Saturday Closing Ceremony: Summit of the Future Action Days

21 Sep 2024 17:30h - 18:30h

Saturday Closing Ceremony: Summit of the Future Action Days

Session at a Glance

Summary

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

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

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

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

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

Keypoints

Major discussion points:

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

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

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

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

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

Overall purpose:

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

Tone:

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

Speakers

Speakers:

– Folly Bah Thibault – Moderator/facilitator

– Nudhara Yusuf – Rapporteur for Peaceful Future for All sessions

– Betty Wainaina – Rapporteur for Sustainable Future for All sessions

– Rumman Chowdhury – Rapporteur for Digital Future for All sessions

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

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

– Amina J. Mohammed – UN Deputy Secretary General

– Nangolo Mbumba – President of Namibia

– Mia Mottley – Prime Minister of Barbados

Moderator:

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

Areas of expertise:

– Nudhara Yusuf – Peace and security

– Betty Wainaina – Sustainable development

– Rumman Chowdhury – Digital technology and AI

– Anne Hidalgo – Local government and urban issues

– Axel van Trotsenburg – International finance and development

– Amina J. Mohammed – International development and UN affairs

– Nangolo Mbumba – African politics and development

– Mia Mottley – Caribbean politics and climate change

Full session report

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

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

1. Rapporteurs’ Summaries

Nudhara Yusuf, rapporteur for the Peaceful Future for All sessions, highlighted:

– The importance of intergenerational dialogue and rebuilding trust

– Dismantling patriarchal power structures in peace processes

– Countering terrorism through solidarity and cooperation

– Protecting civilians from explosive weapons in populated areas

– Harnessing technology for peace while mitigating risks

Yusuf emphasized, “We stand as the last few generations who can do something about the challenges that we face, and the first few generations that have the opportunity to seize new potentials for impact.”

Betty Wainaina, rapporteur for the Sustainable Future for All sessions, focused on:

– Reforming the international financial architecture

– Strengthening international tax cooperation

– Addressing the debt crisis in developing countries

– Scaling up development and climate financing

Wainaina noted, “Debt servicing is crowding out SDG financing. Speakers stressed the need for global consensus to stem the rising debt crisis, including a systemic multilateral approach.”

Rumman Chowdhury, rapporteur for the Digital Future for All sessions, outlined:

– Reducing the digital divide and ensuring universal access

– Leveraging digital innovations to achieve SDGs

– Developing inclusive AI governance

– Fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships for digital inclusion

Chowdhury emphasized the need to address not only access to digital technology but also the skills and capacities required to use it meaningfully.

2. Global Leaders’ Perspectives

Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, stressed:

– Including local authorities in multilateral efforts

– Providing funding for cities to address climate change and development

– Fostering trust and peaceful coexistence through local initiatives

Hidalgo also highlighted the recent Paris Olympics as an opportunity to showcase sustainable practices and global unity.

Axel van Trotsenburg, Senior Managing Director of the World Bank, focused on:

– Reinvigorating multilateralism through increased funding

– Providing concessional financing for poorest countries

– Incentivizing private sector participation in developing countries

Van Trotsenburg emphasized, “Multilateralism is under threat… Yet many problems, and the mayor just mentioned climate change, you cannot solve alone. It will require international global collaboration if we want to succeed.”

Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary General, stressed:

– Implementing new global agreements through inclusive partnerships

– Strengthening intergenerational discourse at national and international levels

– Rebuilding trust in international institutions

Mohammed highlighted the extensive engagement of civil society and youth throughout the summit process and emphasized the power of inclusive multilateralism.

Nangolo Mbumba, President of Namibia, emphasized:

– Recognizing youth as key stakeholders in global decision-making

– Amplifying voices of marginalized groups through youth leadership

– Addressing climate change, human rights, and equitable development

Mbumba stated, “The true measure of our success will be in the effective implementation of the pact for the future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration of Future Generations. These initiatives will be pivotal in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, called for:

– Reforming financial systems to match development needs

– Ensuring equitable access to new technologies like AI

– Prioritizing education and dialogue over conflict

– Providing basic necessities to all people globally

Mottley addressed current global challenges, including ongoing wars, environmental crises, and economic inequalities. She emphasized, “If we doubted the power of the people we only need to see where that power has made significant changes even in this year that we live in, but what matters now is that there be coordinated action and that we believe and that we sell and share with each other that there is a possibility for a win-win.”

In conclusion, the Summit of the Future Action Days closing ceremony highlighted the urgent need for concrete action and financing to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Speakers emphasized the importance of reforming the international financial architecture, addressing debt issues, and increasing funding for developing countries. The role of cities, local governments, and youth in implementing global initiatives was stressed throughout the discussion. The overall tone was one of urgency and call to action, while also expressing hope that collaborative, inclusive efforts could drive meaningful change in addressing global challenges.

Session Transcript

Folly Bah Thibault: Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the closing ceremony of the Summit of the Future Action Days. I know it’s been an action-packed day for all of us, with thousands of stakeholders engaging in dozens of sessions and side events throughout the day with the primary goal of reimagining how we work together to address the most pressing opportunities and challenges of our time. As we reflect on today’s sessions, we have heard rich, impactful discussions on how we can collectively shape a more peaceful, sustainable and digital future for all. In this closing ceremony today, we will hear the main takeaways from the day’s events and will be joined by leaders who will reflect on the pact of the future and what lies ahead after this summit. The work begins today. But first, it’s my pleasure to introduce the rapporteurs for each of today’s core themes who will summarize the insights and outcomes of their respective sessions. To start us off, let’s hear from Nudhara Yusuf, the rapporteur for the Peaceful Future for All sessions. Nudhara.

