UN leaders and representatives of member states urged the implementation of a newly adopted blueprint to address global challenges, the outcome of the Future Summit on Monday (23/9).
“We cannot wait any longer. We must push for real and true reforms, reforms that listen to the voices of developing countries and respond to their concerns,” said Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, as reported by VoA, Tuesday (9/24).
He stressed that the Future Pact agreed at the summit should not be a set of empty promises without real results on the ground.
“Humanity’s success lies in our collective strength, not on the battlefield. For global peace and development, reforms in global institutions are essential. Reforms are the key to relevance,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
The pact includes a framework for promoting peace and security, sustainable development, digital cooperation, human rights and gender equality. Iran’s new President Masoud Pezeshkian made his first UN appearance at the summit, pledging that his government would work to reduce inequality and empower women and youth.
The country experienced a wave of protests in 2022 and 2023 after the death of a young woman who died in police custody after being detained for not covering her head properly. In New York, protesters gathered outside Pezeshkian’s hotel ahead of his speech. A large protest is planned for Tuesday before his speech at the annual General Assembly debate.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky used his turn at the podium to highlight Russia’s obstruction during the Future Pact negotiations. “Ukraine supports efforts to keep all countries united, secure and in compliance with the UN Charter. And you can all see who is against it, but also actively working to undermine global unity,” he said.
In the final week of negotiations, Russia raised at least 15 separate objections to elements of the text. As the assembly gathered to adopt the document on Sunday morning, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin, backed by several countries, tried to get amendments added to the pact, but they were unanimously rejected by other countries.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to address the summit Monday evening. The assembly’s annual debate begins Tuesday. U.S. President Joe Biden will deliver his farewell address to the U.N. The presidents of Brazil, South Africa, Iran and Nigeria will speak. (I-2)
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