Charting pathways to enhanced multilateral co-operation: global leaders unite for Summit of the Future

In a world that’s been grappling with unprecedented challenges in recent years, from the Covid-19 pandemic to geopolitical tensions and environmental crises, the need for international collaboration has rarely been more pronounced. Recognising this urgency, leaders from around the globe are gearing up for the Summit of the Future, a potentially pivotal gathering aimed at fortifying multilateralism to tackle the complex issues of our time, which takes place on 22-23 September 2024.

Established against the backdrop of the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations in June 2020, the summit represents a collective commitment to bolstering global governance mechanisms. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guitteres’s report, Our Common Agenda, is the centrepiece of the summit’s strategy, sounding the alarm for accelerated action on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and underscoring the need for a revamped multilateral system.

At the heart of the summit’s agenda lies a multifaceted approach to addressing global challenges. From accounting for the long-term ramifications of decisions to enhancing responses to unforeseen shocks, the proposed agenda is comprehensive and forward-looking. Notably, the inclusion of young people in decision-making processes underscores a commitment to intergenerational equity, while efforts to measure human progress beyond GDP signify a shift towards more holistic development metrics.

The summit also seeks to harness the transformative potential of digital technology while safeguarding against its adverse impacts. Proposals to reform the world’s financial architecture aim to foster fairness, particularly for developing nations, aligning objectives with the SDGs. Additionally, a renewed focus on the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space underscores the imperative for responsible global stewardship.

As member states prepare to convene, the summit promises to galvanise concerted action towards a more resilient and equitable world order. While the ultimate outcomes will be determined by those member states, the summit embodies a collective aspiration to navigate the complexities of the future with unity and resolve.

In the face of mounting global challenges, the Summit of the Future stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of collaboration and solidarity. As businesses navigate an increasingly interconnected and uncertain landscape, its outcomes will hopefully shape the contours of the global operating environment for years to come.