UNGA President Philemon Yang Calls ‘Pact of the Future’ a Historic Opportunity

New York [US], September 22: United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Philemon Yang described the adoption of the ‘Pact of the Future’ as a ‘historic opportunity’ for a better present and future. The ‘Pact of the Future’ was adopted at UNGA 79.

Yang emphasized the importance of this moment for global efforts to secure a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future. He stated, ‘This is a crucial moment for our collective efforts to secure a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future. Adopted by consensus, the Pact will pave the way for greater international cooperation.’

In his opening remarks at the UNGA on the Summit of the Future, Yang highlighted the significance of the Summit in ensuring equitable progress across all nations and communities. He said, ‘The Summit offers a historic opportunity to ensure that progress is shared equitably across all nations and communities everywhere.’

The commitments in the Pact reflect the collective will of Member States to promote international peace and security, implement Sustainable Development Goals, foster just and inclusive societies, and ensure that technologies serve the common good of humankind. Yang added, ‘The Pact for the Future, just adopted, represents our pledge not only to address immediate crises but to lay the foundations for a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order for all peoples and nations.’

Yang called on Member States to move forward in solidarity and multilateral cooperation. He said, ‘The Summit of the Future is a call to action. We must shape our future to protect ourselves and our planet Earth.’

Yang acknowledged the challenges the world faces, such as conflict, climate change, the digital divide, inequalities, and threats against human rights. However, he also expressed hope, stating, ‘There is hope because challenges come along with opportunities. The opportunity for renewal, innovation, and global cooperation is within reach.’

He urged action to recommit to international law, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the United Nations Charter’s promise to save future generations from war. Yang said, ‘The path we choose must lead to a future where human dignity is respected and human rights are upheld. A future where peace transcends the mere absence of conflict and is grounded in justice, inclusion, and equity.’

The mission of the Pact is to eradicate poverty, tackle inequalities, and promote peace, security, tolerance, and respect for diversity. Yang stressed the need to harness science, technology, and innovation for the future of humankind. He also emphasized the importance of reforming and strengthening global institutions that support peace, security, sustainable development, and financial stability.

Yang highlighted the significance of gender equality and the full participation of women and girls, stating, ‘None of our goals will be achieved without the full participation of women and girls. Advancing gender equality across all sectors of society will be of decisive significance.’

He also acknowledged the vital role of young people in shaping the future, particularly in Africa, where more young people will enter the workforce each year than in the rest of the world combined. Yang said, ‘Our youth are the torchbearers of tomorrow.’

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the Summit a ‘once in a generation UN Summit.’ The ‘Summit of the Future’ is a significant milestone as the UN approaches its 80th year in 2025.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23. India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, said the summit will focus on youth, as the future lies with them, and India has the largest youth component globally. Harish added that PM Modi’s address is eagerly awaited as he presents the message of Indian youth on the global stage.

Harish emphasized the importance of increasing youth involvement in governance and nation-building. He said, ‘We look forward eagerly to PM’s visit and to hear his message. The focus of the summit is the future, and our youth are the future. India has the largest youth component globally.’

Harish concluded, ‘When PM speaks, he brings the message of the youth of India to the whole world – their aspirations, their example, their contribution to our development process, to our growth process. The focus here is going to be on sustainable development and financing for development.’

UNGA -: UNGA stands for United Nations General Assembly. It is a big meeting where countries from all over the world come together to discuss important issues.

Philemon Yang -: Philemon Yang is the President of the United Nations General Assembly. He helps lead the discussions and decisions made by the countries.

Pact of the Future -: The ‘Pact of the Future’ is an agreement made by many countries to work together for a better world. It focuses on peace, safety, and taking care of the environment.

UNGA 79 -: UNGA 79 refers to the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. It’s like the 79th big meeting of all the countries.

global cooperation -: Global cooperation means countries working together to solve problems that affect everyone, like climate change or world peace.

gender equality -: Gender equality means treating everyone the same, whether they are boys or girls, men or women. It’s about giving everyone the same opportunities.

youth involvement -: Youth involvement means including young people in important decisions and activities. It’s about listening to their ideas and letting them help shape the future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi -: Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India. He is the leader of the Indian government and represents India in international meetings.

Summit of the Future -: The Summit of the Future is a special meeting where leaders from different countries talk about plans for making the world better in the future.

Antonio Guterres -: Antonio Guterres is the Secretary-General of the United Nations. He is like the head of the United Nations and helps guide its work.

once in a generation -: Once in a generation means something very special that doesn’t happen often. It’s a rare and important event.