Open Letter on the United Nations Pact for the Future

July 2024

To Heads of State and Government, United Nations Member States:

Excellencies,

As international leaders who have served as heads of state, ministers of government and leaders of intergovernmental and civil society organizations, we believe that the Pact for the Future, the main outcome document under negotiation for this September’s Summit of the Future, must establish robust and accountable follow-up mechanisms in order to effectively revitalize global governance with the United Nations at its core.

The most recent draft of the proposed Pact presents over 50 “Action” paragraphs, each underpinned by concrete commitments. To ensure that the promises made in the Pact for the Future result in actionable steps led by Member States, international organizations and their partners, governments must ensure that the Pact’s key Actions and Commitments are supported directly by concurrent implementation efforts, backed-up by clear benchmarks and monitoring mechanisms.

Civil Society has demonstrated a capacity and commitment to work toward a successful Summit outcome, including through the introduction of a bold and far-reaching People’s Pact for the Future. At the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference in Support of the Summit of the Future, held May 9-10 in Nairobi, Kenya, delegates established some 20 promising “ImPACT Coalitions,” to raise the ambition and support follow-up on Pact for the Future Actions and Commitments. The people of the world expect governments to do their part. They must deliver on promises made and implement their commitments, thus building trust and ensuring the wellbeing of present and future generations.

The Summit of the Future presents both an important milestone and another step in the long journey toward greater justice, security, and sustainable development for all nations and peoples. Success will hinge on robust Summit follow-up. With the active, sustained engagement of civil society around the world who share the vision and aspiration of more effective multilateralism,  UN Member States should ensure a clear, well-designed and dynamic roadmap to implement the Pact for the Future.

 

Sincerely,