Nudhara Yusuf : Thank you all so very much. When I last had the pleasure of meeting so many of you at the UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi, we left the closing ceremony saying we would show people what civil society has to offer to a process, not just what we expect from a process. It’s been a long journey, both in these halls but also in the world outside, but it is moving to see that that energy has continued throughout. the year, so thank you for being here and for representing. The Action Day on Peaceful Futures for All drew on the core principles of trust, solidarity, and universality highlighted in A New Agenda for Peace, and it galvanized strong support for these principles. The first session of the day, the Intergenerational Dialogue for Peace, focused on the search for peace in the more complex and divided world of today. The elders, two former presidents, and two young peacebuilders reflected together on the courage and perseverance it takes to rebuild trust, engage in dialogue and diplomacy to build peace. They spoke to the difficult work of repairing communal wounds from the past and rebuilding trust while also protecting the planet. In a second session, we explored how patriarchal power structures affect the lives of people, how war amplifies and feeds on them. We discussed how to dismantle these oppressive structures and the role of women and men as leaders in this effort, and, get this, about how football can be a tool to achieve it. We were inspired by the poetry To Break the Old Patterns. I am sure many of you were moved to tears as I was. In the third session, a call to action for a future free from terrorism highlighted the need for solidarity, common understanding and cooperative approach to countering terrorism. It reinforced the commitment to universal norms in countering terrorism, acknowledging that the evolving threat requires consistent application of international law and established norms, not selective enforcement. Youth and diverse actors were recognized as vital to achieving a future free from terrorism through leadership, innovation and fostering global cooperation. Following this session, we walked for peace across the United Nations premises along a route that highlights the artwork that represents peace, solidarity and global solidarity. global unity. Inspired by the walk, we discussed protection of civilians impacted by the use of explosive weapons in urban settings. In a moving session, we heard stories of resilience, messages urging an end of multigenerational trauma, the calls for action to, one, implementation of the political declaration on the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, two, leave no one behind and address rights of persons with disabilities impacted by armed conflict, and three, commit political will and funding to eliminate these threats to civilians forever. The final session, Imagining Peace in a Digital World, explored scenarios for peace and security in 2045, defined by transformative factors like advancing technology, climate change, and the future of multilateralism. The session unpacked how technologies can be harnessed for good while mitigating risks for a peaceful digital future. A call to action was presented, too, to recommit to multilateralism through the United Nations, to resolve disputes peacefully, to develop governance frameworks that are fit for purpose in a changing world, to uphold disarmament commitments, to prevent conflict and reduce human suffering, to strengthen multi-stakeholder partnerships, to tackle future risks. We stand as the last few generations who can do something about the challenges that we face, and the first few generations that have the opportunity to seize new potentials for impact. So, we, the people of the United Nations, let’s do this. Thank you.

Folly Bah Thibault: Thank you, Nudhara. Thank you very much, Nudhara, for summarizing the discussions on how we can achieve a peaceful future for all. They were, indeed, very insightful discussions throughout the day here today. We’ll now hear from Betty Wainaina. the rapporteur for a sustainable future for all sessions, Betty.

Betty Wainaina: Thank you very much. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to report on the session on a sustainable future for all. The message echoed by speakers throughout the day was clear, the SDGs are off track, the clock is ticking, and realising a sustainable future for all hinges on us achieving the SDGs. Financing remains a key bottleneck for the achievement of SDGs, but we have options. Swift action on reforming the international financial architecture, addressing debt and getting taxation right can set us on the right track. Let me highlight some of the concrete outcomes across the five thematic blocks of the day. In the first session on sustainable development in time of global transformation, in their dialogue, the most honourable Andrew Holness of Jamaica and Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed stressed that we must rebuild trust and peace and fair representation are prerequisites for developing countries’ voices to be heard. In the second session, we had a discussion on international tax cooperation. This session noted that tax is as close to a panacea as we can get. It can provide income, set incentives, and reduce inequality. Speakers stressed the need for global initiatives to strengthen international tax cooperation including the Framework Convention. on international tax cooperation. The third session delved into the question of debt. Debt servicing is crowding out SDG financing. Speakers stressed the need for global consensus to stem the rising debt crisis, including a systemic multilateral approach. Instruments, including climate resilient debt clauses and state contingent debt instruments must be rolled out at scale. Debt resolution mechanisms need to be delivered with a speed that matches the urgency of the moment. In the fourth session on scaling up development and climate financing, the speakers stressed that both scale and quality needs to be pursued ambitiously. Public development banks play a key role in this and the private sector will also need to step up to this challenge. The fifth session delved into the question of international financial architecture reform. The current architecture needs to keep pace with the realities of the 21st century and beyond. Only bold international financial architecture reform can save the sustainable development goals. Speakers called for bigger and better international financial institutions, more accessible and affordable financing for developing countries, and SDG impact as a guiding force. Speakers across all sessions were clear that action must be taken now to safeguard the SDGs and sustainable futures for all. There is no shortage of opportunities to achieve change, as many of the speakers emphasized. The fourth International Conference on Financing for Development that will be held in Spain in 2025 provides a unique moment and a platform to turn the ambitions of the world into reality. of the Pact for the Future into action to accelerate the SDGs through financing for the Sustainable Development Goals. Thank you very much.

Folly Bah Thibault: Thank you very much, Betty, for that comprehensive summary of your discussions and for highlighting the main points that were made today in that session, in those sessions I should say. And finally, we’ll hear from Rumman Chowdhury, the rapporteur for the Digital Future for All sessions.

Rumman Chowdhury: Excellencies, distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends, today we heard from powerful voices focused on a simple question. What is your vision of a digital future for all? We have heard how a digital future for everyone, everywhere means a universal, affordable, meaningful, inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous digital future. Many of our speakers today have highlighted the urgent need to reduce the digital divide, not just in terms of achieving universal connectivity, but also to ensure that everyone has access to affordable and safe digital technology and the skills and capacities to use it meaningfully to improve their lives. From healthcare to education, climate mitigation, poverty alleviation, and gender equality, we have seen a diverse range of groundbreaking digital innovations that are driving progress towards achieving the SDGs. To quote Bianca Johnson, a young paraplegic woman who has regained her mobility thanks to technology, what we saw is that the future is the present. We’ve also heard what an inclusive architecture for AI governance looks like, building on the AI advisory body’s report, Governing AI for Humanity, with announcements on implementing its recommendations. And last but not least, we’ve heard how stakeholders and governments can join hands to deliver on the vision of the global digital compact. None of this is possible without innovative, inclusive, and multi-stakeholder partnerships that focus on specific SDG goals and targets. The SDG digital event this morning saw the announcement of, get this, $1.05 billion in pledges to support various initiatives to advance digital inclusion via the Partner to Connect platform. The summit of the Future Action Day on digital today has shown us incredible examples of the inclusive and collaborative action being taken all over the world. Indeed, it has shown us the power of collective action. We are ready for the second half of this journey. Accelerate, innovate, collaborate, and lead. Thank you.

Folly Bah Thibault: Thank you very much, Rumman, for summarizing the sessions from the Digital Future for All sessions. And thanks to all the rapporteurs for the thoughtful and comprehensive summaries that they’ve provided. Now we’ll hear from a few respondents who will share their unique perspectives on the Pact for the Future. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s my honor to introduce Anne Hidalgo and Axel van Trotsenburg. Our first respondent, please join us on stage, Madame Hidalgo, Mr. van Trotsenburg. Thank you so much for joining us. So our first respondent is Madame Hidalgo, who’s a member of the Secretary General’s Advisory Group on Local and Regional Governments and the Mayor of Paris, of course. And she’ll share her reflections about the role governments play in implementing the Pact at the local level.

