The United Nations wants to promote circular economy approaches and waste prevention initiatives as a pathway to establishing sustainable consumption and production patterns. In this way, the international organisation aims to create a world in which humanity lives in harmony with nature and conserves and sustainably uses the planet’s resources, according to the "Pact for the Future" which was adopted by the UN General Assembly in New York in late September along with the annexes the "Global Digital Compact" and "Declaration on Future Generations".
"We are deeply concerned about rapid environmental degradation, and we recognise the urgent need for a fundamental shift in our approach," the text adopted by the UN General Assembly states, adding, "We must conserve, restore and sustainably use our planet’s ecosystems and natural resources to support the health and well-being of present and future generations." The global community must also address the negative impacts of climate change, environmental pollution and land degradation, the international organisation added.
The UN reform plan was adopted despite attempts by Russia to forestall the agreement and its introduction of an amendment which would have derailed the project. That amendment was overwhelmingly rejected by the international body. Following the adoption of the Pact for the Future, Russia distanced itself from the agreement, which was to have been agreed in advance by consensus and be adopted unanimously.
Commitment to UN Sustainable
Development Goals reaffirmed
In the Pact for the Future, UN member states stress that the UN’s three pillars – sustainable development, peace and security, and human rights – were equally important, interlinked and mutually reinforcing. The text also reaffirms its commitment to the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While some progress had been made, the achievement of the SDGs was in peril. Progress toward most of the goals was either moving too slowly or had regressed below the 2015 baseline. Consequently, implementing the sustainability agenda should be accelerated through steps including specific policy actions and the mobilisation of additional funds.
The painstakingly negotiated pact also contains declarations of intent for reforming the UN Security Council and calls for adjustments to the international financial architecture in favour of the Global South. It also lays the first foundation for global regulation of artificial intelligence. The text also opposes an arms race in outer space.
The adoption of the agreement will lead to almost no direct actions or changes. Some parts of the text could at least provide impetus for reform initiatives in the future, but others are unlikely to have much in the way of impact. (EUWID reporting/dpa)
