The Pact's Journey

From vision to adoption

The Pact for the Future, adopted on 22 September 2024 at the Summit of the Future, represents the most wide-ranging international agreement in recent years. Its adoption marked the culmination of a multiyear process aimed at revitalizing multilateralism, adapting global cooperation to 21st-century challenges, and re-affirming the commitment of Member States to the United Nations Charter.

This timeline traces the milestones that led to the Pact’s adoption, including major declarations, policy proposals, and intergovernmental agreements that shaped its ambition and content.

2015 – The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

The Sustainable Development Goals wheel

Member States adopt a global plan of action for people, planet, peace, and prosperity. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set the foundation for many of the commitments later reaffirmed in the Pact.


2020 – UN75 Declaration

UN75 Declaration graphic

On the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, world leaders adopt a forward-looking Declaration (A/RES/75/1) with twelve commitments to future generations, multilateralism, and global cooperation. The General Assembly calls on the Secretary-General to make recommendations to advance these commitments.

2021 – Our Common Agenda

Our Common Agenda document

In response, the Secretary-General presents Our Common Agenda, a bold vision to accelerate SDG implementation, strengthen the global commons, and promote a more networked and inclusive multilateralism. The report recommends convening a “Summit of the Future”.


2023 – Policy Brief series

Policy Brief series example document

To support intergovernmental preparations, the Secretary-General releases 11 policy briefs addressing key priorities, from digital cooperation and meaningful youth engagement to international financial reform and governance of outer space.


2024 – The Summit of the Future and adoption of the Pact

Pact for the Future document

The Pact for the Future is adopted by consensus on 22 September 2024, along with its two annexes:

  • the Global Digital Compact
  • the Declaration on Future Generations

The Summit brought together thousands of participants, including Heads of State and Government, civil society, youth, and the private sector, for two days of high-level dialogue and collective decision-making.