Anne Hidalgo: Thank you very much for being with us today. You’re going to speak to us about the role that governments will play in implementing this pact for the future at the local level. Thank you. And thank you for hosting us. First and foremost, I’d like to thank the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Hidalgo, who’s opened up the door to multilateralism, including the various levels, including local authorities. What is now being proposed is that we follow up on what Martin Luther King said, that those who love peace need to know how to organize just as well as those that prefer war. And that’s what we’re talking about here. Multilateralism, what will that allow us to do? Well, it will enable us to act, because today, whether we’re talking about climate change or the social impact of climate change, the fight against poverty, whether we’re talking about democracy. We know that all of that can be evaluated in the lives of our citizens and within the level of cities because you have this phenomenon of people moving to the cities throughout the world for over 10 years now. Well, since the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, we’ve been meeting in different networks that have an exchange on good practices, particularly with regard to climate, the fight against poverty, this issue of housing and access to housing, and we’ve been meeting in these networks, French-speaking networks, the C40, for example, and for 10 years now, we’ve been working to try to get recognition for the place of local governments in global governance, not to work against states or try to usurp anyone’s authority. We want to join our forces together as part of a global coalition where actors need to be there, civil society, NGOs, national authorities, and of course, the private sector. What’s being proposed today is to be able to be present at the table of negotiations because we are essential players in the action that now needs to be carried out with regard to climate change, and in order to do that, and this is part of our agenda, we have to find funding that cities need, particularly cities in the South need. They need access to funding so that they can bring about this transformation, living better, housing, air pollution, taking the pollution out of rivers. I think now. at a crossroads in this summit for the future, where we’ve seen the facts, the work is before us. What we need now is willingness to bring all players together, particularly those that are on the front lines, particularly the mares, and I think of the Olympics and things like that and what we experienced in Paris and what we tried to share with the whole world, and namely it was this trust in humanism. I can assure you that living for more than a month, as if the world were all in Paris for a month, where we had people from all continents, all religions, all languages being brought together by sport, meeting in a peaceful environment where as mares, me as mayor, I was able to do everything I could to ensure that we had quality air, for example, so that the water of the Seine could have the pollution taken out of it, so that we could extend this universal welcome, peaceful welcome, and when you experience that, I can tell you, you want to cultivate that. We can’t extend those games or the Paraolympic Games, but what we can do is take that trust in humanity and the ability of those that prefer peace, take that so that we can build this peace together, and that is the path that is now open to us and it will be at the heart of the discussions on the Summit of the Future. Thank you very much.

Folly Bah Thibault: So, what you’re saying is that it’s important that local governments can and should play a big role in this Pact for the Future. Thank you. Thank you very much. And now we’re going to hear from Mr. Axel van Trotsenburg, the Senior Managing Director of the World Bank, who will share his reflections on how the Summit and the Pact for the Future can contribute to reform our global international financial architecture.

Axel van Trotsenburg: Well, thank you very much and good afternoon and a late Saturday afternoon. I hope that everybody stays focused. But first, a congratulation to the fantastic Olympic Games. I think that were fantastically done. I think the Summit of the Future is yet another reminder that we need to stay engaged on development. The SDGs are off track and we cannot forget that. And so, the Summit of the Future should not be limited to words. We need to encourage deeds and action. And the problem, what we are having is we need to have governments engaged, private sector engaged, and yes, multilaterals. Yet multilateralism is under threat. And many are questioning why you have multilateral organizations, be it the UN, be it multilateral development banks. Yet many problems, and the mayor just mentioned climate change, you cannot solve alone. It will require international global collaboration if we want to succeed. So that means that we actually need to put new life in multilateralism. And if you believe in that, you need to invest. You cannot limit the investment to words only. It will require significant amount. We don’t need to remind people and last year at the midterm review of the SDGs, we will need trillions of dollars. And that will have to come from all sources, from government, from private sector, from multilaterals. And that is, I think, the critical one where we need to focus. And some speakers talked about the financing. So I think one can always lecture to the other, but I think the multilaterals should start by themselves. So that is one of the areas where we actually, also at the bank, started the whole reform process. And also to see, can you actually do more with the existing resources? Because many governments, and that we have to admit, they are living on the fiscal stress. It’s not that there is unlimited resources available. And I think here we have done that, and that is a necessary condition. And more needs to be done. How can we get the private sector better involved? And particularly in developing country, and most importantly in the low-income countries. And there it is hard to attract private capital. So we need to think about de-risking mechanisms to incentivize the private sector also to participate. Why is this important? Because we need to keep behind the financing, there are people, there are jobs to create it, and they are not created. There are basically every year 1.2 million young people getting or trying to get in the market, and only a third will find a job. What is happening with the other 800 million? So I think we need to keep that in mind when we do this. Now what it requires for the poorest countries is that you need also concessional resources. Simply for two reasons. There are, they don’t have the fiscal resources to pay for high coupon debt. They will need long-term concessional financing or grants, and that will have to come also from governments. We have the largest fund available for the poorest countries called the International Development Association. It’s replenished every three years. The last round was $93 billion, and donors gave about $23.5 billion. I’m co-chairing the current round. Let me tell you, it is a struggle. It’s a big struggle. Not to agree, that’s on the policy framework. We can get good agreements. But to get more concessional resources from governments is going to be very difficult. And that is a first test. What I am saying is, we cannot only talk, we need to find these necessary resources, and that requires that we still need a mind change that multilateralism matters and ultimately will need to be reflected in policy action as well as money. And I think that is, in a way, where we need to keep this in mind, why this is important. And I just think we need to prioritize, in my mind, the poorest countries first, because their needs are the largest. But I think we are trying, for example, with the African Development Bank, to facilitate the access to energy or electricity for 300 million people in Africa. Six and a half million have no access. So we want to do that by 2030. So it’s very ambitious. But I think these are the type of things where you need to create the conditions. If you don’t have electricity, you cannot have digital. And very often, you can’t have jobs. So we will need to put the basic infrastructure in place so that people can succeed. And so what we need is a far stronger coalition of those that there is a need for internet. national solidarity, and it will need to go also through the purse. You will need to provide some money. Nobody is saying these are the exorbitant amounts in relation to the GDPs we’re having. We should be able to afford that. And that’s the plea what I would say for the summit of the future. We have to look also the summit of solidarity. We cannot forget that, and we need to act on it. Thank you.

Folly Bah Thibault: Solidarity is the key word here. Thank you very much, Mr. van Trotsenburg, Senior Managing Director of the World Bank. Thank you for sharing your reflections with us. Thank you both. Yes, you can return to your seats now. Thank you so much. And now, I’m very pleased to welcome the United Nations Deputy Secretary General to the stage, Amina Mohammed, who will offer her reflections of the conversations we’ve had the past two days here at the Summit of Future Action Days, rich conversations, insightful ones that gives a lot to think about. The DSG will also discuss what lies ahead, right? What happens next after the talking comes the action, right? All right.

