Shaping our sustainable and prosperous future together

In these uncertain times - characterized by conflicts and geopolitical tensions - humanity stands at a crossroads where poverty, hunger, inequality, and the devastating effects of climate change continue to pose challenges. The only viable path to a secure, sustainable and prosperous future in which we all thrive, lies in strengthened collaboration and solidarity among peoples and nations.

Responding to these challenges, the Summit of the Future presents a unique opportunity to revitalize global cooperation, increase solidarity and strengthen commitments to a more peaceful, just and sustainable world. The Summit aims to accelerate the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and further facilitate the implementation of the SDGs.

Multilateralism emerges as the cornerstone of these collective global efforts, providing the framework for transformative actions needed to make the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) a reality for everyone, everywhere. Drawing on the momentum of the 2023 SDG Summit and the 2024 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, the Summit of the Future aspires to advance this vision.

Advancing a sustainable future, while strengthening the multilateral system>

This September, world leaders will gather at the United Nations Headquarters to adopt a Pact for the Future, a Global Digital Compact, and a Declaration on Future Generations as outcomes of the Summit.

The Pact for the Future calls for countries to accelerate sustainable development and financing for development; ensure peace and security; responsibly manage science, technology, innovation and digital cooperation; advance meaningful engagement of youth and future generations; and the transformation of global governance. The Global Digital Compact will serve as a guide to advance a more sustainable and inclusive digital future for all, while the Declaration on Future Generations will lay out the foundation of a world built for those who will inherit it.

Fostering inclusive dialogues

The Summit of the Future, along with the adoption of the Pact for the Future, and its interactive dialogues will take place from 22 to 23 September 2024, at the UN Headquarters in New York.

It will be preceded by two Action Days on 20 and 21 September, which will aim to mobilize governments and stakeholders towards the implementation of the Pact for the Future. The Action Days will kick off with a dedicated, youth-led afternoon followed by sessions focusing on three priority themes – digital and technology, peace and security, and sustainable development and financing.

UN DESA and UNDP are leading the organization of the Session on “A Sustainable Future for All” on 21 September. The session will focus on actions that can help to deliver on the 2030 Agenda and turbocharge progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, including by addressing financing challenges that will be at the core of discussions at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development to be held in Spain in June 2025. In addition, a number of side events will be held at UN Headquarters, off-site in New York and virtually.

The Summit of the Future present an opportunity for the international community to bolster multilateral cooperation and solidarity. It aims to prepare countries to address today's political, economic, environmental, and technological challenges while enhancing foresight on future challenges and seizing tomorrow's opportunities. It is a call to pursue bold and transformative actions for a shared future that we can only build together.

Photo Credit: Victor Hugo / WMO