Global Call for the Future Summit: A New Era for Multilateralism

General Secretary and President To Lam emphasized the need for new thinking and innovative approaches to address the world’s pressing challenges at the Global Call for the Future Summit of the United Nations.

On September 12, General Secretary and President To Lam delivered a recorded message to the Global Call for the Future Summit, a precursor to the United Nations Future Summit (September 22-23, 2024). The event brought together President of the General Assembly Philemon Yang, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and nearly 50 Heads of State and Government of UN member states.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the significance of the Future Summit, expressing hope that the adopted documents will serve as a foundation for cooperation within the United Nations system. World leaders reaffirmed their strong support for the Future Summit, anticipating consensus on solutions to strengthen peace, cooperation, and accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

General Secretary and President To Lam emphasized the Future Summit as an opportunity for the United Nations and multilateralism to assert their value in addressing global challenges. He advocated for a focus on transformative solutions, including science, technology, and innovation, green transformation, and global governance reform.

In the realm of science and technology, General Secretary and President To Lam stressed the United Nations’ leading role in establishing a legal framework for the development of pioneering technologies, such as digital technology, artificial intelligence, and automation, in a safe, fair, and inclusive manner.

Regarding green transformation, he proposed the establishment of a global forum for regional organizations, including ASEAN, to share experiences and promote green technology.

On global governance, General Secretary and President To Lam expressed his desire to promote United Nations reform and multilateral financial institutions to better address global challenges and mobilize resources for developing countries.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres delivers a speech at the event. Photo: UN

General Secretary and President To Lam reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to actively contributing to the Future Summit and joint efforts to strengthen international peace, cooperation, and solidarity, ensuring the effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals for the benefit of present and future generations.

The Future Summit is the United Nations’ flagship multilateral event in 2024, themed “Multilateral Solutions for a Better Future.” The Summit aims to promote the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and climate goals, unify solutions to global challenges, and strengthen global governance.

The Global Call for the Future Summit is an initiative of the President of the Republic of Namibia and the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, co-chairs of the negotiation process for the Future Summit documents. This event aims to create momentum for the Future Summit, scheduled to take place on September 22-23, 2024, at the United Nations.