News . Events UNITED NATIONS: SUMMIT OF THE FUTURE

The Summit of the Future, held in September 2024, marked a pivotal moment for addressing pressing global issues like climate change, inequality, and sustainable development. World leaders came together to adopt the Pact for the Future, a transformative plan under the UN’s Our Common Agenda. This summit emphasized cooperative efforts, including the active involvement of young people, highlighting their critical role in shaping decisions that affect their futures. Leaders acknowledged that urgent action is needed to build a sustainable world, reinforcing the importance of shared responsibility across generations.

Importance for the Open Schooling Community

For the Open Schooling community, the Summit of the Future represents a significant milestone. The Pact for the Future aligns well with the principles of Open Schooling, which engages students, educators, and communities in addressing real-world issues through collaborative, hands-on learning. The summit’s focus on climate action, social equity, and sustainable development directly reflects the goals of Open Schooling, where students work on community-relevant projects that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Open Schooling benefits from the Pact’s emphasis on empowering young voices and providing them with opportunities to participate in solutions for global challenges. By encouraging students to tackle real-life issues within their communities—such as conservation efforts, local health challenges, and inclusive education practices—Open Schooling supports the long-term vision for sustainable development promoted by the Pact. This approach prepares young people not only with knowledge but also with skills, motivation, and agency to make a tangible difference in society.

How the Pact for the Future Was Created

The Pact was developed through a collaborative, intergovernmental negotiation process involving diverse Member States. Namibia and Germany co-facilitated the core aspects of the Pact, while the Netherlands and Jamaica led negotiations for the Declaration on Future Generations, and Sweden and Zambia facilitated the Global Digital Compact. This process included input from civil society and young people, with the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference serving as a platform for diverse voices to contribute ideas. This inclusive approach helped create a comprehensive Pact that addresses the complex, interconnected challenges of sustainable development.

Moving Forward: Implementation and Action

With the Summit concluded, the focus now shifts to action. Leaders are expected to translate the commitments in the Pact into concrete strategies to achieve the SDGs. Key moments in 2025, such as Beijing+30, the Financing for Development Conference, and the World Summit on Social Development, will be instrumental in tracking progress and sustaining momentum. These milestones offer opportunities for the Open Schooling community to contribute, as young people and educators can collaborate on local projects aligned with these goals, fostering a sustained commitment to impactful education.

Why the Pact Matters for Young People and Young Nations

The Pact for the Future is particularly crucial for young people and young nations. With the majority of the population under 30 in many developing countries, there is a unique opportunity to channel the energy and creativity of youth toward sustainable solutions. The Pact emphasizes the importance of education, healthcare, and sustainable development for these demographics, empowering young people to actively participate in shaping policies and securing a prosperous future.

The Summit of the Future and the Pact for the Future provide a foundation for the Open Schooling community to engage students meaningfully in global and local sustainability efforts. This approach not only aligns with the educational goals of SDG 4 but also equips the next generation with the tools to lead in a world that demands innovative, cooperative solutions for sustainable futures.