South Africa

We support the Summit's purpose to strengthen international cooperation, restore trust in multilateralism, and forge actionable commitments through the envisioned Pact for the Future. The proposals outlined in "Our Common Agenda" and the subsequent policy briefs offer a comprehensive framework for reinvigorating global governance, emphasizing solidarity across generations, and addressing the urgent needs of our planet and its inhabitants:

1. Strengthening Multilateralism and Trust: We urge Member States to commit to a renewed multilateral system that is more inclusive, transparent, and effective. This requires meaningful reform of international institutions to ensure they are responsive to the needs of all, particularly the most vulnerable communities. We advocate for enhanced mechanisms for civil society engagement in UN processes, ensuring diverse voices contribute to shaping global policies.
2. Accelerating the SDGs: The urgency to get the sustainability measures and standards back on track cannot be overstated. We call for increased investment in sustainability initiatives, particularly those addressing poverty, inequality, and climate action.
3. Safeguarding the Future: The establishment of an Envoy to represent future generations is a groundbreaking proposal that we fully endorse. We also support the creation of dedicated forums and the application of foresight and science in policy-making to ensure the long-term sustainability of our actions today.
4. Managing Global Shocks: The proposal for a time-bound Emergency Platform under the Secretary-General's authority is a critical step toward coordinated responses to global crises. We support CSOs to play a vital role in this platform, offering grassroots insights and rapid action capabilities.
5. Meaningful Inclusion of Young People: The active participation of youth in decision-making processes is essential for building trust and shaping a future that meets their aspirations. We support the establishment of national youth consultative bodies and global standards that support youth engagement and future generations, ensuring their voices are not just heard but acted upon.
6. Measuring What We Value: Moving beyond GDP to metrics that truly reflect human well-being and environmental health is a transformative approach we champion. We are keen to contribute to the development and implementation of these new metrics, aligning policy and investment decisions with sustainable development outcomes.

Moving Forward Together:

The time is ripe for us to advocate for policies and initiatives that not only address immediate concerns but are also proactive in anticipating and mitigating future risks. We envision a world where environmental stewardship, social justice, and ethical governance form the pillars of all decision-making processes.

As we move toward the Summit of the Future, we emphasize the importance of collaboration, transparency, and accountability in all our endeavors. The Pact for the Future represents a unique opportunity to commit to these ideals collectively, laying the groundwork for a global governance system that is fit for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.