We, the Heads of State and Government and high representatives, having met at the Summit of the Future at United Nations Headquarters on 22 and 23 September 2024,
Reaffirming our commitments to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as our respective obligations under international law,
Reaffirming also our commitments to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the political declaration of the Sustainable Development Goals Summit of 2023, and our pledge to future generations as set out, inter alia, in the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development,
Cognizant that future generations are all those generations that do not yet exist, and who will inherit this planet,
Observing that many existing national legal systems, as well as some cultures and religions, seek to safeguard the needs and interests of future generations and promote intergenerational solidarity, justice and equity,
Recognizing that the decisions, actions and inactions of present generations have an intergenerational multiplier effect, and therefore resolving to ensure that present generations act with responsibility towards safeguarding the needs and interests of future generations,
Acknowledging that we must learn from our past achievements and failures, and their consequences, in order to ensure a more sustainable, just and equitable world for present and future generations, and understanding the interconnectedness of past, present and future,
Recognizing children and youth as agents of change and the need for intergenerational dialogue and engagement, including with and among children, youth and older persons, to be taken into consideration in our policy and decision-making processes in order to safeguard the needs and interests of future generations,
Acknowledging that investing in building a strong foundation for lasting international peace and security, sustainable development, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all and upholding the rule of law is the most effective way to safeguard the needs and interests of future generations,
Recognizing the complex and interrelated opportunities, challenges and risks faced by present generations, as well as the implications of projected global demographic trends,
Further committing to build a stronger, more effective and resilient multilateral system based on international law, with the United Nations at its core, underpinned by transparency, confidence and trust, for the benefit of present and future generations,
Declare the following.
