Summit of the Future

Mr. President,

Excellencies,

It is a pleasure to participate in the Summit on behalf of the International Development Law Organization, the only global intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law to advance peace and sustainable development.

The commitments in the Pact for the Future, together with the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, can help tackle our biggest challenges and build a renewed multilateralism – but only if we work together to make them a reality.

IDLO’s 40 years of experience, partnering with some 100 countries, has shown us that the rule of law is key to delivering on the bold ambition of this Summit.

Let me share three reasons why.

First, the rule of law is critical to rebuilding public trust. The unmet demand for justice is at the root of multiple crises around the globe.

The rule of law helps ensure fairness, accountability, and transparency. People-centred justice systems protect the rights of the least powerful and give people confidence that institutions are working in the interest of all rather than a privileged few.

The inclusion of women, youth and other historically excluded groups is essential for the whole-of-society approaches needed for lasting peace and sustainable development.

Secondly, the rule of law, most prominently reflected in Goal 16, can accelerate progress across the 2030 Agenda, which remains our best shared blueprint for peace and prosperity.

The rule of law principles of inclusivity, equity and non-discrimination, are incorporated throughout all seventeen SDGs. Effective laws and accessible and accountable institutions are essential for implementation.

Finally, the rule of law is key to reinvigorate and repurpose multilateralism for the 21st century.

The rule of law at the international level, as enshrined in the UN Charter, guarantees the sovereign equality of Member States and is the basis for the preservation of international peace and security.

A multilateral system that is fit for the future requires rule of law-based solutions to deal with complex transnational challenges, including climate change and the regulation of frontier technologies such as AI, to ensure that progress is rights-based and avoids creating new forms of inequality.

For these reasons, IDLO welcomes the many references to the rule of law, justice, human rights and the promotion of gender equality in the Pact.

We hope that these words will be backed by tangible action and financing in national budgets and ODA. We look forward to the linkages being made with the Financing for Development Conference next year.

IDLO remains committed to collaborating with all partners to work towards a more peaceful, just and sustainable world through the rule of law. There is no better investment we can make in our collective future, and it is the best way for us to stand in solidarity with future generations.