Why the UN Pact for the Future matters to Malaysia

The UN's Pact for the Future offers hope of addressing urgent global issues, but it requires bold leadership – particularly from nations like Malaysia, which is assuming the Asean chair next year. — Filepic/Straits Times/Asia News Network

AS the world faces unprecedented challenges – from climate change to inequality – the United Nations’ Pact for the Future, approved two weeks ago by the UN General Assembly (the bit of the UN where all countries have a seat at the table), is a critical roadmap for global action.

This Pact outlines 56 key actions that could, with sufficient political will and common sense, shape international collaboration for decades. At its heart lies an urgent call to ensure human dignity, eradicate poverty, restore the planet, and foster peace.