The UN75 People’s Dialogue of 2020 built the Interim Pact for the Future: 2023 Civil Society Perspectives on the Summit of the Future, offering recommendations in seven areas. The report emphasizes the need to enhance the role of civil society in the United Nations (UN) and advocates for a transparent selection process for the UN Secretary-General. It proposes the establishment of a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly, a UN World Citizens’ Initiative, and a Charter Review Conference under Article 109.
It underscores the vital role of civil society’s engagement in the UN’s decision-making process and calls for consistency among stakeholders. The report encourages the application of human rights treaties and Security Council resolutions to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It suggests a youth research track and engaging supportive Member States for a Global Resource Center (GRC).
While acknowledging differences in strategies and priorities among civil society and Member States, the report recognizes a consensus on the necessity for system enhancements. It endorses a scientific approach and continuous refinement of solutions.
The report challenges the traditional emphasis on GDP as the only measure of development and supports the introduction of new indicators. It proposes revising the targets of the 17 SDGs and focusing on their interconnections. It also recommends defining each SDG with specific protocols and indicators and extending international law to address new global commons and significant issues. The aim is to utilize the Future Summit in September 2024 to enhance global governance.
Development and the SDGs:
Calls for reevaluating development measurement methods. It challenges the exclusive reliance on GDP as an indicator and supports using more suitable ones. The pact recommends updating the objectives of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those expired. It underlines the importance of investigating the links within and among the SDGs to understand each goal and its related challenges better. For example, creating specific protocols for pandemics could enhance knowledge and handling of health-related SDGs.
Additionally, the report suggests introducing more SDGs to address significant issues omitted in the initial version, such as the management of new global commons. It also promotes the expansion of international law, led by the Secretary-General, as it is vital to the SDGs. Finally, the report advises collaboration with HLPF Major Groups and Other Stakeholders for a unified approach. It also recommends implementing human rights treaties and Security Council resolutions across all SDGs.
Environmental Governance:
Advocates for a greater role of civil society in environmental governance. Following the UN Secretary-General’s Our Common Agenda, it underscores the importance of top-down and bottom-up solutions. The report recommends using “common heritage” principles to spur intergenerational action and bolster environmental justice and human rights. For instance, to reach the International Court of Justice. This would facilitate rulings on threats and harmful actions, promoting environmental justice.
Moreover, the report proposes the creation of a UN Parliamentary Assembly to foster inclusive dialogue and ensure justice, legitimacy, and accountability. The report underscores the immediate need for a fair and accountable global governance system. Given the scientific evidence of planetary boundaries and impending tipping points, this system would effectively coordinate and mobilize resources for the Earth System.
Human Rights & Participation:
Emphasizes protecting human rights and enhancing civic spaces. It proposes a comprehensive method for executing and enforcing human rights, which should be integrated into all policies. It also promotes intersectional and intergenerational strategies.
The report highlights the necessity of safeguarding Human Rights Defenders and enhancing civic spaces. It recommends educational programs to foster local involvement and ensure universal participation. It also advocates for reinforcing UN Human Rights Bodies and increasing the OHCHR’s financial resources to boost their human rights due diligence role.
Global Digital Compact:
The Global Digital Compact is a proposition designed to promote digital growth for everyone and bridge gaps such as the digital divide and the green digital transition. It aims to establish common rules and standards that protect online human rights, curb misinformation, and prevent the internet from fracturing.
The creation and implementation of the Global Digital Compact demand the collaboration of various stakeholders. The United Nations (UN) possesses several tools that could assist in this endeavor, and their use is highly recommended. The UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology, the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), and the UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF) are vital contributors. These entities enable stakeholder inclusion and enhance global digital cooperation by effectively coordinating between the public and private sectors and civil society.
The report stresses viewing the internet as a global public good. It underscores the necessity for dialogues and perspectives on global cyber threats. The report suggests a multi-stakeholder forum on the governance of emerging technologies, including AI, to manage potential risks.
Global Economic and Financial Architecture:
The existing global system prioritizes profits over vital aspects such as social, political, cultural, and environmental factors. It proposes the creation of a Global Economic Financial Architecture to manage economic globalization more effectively, ensuring benefits are equitably distributed. The Pact highlights the importance of rallying civil society support for the International Monetary Fund’s Special Drawing Rights (SDRs). These can be utilized for debt relief and financing global public goods, leading to a more balanced socioeconomic recovery.
The Pact outlines five key actions to achieve this objective. These include enhancing transparency in World Trade Organization decisions, establishing an International Anti-Corruption Court, and enlarging the IMF’s SDRs. The execution of these actions should facilitate the mobilization of both public and private financial resources for significant public goods.
Peace and Security:
Emphasizes the critical role of civil society in peace and security, underscoring that its voice is vital for maintaining peace and ensuring security. The Pact advocates for a transparent selection process for the UN Secretary-General, emphasizing the need for fairness and openness.
The Pact proposes a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly to increase democratic representation in global decision-making. This assembly would enhance diversity and representation, making decision-making more democratic. It introduces the concept of a UN World Citizens’ Initiative, allowing citizens worldwide to influence international policies directly.
The Pact also advocates for a Charter Review Conference, per Article 109, to implement necessary reforms in the United Nations. This conference would facilitate evaluating and amending the current charter to better address the global situation. The report suggests building a consensus on Security Council reform, including adjustments to membership and term length, and preventing the misuse of veto power by the Permanent Five members, making the Council more representative and fair.
The report recommends adopting broader security definitions that balance nation-states’ and individuals’ interests. It recognizes that security isn’t solely about protecting nations but also ensuring individual safety and well-being. Lastly, the report suggests alternatives to the Security Council, such as auxiliary councils specializing in peacebuilding, climate, and health. These councils could provide a more specialized focus on these crucial areas.
UN & Global Governance Innovation:
Proposes several new concepts to enhance the United Nations (UN) functioning. These previously mentioned proposals strive to enhance civil society participation, boost transparency, and establish more democratic and inclusive global governance structures. They underscore the importance of transitioning from the state-centric system established in 1945 to address the intricate challenges of today’s world and ensure a stronger UN. Ultimately, the objective is to bridge the gap between humanity’s needs and the capacity to fulfil those needs through innovative and efficient global governance methods.
Cross-Cutting Themes:
The following overlapping themes also provide a basis for dealing with global challenges and ensuring an inclusive approach to our collective future:
- Trust
- Inclusion
- Future Generations
- Gender Equality
- Children
- Intergenerational Co-Leadership
- Subsidiarity
- Justice and Equity
Interim Pact for the Future: 2023 Civil Society Perspectives on the Summit of the Future
