The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) marks a crucial milestone in the global effort to accelerate progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Convened under the theme “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations,” UNGA 79 High-level Week will provide world leaders, gathered at UN Headquarters in New York, with several occasions of debate to explore solutions to the intertwined global challenges and advance peace, security, and sustainable development.

A delegation from the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO), led by President Arnold Puech d’Alissac, will be attending UNGA79 High-level Week to contribute to the debate and ensure that the voice of farming communities is heard and considered.

20-21 September: Summit of the Future Action Days

In anticipation of the Summit of the Future, the UN Secretary-General is organising the Summit of the Future Action Days on 20-21 September. These days are designed to foster inclusion and engagement across a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including Member States, civil society, the private sector, academia, local and regional authorities, and youth. These stakeholders have all played a key role in shaping the Pact for the Future and will be critical to its implementation.

The Action Days will kick off with a dedicated, youth-led afternoon session followed by a Saturday programme focused on three key priority themes – digital and technology, peace and security, and sustainable development and financing. Additionally, there will also be a dedicated focus throughout the day on future generations. Confirmed participants include Heads of State and Government, Ministers, senior UN officials, including the Secretary-General, Nobel Laureates, representatives from the private sector, civil society, and other actors.

22-23 September: Summit of the Future

Heads of State and Government will gather at UN Headquarters in New York on 22-23 September to address critical issues such as climate change, poverty, inequality, and the gaps in global governance exacerbated by the impacts of ongoing conflicts and global health crises. The Summit of the Future aims to reaffirm commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations Charter while enhancing cooperation and laying the foundations for a reinvigorated multilateral system. The Summit will result in the adoption of Pact for the Future, an action-oriented document aimed at bolstering global cooperation and adapting to current challenges effectively for the benefit of all and future generations.

Over the past year, the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO), as the organising partner of the Farmers Major Group, actively participated in several consultations organised by the Pact’s co-facilitators. Through these efforts, the WFO influenced the content of the Pact, which now emphasises the importance of combating hunger, the need for investment in agricultural technology, and the promotion of equitable, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agrifood systems.

26 September: High-level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

The High-level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) presents an opportunity for countries and stakeholders to renew efforts and accelerate progress in combating the growing threat of AMR. This meeting will serve as the foundation for executing policies and ensuring accountability for strengthening health systems against AMR. Building on the momentum of previous declarations and commitments, participants will focus on enhancing international cooperation, promoting the responsible use of antimicrobials, and advancing the development of new treatments to safeguard global health.

As advocated at the UN Multi-stakeholder Hearing on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) last May, the WFO and its member farmers’ organisations remain committed and are ready to step up work with the UN, the AMR Quadripartite (FAO, WOAH, WHO, and UNEP), and other relevant institutions and stakeholders to ensuring responsible antimicrobial use to preserve the long-term availability of effective treatment, prevention, and control of infections in the human health and livestock sector and prevent the development of AMR in humans, animals, and plants.

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