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Why the Realisation of the Pact for the Future Hinges on Genuine Civil Society Participation

The week surrounding the Summit of the Future, held on 21-22 September 2024, in New York was marked by a whirlwind of side events, workshops, and meetings—both official and unofficial. These activities, however, were not limited to New York; they had been in development for months, fuelled by thematic UN-led consultations on peace and security, climate action, and human rights. These consultations sought input from member states and stakeholders on how best to address these crucial topics at the summit. As part of the preparations, the Action Days, held on 18-19 September, showcased multilateral solutions and aimed to accelerate action on global challenges. Regional consultations across continents provided platforms for countries to address specific regional challenges and priorities, while multiple youth forums underscored the vital importance of engaging young people in global governance.

Though not exclusively focused on the summit, events like Stockholm+50 (June 2022) provided insights on environmental governance and sustainable development, reinforcing the importance of these themes for future global cooperation. Various forums organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) also offered platforms to discuss progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other pressing global issues. The Lisbon Declaration (January 2023) brought stakeholders together to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global governance. The Nairobi meeting (March 2023), hosted by the Kenyan government and co-chaired by the UN, focused on building momentum for the Summit of the Future, tackling issues like digital cooperation, sustainable development, and the role of youth.

These discussions demonstrated that despite all its critiques, the UN remains the global space where civil society can gather to address shared challenges. However, while the Pact for the Future did identify global problems and outline necessary action points, it underwent substantial changes from the Zero Draft to the final version. Key commitments regarding fossil fuel use, digital governance, artificial intelligence, the global financial system, and even UN Security Council reform were altered or weakened.

Perhaps most troubling was how the summit revealed the weakened position of civil society in global processes. In the run-up to the summit, serious concerns were raised about the restricted participation of civil society in the Summit of the Future. Civil society organisations (CSOs) sounded the alarm as their access to the event was limited. Accredited organisations were allowed only a few representatives, and some were restricted to attending just one day of the two-day summit. This raised fears that marginalised groups, youth, and women might be underrepresented in these critical discussions.

The #UNmute initiative, representing over 350 organisations, including CIVICUS, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, criticised the UN for the limited opportunities for civil society to engage meaningfully. While virtual consultations and written submissions were allowed, many organisations argued that these mechanisms did not offer the same influence or impact as direct, in-person participation. Excluding civil society undermined the UN’s stated commitment to inclusivity, especially in discussions on global governance, human rights, and climate justice.

This situation reflects a broader global trend—shrinking civic space—where civil society organisations increasingly face bureaucratic hurdles and political repression. This was evident in the Pact for the Future itself. Early drafts of the pact highlighted the need for stronger civil society engagement, but these provisions were weakened in the final version. Similarly, the final text diluted commitments to protecting human rights and civic spaces. CSOs had pushed for more robust measures to safeguard civic freedoms and counter the global trend of restricting civil society space, but the final pact fell short, lacking strong accountability mechanisms or protections for activists and human rights defenders.

The consequences of these developments are far-reaching. Financial cuts to civil society and social movements, often resulting from austerity measures, have already weakened their capacity to act and influence policymaking. These cuts stem not only from direct reductions in funding for NGOs but also from restrictions on public budgets that traditionally support civil society efforts. Many CSOs rely on government or international grants to sustain their operations. Austerity policies, which reduce this funding, make it harder for civil society to advocate for policy changes or deliver essential services. For example, grassroots movements that focus on social protection, human rights, and climate justice often struggle to maintain their activities under such financial constraints.

CSOs are crucial in advocating for marginalised communities. However, funding cuts and the shrinking civic space significantly limit their capacity to amplify these voices on the international stage. Without sufficient resources, these movements struggle to effectively resist regressive policies or safeguard human rights defenders. The combination of these pressures narrows the space for activism and democratic participation, making it increasingly challenging for CSOs to mobilise, organise, or even engage in democratic processes.

The underfunding of civil society and the weakening of its role in the Pact for the Future may significantly affect the realisation of the pact’s goals. CSOs are vital for monitoring, advocating, and implementing global agreements, particularly in ensuring that marginalised communities are represented in global decision-making. Without strong civil society participation, the Pact for the Future risks becoming detached from the realities faced by the people it aims to support. Without adequate funding and participation, policies developed at the global level may not align with the needs of marginalised communities, leading to ineffective or misdirected interventions.

To fully realise the Pact for the Future, the United Nations must undergo significant reform. Large segments of global civil society are no longer adequately represented by their governments at the UN due to geopolitical and economic interests driven by elite groups. This disconnect between civil society and the states that represent them at the UN presents a fundamental challenge to the legitimacy and effectiveness of global governance.

The UN, founded on the principle of representing “We the Peoples,” has drifted from this ideal. To restore this connection, UN reform must prioritise stronger civil society participation, ensuring that grassroots movements, marginalised communities, and those most affected by global challenges have a seat at the decision-making table. If civil society continues to be sidelined, the ambitious goals of the Pact for the Future—from tackling climate change to eradicating poverty—will remain unfulfilled.

Ultimately, the realisation of the Pact for the Future depends on the UN returning to its original vision of representing all people, not just the interests of a few. Only by embracing meaningful reforms can the UN hope to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and just global future.

Eva Wuchold is the Programme Director for Social Rights at the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Geneva Office. Since joining the foundation in 2012, she has played a key role in advancing its global initiatives on social and human rights.