Amina J. Mohammed: Thank you so much, Chair Foley, and thank you for being with us all the way through these action days. Your Excellency, the President of Namibia, Your Excellency, our sister and leader, Prime Minister Miyamoto Barbados, President of the General Assembly, Excellencies, colleagues, thank you all for your work and contributions, and very much enjoyed listening to the last session. These action days have showcased the power of inclusive and networked multilateralism, but they’ve also demonstrated the potential and the power of partnerships. They’ve reminded us of the immense potential of collaboration, of what we can achieve when we come together, united in purpose across sectors, generations, and continents. And your diverse contributions reflect the richness of what can be achieved when everyone is brought to the table in an inclusive dialogue. Yesterday, youth-led conversations forced us to face our collective responsibilities to deal with present challenges, and in doing so, take action also to secure a brighter future and for future generations. generations. They showed that meaningful youth engagement looks like in action and underscored the indispensable role that young people play in improving our world and bringing and informing concrete solutions. Today, we focus on the core issues to be resolved to allow financing to flow for sustainable development. Climate finance, taxes, debt. We also address the need to take profit of the potential of technology while managing its risks and to bring peace to a more complex and interconnected world. The discussions throughout the day have explored innovative tax corporation schemes, solutions to global debt, options for the expansion of climate financing, and for increased representation of developing countries in the global financial architecture. The relevance of intergenerational approaches, dismantling patriarchal power structures and putting young people at the forefront of discussions about the future featured strongly in the conversations under peace and security. You’ve also spoken about putting an end to terrorism, protecting civilians in armed conflict, and addressing new and emerging threats, including in the digital sphere. And you’ve insisted that a secure future depends on our ability to build trust, solidarity, and collective action. Finally, we just heard how cutting-edge technology solutions like satellite, internet, blockchain, artificial intelligence are advancing the SDGs. Yet, much work needs to be done to bridge the digital divide. Personal stories from the women and girls across Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, all demonstrated what is possible by scaling up access and capacities around digital technologies. And all this is while bearing in mind our responsibilities. towards future generations, the 10 billion who will inhabit our planet by the end of this century. What I can promise you is that we will carry your insights and ideas forward into the summit of the future, starting from tomorrow, because your input here, and we’ve seen this throughout the two days, is central to building and shaping a better world. Excellencies and friends, four years ago we began the process for this wonderful summit of the future. The Secretary General called for a more inclusive and networked multilateral system to increase our collective effectiveness. This call was rooted in a recognition of how the world was changing, in the fact that power and the ideas to solve global problems lie in many different hands, and in the fact that our world is in desperate need of transformation. Changes that will allow us to accelerate action, to deliver the promises that have been made to the Sustainable Development Goals, to achieve the SDGs, countries will need to invest, and so we must wrestle with our financial architecture that is no longer fit for purpose. It has served its time, and it’s served it well, and so we need to take this opportunity to make that pivot and be as responsive as we can to the needs of financing the development agenda. Since this process began, the United Nations has provided a platform for the broadest possible engagement, inclusion, and collaboration, and you have responded, putting forward ideas, announcements, initiatives, coalitions, agreed to disagree. Countless civil society networks and groups, including the major groups and other stakeholders, and the impact coalitions from the UN Civil Society Conference, have all been mobilized, heard, and have shaped the outcome of the Summit of the Future. All of you and the constituencies you represent have participated every step of the process in different formats. You’ve pushed for ambition in the three new texts that we are hopeful member states will soon adopt, the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations. Over these past two days alone, over 8,000 individuals have come into the UN HQ. More than 60 events have taken place inside the UN, with an additional 100 more across New York, and a further 30 around the world. world. In short, the UN made a call for an inclusive multilateralism, and you have delivered in trying to shape that. And for that, we thank you sincerely. But we do ask you to keep it up, because the day after is where it counts in implementing those commitments that will be made tomorrow. We need your continued drive, your engagement, and pressure to implement the new texts and hold us to account. You’ve proven time and time again that you’re willing to work together with governments, the UN, and all other actors that are key to building a better world. It is essential that we continue and that we keep strengthening the dialogue between political decision makers and the whole of civil society within the multilateral system. But it is also important to the intergenerational discourse that must continue to be deepened and be strengthened at the national and international level. All of this will be vital to rebuilding trust and hope and restoring legitimacy in international institutions, ensuring that global decisions that we take truly reflect the concerns, the values, and the experiences of people worldwide, 8 billion on our world today. And above all, to demonstrating that multilateralism can deliver for everyone. It can deliver for them everywhere, and it can leave no one behind when we try to shape a better future. So let’s keep working together to make all of that a reality in everyone’s life. Thank you so much.

Folly Bah Thibault: Thank you. Thank you very much, DSG, for your inspiring remarks, and indeed, let’s keep working together for a better future for all of us. It now gives me great pleasure to introduce the President of the Republic of Namibia, His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba, who will be looking ahead to tomorrow’s Summit of the Future, the official start of the Summit of the Future on Monday, and how we take forward the implementation of the Pact. Please welcome His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba of the Republic of Namibia.

Nangolo Mbumba: Your Excellency Philémon Yang, the 79th President of the General Assembly. Your Excellency Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados. Your Excellency Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary General. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, esteemed members of the civil society. We find ourselves in a time of profound global change, where our collective future depends not only on the decisions we make, but on the values we embrace. The United Nations has always been a beacon of common aspirations, fostering cooperation among nations to tackle challenges of our time. As we look to the future, it is clear that the strength of our global community does not only depend on the actions of governments, but on the active participation of civil society in the spirit of the Charter of the United Nations that speaks of We the People. Ladies and gentlemen, as we reflect on the significant journey leading up to this moment, summit of the future, we are reminded of the unwavering commitment and active engagement of various stakeholders, including civil society. The voice of the youth and broader civil society are energizing the world with vitality and a spirit of innovation. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping both the debates and new commitments outlined in the Pact for the Future. This is the essence of the march of multilateralism. The belief that nations, peoples and communities, by working together towards a shared future of peace, stability and prosperity, can collectively accomplish more than when apart. This collective effort reaffirms the profound relevance of the United Nations in the global community. The action days of the past two days have underscored dynamic youth leadership as we chart a course towards the future of our global community. The outcomes of your discussions on critical issues advancing intergenerational solidarity, promoting climate and environmental foresight, ensuring governance for human rights, peace and security have been nothing short of inspirational. This conversation offers a foundation upon which we can build as we move forward with the adoption of the Pact for the Future. Ladies and gentlemen, I must underscore that our future will not and cannot rest solely on the well-crafted documents. The true measure of our success will be in the effective implementation of the pact for the future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration of Future Generations. These initiatives will be pivotal in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Namibia, as is the case for most African countries, has a younger population. This pact is not just for leaders of today. It is for you, the youth, who will inherit the wealth of today and tomorrow. It is a framework that seeks to secure your future by addressing the most critical issues that humanity faces. We therefore recognize and celebrate the active participation of the youth and the critical role they play as civil society in strengthening democracy. It is through the voices of community organizations, grassroots movements, and individuals, which are often led by young people, that we are reminded of the needs and aspirations of the people we are serving. The role is critical as active partners in shaping our international institutions. Since the release of our Common Agenda by the Secretary-General, his proposal for the Summit of the Future was always clear. This summit must have an outcome that is a bold step forward, charting a path for a more just, sustainable, and inclusive world. The Pact for the Future calls for urgent action on climate change. Namibia, like many other nations, is already feeling the effect of a warming planet. Our farmers suffer from severe droughts, our ecosystems are under threat, and our coastal communities are at risk from rising sea levels. The Pact recognizes the need for global peace and security. Peace is not just the absence of war. It is the presence of justice, equality, and human rights. The Pact for the Future highlights the transformative power of technology. In a world where technological innovation is advancing at an unprecedented rate, we must ensure that these advancements do not widen the gap between the rich and the poor, between those with access and those without. It is, therefore, incumbent upon us to amplify the voices of the marginalized and to push for ambitious action in the critical areas of climate change, human rights, and equitable development. Excellencies, delegates, esteemed youth delegates of civil society, we all are part of a global community. When we adopt the Pact of the Future tomorrow, let us hold hands and pull in the same direction to ensure that together we can build a world that truly leaves no one behind. And I thank you for your attention.

