The Pact for the Future is a global agreement adopted by the United Nations in September 2024, following #UNGA79. As members of ECOSOC and participants in the General Assembly where the pact was celebrated, Eidos Global explains what it entails and why it is relevant for your organization in this global context.
The Context We’re In
📉 At the time of the pact's adoption, only 17% of the 169 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets were on track to be achieved by 2030. This alarming figure underscores the urgency for more effective and coordinated global action.
⚠ Geopolitical conflicts and tensions have reached their highest levels this century. The war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, and tensions in the Indo-Pacific have heightened global concerns about peace and security.
🌦️ Climate change has accelerated, with more frequent and intense extreme weather events. The latest IPCC report before the adoption of the Pact warned that the world is rapidly approaching irreversible climate tipping points.
Key Focus Areas of the Pact for the Future
The Pact for the Future outlines 56 concrete actions across five main areas:
Sustainable development and financing for development
International peace and security
Science, technology, and innovation, including digital cooperation
Youth and future generations
Transformation of global governance
Key Aspects of the Pact
UN Security Council reform
Renewed commitment to nuclear disarmament
Strengthening international frameworks governing outer space
Measures to prevent militarization and misuse of emerging technologies
Reforming the international financial architecture
Commitment to climate action
A Global Digital Pact for digital cooperation and AI governance
Declaration on Future Generations
Connection to the SDGs
The Pact for the Future is closely linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
Reaffirms the commitment to the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs
Proposes actions to accelerate progress toward the SDGs
Aims to strengthen SDG implementation through international cooperation and the transformation of global governance
Artificial Intelligence in Focus
The Global Digital Pact, annexed to the Pact for the Future, serves as the first comprehensive global framework for digital cooperation and AI governance. AI is an unprecedentedly disruptive technology, requiring international collaboration and planning to ensure it benefits humanity rather than causing harm. Key commitments include:
Establishing an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, with balanced geographical representation.
Promoting safe and reliable AI systems.
Designing, using, and governing technology for the benefit of all.
Media literacy education: Developing curricula to enhance users' digital and critical skills.
Improving transparency and accountability of platforms.
International cooperation: Highlighting the importance of effective collaboration between governments, businesses, and organizations.
Tackling hate speech, misinformation, and cyberbullying while protecting freedom of expression.
Why It Matters for Organizations and Businesses
The Pact for the Future is significant for organizations and businesses because it:
Provides a roadmap to tackle global challenges impacting all sectors.
Establishes a framework for regulating new technologies, including AI.
Drives investment in sustainable development and clean technologies.
Promotes international cooperation in key areas such as climate change and digital security.
Offers opportunities for businesses to align with global objectives and enhance their reputation.
May influence future regulations and policies affecting business operations.
Organizations experienced in sustainable development and international cooperation, like Eidos Global, are well-positioned to contribute to the implementation of the Pact and capitalize on the opportunities it presents.