Secretary-General’s report on “Our Common Agenda”

We must think big. We need to reshape the foundations and reaffirm the core values that underpin collective action.

Time is of essence and the choices before us are stark. Our welfare, and indeed the permanence of human life, now depend on us working effectively together across borders and sectors to manage many shared risks and achieve a vital set of common goals, including but not limited to, those set out in the UN75 Declaration.

A global consultation process

In response, we embarked upon a process of reflection, engaging a broad array of stakeholders, including Member States, thought leaders, young people, civil society and the UN system and its many partners.

Our Common Agenda builds on many of the ideas that emerged during the year-long global listening exercise conducted in the context of the 75th anniversary where more than 1.5 million people in all 193 Member States voiced strong public support for international cooperation, and a desire for more effective, more inclusive and more networked multilateralism in the future.

This report synthesizes key ideas that emerged during the reflection process and offers suggestions on how to take them forward.

Based on these findings, we launched an extensive consultation process including four different tracks:

Member States

Working with the President of the General Assembly and partners, including inclusive, informal networked breakfast series accross 12 UN75 themes hosted by UN Foundation

Thought Leaders

Visionary thinking from a diversity of eminent thought leaders around the world and across different regions on reinvigorating multilateralism for accelerating progress on global commons

Young Thinkers

Innovative ideas from young thinkers and active citizens under the age of 30 to explore a reimagined social contract and a new global deal for next and future generations as part of the international system

We the Peoples

Artificial Intelligence-enabled worldwide digital consultations, following up from UN75 global dialogues, to gather inputs, galvanize networks, innovate bold ideas, and activate champions to achieve Our Common Agenda priorities

An Inclusive Approach

Our Common Agenda is led by the Executive Office of the Secretary-General with support from the UN Foundation and Igarapé Institute, along with a network of partners from all regions engaging a diverse ecosystem of global experts, youth, civil society, parliamentarians, private sector, universities and think tanks.

COVID-19 Response

Our world can only get ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic one way — together. A global response based on solidarity will save lives, protect people and help defeat this vicious virus that has already claimed more than two million lives.

Climate Change

Climate change is the defining issue of our time and now is the defining moment to do something about it. There is still time to tackle climate change, but it will require an unprecedented effort from all sectors of society.

Decade of Action

With just 10 years to go, an ambitious global effort is underway to deliver the 2030 promise—by mobilizing more governments, civil society, businesses and calling on all people to make the Global Goals their own.

Gender Equality

Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and, therefore, also half of its potential. Gender equality, besides being a fundamental human right, is essential to achieve peaceful societies, with full human potential and sustainable development.