Folly Bah Thibault: Thank you very much, Your Excellency, the President of Namibia, Nangolo Mbumba, for his remarks and calling for action from all of us, as he said, not just governments, of course, but civil society and the different actors. Thank you very much, Mr. President. And it’s now my great pleasure to introduce the Prime Minister of Barbados, Her Excellency Mia Mottley, who will offer her perspective on the way forward.

Mia Mottley: Thank you very much, Madam Chair, President of Namibia, the Deputy Secretary General, my dear sister, President of the General Assembly, President Yang, brothers and sisters. We are here on a Saturday afternoon from so many different corners of the earth because we know that our time here and our commitment matters more than ever. As we speak, war rages in the Middle East, in Africa, in Europe, and in the Americas while there is no declared war, there is conflict that causes the loss of lives because of access to assault weapons and all of those other things that literally have undermined citizen security in our hemisphere. We are here in the season of superlatives from the dryas. to the wettest, to the strongest storms, every possible thing that we could imagine that can disrupt our way of life from the environment, and the range of biodiversity that is so essential to the balance of our earth, has already been affecting us. And we are here, generations after countries declared independence, with the intention of being able to deliver for their people the best life possible, but constrained of course by the absence of access to development opportunities, and most importantly of all, to the fuel, to the oxygen, to the financing that matches the needs of their people. I do not tire in saying that we cannot build schools and hospitals with 10 and 15 year money. We’re here because even though noises were made every decade for the last few decades, that things ought to change, they continued in the same direction, fueled by greed, fueled by inequity, fueled by marginalization, fueled by values reflected by human beings taking decisions, or as His Holiness would say to us, from literally the desensitization that comes that allows us to take comfort in ignoring what we see and what we hear. I take comfort this evening from the fact that we are here, but we being here will only be a record or a footnote in history. if our actions just end here. Yes, the conclusion of the pact for the future is the seminal treaty and theoretical point from which we want to take our action. But the truth is that that may become just simply another document in history if all that we have come to do is to secure a pact. We have now to ensure that we enlarge the people, the army, the believers, the doers, who are prepared to say that in the same way history can record successfully that slavery was wrong and needed to be abolished, in the same way that we can have history record successfully that women should have the right of agency over their vote and their body, in the same way that history can record successfully that the people who live in separate and apart systems in South Africa, or regrettably now as we see in the Middle East, that they should be freed from the bondages that allow others to determine what their destiny should be and to be able to secure it for themselves and the least capable among them. If you lived at those points in history, you might well have said that the battle was impossible. But we know enough to know, as President Mandela told us, it is not impossible if it can. be done, or it is impossible until it is done. This world can change, but it needs our energy, our commitment, and in the same way in electoral matters we go out and find other people to help us proselytize and canvas, we must now go out and find ordinary citizens who are prepared to say that they’re not wishing to be pawns anymore of others, and that the notion of two worlds, one for those who have and the rest for those who are relegated to not have it, one for those who see people and feel people and understand their obligation to help, and others who are insensitive and do not quite frankly care or see those around them. If we doubted the power of the people we only need to see where that power has made significant changes even in this year of that we live in, but what matters now is that there be coordinated action and that we believe and that we sell and share with each other that there is a possibility for a win-win, that there is a possibility for us to have a green transition that can mitigate the damages that would otherwise come from the climate crisis, that there is the possibility for ensuring greater equitable access to artificial intelligence and that the power of regulation can ensure that it be a force for good and not an instrument of oppression or recolonization of the earth, that it is possible for us to be able to take stances that recognize that investment in education will always trump conflict and war. and guns. But that there may be difficult decisions that we may have to make too. And the problem is, is that if we have a world that is dominated only by 60 second sound bites and four column inches, rather than allowing the spaces for discussion as we are doing in here, not just at the UN but in the villages, in the towns, in the communities, in the homes, in the households, that if we don’t get that discussion going, we’re not going to get the level of participation and we’re not going to build the momentum necessary that can move the inequity and that can remove the threats that this world has. I believe that it is possible for us to have a win-win. I believe that hope can be restored. But I do recognize that we are at that inflection point. And those who have power and want to maintain the status quo, even though they do not yet have a plan for allowing us to live on Mars, they are adamant on not creating the space or the policy flexibility or the access to the funding necessary for us to bring along others. It is unconscionable for us not to recognize that unless we can provide the basics of food, water, shelter, electricity to all people on this earth, we cannot talk about being a successful generation in human civilization. And we all know, we all know that there is sufficient to be able to share. What is needed is the change in attitude and values. I’m not going to reflect only on the fact that almost every religion carries us in the direction of caring for the most vulnerable, because people may want then to get into the schisms and isms of religious differences. But there is, in African civilization, the concept of Ubuntu. I am.

Folly Bah Thibault:

N

Nudhara Yusuf

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Intergenerational dialogue and rebuilding trust

Explanation

The session focused on the search for peace in today’s complex world. It emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust and engaging in dialogue across generations to build peace.

Evidence

The session included reflections from elders, former presidents, and young peacebuilders on rebuilding trust and engaging in dialogue.

Major Discussion Point

Achieving a Peaceful Future for All

Dismantling patriarchal power structures

Explanation

The session explored how patriarchal power structures affect people’s lives and how war amplifies these structures. It discussed ways to dismantle oppressive structures and the role of women and men as leaders in this effort.

Evidence

The session mentioned using football as a tool to achieve dismantling of patriarchal structures.

Major Discussion Point

Achieving a Peaceful Future for All

Countering terrorism through solidarity and cooperation

Explanation

The session highlighted the need for solidarity, common understanding, and a cooperative approach to countering terrorism. It reinforced the commitment to universal norms and consistent application of international law in countering terrorism.

Evidence

The session recognized youth and diverse actors as vital to achieving a future free from terrorism through leadership, innovation, and fostering global cooperation.

Major Discussion Point

Achieving a Peaceful Future for All

Protecting civilians from explosive weapons

Explanation

The session discussed the protection of civilians impacted by the use of explosive weapons in urban settings. It called for action to implement political declarations on the use of explosive weapons in populated areas and address the rights of persons with disabilities impacted by armed conflict.

