Summit of the Future No 35: Rev 1 of the Declaration on Future Generations

Rev 1 of the Declaration on Future Generations (DOFG) will be negotiated during the second reading on 10 June.  

Preamble

Included in bold (which shows areas of clear consensus and agreed language and phraseology) are: commitments to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 2023 SDG Summit Political Declaration; obligations under international law including both humanitarian and human rights law; and the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development. (paras 2 & 3) There is also a reference to the “interconnectness of past, present and future” as well as the impact of decisions and otherwise both in the past as well as today on future generations. (para 5) This links with a new paragraph on the responsibilities of present generations towards safeguarding the needs and interests of future generations. (para 5bis)

While recognizing “children and youth as critical agents of change,” there is also an emphasis on intergenerational dialogue and engagement, including older persons, in policy and decision-making processes. (para 6) There is a recognition of the “projected changes to global demographics” and a commitment to a stronger and rules-based multilateral system, with the UN “at its core.”(paras 8 & 9)

Guiding Principles

In the Guiding Principles, it is possible to see that a reference to the UN Charter has been added and the language on human rights and impacts of climate change strengthened. (paras 11, 12 & 14) In the context of digital transformation, “ethical” has been added to technology and innovation and the language on the digital divide expanded. (para 15) In addressing gender equality, the “enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms without discrimination…” has been added, together with a new para on “Full and equal participation of persons with disabilities.” (para 16 & 16bis) The wording on the multilateral system has also been strengthened.  (para 17)

Commitments

The pledges Heads of State and Government will make have been enhanced as follows:

They will ensure resilient as well as peaceful, inclusive and just societies, while addressing inequalities within and among nations, and of systematically marginalized communities and persons in vulnerable situations. (para 18) In the context of achieving gender equality, they will eliminate all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls, including sexual and gender-based violence and will promote women’s empowerment, (para 19) They will also eliminate “all forms of persistent historical and structural inequalities” and honour, promote and preserve cultural diversity and heritage, valuing and protecting the rights of Indigenous People (paras 20, 21 & 21bis)

Comprehensive and targeted strategies for sustainable growth and development include food security and the eradication of poverty, and the feminization of poverty. (para 22) The “role of families as contributors to sustainable development” are addressed. (Former 10quater, now para 22bis) Urgent action on climate change is prioritized, “including measures to promote resilience and reduce disaster risks… noting the importance of the concept of “climate justice” when taking action to address climate change”. (para 23) Cooperation will be strengthened among states in responding to demographic trends and realities, including safe and regular migration, “as well as interlinkages between population issues and development…” (para 25) They will invest in accessible education for all and in lifelong learning and digital literacy and in addition to ensuring that future generations will enjoy the same rights to the highest attainable standard of health through universal health coverage, they will ensure strengthened and resilient health systems. (paras 26 & 27)

Actions

In safeguarding the needs and interests of future generations, they will leverage “science, data, statistics and strategic foresight to ensure long-tern thinking and planning” and ensure inclusive and equitable access to knowledge, science and information. (paras 28 & 29) They will also development partnerships with “relevant stakeholders, including civil society, academic, the scientific and technological community and the private sector, as well as intergenerational partnerships, by promoting a whole-of-society approach…” (para 33) 

They will adopt a “future-oriented organization culture” to be mainstreamed across the UN system and will encourage the Secretary-General to appoint a Special Envoy for Future Generations; and/or establish a “facilitative, inclusive annual forum or high-level meeting; and/or include the question of future generations as a General Assembly agenda item; and/or request the Secretary-General to submit an annual report. (paras 35 & 36)