Global leaders gathered in New York for a “Summit of the Future” aimed at addressing 21st century challenges, ranging from conflict to climate. It was billed by United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres as a “once in a generation” opportunity to reshape human history by rekindling international cooperation.
However, after intense last minute negotiations, Guterres expressed some frustration, urging nations to show “vision” and “courage” and calling for “maximum ambition” to strengthen international institutions that struggle to respond effectively to today’s threats.
Spanning nearly 30 pages, the pact outlines 56 “actions,” including commitments to multilateralism, upholding the UN charter, and peacekeeping. It also calls for reforms to international financial institutions and the UN Security Council, along with renewed efforts to combat climate change, promote disarmament, and guide the development of artificial intelligence.
Even though there are some “good ideas,” the text “is not the sort of revolutionary document reforming the whole of multilateralism that Antonio Guterres had originally called for,” said Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group.
The sentiment is widely shared among diplomats, many of whom express frustration when discussing the ambition and impact of the text, describing it as “lukewarm,” “the lowest common denominator”, and “disappointing.”
Among the sticking points are the fight against global warming and the reform of international financial institutions, which demonstrates the importance of the leaders we choose to represent us needing to have a worldview and values that align with the current and future needs of humanity and the planet.
Regardless of its content, the pact and its annexes are non-binding, raising concerns on implementation, as many of its concerns continue to be violated. If getting those words on paper was a struggle, turning those words into action could prove to be even more difficult.
Hopefully the world’s leaders are ready, willing, and capable of keeping their word when the future of humanity is involved.*
