As we gather here today, we do so on borrowed time. We are at a critical point in history where the decisions and actions leaders, governments, private sector, civil society and individuals take now will fundamentally shape the trajectory of our world today, tomorrow and for generations to come. In under three weeks from now, world leaders and numerous stakeholders will gather at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the Summit of the Future. On the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the UN, the Summit of the Future was born in an effort to better respond to the challenges our Charter and humanity is facing today. The United Nations Secretary-General Mr António Guterres proposed the Summit of the Future to turbocharge efforts to bring about sustainable development and combat climate change, leverage digital transformation, foster peace and security whilst pushing for a more just and equitable international system, ensuring that developing countries have an equal voice in global decision-making and financing as persistent, emerging and anticipated global challenges are addressed head-on. The Summit convenes world leaders and stakeholders to a discussion about shaping a future mindful of commitments, progress and failures of the present and reflecting on the past.
The Summit also recognises that power relations need to change to reflect and adapt to the realities of today and to deliberately shape our collective response to global challenges in the years ahead. Building on the realities of today and foresight of what to anticipate in the future, actionable and future-oriented agreements are required and expected. The Summit of the Future presents a platform to reaffirm the commitment to the principles of the United Nations and to transform shared aspirations into concrete actions for people and planet. I am reminded of the question, if not now, then when? If not us, then who?That is why we cannot waste this opportunity to address the long-standing concerns and collectively chart approaches that benefit humanity as well as African and other developing countries. United Nations leadership is keen to ensure that this summit is precedent-setting for five main reasons. First, the Summit reminds us there is no shortcut to a better future if we do not achieve the SDGs. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – agreed to in 2015 with a 2030 deadline for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals – remains our best hope for ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for all generations. The SDGs are our blueprint for progress around 17 urgent actions for people and planet. Achieving them requires unwavering commitment and action by and with all stakeholders across the social, political and economic spheres.
Second, we face a complex landscape of persisting and emerging conflicts. The call for a New Agenda for Peace is therefore urgent. The current framework of the Security Council is failing to address the crises we are facing across the African Continent, in the Middle East, and even in Europe. The inaction and failure of the pre-eminent peace and security platform is therefore leading to mistrust in multilateralism and the United Nations. We must reimagine how we approach peace and security to build a more effective and credible multilateral system for we the people with the guns silenced and peace being truly kept. Third, the era of technology holds immense potential for prosperity for all. However, we must take command of artificial intelligence, digital connectivity and other emerging technologies rather than allowing them to dictate our course or lock-in inequalities. Responsible governance and equitable use of technology is essential to ensuring it serves humanity and contributes to our collective well-being. Fourth, just as our Security Council needs reform, so too does our international financial architecture. The current global financial system must evolve to address the injustices of our time. The Summit will be a pivotal platform to explore how we can reshape financial structures to better support sustainable development and resilience. Fifth, women and youth must participate in shaping the future of the world. They need support and opportunities to realise their full potential and contribute to sustainable development and inclusive growth. Indeed, this includes continuous investment in women and young people to fully harness their untapped potential.
Ladies and gentlemen, regrettably, the progress toward attaining the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has been marked by disappointment and setbacks. Inequality has widened. Poverty has increased despite concerted efforts to fight it, and as such the aspired prosperity for all, remains at risk. We face a future with complex global challenges which are both multifaceted and interconnected. At the heart of the Summit of the Future is the need to immediately advance the New Agenda for Peace, the Declaration on Future Generations and a Global Digital Compact. Once adopted, these documents will be annexed to the Pact for the Future – which is effectively our commitment to future generations. The Pact for the Future delivers a high-level political direction for transformation and goes beyond any other multilateral agreement, including the reform of the international financial architecture.
Ladies and gentlemen, with South Africa’s support as well as active engagement by the African Group, it will be a precedent-setting Pact that must be met with precedent-setting action and financing.
Inclusive, equitable, bold and brave action. This means we need a multilateral system that is:
- Responsive to and commensurate with the challenges in the world, particularly the challenges facing the African continent;
- A system that can help us deliver for people and planet;
- A system that can mitigate uncertainty and instability and contribute with effectiveness to a more prosperous, peaceful and sustainable world; and
- A networked and inclusive system that is youth and gender friendly as it fosters collaboration across sectors and between governments and the private sector as well as civil society.
The Pact for the Future must lead to a more transparent, adaptable and inclusive multilateral governance arrangement for a more sustainable, equitable and resilient world. This is the time to solidify Africa’s role and leadership in the multilateral system. The renewed scramble for Africa points to the fact that our beloved continent is a powerhouse; home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies and innovative solutions. With its youthful population and dynamic societies, it stands at the forefront of this transformative agenda. We have an opportunity to demonstrate that sustainable development is not just a goal but a reality that can be achieved through concerted effort and unwavering commitment. That said, Africa faces extraordinary challenges.
Your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, we need to urgently accelerate progress towards the SDGs against a backdrop of ever more frequent and intense climate shocks, unsustainable debt, conflicts, food security challenges, human displacements, technological risks and digital gaps, extreme poverty and youth unemployment. However, the continent has immense potential with critical minerals, preserved forests, and thermal/wind/solar resources for renewable energy; from solar power in the Sahara to geothermal energy in the Rift Valley. Therefore, investments in renewable energy and sustainable practices not only mitigate the effects of climate change but also create jobs, increase economic growth and improve the quality of life for our people. Social well-being is another key priority for the continent, ensuring access to quality healthcare, quality education, quality social services for all, reduced inequalities, and resilient communities. What then should Africa’s priorities be for the Summit of the Future? Africa’s role in the UN System has evolved over the years. From being a continent often perceived through the lens of aid and assistance, Africa has emerged as a dynamic force contributing to global peace, security and development. African nations have been at the forefront of peacekeeping missions, conflict resolution and efforts to promote human rights and democracy.
Therefore, Africa’s priorities should include:
- The promotion of peace and security;
- Permanent African representation with veto power on the UN Security Council;
- Delivery on the financing commitments for sustainable development and climate mitigation as well as adaptation; and
- Unlocking of the potential of youth.
How do we achieve this? Through global solidarity, shared resources, transparent institutions, accountable practices, by being more flexible and adaptable to a rapidly changing world and, most importantly, through multistakeholder partnerships and leveraged expertise. The Summit of the Future will not be the endpoint but a catalyst of many initiatives. We must continue to coordinate our efforts for our common goals, including in the framework of Africa 2063, through improved implementation in the second decade of Agenda 2063.
Your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the consecutive Global South presidencies of the G20, which South Africa will have in 2025, represents the opportunity for synergies and complementarity. South Africa must leverage its global and regional leadership to act as a bridgebuilder and mobilise Africa’s support for a successful Summit. The Summit of the Future is a bridge to finding common ground and a response that will deliver a new and revitalised multilateralism that draws strength from the opportunities of the SDGs. As a leading think tank in South Africa – you the members and leaders of SAIIA also have a role to play – from pointing to new technologies, to showcasing the benefits of a just and inclusive financial system and a peace architecture fit for purpose. Allow me to close with the words of the United Nations Secretary-General when he recently addressed the UN Civil Society Conference in support of the Summit of the Future: The Summit of the Future is a chance to push progress on the issues that matter to you – and to us. A chance that cannot be missed. Our fight is one fight: Creating a better world and a brighter future for all. Together let’s seize this chance and make the Summit of the Future really count.
I thank you.
This speech was delivered during a speakers meeting hosted by SAIIA’s Western Cape Branch on 2 September 2024.
Watch the full address below:
