Global commitment to 56 actions divided into 5 thematic chapters, including the fight against the climate crisis, the commitment to energy transition, and the protection of nature
The declaration was unanimously approved
The key themes on energy and climate reaffirmed in the Pact for the Future, signed on Sunday, September 22, at the United Nations, include abandoning fossil fuels, tripling renewable energy by 2030, and protecting and restoring nature in line with the 1.5-degree target.
Pact for the Future: What It Is, What It Entails, and Why It’s Important
The Pact for the Future is a non-binding declaration unanimously approved (by “consensus”) by all UN member states. Proposed during the Summit for the Future, its goal is to send a signal of cohesion and commitment.
By adopting it, all UN countries pledge to implement the 56 actions divided into 5 thematic chapters, covering areas from eradicating poverty to mitigating climate change, achieving gender equality, promoting peace, protecting civilians, and revitalizing the multilateral system of nations.
The chapters focus on:
- Sustainable development and development financing;
- Peace and international security;
- Science, technology, innovation, and digital cooperation;
- Youth and future generations;
- Transformation of global governance.
The Summit for the Future also produced a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations, which are annexed to the Pact.
The Pact for the Future is a UN initiative aimed at restoring the centrality of a multilateral approach and reaffirming the role of international diplomacy in addressing major global crises, from climate change to wars to poverty eradication.
Energy and Climate in the Pact for the Future
On energy transition and the climate crisis, the Pact for the Future reiterates the key achievements of COP28 in Dubai last year. It includes commitments to triple the installed renewable capacity by the end of the decade and to gradually transition away from fossil fuels—two pillars of the agreement reached in the United Arab Emirates. The commitment to protect and restore nature reflects the conclusions of COP15 on biodiversity, included in the Global Biodiversity Framework, approved in December 2022.
This offers a solid starting point for the diplomatic marathon leading to the climate summit in Baku at the end of November, according to many observers. This marathon is kicking off with several key events.
“Leaders and ministers must commit to translating the outcome of COP28 and the Pact for the Future into concrete national targets and policies during the first Global Renewable Energy Summit, the High-Level Segment of the UN General Assembly, and the COP Troika High-Level Event,” emphasized 350.org. The Global Renewable Energy Summit is being held on September 23 and 24.
Political leaders must now turn this promise into action, Greenpeace stresses. Before COP29 in Baku, they must present national action plans aligned with the 1.5°C target, including deadlines for phasing out coal, oil, and gas. While reaffirming the commitments of COP28 is a “good first step,” it is also the “bare minimum.” That is why, at COP29, “leaders must also support the establishment of a strong climate finance target for the post-2025 period to help fund climate action and adaptation.”
Read here the text of Pact fort the Future
