The Summit of the Future, taking place 23-24 September 2024, will bring world leaders together to forge a new international consensus on how to better safeguard the future, enhance cooperation on critical challenges and address gaps in global governance. At the Summit of the Future, leaders will adopt the Pact for the Future which includes several action-oriented commitments on areas like sustainable development, international peace and security, science, digital cooperation, future generations and transforming global governance.

One of the pact’s commitments includes “restrict or refrain, as appropriate, from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas when their use may be expected to cause harm to civilians or civilian objects, including essential civilian infrastructure, schools, medical facilities and places of worship” under action 14 “we will protect all civilians in armed conflict.” 

Prior to the Summit of the Future, Action Days will be held on 20 and 21 September 2024 to allow for a focus on multilateralism through multi-stakeholder partnership and action. They will gather member state representatives as well as those from civil society, private sector, academia, and local and regional authorities. A session on “Protection of Civilians in Urban Settings” will be held which aims to raise awareness on the impact of the use of explosive weapons in populated areas by both State and non-State actors, including terrorist groups. The session will amplify these voices from affected contexts and communities, highlighting the humanitarian impact of war and calling for Member States to address how to better protect civilians and to support survivors.