As world leaders gather for the Summit of the Future on September 20 in New York, the focus will be on making critical decisions to foster global peace, prosperity, environmental restoration, digital transformation, and the protection of human rights for the benefit of future generations.
A Diplomat and Director of the North Africa Regional Office in Egypt, Ambassador Mohammed Higazy, has stressed the urgency of turning these commitments into tangible actions that benefit all.
Ambassador Higazy highlighted the complex challenges confronting the world today, such as climate change, terrorism, political instability, illegal immigration, and the lingering economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We live in a complicated world with numerous pressing issues. What can we do to create a better world amidst all the challenges confronting Africa and the world at large?” Ambassador Higazy questioned.
Speaking at the 59th Young African Journalists Workshop in Cairo, Ambassador Higazy emphasized the importance of ensuring no one is left behind and called for coordinated international efforts to build a sustainable and equitable future. He also underscored the vital role of journalists in raising awareness of global challenges and proposing solutions, urging them to push for concrete actions from world leaders.
He employ the participants at the 59th Young African Journalists Workshop organised by the Union of African Journalists and the Supreme Council of Media Regulation in Egypt to remind leaders of their responsibilities and help fight against the pressing issues of the world.
Critics argue that previous summits have been marred by empty promises and political posturing rather than genuine efforts to address the planet’s most pressing issues.
As the Summit of the Future approaches, global attention is fixed on whether leaders will rise to the occasion and honor their promises to tackle humanity’s most urgent challenges. The world’s most daunting problems, from the catastrophic effects of climate change to terrorism and political instability, demand a unified and resolute response.
World leaders must ensure that policies and actions are inclusive, addressing the needs of future generations, especially the youth. They are called upon to demonstrate the political will and leadership necessary to confront these critical issues and prioritize the long-term well-being of humanity.
The Future Summit is a forward-looking event designed to explore emerging trends, innovations, and challenges across various sectors, including technology, business, sustainability, and society.
Positioned as a pivotal moment for multilateralism, the Summit of the Future aims to produce a “Pact for the Future,” an intergovernmentally negotiated, action-oriented agreement. It will reaffirm commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations Charter, while striving to create a reinvigorated multilateral system capable of positively impacting lives worldwide.
This summit represents a crucial opportunity to chart a new course toward a more sustainable and equitable future. The time for inaction has passed, and the future of the planet depends on our collective ability to address these global challenges with urgency and determination.
By Hannah Dadzie