A Promise to the Next Generation: The Pact for the Future

The Pact for the Future, adopted in September 2024 at the Summit of the Future, is a revolutionary pact involving world leaders designed to tackle the most pressing global challenges. The pact pushes for immediate action to tackle climate change, reduce inequality, and protect future generations. It is a vision of shared responsibility where the decisions made today are meant to protect and preserve the future of young people like Aisha.

Aisha, a little girl from Northern Nigeria, stood at the borders of the farmland that her family had managed for decades. The dry season has always been difficult, but this year was different. The rains had come late, and when they did, they were so heavy that they washed away much of the farm and its produce. Her family, like many others in the area, depended on these crops for survival. The future appeared to be uncertain.

As Aisha stared through her phone one evening, information about the Summit of the Future flashed on the screen. World leaders had assembled in New York to sign something called The Pact for the Future. The phrase grabbed her interest, but it looked distant, what has it got to do with her existence in this remote territory in Nigeria? But the more she listened, the more it connected. The summit was more than just aspirational promises or statements,? it was about finding practical solutions to problems like climate change, food security, and inequality globally.

The Pact for the Future represents a global commitment to unite under the shared vision of sustainable development, emphasizing that the rights of every individual are paramount in the fight against climate change. During the summit, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated, “We must recognize that our planet and its people are connected". The Pact for the Future is not just a document; it is our moral imperative to future generations.

Key Objectives of the Pact

• Immediate Action on Climate Change: The Pact calls for urgent measures to combat climate change, recognizing that the impacts are already being felt around the world. It emphasizes the need for nations to align their policies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote climate resilience.
• Reduction of Inequality: Addressing socioeconomic imbalances within and between countries is a crucial part of the Pact. It advocates for fair access to resources, opportunities, and support systems so that marginalized communities do not fall behind in the transition to a more environmentally friendly future.
• Protection of Future Generations: At its core, the Pact is about securing the rights and futures of young people. Leaders have recognized the importance of involving youth in decision-making processes, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are prioritized in climate action and sustainable development efforts. Youth should always be at the table where decisions are made by world leaders.
• Commitment to Human Rights: The Pact addresses the relationship between human rights and environmental sustainability. It advocates for the safety of persons and communities, especially those who are most impacted by the adverse impacts of climate change and environmental degradation.

What Does the Pact Look Like in Real Life?

Aisha’s village is a real-life example of the challenges the Pact aims to address. Northern Nigeria is among the regions hardest hit by climate change, with desertification and erratic rainfall threatening food security and livelihoods. Under the Pact for the Future, the global community has pledged to invest in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and infrastructure that will help places like Aisha’s Village adapt to these changes.

In this anticipated future, global collaboration would offer resources for drought-resistant crops, water management technologies, and solar-powered irrigation. Aisha's family could farm the land without the constant fear that one season of bad weather would wipe out their entire harvest.

Education programs funded by international initiatives would teach young people like Aisha how to use modern agricultural techniques, to strengthen their community's resilience.

During the Summit, climate leaders like Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UN Environment Programme , emphasized, This is the moment where we either course-correct or continue down a path of irreversible damage. The Pact for the Future is a commitment not just to our environment but to justice and equity.”

"Today, we make a promise to the youth of the world," said UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the summit. "A promise that their tomorrow will be secured by our actions today. The Pact for the Future ensures that no community is left behind and no youth will inherit a broken world."

Africa is at the forefront of the climate challenge. With the Pact, we are moving from being victims to being at the forefront of the solution. This is more than a plan; it is a lifeline for today.

Collaborative Efforts for a Sustainable Future

The journey toward a sustainable future is not a solitary endeavor; it requires the collective effort of individuals, communities, and governments.

It is up to all of us to hold leaders accountable, support sustainable practices, and ensure that those who are most vulnerable receive the help they need. For Amina, that might mean joining a youth-led initiative to plant trees in her region, while for others, it could be advocating for more climate-resilient agriculture or renewable energy

As you reflect on the significance of the Pact for the Future, consider how you can be part of this movement. Engage with your community, advocate for policies that promote sustainability, and support initiatives that align with the SDGs. Together, we can build a future where every voice is heard, and every right is upheld.

The Pact for the Future is a global commitment, but its success lies in local action. Imagine the impact of every person, from Gombe to New York, taking ownership of this responsibility.

To read more about The Pact for the Future and discover how you can contribute, click here.