UN adopts Pact for the Future in hopes of helping address global challenges

By Yasin Gungor and Servet Gunerigok

ISTANBUL (AA) — The UN General Assembly on Sunday unanimously adopted the Pact for the Future, along with its annexes, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations.

The comprehensive pact aims to strengthen global governance and tackle key challenges facing humanity, including sustainable development, international peace, and technological innovation, youth and future generations and transforming global governance. The pact also proposes detailed action plans to address these challenges.

General Assembly President Philemon Yang hailed the adoption as a "pledge to address immediate crises" and "lay the foundations for a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order."

The Global Digital Compact outlines principles for an open and human-centered digital future, while the Declaration on Future Generations calls for recognizing the rights of future generations in decision-making processes.

Yang emphasized the need for solidarity and multilateral cooperation in implementing the pact's commitments. He described the upcoming Summit of the Future as a "call to action" to shape a future that protects both humanity and the planet.

- 21st-century challenges require 21st-century solutions

In his address, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he called for the Summit of Future "because 21st-century challenges require 21st-century solutions" and "we need tough decisions to get back on track."

Stating that the world is going through a time of turbulence and transition, Guterres said: "We cannot wait for perfect conditions."

"We must take the first decisive steps towards updating and reforming international cooperation to make it more networked, fair and inclusive now, and today, thanks to your efforts, we have," said Guterres.