The Importance of the Summit of the Future for Global Peacebuilding and Human Security
The Summit of the Future, scheduled for September 22-23, 2024, marks a critical juncture for global governance and international cooperation. As the world faces increasingly interconnected challenges, ranging from climate change and digital inequities to armed conflicts and social inequalities, this summit is viewed as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape how international organizations, governments, and civil society collaborate. For organizations like the International Institute for Human Security (IIHS), this event represents a pivotal moment to influence global policies that directly impact peacebuilding and human security.
The Summit will culminate in the Pact for the Future, a forward-thinking framework addressing critical global issues such as peace, security, sustainable development, and digital governance. This Pact aims to reinvigorate international cooperation in a world where the institutions designed in the mid-20th century struggle to keep pace with 21st-century challenges(
For organizations like IIHS, whose mission is to place human well-being and security at the heart of international policy, the Summit offers a platform to advocate for a people-centered approach to security and governance. Human security goes beyond traditional definitions of national security and encompasses the protection of individuals from threats such as hunger, disease, and environmental disasters. As the world increasingly acknowledges the interconnections between conflict, poverty, and climate change, the IIHS has a crucial role to play in shaping policies that prioritize human dignity and sustainable peace.
Why the Summit of the Future Matters
As noted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the Summit of the Future comes at a time when current global institutions are “stuck in a time warp,” unable to effectively address today’s fast-paced, multidimensional crises(
The Summit seeks to modernize institutions like the UN Security Council and the international financial architecture, which are essential to addressing both emerging threats and ongoing crises, including the rise of geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, and global poverty(
For IIHS, which works to ensure that human security is central to global governance, the Summit offers an opportunity to advocate for comprehensive approaches that recognize the interconnected nature of security, development, and climate change. The Pact for the Future will likely include commitments on issues directly related to human security, such as climate action, equitable digital governance, and support for future generations. These themes are at the core of the Institute’s work, making the Summit an essential platform for advancing its mission.
A Defining Moment for Global Peace and Security
The Summit of the Future represents a significant opportunity for the international community to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For organizations like the International Institute for Human Security, it is a critical moment to influence global policy in favor of more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable solutions. By actively engaging in discussions around the Pact for the Future, IIHS can ensure that human security is central to these efforts, contributing to a safer, more just, and more peaceful world.
As the Summit aims to reform global governance structures and create long-term commitments, it offers a unique opportunity to address today’s most complex global challenges with a focus on human well-being and sustainable peace.
