary

The WHO emphasizes the need for a new pandemic agreement to ensure equity during health crises, while Slovakia focuses on addressing the mental health impacts of global crises. This represents different priorities in global health efforts, with WHO focusing on pandemic preparedness and Slovakia highlighting mental health concerns.

Unexpected Disagreements

Prioritization of health issues

Speakers

WHO

International Treatment Preparedness Coalition

Arguments

Prioritize health as crucial for achieving all SDGs

Adopt One Health approach linking human, animal and environmental health

Explanation

While both speakers focus on health, their approaches differ unexpectedly. The WHO emphasizes health as crucial for all SDGs, taking a broad, development-focused approach. In contrast, the International Treatment Preparedness Coalition advocates for a One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health. This unexpected disagreement highlights different perspectives on how to address global health challenges comprehensively.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of disagreement revolve around approaches to climate action, focus of global health efforts, methods for including future generations in decision-making, and strategies for reforming global governance systems.

Disagreement level

The level of disagreement among speakers is moderate. While there are differences in specific approaches and priorities, most speakers agree on the overarching goals of addressing climate change, improving global health, considering future generations, and reforming global governance. These disagreements reflect the complexity of global challenges and the diversity of perspectives among different stakeholders. The implications of these disagreements suggest that achieving consensus on specific actions and policies may require further dialogue and negotiation to reconcile different approaches and priorities.

Partial Agreements

These speakers agree on the importance of considering future generations in decision-making processes. However, they propose different methods: Jamaica suggests incorporating long-term thinking in policymaking, Germany advocates for including future generations’ perspectives in global governance, and Civics Unplugged calls for creating opportunities for youth to contribute to SDG initiatives.

Speakers

Jamaica

Germany

Civics Unplugged

Arguments

Incorporate long-term thinking in policymaking

Include future generations’ perspectives in global governance

Create opportunities for youth to contribute to SDG initiatives

These speakers agree on the need to reform and improve global governance systems. However, they propose different approaches: Indonesia calls for a more inclusive and accountable multilateral system, the Economic Cooperation Organization suggests using regional organizations as building blocks, and the United States focuses on revitalizing the UN General Assembly and enhancing stakeholder cooperation.

Speakers

Indonesia

Economic Cooperation Organization

United States

Arguments

Need for inclusive, accountable multilateral system

Regional organizations as building blocks for networked global governance

Revitalize UN General Assembly and enhance stakeholder cooperation

Similar Viewpoints

These speakers emphasized the importance of strengthening global health systems, improving access to healthcare, and addressing various health challenges including mental health and pandemic preparedness.

Speakers

WHO

International Treatment Preparedness Coalition

Slovakia

Arguments

Prioritize health as crucial for achieving all SDGs

Develop new pandemic agreement to ensure equity in crises

Strengthen health systems in fragile and conflict-affected settings

Improve access to healthcare for vulnerable populations

Adopt One Health approach linking human, animal and environmental health

Address mental health impacts of global crises

These speakers shared a focus on advancing human rights and sustainable development, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, older persons, and women.

Speakers

Center for International Environmental Law

Burundi

Somali Help Age Association

UNICEF

Australia

Arguments

Implement rights-based approach to climate action

Address root causes of inequalities and leave no one behind

Adopt convention on rights of older persons

Strengthen social protection systems for children

Promote gender equality and women’s empowerment

Key Takeaways

There is an urgent need to reform global governance systems, including the UN and international financial architecture, to be more inclusive, accountable and responsive to 21st century challenges.

Addressing climate change and environmental challenges is critical, with calls for urgent action on emissions reductions, climate adaptation, and a transition away from fossil fuels.

Promoting intergenerational equity and meaningful youth engagement in decision-making processes is essential for building a sustainable future.

Advancing sustainable development and human rights, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, women, and older persons, remains a key priority.

Enhancing global health security and pandemic preparedness requires reforming health systems and developing new international agreements.

Resolutions and Action Items

Implement the Declaration on Future Generations adopted at the Summit

Develop core principles for meaningful youth engagement in intergovernmental processes

Establish the Pacific Resilience Facility to support climate adaptation

Implement the new US Framework for Climate Resilience and Security

Capitalize the Green Climate Fund to support climate action in developing countries

Develop a new international pandemic agreement to ensure equity in future health crises

Unresolved Issues

Specific mechanisms for reforming the UN Security Council

Details of how to implement a fast and fair transition away from fossil fuels globally

Concrete plans for achieving the SDGs by 2030, given current lack of progress

How to effectively address the digital divide and ensure equitable access to technology

Specific measures to reform the international financial architecture

Suggested Compromises

Balancing the needs of current and future generations in policy-making

Combining traditional knowledge with new technologies in addressing challenges

Adopting a ‘One Health’ approach that links human, animal and environmental health

Using regional organizations as building blocks for a more networked global governance system

Implementing blended finance approaches to leverage public and private capital for sustainable development

We must do everything we can to ensure that our children and youth succeed in today’s and tomorrow’s complex world.

