New eco-social contracts for the UN's 'Pact for the Future'

The Global Research and Action Network for a New Eco-Social Contract (GRAN-ESC), convened by UNRISD and the Green Economy Coalition, submitted recommendations to the UN Summit for the Future. The submission argues that the 'Pact for the Future' must incorporate 'eco-social contracts' that integrate ecological, social, and economic elements to revitalize the 2030 Agenda and ensure a just transition.

• GRAN-ESC proposes that the Pact for the Future adopt 'eco-social contracts' based on seven principles from UNRISD (2022): human rights for all, progressive fiscal contracts, transformed economies and societies, a contract for nature, addressing historical injustices, gender justice, and solidarity. This approach seeks to broaden the traditional 'social contract' to include biodiversity, sustainable development, and the rights of nature.
• The submission calls for a shift from fragmented national green stimulus packages toward a UN-backed multilateral framework and a dedicated UN taskforce on structural green and eco-social transition policies. This is intended to prevent uncoordinated national approaches that create competition rather than cooperation and to ensure emerging economies in the 'Majority World' are not left behind.
• To achieve a just transition, the document recommends the creation of fair fiscal contracts at both national and global levels. Key measures include promoting progressive tax systems, combating tax evasion and illicit financial flows (IFF), reforming the international financial architecture to solve the global debt crisis, and funding the replacement of fossil fuel subsidies with social protection and affordable clean energy.
• The recommendations emphasize the need for inclusive, deliberative governance processes—such as citizens' assemblies and participatory budgeting—to address democratic deficits. These processes should specifically empower marginalized groups, including children, youth, people with disabilities, and indigenous peoples, ensuring their participation is genuine rather than mere co-option.
• The submission advocates for the legal recognition and protection of the rights of nature, sentient beings, and non-human animals. It specifically highlights the role of Indigenous Peoples in upholding these rights and calls for binding national, regional, and multilateral due diligence treaties regarding business and human rights.

APA

Martin, B. (2024). New eco-social contracts for the UN's 'Pact for the Future'. Green Economy Coalition. https://www.greeneconomycoalition.org/news-and-resources/our-common-agenda-pact-for-the-future-submission-structure-outline

Chicago

Martin, Ben. New eco-social contracts for the UN's 'Pact for the Future'. Green Economy Coalition, 2024. https://www.greeneconomycoalition.org/news-and-resources/our-common-agenda-pact-for-the-future-submission-structure-outline.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=Martin |first1=Ben |title=New eco-social contracts for the UN's 'Pact for the Future' |publisher=Green Economy Coalition |date=18 January 2024 |url=https://www.greeneconomycoalition.org/news-and-resources/our-common-agenda-pact-for-the-future-submission-structure-outline |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{martin2024new, author = {Martin, Ben}, title = {{New eco-social contracts for the UN's 'Pact for the Future'}}, publisher = {Green Economy Coalition}, year = {2024}, month = jan, url = {https://www.greeneconomycoalition.org/news-and-resources/our-common-agenda-pact-for-the-future-submission-structure-outline}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }