energy transition

The UN’s Pact for the Future, intended to signify a new era for multilateralism, was adopted on Sunday at the Summit of the Future.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the agreement a “step-change towards more effective, inclusive, networked multilateralism.”

However, critics say that despite its potential, the document is ultimately a missed opportunity.

Failed Attempt to Tank the Pact

The Pact’s adoption follows nine months of negotiations and high-profile controversy over a previous draft’s omission of a fossil fuel phaseout.

This omission led to 77 world leaders and Nobel laureates writing a letter to governments in August demanding its inclusion.

At the time, Stefan Löfven, Former Prime Minister of Swedenstark and one of the signatories, called the decision a “failure to confront one of the greatest threats to our planet and humanity.”

The final text, adopted by heads of state from 193 countries, now includes a commitment to transition away from fossil fuels, echoing the COP28 pledge.

In a statement yesterday, the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative said the negotiations around the Pact have showcased the “enduring tug of war” between the most vulnerable nations, who are advocating for a global plan to implement a fast, equitable, and fair transition energy transition, and the fossil fuel-producing states, “doing everything possible to block any mention of fossil fuels in multilateral discussions.”

The adoption of the Pact was realised despite Russia’s surprise objection at the outset of the Summit.

The Russian delegation proposed that the Pact be deferred pending further talks, and proposed an amendment for the addition of language relating to the United Nations’ intervention in “matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any State.”

“No one is happy with this pact,” said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin.

This amendment was backed by North Korea, Belarus, Iran, Nicaragua, Sudan, and Syria.

However, the seven votes in favour and the 15 other abstentions were outnumbered by the 143 who voted against adopting the amendment.

“Petrostates tried to derail the Pact for the Future but the outcome of COP28, transitioning away from fossil fuel and tripling renewables still stands and is the new norm we so desperately need,” commented Andreas Sieber, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns at 350.org.

Agreement Lacks Bite on Fossil Fuels

However, while the Pact mentions the transition away from fossil fuels, critics say that the document ultimately lacks bite.

Alex Rafalowicz, Executive-Director of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, said that neglecting to take decisive action on the root cause of the climate crisis is a “lost opportunity to tackle one of the greatest threats of our time,” and urged for an overarching plan like a Fossil Fuel Treaty- a call supported by the likes of President of the Republic of Palau – Hon. Surangel Whipps Jr., and Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Hon. Feleti Penitala Teo.

Greenpeace International Executive Director Mads Christensen shared a similar sentiment, saying that a repeated commitment to transition away from fossil fuels is a “good first step” but the “bare minimum of what’s required.”

Elsewhere, Romain Ioualalen, Oil Change International Global Policy Manager, said that words are not enough: “We need urgent action. Countries must adopt national climate plans (NDCs) that immediately halt fossil fuel expansion and include plans to phase out fossil fuels. Rich nations must lead the way and commit to a new climate finance goal of at least $1 trillion annually at COP29.

“Only through concrete and binding financial commitments and rapid action to phase out fossil fuels can we secure a livable future within 1.5°C. The clock is ticking. It’s time to pay up and phase out,” added Ioualalen.

Gaps and Implementation Concerns

The Pact makes 56 pledges across both national and international action, alongside two annexes: the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration of Future Generations. 

In addition to the energy transition, other global challenges addressed in the Pact include everything from peace, security and digital cooperation, to global governance and human rights.

And while the UN has called it “the most detailed agreement ever,” there remain significant gaps.

Dr. Annika Silva-Leander, Head of North America and Permanent Observer of International IDEA to the United Nations, wrote in a piece published yesterday that while the Pact has the potential to both reshape global governance and address pressing global challenges, it “fails to emphasize support of democratic institutions, inclusive governance, and civil liberties.”

Dr. Silva-Leander noted that amid rising authoritarianism, threats to judicial independence, and the erosion of democratic systems, the future of democracy should have been prioritised.

Meanwhile, in a statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, Ugandan Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said that concern remains regarding the growing gap between the needs of developing countries and the support available to face these challenges.

“We regret that the Pact falls short in recognizing the actions needed to close this gap, including for developed countries to fulfil their obligations to provide the Means of Implementation, including capacity building, technology transfer, and adequate, sufficient, predictable, quality and additional financial resources for supporting developing countries to implement their Nationally Determined Contributions, adapt to the growing impacts of climate change and respond to the associated losses and damages,” said Nabbanja.

Beyond this, as a nonbinding document, there are also concerns regarding implementation.

Guterres Calls on Leaders to Take Action

At the Summit, UN head Guterres, the mastermind behind the Summit, acknowledged these concerns and called on leaders to implement the Pact, end the wars “tearing our world apart”, and reform the Security Council and the international financial system.

“We have unlocked the door. Now it is our common responsibility to walk through it. That demands not just agreement, but action. I challenge you to take that action,” Guterres said in his remarks at the opening segment of the Summit.

Nabbanja echoed this call to turn words into action.

“This Pact should not become another futile exercise, but must garner political will and commitment across all levels of global leadership to pragmatically address current issues and lay a foundation for solutions for our future global progress and challenges,” said the Ugandan PM.

To read the adopted Pact for the Future agreement, head here.

By Madaline Dunn, Editor, ESG Mena.