The Road Ahead: Strengthening Global Resolve with the Pact for the Future

Ebaide Omiunu

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has long stood as a beacon for global cooperation, where world leaders converge annually to address pressing global challenges. Established in 1945, UNGA serves as a platform for nations to engage in dialogue, negotiate resolutions, and promote peace, security, and development. Its primary objectives include fostering international cooperation, upholding human rights, and addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges across the globe.

However, the 79th session of the UNGA was particularly special and significant, not only because of the growing urgency to address the world’s most pressing issues but also due to the adoption of the Pact for the Future — a pivotal commitment designed to reinforce the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and prepare humanity for the challenges of the coming decades. This Pact represents a collective acknowledgment that the future must be shaped by shared responsibility and unity.

At this critical juncture in global history, the need for action on climate change, inequality, poverty, and social justice is more pressing than ever. The world is grappling with multiple crises — from the devastating impacts of climate change to geopolitical tensions and economic instability. These crises disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, leaving millions without access to essential resources like food, clean water, and education. The recognition of these disparities has spurred the global community to seek solutions that are not only effective but also equitable.

Significance of the 79th Session and Pact for the Future 

The 79th UNGA provided a timely opportunity for leaders to renew their commitment to addressing these challenges and to recognize that business as usual is no longer an option. The world needs solutions that are transformative, inclusive, and sustainable — solutions that place humanity and the planet at the center. This paradigm shift is essential for creating lasting change and ensuring the well-being of future generations.

The adoption of the Pact for the Future during the Summit of the Future represents a watershed moment for the global community. This pact is designed to reinforce and accelerate progress toward achieving the SDGs, with a focus on fostering solidarity, accountability, and collective action. It recognizes that to meet the ambitious goals set forth in the 2030 Agenda, we must address the systemic inequalities that hinder progress and ensure that no one is left behind. The Pact underscores the importance of inclusive growth and the role of every individual in driving this transformation.

The Pact lays out a roadmap for addressing climate change, advancing gender equality, ensuring peace and justice, and promoting equitable access to resources. It acknowledges the interconnectedness of these issues and the need for a holistic approach that brings together governments, civil society, the private sector, and individuals from all walks of life. By emphasising collaboration, the Pact aims to harness the collective strength and ingenuity of the global community.

Empowering Youth Participation and Role of Young People 

The Summit of the Future also stood out for its inclusive approach, with high-level participation from world leaders and key stakeholders, including young people from all over the world. Young people, like myself, were not merely observers but active participants in shaping the future. The Summit of the Future Action Days provided a platform for youth to voice their concerns, share innovative ideas, and engage in meaningful dialogue around the thematic areas of the Pact. This inclusion of youth voices signifies a commitment to intergenerational equity and the recognition that young people are critical agents of change.

Conversations revolved around the need for climate action, technological equity, economic transformation, and the importance of safeguarding human rights. For many young people, participation in these discussions was not only empowering but also a reminder that we are the torchbearers of tomorrow. Our role in advancing the SDGs and ensuring the success of the Pact for the Future is critical. The insights and perspectives of young people are invaluable in crafting solutions that are forward-thinking and resilient.

Personally, my involvement in the Summit of the Future reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration and kindness. It gave me hope that, despite the many challenges we face, a brighter and more inclusive future is within reach — but only if we continue to engage and take deliberate action. 

The debates at the UNGA, where world leaders engaged in vigorous discussions, highlighted the urgency of adopting the Pact. These leaders acknowledged the global crises and, through collaborative dialogue, committed to actionable outcomes. The subsequent adoption of the Pact for the Future is a landmark decision that signals the global community’s readiness to take bold steps to secure a more just and sustainable world. Also, this consensus among world leaders is a testament to the shared understanding of the gravity of the situation and the necessity for immediate action.

Now that the Pact has been adopted, the next step is translating the commitments made into tangible action. The Pact requires accountability from all stakeholders, especially young people. We must hold our leaders to their promises, advocate for inclusive policies, and remain committed to making positive contributions to our communities. 

As young people, we are uniquely positioned to lead the charge. We must be deliberate in our efforts, continuously engage in policy conversations, and collaborate across sectors and borders to ensure the vision of the Pact is realized. The future we desire — one where peace, prosperity, and sustainability are the norm — is ours to build. Our energy, creativity, and drive are essential for propelling the global agenda forward.

The Pact for the Future offers a framework for transformative change, but it is up to each of us to reinforce this vision through action. We must translate our engagement into on-the-ground efforts, whether by leading local initiatives, advocating for policy changes, or participating in global conversations. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to the broader goal of sustainable development.

Shaping the Future

As we move forward, I urge everyone to make kindness, collaboration, and accountability a way of life. The challenges ahead are immense, but together, through collective action and a shared commitment to the SDGs, we can navigate this complex world and create a future that is equitable, inclusive, and sustainable for all. The strength of our collective resolve will determine our success.

The future is not a distant concept — it is unfolding now. The question is, what role will we each play in shaping it? Our decisions and actions today will define the legacy we leave for future generations. Let us seize this moment with determination and hope.

* Omiunu is a lawyer, and a sustainability advocate based in Abuja.