The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, starting on 10th of September 2024, represents a pivotal moment to advance global governance and multilateralism. This year's highlight, the Summit of the Future, is part of an effort to strengthen international cooperation to realise the aspirations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and numerous international treaties and conventions, including the Paris Agreement on climate change and the 2030 Agenda, which sets out the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
CIVICUS’ engagement at the Summit of the Future
At the Summit, states will approve three outcome documents: the Pact for the Future, which addresses global challenges through a multilateral, rights-based approach; the Global Digital Compact; and the Declaration on Future Generations. The primary focus leading up to the Summit has been the Pact, which will include commitments in sustainable development, international peace and security, science and technology, youth and future generations, and global governance.
Over the past year, CIVICUS has proactively contributed to shaping the policy document through written and verbal interventions among member states, civil society organizations, and UN mechanisms and bodies. CIVICUS has emphasized the importance of including commitments to protect civic space and human rights defenders and proposed forward-looking proposals such as a parliamentary assembly representing global citizens, a world citizens' initiative for transnational issues at the UN, and the appointment of a civil society or people’s envoy to enhance the UN’s outreach to communities worldwide.
A new and detailed CIVICUS Lens research on the Summit of the Future covers civil society's contributions to the policies and processes, and sheds light on the cautious optimism surrounding efforts to incorporate civil society inputs and accountability measures into the Pact.
CIVICUS Events
CIVICUS is supporting the following joint events during UNGA79:
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Feminist Organizations and Global Accountability Mechanisms: Engagement in the Summit of the Future, the UN System and Beyond When: 19 September 2024; 10:00-11:30am EDT. Ford Foundation, 320 E 43rd St, NYC. Who: Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the UN, Fòs Feminista, Akina Mama wa Afrika, CIVICUS, the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders, and the Women’s Major Group What: This event will bring together Member States, UN agencies, and feminist CSOs to deepen the discussions of gender equality, intersectionality, and feminist perspectives within international governance, ensuring these issues remain at the forefront of the Summit of the Future’s UN reform agendas. |
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When: 20 September 2024, at 15:00-16:15 EDT, UNHQ Conference Room 5 Who: UNMute Coalition What: This side event will bring together diverse civil society groups, UN Member States, and international organizations to critically evaluate the preliminary draft of the manual, ensuring it meets civil society needs at various levels. In-person seating on first come first basis. Online viewing: http://webtv.un.org |
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Local Action, Global Accountability When: 20 September 2024; 08:30–11:00 AM EDT, Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice, 320 E 43rd St, NYC Who: CIVICUS, MLCD, NEAR, Peace Direct, WINGS What: The session will explore how to ensure global commitments to the locally-led development agenda translate into meaningful action on the ground. This interactive event aims to foster accountability, collaboration, and transparency, promoting practical solutions to systemic challenges. |
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The Critical Role of Human Rights in Realizing the Pact for the Future When: 21 September 2024; 1pm-2:15pm EDT. UNHQ Conference Room 2 Who: The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, together with Costa Rica, South Africa, the European Union, Action for Sustainable Development and CIVICUS What: The panel will discuss the practical contribution of human rights to realizing the Pact for the Future and achieving sustainable development, peace and security. The panel will be moderated by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mr. Volker Türk and will include representatives of Member States and civil society. Online viewing: http://webtv.un.org |
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When: 22,23,24 September 2024; 9:00am EDT onwards; Church Center of the United Nations- 777 UN Plaza Who: Global Call to Action Against Poverty, CIVICUS and others What: The Global People’s Assembly is a platform for citizens worldwide that come together to discuss pressing global issues, share perspectives and demand accountability for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from their governments. It is organised by the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP), and co-organised by 60 other civil society organisations. |
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Informal Meeting and Exchange on inclusive global governance proposals When: By invite-only meeting Who: Democracy Without Borders, Democracy International, CIVICUS, and Iswe Foundation What: Meeting will focus on three proposals (1) a UN Parliamentary Assembly (UNPA); (2) a UN World Citizens’ Initiative (UNWCI) and (3) a Global Citizens’ Assembly (GCA).
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