Speaker

Tomas Drucker, Minister of Education, Research, Development, and Youth of Slovakia

Reason

This comment shifts the focus to the importance of preparing future generations, highlighting education and youth empowerment as key priorities.

Impact

It sparked further discussion on youth engagement and education reform from other speakers, emphasizing the need for intergenerational approaches.

We need to involve young people so that they can participate in decision-making, investing in their education and skills development, and ensuring that our policies and actions benefit us and our future generations.

Speaker

Representative of Ecuador

Reason

This builds on the previous point about youth, but goes further by advocating for their direct involvement in policymaking.

Impact

It led to more speakers addressing youth participation and representation in global governance structures.

Care is fundamental for the sustainability of life, for society and for the economy. It cannot be understood as a private problem that falls exclusively to family groups and therefore on women. Instead, it should be a shared responsibility between the state, communities, families and the market.

Speaker

Javiera Toro, Minister of Social Development and Family from Chile

Reason

This comment introduces the often-overlooked issue of care work and its broader societal implications, challenging traditional notions of responsibility.

Impact

It broadened the discussion to include social policy and gender equality considerations in sustainable development efforts.

We must resist any regression in the rights of women and girls. As indicated in the Pact for the Future, women should participate fully, equally and effectively in peace processes in order to achieve fairer societies and more lasting peace.

Speaker

Pedro Sánchez Pérez Castillo, President of the Government of Spain

Reason

This statement emphasizes gender equality as a critical component of future-oriented policies and peace-building efforts.

Impact

It reinforced the importance of gender considerations in the broader discussion on global governance and sustainable development.

Over the next three decades, 4.2 billion children will be born. Now people think that that may be a disaster. I see it as an opportunity because it’s 4.2 billion lives, each one full of potential, each life full of hope, each life full of dream.

Speaker

Kitty van der Heijden, Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF

Reason

This reframing of population growth as an opportunity rather than a challenge provides a powerful perspective shift.

Impact

It concluded the discussion on an optimistic note, emphasizing the potential for positive change and the importance of investing in children’s futures.

Overall Assessment

These key comments shaped the discussion by broadening its scope beyond traditional notions of sustainable development to include intergenerational equity, youth empowerment, gender equality, and care work. They challenged participants to consider a more holistic and inclusive approach to global governance and future planning. The discussion evolved from general statements about enhancing global systems to specific proposals for youth involvement, gender equality, and reframing demographic challenges as opportunities. This progression deepened the conversation and highlighted the interconnected nature of various global issues.

How can we reform the international financial architecture to better support climate action and sustainable development?

Speaker

Andrew Holness

Explanation

This is crucial for addressing global challenges and ensuring equitable access to resources for all countries.

What concrete steps can be taken to increase meaningful youth participation in decision-making at all levels?

Speaker

Felipe Paulier

Explanation

Engaging youth as full partners is essential for addressing future challenges and ensuring intergenerational equity.

How can we effectively integrate anticipatory planning and foresight into policy work?

Speaker

Singapore

Explanation

This is necessary to address increasingly complex and rapidly changing global challenges.

What strategies can be implemented to strengthen climate action and promote technology transfer to achieve sustainable development goals?

Speaker

Tanzania

Explanation

This is critical for addressing climate change and supporting developing countries in their sustainable development efforts.

How can we develop and implement innovative financial mechanisms to enhance global resilience?

Speaker

Mongolia

Explanation

This is important for ensuring equitable access to resources and achieving long-term sustainable development.

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

Speaker

Indonesia

Explanation

This is crucial for addressing global peace and security challenges more effectively.

How can we better integrate the fight against climate change into all areas of UN work?

Speaker

United States

Explanation

This is necessary to address the interconnected nature of climate change with other global challenges.

What concrete actions can be taken to implement a fast and fair transition away from fossil fuels?

Speaker

We, The World, Botswana Chapter

Explanation

This is critical for addressing climate change and ensuring a just transition for vulnerable communities.

How can we develop opportunities for students to participate in or create their own 2030 Agenda initiatives?

Speaker

Civics Unplugged

Explanation

This is important for engaging youth in the implementation of sustainable development goals.

What steps can be taken to establish a convention dedicated to the rights of older persons?

Speaker

Somali Help Age Association

Explanation

This is necessary to address the needs and rights of the growing global population of older persons.