We recently attended the United Nations Summit of the Future in New York, where the the Pact for the Future was adopted, including critical mentions of population growth and sustainable development efforts. Florence Blondel has the highlights.

We have just returned from New York, where we attended the Summit of the Future. During the event, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Pact for the Future. This outcome document outlines 56 broad actions, including a mention of population growth.

Population Action for the Future 

In collaboration with our US-based partners, Population Connection and Population Media Center, we contributed to the adoption of the Pact for the Future. We urged governments to prioritise population dynamics and adopt empowering population solutions.  

We’re pleased to see our efforts reflected in the commitments made by world leaders: 

Strengthen cooperation among States in their response to demographic trends and realities, such as rapid population growth, declining birth rates, and ageing populations, as well as in addressing the interlinkages between population issues and development across all regions, taking into account the needs and interests of present and future generations, including children and youth, and the substantial contributions of older persons to sustainable development efforts.” 

Point 20 of Annex II, Declaration on Future Generations

The document also outlines actions that reflect a comprehensive approach to tackling biodiversity loss and climate change. It emphasises the need for international cooperation, sustainable practices and significant financial commitments. Unfortunately, there is no recognition of the role population plays in these crises, nor are there related solutions provided. 

We are pleased to see the emphasis on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) as part of broader efforts to achieve gender equality and improve health outcomes. However, we are disappointed that there are no specific targets to increase investment in family planning, despite the fact that 257 million women around the world still lack access to modern contraceptives. 

Alternative Economies

Among the side events we attended was one organised by Oxfam, which focused on how we can shift economies to prioritise people and the planet over profit. The care economy was highlighted as a key alternative, encompassing both paid and unpaid work related to the care of children, the elderly and other dependents, as well as self-care and community care. Speakers emphasised several strategies to realign economic priorities: 

• Implementing policies that support care work, such as paid family leave, affordable childcare and eldercare services. 

• Increasing funding for public health, education and social services to reduce the burden on families and support care work. 

• Encouraging businesses to adopt practices that prioritise employee wellbeing and environmental sustainability over short-term profits. 

The Pact for the Future also mentioned the importance of such alternatives under Action 10. This aims to accelerate efforts to restore, protect, conserve and sustainably use the environment. 

Action 10 (c): Promote sustainable consumption and production patterns, including sustainable lifestyles and circular economy approaches.   

This is especially welcome for us, as we have begun exploring such alternative models. It was valuable to be in a room full of experts discussing these critical topics. 

Our Highlight

While in New York we held a successful hybrid event alongside partners from Nigeria, Kenya and India. It was great to be in the room with Harsh Jaitli, the CEO of Voluntary Action Network (VANI) in India and Auwal Ibrahim Musajoan, from CISLAC in Nigeria. We also welcomed Dr. Monique Oliff, Founder of Critical Conversations in Kenya, remotely.

You can watch the event back below.

Familiar faces

It was also great to meet with our Choice Ambassador, Joan Kembabazi, and are happy to have made a contribution to her attendance. Additionally, we again met with the McGill Youth Advisory Group (MYAG). Both Joan and MYAG were winners in our Change Champion Awards 2024.

All-in-all it was a great experience and well worth the trip. We held a great hybrid event, attended some fascinating side events, strengthened ties with existing partners and met many new friends. The icing on the cake was the inclusion of population in the Pact for the Future, a real achievement and something to truly build on.