Evidence

The session included stories of resilience and messages urging an end to multigenerational trauma.

Major Discussion Point

Achieving a Peaceful Future for All

Harnessing technology for peace while mitigating risks

Explanation

The session explored scenarios for peace and security in 2045, considering factors like advancing technology and climate change. It discussed how technologies can be harnessed for good while mitigating risks for a peaceful digital future.

Evidence

A call to action was presented to recommit to multilateralism, resolve disputes peacefully, and develop governance frameworks fit for a changing world.

Major Discussion Point

Achieving a Peaceful Future for All

B

Betty Wainaina

Speech speed

119 words per minute

Speech length

478 words

Speech time

240 seconds

Reforming international financial architecture

Explanation

The session emphasized the need for bold reform of the international financial architecture to keep pace with 21st-century realities. Speakers called for bigger and better international financial institutions and more accessible financing for developing countries.

Evidence

The upcoming fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Spain in 2025 was mentioned as a platform to turn ambitions into action.

Major Discussion Point

Creating a Sustainable Future for All

Agreed with

Axel van Trotsenburg

Mia Mottley

Agreed on

Need for reforming global financial systems

Strengthening international tax cooperation

Explanation

The session highlighted the importance of tax as a tool for providing income, setting incentives, and reducing inequality. Speakers stressed the need for global initiatives to strengthen international tax cooperation.

Evidence

The Framework Convention on international tax cooperation was mentioned as a potential initiative.

Major Discussion Point

Creating a Sustainable Future for All

Addressing the debt crisis in developing countries

Explanation

The session discussed how debt servicing is crowding out SDG financing. Speakers stressed the need for a global consensus to stem the rising debt crisis, including a systemic multilateral approach.

Evidence

Instruments such as climate resilient debt clauses and state contingent debt instruments were suggested to be rolled out at scale.

Major Discussion Point

Creating a Sustainable Future for All

Scaling up development and climate financing

Explanation

The session emphasized the need to pursue both scale and quality in development and climate financing. Public development banks were highlighted as playing a key role, with the private sector also needing to step up.

Major Discussion Point

Creating a Sustainable Future for All

R

Rumman Chowdhury

Speech speed

118 words per minute

Speech length

309 words

Speech time

156 seconds

Reducing the digital divide and ensuring universal access

Explanation

The session highlighted the urgent need to reduce the digital divide, not just in terms of connectivity, but also in ensuring access to affordable and safe digital technology. It emphasized the importance of providing skills and capacities for meaningful use of technology.

Major Discussion Point

Shaping a Digital Future for All

Leveraging digital innovations to achieve SDGs

Explanation

The session showcased a diverse range of groundbreaking digital innovations driving progress towards achieving the SDGs. These innovations span various sectors including healthcare, education, climate mitigation, poverty alleviation, and gender equality.

Evidence

A personal story was shared about Bianca Johnson, a young paraplegic woman who regained mobility thanks to technology.

Major Discussion Point

Shaping a Digital Future for All

Agreed with

Nangolo Mbumba

Amina J. Mohammed

Agreed on

Importance of youth engagement in shaping the future

Developing inclusive AI governance

Explanation

The session discussed what an inclusive architecture for AI governance looks like, building on the AI advisory body’s report ‘Governing AI for Humanity’. Announcements were made on implementing the report’s recommendations.

Major Discussion Point

Shaping a Digital Future for All

Fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships for digital inclusion

Explanation

The session emphasized the importance of innovative, inclusive, and multi-stakeholder partnerships focused on specific SDG goals and targets. It highlighted the power of collective action in advancing digital inclusion.

Evidence

The SDG digital event saw the announcement of $1.05 billion in pledges to support various initiatives to advance digital inclusion via the Partner to Connect platform.

Major Discussion Point

Shaping a Digital Future for All

A

Anne Hidalgo

Speech speed

131 words per minute

Speech length

645 words

Speech time

293 seconds

Including local authorities in multilateral efforts

Explanation

Hidalgo emphasized the importance of including local authorities in global governance and multilateral efforts. She argued for recognition of the place of local governments in addressing global challenges like climate change and poverty.

Evidence

Hidalgo mentioned networks like C40 where cities have been working together for 10 years to gain recognition in global governance.

Major Discussion Point

Role of Local Governments in Implementation

Agreed with

Amina J. Mohammed

Mia Mottley

Agreed on

Importance of inclusive multilateralism

Providing funding for cities to address climate change and development

Explanation

Hidalgo stressed the need for cities, particularly in the Global South, to have access to funding. This funding is crucial for transforming cities to address issues like climate change, housing, air pollution, and water pollution.

Major Discussion Point

Role of Local Governments in Implementation

Fostering trust and peaceful coexistence through local initiatives

Explanation

Hidalgo highlighted the role of cities in fostering trust and peaceful coexistence among diverse populations. She emphasized the importance of creating environments where people from all backgrounds can come together peacefully.

Evidence

Hidalgo shared her experience of hosting the Olympics in Paris, where people from all continents, religions, and languages came together in a peaceful environment.

Major Discussion Point

Role of Local Governments in Implementation

A

Axel van Trotsenburg

Speech speed

134 words per minute

Speech length

866 words

Speech time

385 seconds

Reinvigorating multilateralism through increased funding

Explanation

Van Trotsenburg emphasized the need to reinvigorate multilateralism through increased funding. He argued that addressing global challenges like climate change requires significant investment from all sources, including governments, private sector, and multilaterals.

Evidence

He mentioned that trillions of dollars will be needed to achieve the SDGs, as highlighted in the midterm review of the SDGs last year.

Major Discussion Point

Reforming Global Financial Architecture

Providing concessional financing for poorest countries

Explanation

Van Trotsenburg stressed the importance of providing concessional financing or grants for the poorest countries. He argued that these countries lack the fiscal resources to pay for high-coupon debt and need long-term concessional financing.

Evidence

He mentioned the International Development Association, which provides the largest fund for the poorest countries, with its last round raising $93 billion.

Major Discussion Point

Reforming Global Financial Architecture

Agreed with

Betty Wainaina

Mia Mottley

Agreed on

Need for reforming global financial systems

Incentivizing private sector participation in developing countries

Explanation

Van Trotsenburg highlighted the need to incentivize private sector participation in developing countries, particularly in low-income countries. He suggested developing de-risking mechanisms to encourage private capital investment in these areas.

Evidence

He mentioned that out of 1.2 million young people entering the job market annually, only a third find jobs, emphasizing the need for private sector involvement in job creation.

Major Discussion Point

Reforming Global Financial Architecture

A

Amina J. Mohammed

Speech speed

144 words per minute

Speech length

1046 words

Speech time

434 seconds

Implementing new global agreements through inclusive partnerships

Explanation

Mohammed emphasized the importance of implementing new global agreements through inclusive and networked multilateralism. She highlighted the power of partnerships and collaboration across sectors, generations, and continents.

