Mauritius Gears Up for the Summit of the Future

World leaders are coming together this September at the United Nations (UN) in New York for a once in a lifetime occasion to rethink multilateralism to address the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world. This Summit of the Future will result in an inter-governmentally agreed Pact for the Future to turbocharge global cooperation to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Technical Discussion on the Pact for the Future

To localize global conversations, the UN in Mauritius and Seychelles in partnership with the Government of Mauritius and other key stakeholders came together to hold a “Technical Discussion on the Pact for the Future”.  This pivotal moment in Mauritius' preparatory process towards on the Summit of the Future, was held on 22 July 2024, at the Caudan Arts Centre in Port Louis. A joint initiative between the Government of Mauritius and the UN, the discussion brought together approximately 70 participants from government, private sector, civil society organizations, and UN agencies. The Technical Discussion centered around three primary objectives:

1. Raising awareness about the Summit of the Future's Pact for the Future chapters
2. Ensuring informed participation at the September Summit
3. Fostering continued dialogue and cooperation between the Government of Mauritius and UN agencies in the PACT areas post-Summit.

During the discussions, participants delved into key action areas outlined in the Pact for the Future with the potential to impact Mauritius’ sustainable development journey:

• Sustainable Development and Financing: Underscoring the need for tailored solutions for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including improved access to climate finance and innovative funding mechanisms like blue bonds and carbon credits.
• Science, Technology, Innovation and Digitalization: Highlighting the country’s progress in STEM education and artificial intelligence, while also calling for increased support in areas such as data security, research decolonization, and bridging the digital gender gap.

• Youth and Future Generations: Showcasing the country’s initiatives in youth empowerment, including the National Youth Empowerment Policy and various training programs, while advocating for a Youth Development Index and intergenerational partnerships.

   

Looking Ahead

Through active engagement nationally and regionally ahead of the Summit of the Future, Mauritius has sought along with other SIDS to amplify the unique challenges faced by island states and ensure that they are at the forefront of international discussions. The upcoming Summit presents an unparalleled opportunity for Mauritius to influence global governance reform in ways that will benefit not just SIDS, but the entire international community. As we approach this critical juncture in global cooperation, Mauritius' contributions stand as a testament to the vital role that small island states can play in crafting a more sustainable and equitable future for all.