On 22 September, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a landmark agreement called “The Pact for the Future,” as described by Secretary-General António Guterres. This agreement is part of the Summit of the Future event currently being held in New York. The pact aims to enhance global governance, address climate change, promote digital cooperation, uphold human rights, and secure the interests of youth and future generations.
Background
The Summit of the Future marks the beginning of the UN’s High-level Week and introduces a three-part approach towards more effective, inclusive, and networked multilateralism. Alongside the pact, the UN adopted the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations. Guterres has identified this summit and the associated agreements as key objectives since taking office. According to Reuters, Guterres described the agreement as a “step-change towards more effective, inclusive, networked multilateralism.” The Guardian characterised the pact as an “ambitious” effort to revitalise the UN.
Singapore’s commitment to multilateralism
Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, addressed the Summit of the Future, emphasising the necessity of multilateralism and collective action to tackle threats such as hot wars, major power rivalries, worsening planetary challenges, and the disruptive forces of technology. He highlighted Singapore’s active participation in the lead-up to the summit and stressed the importance of a stronger multilateral system where rules are universally applied. According to Vivian, peace and security depend on adherence to international law and the UN Charter, which are essential for addressing challenges like climate change and technological risks.
International law and the UN Charter
Vivian reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to international law and the UN Charter amidst intensifying conflicts and geopolitical tensions. He stressed the need for the world to “re-commit to peaceful resolution of disputes through diplomacy.” He warned that a world that does not respect sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law would be very dangerous.
Global Digital Compact
Vivian also underscored the importance of digital transformation, noting that more than two-thirds of the UN’s sustainable development targets could benefit directly from digital innovations. He highlighted Singapore and Rwanda’s efforts to launch the AI playbook for small states and Singapore’s capacity-building initiatives through the Digital Forum of Small States. The playbook aims to empower small states to leverage AI for public good.
Declaration on Future Generations
Vivian expressed Singapore’s support for the declaration, which encourages youth engagement, stating that young people have “an even bigger stake in the world they will inherit.” He emphasised that policies made today need to be future-ready to build a better world for successive generations.
Commitment, compromise, courage
In his closing remarks, Vivian emphasised the need for commitment, compromise, and courage. He called for a commitment to reinforcing and renewing the multilateral system, the spirit of compromise, and the courage to take bold actions for the long-term well-being of future generations. “We must forge a future that is fair, just, equitable, and inclusive,” he said.
Disruption
The adoption of the pact was not without incident. DW reported that Russia attempted to delay the pact’s adoption by threatening to introduce an amendment. Russia, dissatisfied with the agreement despite nine months of negotiations, emphasised the “principle of non-interference in the international affairs of states.” This amendment was backed by Belarus, Iran, Nicaragua, North Korea, and Syria. However, Russia’s attempt failed decisively, with only six other countries supporting it, 143 countries voting to reject the amendment, and 15 abstentions.