Evidence

She mentioned that over 8,000 individuals came to the UN HQ, with more than 60 events taking place inside the UN and additional events across New York and around the world.

Major Discussion Point

Moving from Commitments to Action

Agreed with

Anne Hidalgo

Mia Mottley

Agreed on

Importance of inclusive multilateralism

Strengthening intergenerational discourse at national and international levels

Explanation

Mohammed stressed the importance of deepening and strengthening intergenerational discourse at both national and international levels. She argued that this is vital for rebuilding trust and hope in international institutions.

Major Discussion Point

Moving from Commitments to Action

Agreed with

Nangolo Mbumba

Rumman Chowdhury

Agreed on

Importance of youth engagement in shaping the future

Rebuilding trust in international institutions

Explanation

Mohammed emphasized the need to rebuild trust and restore legitimacy in international institutions. She argued that this is essential for ensuring that global decisions reflect the concerns, values, and experiences of people worldwide.

Major Discussion Point

Moving from Commitments to Action

N

Nangolo Mbumba

Speech speed

94 words per minute

Speech length

777 words

Speech time

490 seconds

Recognizing youth as key stakeholders in global decision-making

Explanation

Mbumba emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating the active participation of youth in global decision-making processes. He argued that the youth play a critical role in strengthening democracy and shaping international institutions.

Evidence

He mentioned that Namibia, like most African countries, has a younger population, and the Pact for the Future is for the youth who will inherit the world of today and tomorrow.

Major Discussion Point

Youth Engagement in Shaping the Future

Agreed with

Amina J. Mohammed

Rumman Chowdhury

Agreed on

Importance of youth engagement in shaping the future

Amplifying voices of marginalized groups through youth leadership

Explanation

Mbumba stressed the importance of amplifying the voices of marginalized groups through youth leadership. He called for pushing ambitious action in critical areas that affect these groups.

Major Discussion Point

Youth Engagement in Shaping the Future

Addressing climate change, human rights, and equitable development

Explanation

Mbumba highlighted the need for urgent action on climate change, ensuring global peace and security, and harnessing the transformative power of technology. He emphasized the importance of addressing these issues in an equitable manner.

Evidence

He mentioned Namibia’s experience with severe droughts, threatened ecosystems, and coastal communities at risk from rising sea levels as examples of climate change impacts.

Major Discussion Point

Youth Engagement in Shaping the Future

M

Mia Mottley

Speech speed

0 words per minute

Speech length

0 words

Speech time

1 seconds

Reforming financial systems to match development needs

Explanation

Mottley emphasized the need to reform financial systems to better match the development needs of countries. She argued that current financial structures constrain countries’ ability to deliver for their people and access development opportunities.

Evidence

She stated that countries cannot build schools and hospitals with 10 and 15 year money, highlighting the mismatch between financial structures and development needs.

Major Discussion Point

Transforming Global Systems for Equity

Agreed with

Betty Wainaina

Axel van Trotsenburg

Agreed on

Need for reforming global financial systems

Ensuring equitable access to new technologies like AI

Explanation

Mottley stressed the importance of ensuring equitable access to new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. She argued for the need to regulate these technologies to ensure they are a force for good rather than instruments of oppression or recolonization.

Major Discussion Point

Transforming Global Systems for Equity

Agreed with

Anne Hidalgo

Amina J. Mohammed

Agreed on

Importance of inclusive multilateralism

Prioritizing education and dialogue over conflict

Explanation

Mottley emphasized the importance of prioritizing investment in education over conflict and war. She argued for creating spaces for discussion and dialogue at all levels of society to build momentum for change.

Major Discussion Point

Transforming Global Systems for Equity

Providing basic necessities to all people globally

Explanation

Mottley argued for the necessity of providing basic necessities like food, water, shelter, and electricity to all people on Earth. She stated that this is essential for considering our generation successful in human civilization.

Evidence

She pointed out that there are sufficient resources to share, but what is needed is a change in attitude and values.

Major Discussion Point

Transforming Global Systems for Equity

Agreements

Agreement Points

Importance of youth engagement in shaping the future

Nangolo Mbumba

Amina J. Mohammed

Rumman Chowdhury

Recognizing youth as key stakeholders in global decision-making

Strengthening intergenerational discourse at national and international levels

Leveraging digital innovations to achieve SDGs

These speakers emphasized the crucial role of youth in decision-making processes, intergenerational dialogue, and leveraging technology for sustainable development.

Need for reforming global financial systems

Betty Wainaina

Axel van Trotsenburg

Mia Mottley

Reforming international financial architecture

Providing concessional financing for poorest countries

Reforming financial systems to match development needs

These speakers agreed on the urgent need to reform global financial systems to better support developing countries and match their development needs.

Importance of inclusive multilateralism

Anne Hidalgo

Amina J. Mohammed

Mia Mottley

Including local authorities in multilateral efforts

Implementing new global agreements through inclusive partnerships

Ensuring equitable access to new technologies like AI

These speakers emphasized the importance of inclusive multilateralism, involving local authorities, diverse partnerships, and ensuring equitable access to new technologies.

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers stressed the importance of addressing the debt crisis in developing countries and providing concessional financing to support their development needs.

Betty Wainaina

Axel van Trotsenburg

Addressing the debt crisis in developing countries

Providing concessional financing for poorest countries

Both speakers emphasized the importance of addressing systemic inequalities and prioritizing peaceful approaches to conflict resolution.

Nudhara Yusuf

Mia Mottley

Dismantling patriarchal power structures

Prioritizing education and dialogue over conflict

Unexpected Consensus

Role of local governments in global governance

Anne Hidalgo

Nangolo Mbumba

Including local authorities in multilateral efforts

Recognizing youth as key stakeholders in global decision-making

While coming from different perspectives (local government and national leadership), both speakers emphasized the importance of including diverse voices in global governance structures.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of agreement included the importance of youth engagement, the need for financial system reform, and the value of inclusive multilateralism.

Consensus level

There was a moderate to high level of consensus among the speakers on these key issues, suggesting a shared understanding of the challenges facing global governance and development. This consensus implies a potential for collaborative action on these fronts in the implementation of the Pact for the Future.

Disagreements

Disagreement Points

Approach to financing development

Axel van Trotsenburg

Mia Mottley

Van Trotsenburg stressed the importance of providing concessional financing or grants for the poorest countries. He argued that these countries lack the fiscal resources to pay for high-coupon debt and need long-term concessional financing.

Mottley emphasized the need to reform financial systems to better match the development needs of countries. She argued that current financial structures constrain countries’ ability to deliver for their people and access development opportunities.

While both speakers agree on the need for better financing for developing countries, they differ in their approach. Van Trotsenburg focuses on concessional financing and grants, while Mottley argues for a more fundamental reform of the financial system.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The main areas of disagreement revolve around the specific approaches to financing development, the role of different stakeholders in global governance, and the prioritization of various issues within the broader context of sustainable development and global cooperation.

