We can give future generations something better to look forward to by making sure that the objectives and targets outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals are appropriately implemented and supported.
As a result, Ghana is working to create a better future for the younger generation as it gets ready for the UN Summit of the Future 2024, which will take place in New York on September 22–23.
The Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Prof George Gyan-Baffour, said this at a press briefing in Accra.
He stated that Ghana would table ambitious policy measures to advance the country’s climate change agendas, particularly climate financing facilities such as carbon credits,
He added, “Our future belongs to the young people. That is why we must educate them, defend our culture and strive for gender equality to create the world we want.”
Prof. Gyan-Baffour noted that in preparation for the Summit, inputs were sought from stakeholders including youth organisations, civil society groups, government agencies and the private sector.
The goal is to develop a position paper that represents diverse voices, which President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will present at the summit.
He called for proactiveness in the approach to securing a better future for the youth to form a new social impact.
He disclosed that Ghana’s focus for the summit includes climate change mitigation, human development and digital transformation, youth empowerment and gender equality.
“The country also plans to discuss innovative financing for development, reforms in global governance and the role of science and technology in sustainable development,” he added.
The Chairman also emphasised Ghana’s commitment to increasing African representation in global decision-making.
“Ghana will ensure that African aspirations and needs are brought to the fore, as global leaders shape the world’s future,” he said.
He stated that the outcome of the summit would be disseminated and called on the media to champion the dissemination when the time was due.
On his part, the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Charles Abani, stated that the negotiated outcome of the Summit is a document named “the pact of the future” which comprises five chapters.
The chapters include sustainable development and financing for development, international peace and security, science technology and innovation and digital cooperation.
The other chapters are about youth and future generations as well as transforming global governance.
The summit will bring global leaders together to address issues like climate change, geopolitical conflicts and social unrest. Ghana, with its history of engagement in international relations, plans to contribute solutions to these global challenges.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
