The Summit of the Future: How can we build peaceful societies in a fragmented world?

Think Change

As conflicts continue to spiral in many parts of the world, from those who dominate the headlines daily to the ones that we barely hear about, global instability is increasing in the context of rising food insecurity, forced displacement, and climate change. We need to step up our collective commitment to building peaceful societies.

In September 2024, the United Nations hosted the Summit of the Future, bringing together world leaders to create a new international consensus on how to address global challenges and create a better future, with the aim to settle conflicts peacefully and expand youth participation in global decision-making, amongst others.

This episode discusses how we can prevent conflict and rebuild solidarity and accountability in a fragmented world. What are the challenges and how can we mitigate against them? How can we involve marginalised groups to build an inclusive global architecture that serves those on the ground working on peacebuilding initiatives?

Disclaimer: This episode was recorded in advance of the Summit.

Guests

• Sara Pantuliano (host), Chief Executive, ODI
• Elizabeth Spehar, Elizabeth Mary Spear, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, UN Department of Political Affairs
• Joyce Mendez, United Nations Secretary General's Youth Advisory Group
• Jago Salmon, Senior Research Associate, Politics and Governance

Resources:
https://www.un.org/peacebuilding/content/2025-review-un-peacebuilding-architecture (Peacebuilding Architecture Review, UN)

https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future (Summit of the Future, UN)

https://odi.org/en/insights/a-pact-for-the-future-needs-a-stronger-awareness-of-un-financing-in-the-present/ (Blog, ODI)

https://odi.org/en/events/women-at-the-forefront-the-transformative-impact-of-the-unscr-1325-on-women-peace-and-security/ (Event, ODI)

https://odi.org/en/publications/working-with-humanitarians-is-a-nightmare-dynamics-surrounding-locally-led-peacebuilding-in-somalia/ (Report, ODI)

https://odi.org/en/insights/event-recap-community-engagement-armed-actors/ (Event, ODI)

https://odi.org/en/publications/meeting-report-security-and-climate-change-implications-for-hdp-programmes-in-somalia/ (Meeting Report, ODI)

https://odi.org/en/publications/community-engagement-protection-and-peacebuilding-reviewing-evidence-and-practice/ (Journal article, ODI)

https://odi.org/en/insights/physician-heal-thyself-a-new-agenda-for-peace-must-look-inwards-first-to-address-institutional-obstacles-to-building-and-preventing-peace/ (Expert Comment, ODI)