The UN, G20 and Brics navigate uncharted global waters

IN SEPTEMBER 2024, exactly a year ago, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the UN Pact for the Future. Acknowledging the deep polycrisis of conflicts, climate change and rapid Al diffusion, the pact commits UN and nations states to step up to these challenges. Last week, the UN Secretary-General and the US on Emerging Technology released its report on rapid technological change.

- ASHRAF PATEL Senior research associate at the Institute for Global Dialogue, Unisa

Some figures from across the UN system and beyond help visualise progress and emerging problems:

Progress made on almost half of the targets is insufficient, and 18% of targets show regression from the 2015 baseline. Rapid technological change presents significant oppor tunities and challenges for policymakers seeking to harness technology for the common good.

Next Week, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) will convene Digital@UNGA during the 2025 UN General Assembly, creating a space to spotlight digital cooperation across a range of activities and organisations. Through a flagship anchor event and a diverse programme of affiliate sessions, Digital@UNGA will bring together leaders, innovators, youth and civil society to explore how digital can be a force for good, for people and prosperity.

But in a fractured geopolitical world, realpolitik and contestations of narratives are core drivers in the quest to shape AI Futures.