‘We have a responsibility:’ Trudeau urges global leaders to support pact for future

By The Canadian Press on September 22, 2024.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau makes his way to the podium for a news conference at the Canadian Permanent Mission, in New York, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

NEW YORK – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is laying out a choice for world leaders in a time of increasing instability: bury your heads in the sand or put differences aside for the sake of future generations.

In a speech to the Summit of the Future in New York, Trudeau says leaders have a collective responsibility to confront serious global challenges.

The summit is taking place today and Monday ahead of the 78th meeting of the United Nations General Assembly.

Its goal is to reform the UN, reinvigorate multilateralism and agree on solutions to new challenges at a time when the global institution has faced criticism for its handling of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the war in Gaza.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged member nations to compromise and approve the “Pact of the Future,” a blueprint to address a wide range of global challenges.

There has been pushback from Russia, Saudi Arabia and other countries who object to language about issues including climate change and reforming international financial institutions.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 22, 2024.

– With files from Dylan Robertson in Ottawa and The Associated Press