At the end of September, world leaders will gather in New York for “The Summit of the Future“.
This summit aims to set out their ideas on how we can achieve the Sustainable Development Goals: a world without poverty, inequality, climate chaos, environmental degradation or injustice.
At Global Action, we think the Summit is an excellent idea.
We believe that our current models of decision-making are not producing the outcomes we need. Governments and businesses far too often focus on short-term gains, like economic growth and political wins, without considering the long-term effects on sustainability and social equity. This approach leads to overuse of resources and deepening inequalities.
It’s time to shift towards decisions that prioritise the well-being of both people and the planet.
Internationally, civil society groups have therefore come together to set out their expectations for the Summit of the Future. And here in Ireland, GAP has joined the call for the creation of a Commission for Future Generations, as proposed in a draft Bill being discussed in the Oireachtas (and as already exists in Wales).
In short, we need to make greater efforts to develop new ideas. Can we imagine a global society where companies, public bodies and politicians are judged on their ability to make decisions that are beneficial for people and the planet in the long run?
Why This Summit Matters
The Summit of the Future was proposed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as part of “Our Common Agenda”, an effort to reinvigorate international cooperation in the face of escalating global challenges. Next month’s event is not about creating immediate policies, but about sending a clear message that we need to rethink our approach to global issues.
The political direction the Summit sets will be crucial. The summit aims to produce a “Pact for the Future,” a document with commitments and priorities for addressing the challenges of sustainable development, peace and security. This pact will serve as a roadmap for the international community: a recipe for building a sustainable and equitable future for all.
At its core, the Summit of the Future represents an acknowledgment that current policies and policy-making processes are failing to deliver the outcomes needed for people and the planet.
Decisions made at the Summit will shape global policy for years, influencing how countries, including Ireland, approach vital issues like climate action, inequality and climate chaos.
Imagining – and Building – the World We Want
The Summit of the Future is a chance to create a shared vision of the world we want to live in.
At Global Action Plan Ireland, we believe that we need to start building that future now, starting with awareness and taking action. We encourage individuals, schools, businesses, and communities across Ireland to adopt sustainable practices that support a healthier planet and a fairer society.
We empower people to use their imagination and creativity to envision alternatives to our current world order and dream up a better future for all. We help people understand the root causes of global crises and inspire them to take local action through initiatives that reflect their unique needs and perspectives. We also work to connect the insights gained from grassroots efforts with global policy discussions, like those at the UN Summit of the Future.
The Summit of the Future is an opportunity for world leaders to commit to a more sustainable and just world. It challenges all of us to rethink our ideas about progress and to act now to build a better, more sustainable future.
We invite you to share your ideas on how we can build a better world, together.
Get in touch with us, and join the conversation.
We want to hear your ideas for a brighter future!
