Expanded Content and Scope of Themes and Thematic Groups
Thematic Group 1: Transforming Global Governance
The UN Charter was never considered a final or perfect instrument, because changing world conditions would require readjustments that promoted peace and not war and strife. Article 109 of the UN Charter can stimulate reform of the Charter and put in motion discussion of broader organizational reforms including the reform of the veto-empowered Security Council as the world tries to move towards a multilateral system that is more effective, trustworthy, inclusive, and fitted to address the challenges, opportunities, and capabilities of both the present and the future.
- Article 109 Charter reform can be initiated by a two-thirds vote of the members of the UN General Assembly and a vote of any nine members of the Security Council. To what extent is the reform of UN organs, including the Security Council, necessary for their relevance in a rapidly changing world?
- What measures can be taken to ensure the involvement of a wide range of non-State actors in tackling global challenges, while maintaining the intergovernmental nature of the United Nations?
- Do our current systems have the capacity to effectively respond to global shocks? Additionally, how can we accurately measure human progress to prevent neglecting human and planetary well-being?
- In terms of global economic governance, what will the reformed international financial architecture look like to promote fairness and efficiency?
- How can enhanced international cooperation contribute to the peaceful and sustainable utilization of outer space for the benefit of all?
- How can we foster strong institutions that uphold global standards of justice maintaining a commitment to peace in all corners of the world, as envisaged in SDG 17 ?
Thematic Group 2: International Peace and Security
The current and perilous forms of conflict and turmoil have brought us closer to a potential nuclear confrontation than ever before in our history. In order to effectively tackle interconnected global threats, how can we collectively take action to uphold and reinstate international peace and security across various domains such as land, sea, space, cyberspace, and other emerging areas?
Despite the promises outlined in the UN Charter, including its objectives and principles, they have yet to be fully realized. How can we strengthen and maximize the utilization of the United Nations framework for prevention, mediation, peace-building, peace operations, and counter-terrorism?Instead of solely attempting to alleviate the situation, how can we place a greater emphasis on addressing the root causes and underlying factors that fuel violence?
In our pursuit of a world that is significantly closer to being free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, how can we actively work towards this goal?
How can we reinvigorate our disarmament mechanisms and take tangible measures to prevent the misuse of emerging domains and new technologies?
How can national and international institutions build capacity at all levels to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime?
Thematic Group 3: Sustainable Development and Climate Action
While we are committed to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to leave no one behind, there seems to be a lack of urgency to realize the vision of the 2030 Agenda.
- What agreements, partnerships and commitment are needed to provide an impetus to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ?
- What additional steps can ensure sustainable financing in line with the commitments under the Addis Ababa Action Agenda of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development?
- How can nations agree to re-prioritize their efforts to tackle climate change as it has disproportionate effects on developing countries?
- What additional efforts are needed to implement our commitments in UN intergovernmental agreements?
- What should be the role of the judiciary in promoting and enforcing non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development?
Thematic Group 4: Science, technology innovation, and digital cooperation
The importance of science, technology and innovation, and digital cooperation in influencing an all-encompassing, resilient, and sustainable recovery and growth has been firmly established, and we are dedicated to enhancing digital collaboration for the betterment of all mankind.
- How can we expedite the utilization of science and digital technologies to assist us in achieving the 2030 Agenda, including by means of technology transfer under mutually agreed terms to bridge the digital and innovation gap?
- How can we uphold our joint pledges for an open, liberated, secure, and comprehensive digital future, given the existing agreement that new technologies should be designed with a focus on humanity?
- How can scientists, innovators, technology experts, entrepreneurs, and government and civil society representatives leverage science, technology, and innovation for the realization of SDGs?
- The digital revolution poses risks and obstacles, particularly for nations in unique circumstances. What steps should we take to ensure that sustainable development is just, inclusive, and fair in all regions?
- Developing an ethical framework for the use of AI-driven technologies including weaponry.
Thematic Group 5: Youth and Future Generations
The youth play a crucial role in driving innovation, progress, and positive change in our society. Their energy, imagination, and unique viewpoints are fundamental in creating a sustainable and diverse future for all people and the planet. However, the prevalence of persecution, injustice, and abuse continues to undermine the core principles of civilization.
- How can we prevent young people from bearing the brunt of our current shortcomings to secure a better future for them? Are we indifferent or simply unaware of the need to act now?
- Is the concept of 'development' being misconstrued? What steps can we take to ensure the well-being of future generations and reaffirm our dedication to providing youth with a supportive environment to fully realize their rights and potential?
- It is agreed that quality education and continuous learning lead to national prosperity, but what are the impediments to achieving quality education?
- What avenues can be established to actively engage youth and youth-focused organizations in the work of the United Nations and governments?