This year the United Nations General Assembly presents their important goals for the future of sustainability, peaceful unity, and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

Article by Ella Doda, Senior Political Correspondent

NEW YORK - The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) opened September 10th, 2024, with High-Level Week taking place from September 20-27 at the UN Headquarters in New York. This year’s UNGA debate theme was “Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations.” The 79th session of the UNGA is working on a global push to advance the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals represent a global partnership aimed at advancing sustainable development, protecting the environment, reducing inequalities and fostering economic growth.  Adopted by all UN Member States in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda, the SDGs serve as an action plan to promote prosperity and protection of society. Throughout the High-Level Week of the 79th UN General Assembly, numerous events took place including the “Summit of the Future,” the “SDG Moment”, the General Debate, and various high-level meetings addressing global health and safety concerns. The high-level meetings reinforced the goals set forth and actions needed to successfully implement the 2030 Agenda.  

On Sunday, September 22nd, world leaders convened at the “Summit of the Future” to adopt the “Pact for the Future,” reaffirming the United Nations’ commitment to multilateralism and fair representation of today’s society. The Pact is the first global agreement in decades that has a strong international consensus. Its emphasis on efficient responses to the rapidly changing world ensures that international institutions focus on human rights, gender equality and sustainable development. 

At the “Summit of the Future,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau highlighted the importance of putting aside differences for the sake of the future. 

“We can recognize that, collectively, we have a responsibility to set our differences aside, to confront the serious global challenges, and to deliver on a pact for the future,” Trudeau said.  

In addition to advancing sustainable development, international peace, science, technology,  innovation (STI) and global political systems, the Pact has enacted the Declaration on Future Generations. This declaration signifies the Member States’ commitment to safeguarding the interests and rights of future generations. Member States additionally recommitted to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The Summit will follow up on the Declaration on Future Generations with high-level reviews and meetings at the 83rd session of the General Assembly in 2028. 

On Tuesday, September 24, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) meeting commenced with opening remarks by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and President of the UN General Assembly Philemon Yang. Canadian Prime Minister and Co-Chair of the SDG Advocates, Justin Trudeau, also spoke at the SDG Moment. The leaders came together to discuss the need for progress between now and the UN’s 2030 sustainability goals, despite setbacks caused by global events. The SDG Moment emphasized the importance of reducing poverty rates, expanding access to renewable energy and enhancing digital connectivity. As a part of the 2030 Agenda, the SDG Moment will prioritize equal access to education and employment. 

World leaders gathered at the 2024 UN General Debate on the same day. Many world leaders expressed the urgent need for increased global cooperation to address critical challenges such as environmental protection, global governance, geopolitical crises, economic inequalities and the increased risk of artificial intelligence. 

President Biden delivered his fourth and final address to the UN General Assembly as President of the United States. He expressed optimism for the future saying, “I know there is a way forward.” President Biden highlighted his commitment to foreign policy throughout the Biden Administration, in which he reaffirmed his support of Ukraine, called for a cease-fire and a hostage deal in Gaza and emphasized the need to provide aid to the Sudanese people. 

President Biden called upon the UN to become more inclusive and thus, stronger to ensure that new perspectives are brought forth, fostering peace and stability. “It’s your people that matter the most,” he emphasized, calling on the Member States to prioritize their citizens and set aside differences for the future. 

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the UN’s goals stating, “At every step, our Organization and our personnel will continue to stand in solidarity with the people of the world through these trying times, as we seek to forge a more peaceful, healthy, equal, and prosperous future together.”  His remarks are representative of the unity that world leaders expressed during their addresses that the countries need. 

The 80th session of the UN General Assembly will open on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.