If the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had a playlist for its 79th session, the theme song would likely be “Eye of the Storm.” From September 23-27, 2024, global leaders convened during the high-level week to address urgent issues such as climate change, ongoing conflicts, and global inequality.
It was a mix of bold promises, pointed fingers, and—if you squint hard enough—some cautious optimism. Between rising sea levels threatening island nations and geopolitical tension threatening to boil over, UNGA 79 had a common thread: the world is dangerously close to running out of time, and decisive action is no longer optional—it’s critical.
This article provides a focused overview of the key discussions and outcomes from the 79th UN General Assembly (UNGA) , with particular attention on sustainability and climate-related issues. While debates covered everything from geopolitical tensions to human rights, this recap focuses on the pressing environmental and climate discussions. Sustainability dominated much of the conversation, particularly for vulnerable nations on the frontlines of climate change. Of course, the high-level week covered a whole lot more, but here we’ve kept the spotlight on the topics most relevant to shaping a greener, more resilient future. Because, let’s face it, without a planet to live on, the rest of the debates won’t really matter.
The Pact for the Future – Saving Tomorrow (If We Act Today)
Tucked among the heated discussions about wars, climate catastrophes, and global inequality at the UNGA was the Pact for the Future, a relatively recent initiative introduced to give the UN and its members a roadmap to address the world’s most pressing challenges. In an era when “doing nothing” is quite literally sinking islands and intensifying global divisions, this pact was hailed as the blueprint for multilateral cooperation, aiming to usher the world toward more sustainable, inclusive, and peaceful development.
The Pact for the Future revolves around five major themes:
- Global Peace and Security – Reforming peacekeeping and conflict prevention strategies in a world where wars are increasingly complex and entrenched.
- Sustainable Development – Accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by ensuring global governance can meet 21st-century challenges.
- Human Rights – Ensuring the protection of human rights and humanitarian norms in an era where violations are rampant.
- International Justice – Strengthening the international justice system to ensure accountability for crimes such as genocide and climate injustice.
- Future Generations – Building a framework that actively considers the interests of future generations in today’s policymaking.
During the 79th session, numerous leaders referenced the Pact, emphasising that this was not just another feel-good document. Mia Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados, summed it up with her now-famous call for a global “reset.” For her, the Pact isn’t just about political rhetoric—it’s a lifeline for vulnerable nations like hers. After all, what’s the point of planning for the future if sea level rise and climate change-induced disasters wipe entire countries off the map?
But beyond the rhetoric, what makes the Pact for the Future significant is the collective recognition that institutional reform is needed across the board, from the UN Security Council to financial systems like the IMF and World Bank. And while Mottley and her allies were demanding fairer representation for developing nations, the real magic of the Pact lies in its attempt to reform the way the world makes decisions.
Small Islands, Big Voices
On 27 September, the leaders of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) were not pulling any punches. They had one clear message: “We didn’t cause this climate crisis, but we’re drowning in its consequences!” Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, eloquently (and probably a little bit angrily) summarised the absurdity: governments are still subsidising industries that are essentially fast-tracking the planet to a watery grave. His solution? A Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, which would stop the madness and help chart a sustainable future. The sense of urgency was palpable, as these island nations, from Vanuatu to Barbados, hammered home the idea that without immediate, bold actions, their very existence was at stake.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados wasn’t just sounding the alarm on the climate crisis; she was handing out the solution—a reset of global institutions. She pointed out that developing countries, particularly the vulnerable SIDS, need more decision-making power. In her words, “It’s time to stop being bystanders in our own catastrophe.”
Pact as a Prescription for a Fragmented World
The Pact for the Future also positions itself as a remedy for the current fragmentation in global governance. Robert Golob, Prime Minister of Slovenia, didn’t mince words when criticising the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for being paralyzed in the face of modern conflicts, including Ukraine and Gaza. He pointed out that the UNSC, still weighed down by its Cold War-era structure, often ends up being part of the problem rather than the solution. Golob echoed the Pact’s call for greater democratisation of global decision-making, urging for reforms that include more voices from the Global South.
As Robert Abela, Prime Minister of Malta, wisely noted, the Pact for the Future can be more than a symbol of multilateral hope—it can be a workable plan to address global inequalities, protect future generations, and uphold human rights. That is, of course, if nations follow through on their commitments, and history tells us that’s a big “if.”
Global Heating = Global Hot Mess
As leaders continued their climate push, they expanded their grievances beyond rising oceans. They called out developed nations for their slow pace in funding climate mitigation efforts. Philip Davis, Prime Minister of the Bahamas, emphasised at the UNGA that small nations aren’t asking for a “handout” but a “hand-up”—as even the best swimmer drowns when left alone in a raging sea. His solution? Full operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, a pot of money that, so far, has been about as well-funded as a piggy bank after a kid’s shopping spree.
Meanwhile, Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, Prime Minister of Vanuatu, brought the issue to the International Court of Justice, hoping to establish legal obligations for countries causing climate chaos. Not a bad idea—let’s see how the world’s top emitters like the sound of a climate courtroom drama.
The Heat Is Still Very Much On
Of course, climate change wasn’t the only hot topic at the UNGA. Conflicts in the Middle East, particularly Gaza and Lebanon, were high on the agenda. Prime Minister Robert Golob of Slovenia didn’t hold back, declaring that “the region is at the brink of an abyss,” and that it was time for a ceasefire. He also lambasted the UN Security Council’s inability to act, which, if you’ve ever tried organising a group project, you know the frustration.
The ongoing war in Ukraine also got a lot of airtime. Multiple leaders expressed deep concern about the ripple effects it’s having globally. Edi Rama of Albania took a stand for tolerance, stressing the need for greater global unity amid growing geopolitical divides.
A Path Forward or Just More Promises?
The real question is whether the Pact for the Future will lead to substantial change, or will it join the ranks of other grand UN declarations that end up collecting dust in history books? Guterres made it clear that this is a last chance scenario. With climate tipping points approaching, political polarisation deepening, and social inequities growing by the day, the Pact offers a concrete opportunity to hit ‘reset’ before we veer too far off course.
Of course, as with anything at the UN, progress can be slow and laborious. But the spirit of optimism—albeit cautious—was alive during the high-level week. The Pact for the Future wasn’t just a “nice to have” document; it was hailed as the one thing that could still push global governance from the brink of irrelevance to a tool for real, tangible change.
UNGA 79 was a whirlwind of passionate speeches, stark warnings, and a few glimmers of hope. The Pact for the Future stood out as a genuine attempt to organise our chaotic global house before it collapses. As world leaders reminded us, time is running out—both for the planet and the current world order. Whether the Pact will transform these challenges into opportunities remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the world can’t afford to wait much longer.In the words of Prime Minister Mottley, “If ever there was a time to pause and reset, it is now.”
FEATURED IMAGE by: UN Photo / Mark Garten