Disagreement level

The level of disagreement among the speakers appears to be relatively low. Most speakers seem to agree on the overall goals and the need for action, with differences mainly in the specific approaches or areas of focus. This level of disagreement is not likely to significantly impede progress on the topics at hand, but rather could lead to a more comprehensive and nuanced approach to addressing global challenges.

Partial Agreements

Partial Agreements

Both speakers agree on the need for more inclusive decision-making processes in global governance, but they focus on different groups: Hidalgo on local authorities and Mbumba on youth.

Anne Hidalgo

Nangolo Mbumba

Hidalgo emphasized the importance of including local authorities in global governance and multilateral efforts. She argued for recognition of the place of local governments in addressing global challenges like climate change and poverty.

Mbumba emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating the active participation of youth in global decision-making processes. He argued that the youth play a critical role in strengthening democracy and shaping international institutions.

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers stressed the importance of addressing the debt crisis in developing countries and providing concessional financing to support their development needs.

Betty Wainaina

Axel van Trotsenburg

Addressing the debt crisis in developing countries

Providing concessional financing for poorest countries

Both speakers emphasized the importance of addressing systemic inequalities and prioritizing peaceful approaches to conflict resolution.

Nudhara Yusuf

Mia Mottley

Dismantling patriarchal power structures

Prioritizing education and dialogue over conflict

Takeaways

Key Takeaways

The Summit of the Future Action Days highlighted the importance of inclusive, multi-stakeholder partnerships to address global challenges

Reforming the international financial architecture is crucial for achieving sustainable development and climate goals

Youth engagement and intergenerational approaches are essential for shaping a better future

Digital technologies and AI offer opportunities for advancing SDGs but require governance frameworks to manage risks

Local governments play a vital role in implementing global agreements and fostering peace

Rebuilding trust in multilateral institutions is necessary to address complex global issues

Resolutions and Action Items

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

Scale up development and climate financing, particularly for poorest countries

Strengthen international tax cooperation, including through a Framework Convention

Develop inclusive AI governance frameworks

Increase funding and support for multilateral institutions

Enhance youth participation in global decision-making processes

Unresolved Issues

Specific mechanisms for reforming the international financial architecture

Concrete steps to address the debt crisis in developing countries

Detailed plans for bridging the digital divide globally

Precise methods for dismantling patriarchal power structures in peace processes

Exact strategies for protecting civilians from explosive weapons in urban settings

Suggested Compromises

Balancing the need for increased development financing with fiscal constraints of donor countries

Finding common ground between different stakeholders (governments, private sector, civil society) in shaping global policies

Reconciling rapid technological advancement with equitable access and ethical considerations

Harmonizing local government initiatives with national and international policy frameworks

Thought Provoking Comments

We stand as the last few generations who can do something about the challenges that we face, and the first few generations that have the opportunity to seize new potentials for impact.

Speaker

Nudhara Yusuf

Reason

This comment powerfully frames the current moment as both a critical responsibility and unique opportunity for action, emphasizing the urgency and potential of the present generation.

Impact

It set an inspiring and action-oriented tone for the discussion, emphasizing the need for concrete steps rather than just talk.

Debt servicing is crowding out SDG financing. Speakers stressed the need for global consensus to stem the rising debt crisis, including a systemic multilateral approach.

Speaker

Betty Wainaina

Reason

This highlights a critical obstacle to sustainable development and calls for a coordinated global response, demonstrating the interconnectedness of financial and development issues.

Impact

It shifted the conversation towards the practical financial challenges of implementing sustainable development goals, leading to discussion of specific policy proposals.

Multilateralism is under threat. And many are questioning why you have multilateral organizations, be it the UN, be it multilateral development banks. Yet many problems, and the mayor just mentioned climate change, you cannot solve alone. It will require international global collaboration if we want to succeed.

Speaker

Axel van Trotsenburg

Reason

This comment directly addresses a core challenge to global cooperation while asserting its necessity, particularly for issues like climate change.

Impact

It refocused the discussion on the importance of multilateral institutions and international cooperation, leading to further exploration of how to strengthen these systems.

The true measure of our success will be in the effective implementation of the pact for the future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration of Future Generations. These initiatives will be pivotal in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Speaker

Nangolo Mbumba

Reason

This comment shifts focus from agreement on principles to the critical importance of implementation, tying the discussion to concrete global development goals.

Impact

It moved the conversation from theoretical discussions to practical considerations of how to turn agreements into action, emphasizing accountability.

If we doubted the power of the people we only need to see where that power has made significant changes even in this year of that we live in, but what matters now is that there be coordinated action and that we believe and that we sell and share with each other that there is a possibility for a win-win

Speaker

Mia Mottley

Reason

This comment emphasizes the power of collective action while also stressing the need for coordination and shared vision, bridging grassroots energy with organized efforts.

Impact

It energized the discussion by highlighting recent successes and the potential for positive change, while also calling for strategic, coordinated efforts.

Overall Assessment

These key comments shaped the discussion by consistently emphasizing the need for concrete action, global cooperation, and effective implementation of agreed-upon goals. They moved the conversation beyond theoretical agreements to practical considerations of financing, institutional reform, and coordinated efforts. The speakers highlighted both the urgency of current challenges and the unique opportunities of the present moment, creating a sense of both responsibility and possibility. This framing encouraged a forward-looking, action-oriented discussion that tied high-level agreements to tangible impacts on sustainable development and global cooperation.

Follow-up Questions

How can we effectively implement the political declaration on the use of explosive weapons in populated areas?

Speaker

Nudhara Yusuf

Explanation

This was highlighted as a key action point to protect civilians in conflict zones

What specific governance frameworks are needed to address future risks in a changing world?

Speaker

Nudhara Yusuf

Explanation

This was mentioned as part of a call to action for peace in a digital world

How can we accelerate the implementation of climate resilient debt clauses and state contingent debt instruments at scale?

Speaker

Betty Wainaina

Explanation

These were identified as important tools to address the debt crisis in developing countries

What concrete steps can be taken to reform the international financial architecture to better support developing countries?

Speaker

Betty Wainaina

Explanation

This was emphasized as crucial for achieving the SDGs

How can we effectively bridge the digital divide, particularly in terms of skills and capacities to use digital technology meaningfully?

Speaker

Rumman Chowdhury

Explanation

This was highlighted as a key challenge in achieving a digital future for all

What specific mechanisms can be developed to de-risk investments and incentivize private sector participation in low-income countries?

Speaker

Axel van Trotsenburg

Explanation

This was identified as crucial for attracting private capital to developing countries

How can we strengthen the intergenerational discourse at national and international levels?

Speaker

Amina J. Mohammed

Explanation

This was emphasized as important for rebuilding trust and legitimacy in international institutions

What concrete actions can be taken to ensure the effective implementation of the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration of Future Generations?

Speaker

Nangolo Mbumba

Explanation

This was stressed as the true measure of success beyond the adoption of these documents

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