The time to act is now, Croatia stands ready to contribute to a more just, peaceful, and sustainable global order

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković attended the Summit of the Future, today at the United Nations in New York. The Summit is a high-level event, bringing world leaders together to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future.

Effective global cooperation is increasingly critical to our survival but difficult to achieve in an atmosphere of mistrust, using outdated structures that no longer reflect today’s political and economic realities.

This once-in-a-generation opportunity serves as a moment to mend eroded trust and demonstrate that international cooperation can effectively achieve agreed goals and tackle emerging threats and opportunities.

World leaders convened at the United Nations to adopt the Pact for the Future, which will include a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations as annexes.

Choices we make now will define the world for future generations

Following is the Prime Minister Plenković’s speech on this occasion in its entirety.

“We have gathered here today driven by a common purpose: concern for the present and a commitment to shaping a better future.

This Summit is crucial because the choices we make now will define the world for future generations.

I thank Germany and Namibia, alongside Sweden, Zambia, Jamaica, and the Netherlands, for their leadership in guiding this essential global dialogue.

Today, the world faces an alarming surge in conflicts.

The cooperative spirit that has long underpinned international relations, embodied by the United Nations, is under severe strain.

The Russian agression against Ukraine, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, and other global hostilities are existential threats to global peace, security, and humanity.

Our painful history shaped Croatia’s resilience, today we are a proud member of NATO and EU

These challenges do not affect just one region; they endanger us all.

In these turbulent times, restoring trust and solidarity among nations is not merely desirable—it is imperative.

Croatia understands this deeply.

Thirty years ago, much like Ukraine today, we were a nation ravaged by war, defending our sovereignty against a far more powerful aggressor.

The sacrifices made in our struggle for freedom and democracy will never be forgotten.

Today, Croatia stands as a proud member of both NATO and the European Union.

Our painful history has shaped Croatia’s resilience and provided us with a unique understanding of the challenges that come with conflict.

Effective multilateralism rooted in respect for international law is the way forward

Ladies and gentlemen,

Despite the myriad challenges we face, we must prioritize sustainable development as a foundation for global peace and security.

Sustainable development is not just an aspiration; it is essential for stability.

To achieve this, we must foster global solidarity and urgently reform the international financial architecture to support these goals.

Croatia firmly believes that effective multilateralism—rooted in respect for international law, the UN Charter, and genuine partnerships—is the way forward.

Only through a unified approach, combining security, development, and human rights, can we ensure prosperity for all.

Croatia ranks 8^th out of 193 countries in Sustainable Development Goals

Croatia’s experience as Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission last year, and our efforts in peacebuilding, are now integral to the global peace framework.
This is our legacy.

We are also committed to the efficient implementation of the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

I am proud to say that Croatia currently ranks 8th out of 193 countries in SDG implementation.

This achievement reflects our commitment to sustainable growth and positions Croatia as a model for how even smaller nations can lead by example.

We continue to advance three key processes: digital transformation, demographic renewal, and decarbonization.

These priorities, embedded in our national policies, drive our growth while ensuring sustainability.

Three critical areas - conflict prevention, sustainable development, more inclusive governance system

Croatia’s forward-looking vision balances economic progress with social responsibility.

Looking ahead, I see three critical areas that require our collective attention:

First, conflict prevention is more urgent than ever.

Our experience in Croatia reminds us of the importance of early action and diplomacy to avoid unnecessary suffering.

Second, we must not waver in our commitment to sustainable development.

Climate action, protecting biodiversity, and reversing environmental degradation are essential for our survival.

Third, we must strive for a more equitable and inclusive global governance system.

International institutions must evolve to be more representative, promoting human rights and social development that reflect the diversity of the world’s nations.

The outcome of this Summit provides us with a clear roadmap.

Now, it is up to us to turn these plans into reality.

The time to act is now.

Croatia stands ready to contribute to a more just, peaceful, and sustainable global order.
 
Thank you.”



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