Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze addressed the UN Summit of the Future, stressing the importance of peace and security, calling them “foundations of human rights and sustainable development.”

Below is his speech as delivered:

“Dear Mr. President, Esteemed Guests,

Three years ago, in Our Common Agenda, the Secretary-General proposed the Summit of the Future, aiming to promote a new global consensus on delivering a better present and safeguarding the future for generations to come. Today, that vision is realized as we gather, united in our commitment to rebuild trust and seek “multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow”.

In today’s increasingly complex and rapidly evolving world, achieving a fairer future is more pressing than ever. We face unprecedented challenges: from the lingering effects of the pandemic to persistent conflicts and deepening socio-economic disparities, humanitarian crises, and the escalating threat of climate change.

As a result, the world is not on track to meet the goals we have set for ourselves. The Secretary-General’s recent report on Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals shows that only 17% of SDG targets are on course to be achieved.

In the light of these overwhelming global issues, this Summit presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate the power of effective global cooperation and multilateralism. Its outcomes will significantly advance the 2030 Agenda, aligned with the Declaration of the SDG Summit. At this crucial moment, Georgia stands ready to unite with the international community in this shared endeavor.

The Pact of the Future offers us a chance to transform the success of this Summit into meaningful, lasting transformation. It sets out a more effective course, leading to specific and sustainable progress for future generations.

In this spirit, we welcome the adoption of the Pact, including the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, annexed to the Pact, and we look forward to its swift implementation.

It is clear that peace and security are the foundations of human rights and sustainable development. In a world marred by conflicts, aggressions, and forced displacement, the Pact represents a crucial path forward, promoting global peace and security through adherence to the UN Charter and International Law, strengthening accountability, and ending impunity. By following this path, we will uphold human rights and achieve sustainable development.

In our digitized world, where technology presents both tremendous opportunities and challenges, the Global Digital Compact should serve as a roadmap towards an open, secure, and inclusive digital future. Global digital cooperation is key to leveraging the advantages of cutting-edge technologies, promoting human rights online and offline, and eliminating the risks posed by the misuse of technology.

We believe it is essential to incorporate the viewpoints of future generations into our policy frameworks, ensuring that the long-term impacts of our actions are considered. The Declaration on Future Generations is a crucial tool for ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed in shaping a sustainable future.

The Summit of the Future has provided a vital platform for fostering international cooperation and solidarity. As we move forward, the real challenge will be translating our commitments into tangible actions through the effective implementation of the Pact. Let us sustain this momentum and work together to build a better tomorrow where the values of this Organization are fully respected and upheld.”