Summit of the Future Action Day: A Sustainable Future for All
On September 21, 2024, the United Nations Headquarters in New York hosted Action Day 2 of the Summit of the Future, focusing on creating a more inclusive, networked multilateral system. The day’s theme, A Sustainable Future for All, addressed key areas in sustainable development and financing that are crucial to achieving the 2030 Agenda. The UN SDG Action Campaign supported this event, convened by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), which brought together leaders, civil society, youth, and other stakeholders for a series of discussions on the critical global challenges we face today.
The UN Secretary-General convened the Summit of the Future Action Days to generate additional opportunities for the engagement of all actors who played a key role in shaping the Pact for the Future and will be critical to its implementation. The day kicked off with key figures from various sectors discussing the state of sustainable development and innovative financing approaches. One of the highlights was Session 3: Addressing Debt Challenges for Sustainable Development, where the UN SDG Action Campaign supported a video launched by UN Trade and Development, highlighting the devastating impact of the global debt crisis on achieving the SDGs.
Spotlight on Session 3: Addressing Debt Challenges for Sustainable Development
The debt crisis is one of the most pressing issues faced by developing countries, threatening their ability to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. During the session, Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development, addressed the stark reality that more than half of developing countries are spending a significant portion of their export earnings on debt servicing, leaving fewer resources for essential services like health, education, and clean water. “This is not just a statistic — it’s a development crisis affecting billions,” Grynspan remarked, stressing the urgent need for multilateral solutions, “We are watching governments and families face impossible decisions as they struggle under the weight of debt. We must confront this crisis head-on with real solutions before more progress is lost.”
Launched during the session by UN Trade and Development, the powerful video supported by the UN SDG Action Campaign, reminded about the grim reality of the debt burden, showcasing its impact on people and communities, rather than markets. The video resonated deeply with attendees, illustrating how debt servicing in many countries is overtaking vital development needs, hindering progress on the Global Goals.
In addition to the compelling video, the panel featured contributions from key voices including Betty Wainaina, Program Director of the Multilateral Reform Program at New York University’s Center on International Cooperation, and Rania A. Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development. They explored bold, multilateral solutions for addressing the rising debt levels, emphasizing that the cost of inaction is too high.
Other Highlights from A Sustainable Future for All
Throughout the day, sessions explored innovative solutions to the global development crisis. Session 1: Sustainable Development in a Time of Global Transformation featured prominent leaders such as Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the UN, and Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, discussing long-term sustainable strategies that ensure progress for both present and future generations.
In Session 2: International Tax Cooperation — A New Frontier for Inequality Reduction, experts like Amar Bhattacharya, Laura Sabogal and Chenai Mukumba addressed how tax policies, such as carbon taxes and corporate levies, could be used to close financing gaps and reduce inequalities.
In Session 4: Scaling Up Development and Climate Financing, speakers such as Ilona Szabo De Carvalho and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Nikolaj Coster-Waldau discussed actionable solutions to increase development and climate finance, emphasizing the urgent need to prioritize vulnerable communities.
Session 5: International Financial Architecture for the 21st Century brought together high-level figures like Achim Steiner, John Kerry, Mary Robinson and Rania A. Al-Mashat, who explored how multilateral institutions must evolve to support sustainable development and meet global challenges by 2030.
The Sustainable Development For All sessions concluded with forward-looking discussions on the future of global financial architecture and a call to action from youth representatives, capped by an inspiring performance from the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, urging hope and action for Our Common Future.
This full day of events illustrated the collective responsibility we all share in shaping a sustainable future. By spotlighting the voices of global leaders, civil society, and youth, the Summit of the Future provided a platform for collaboration, new ideas, and the drive to address the challenges facing our world today.
Highlight from the Summit of the Future Action Day Closing Ceremony
The other priority themes of the Summit of the Future Action Day 2 included digital and technology; peace and security; and an overall focus on future generations. The Closing Ceremony focused on looking forward to our journey towards a more effective and inclusive model of multilateralism. The highlights are captured in this visual scribe summary which was created live during the Ceremony enabled by the Campaign
Summit of the Future Action Days
Sustainable Future for All: Programme / Watch sessions: 1–3 / 4–5
