Key Impact Points:
- Summit of the Future in September 2024: The United Nations’ Summit of the Future will be held on September 21-23, 2024, focusing on global multilateral solutions for sustainable development.
- Accelerating SDG Delivery: World leaders, ahead of the Summit, have reaffirmed their commitment to fast-track the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
- Addressing Climate and Global Risks: The Summit will tackle the deepening intersection of development and climate action, as warned by global economists, amid escalating global risks.
Overview
The United Nations is gearing up for the Summit of the Future on September 21-23, 2024, a pivotal gathering aimed at reinforcing global cooperation and accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDG News team will be reporting live from the SDG Media Zone, providing real-time insights and updates on the discussions and outcomes of this critical event.
This summit comes on the heels of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York, where countries committed to intensifying efforts to meet the 2030 SDG targets. As of 2024, the world is facing an increasingly urgent climate crisis, coupled with complex geopolitical, societal, and economic challenges. The World Economic Forum’s Chief Economists Outlook recently highlighted the growing tension between development objectives and climate action, emphasizing the need for strategic realignment to navigate these competing priorities.
Halfway to 2030: The Need for Re-strategizing
The UN’s SDG Summit in September 2023 was seen as a moment to reassess and refine strategies for the second half of the timeline leading up to 2030. Despite some progress, the 2024 Sustainable Development Goals Report revealed that only 17% of SDG targets are currently on track, underscoring the need for renewed vigor in global efforts.
In response, world leaders adopted the SDG Political Declaration, expressing their deep concern over the slow pace of progress and reiterating their commitment to the goals. HE Ms. Paula Narváez, President of the UN Economic and Social Council, emphasized the ongoing search for solutions to advance SDG implementation.
The Summit of the Future: A Blueprint for Action
Proposed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his Our Common Agenda report, the Summit of the Future is billed as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to rejuvenate global cooperation. The Summit will focus on transforming existing frameworks of multilateralism to ensure they are fit for addressing both current and future global challenges.
This summit aims to build on the foundation laid by the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement, and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda by focusing on the “how”—how to effectively meet these targets and prepare for a more resilient future. The outcome is expected to be a Pact for the Future, which will be negotiated and endorsed by UN Member States.
Why This Matters Now
In 2024, the climate crisis remains the most significant global risk, with extreme weather events impacting millions, particularly in less developed countries. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and other agencies report over 11,000 weather-related disasters between 1970 and 2021, causing millions of deaths and trillions in economic losses.
The interconnectedness of climate change with other global risks, such as geopolitical tensions and the cost-of-living crisis, makes it imperative for the global community to address these challenges holistically. The UN has declared 2024-2033 as the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, aiming to harness scientific solutions to accelerate progress towards the SDGs.
Recent Progress and Initiatives
Despite the challenges, the world has made notable progress in key areas. For instance, renewable energy consumption has risen, child mortality has reached historic lows, and internet access has expanded significantly. Additionally, the UN has launched several initiatives, including the first system-wide strategy on water and sanitation, the 2024 Global Report on Climate and SDGs Synergy, and the Higher Education for Sustainability Initiative.
What’s Next?
The Summit of the Future will center around five key targets: reaffirming the UN Charter, reinvigorating multilateralism, boosting implementation of existing commitments, agreeing on solutions to new challenges, and restoring trust. These objectives will guide discussions and negotiations as Member States work towards a Pact for the Future.
In preparation, UN Secretary-General Guterres released 11 policy briefs in February 2023, offering concrete ideas on advancing the Our Common Agenda initiative. These include proposals for global digital cooperation, reforming the financial architecture, and enhancing the peaceful use of outer space.
Looking Ahead
As global leaders converge for the Summit of the Future, the focus will be on strategic investments in the economy, climate action, and strengthening institutions. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed emphasized the need for strong investments that align with both economic and environmental goals, ensuring that global development remains on track despite mounting challenges.
The Summit of the Future represents a critical opportunity for the international community to reaffirm its commitment to sustainable development and take decisive action to address the world’s most pressing issues.
