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World leaders on Monday adopted the potentially game-changing Pact for the Future by consensus, with a small group of just seven countries holding out, having failed to pass a last-minute amendment.  The centerpiece of the Summit of the Future is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine the multilateral system and steer humanity on a new course to meet existing commitments and solve long-term challenges.

The Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations was adopted by consensus, despite a last-minute proposal for an amendment by some countries, including Russia, Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Syria. The amendment sought to incorporate text calling for non-intervention in any issue of national sovereignty, and the primacy of intergovernmental deliberation, in effect, downplaying the role of the civil society or private sector interests. It was rejected after the 193-member Assembly decided not to act on the proposal.The pact’s five broad focus areas include sustainable development; international peace and security; science and technology; youth and future generations; and transforming global governance. This has become an urgent pivot, as multilateral financial institutions and even the United Nations itself have come up short seeking solutions to 21st century problems, the pact lays out.

By endorsing the Pact, UN Member States pledged, among other things, to:

• Turbocharge the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on climate change, two landmark 2015 agreements that have seen halting progress and missed milestones
• Listen to young people and include them in decision-making, at the national and global levels
• Build stronger partnerships with civil society, the private sector, local and regional authorities
• Redouble efforts to build and sustain peaceful, inclusive and just societies and address the root causes of conflicts
• Protect all civilians in armed conflict
• Accelerate the implementation of our commitments on women, peace and security

The Global Digital Compact marks the first truly worldwide agreement on the international regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) and is founded on the idea that technology should benefit everyone. It outlines commitments to ensure that digital technologies contribute to sustainable development and human rights, while addressing risks like digital divides, cybersecurity, and misuse of technology.

The compact aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure AI technologies are used responsibly, fostering global cooperation on both AI capabilities and security threats. Governments are also obligated to form an impartial worldwide Scientific Panel on AI and start an international conversation about AI governance inside the UN.

The Declaration on Future Generations focuses on securing the well-being of future generations, also highlighting the need to include their interests in decision-making processes.It also underlines the importance of protecting the environment, promoting intergenerational equity and ensuring that long-term consequences of today's actions are considered.

Speaking after the adoption, Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that the Pact for the Future and its annexes, “open pathways to new possibilities and opportunities.”

“People everywhere are hoping for a future of peace, dignity and prosperity. They are crying out for global action to solve the climate crisis, tackle inequality, and address new and emerging risks that threaten everyone,” he said. “They see the United Nations as essential to solving these challenges,” he continued, adding “the Summit of the Future sets a course for international cooperation that can meet their expectations … Now, let’s get to work.”

The adoption was the culmination of months of negotiations co-facilitated by Germany and Namibia. Speaking after the adoption, Philémon Yang, president of the 79th session of the General Assembly, urged nations to move forward together, in a spirit of solidarity and multilateral cooperation. “The path we choose must lead to a future where human dignity is respected and human rights are upheld. A future where peace transcends the mere absence of conflict and is grounded in justice, inclusion, and equity.”

The Global Shapers Kathmandu Hub, in collaboration with GIZ’s Green Resilient Agricultural Productive Ecosystems (GRAPE) Project, has successfully conducted Climate Resilient Agriculture Workshops for young farmers from Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces. The workshops provided participants, aged 18 to 25, with critical insights into climate change, its effects on agriculture, and practical strategies for mitigation and adaptation tailored to their local environments.

As climate change increasingly threatens food security and agricultural systems, the initiative aims to drive positive change through dialogue and climate action. The workshop is part of a broader four-part series, culminating in a talk event titled “Adapting Agriculture to Changing Climates.”

Govinda Sharma, the lead trainer from the HASERA Permaculture Learning Center, highlighted the hands-on malt-making process as a key learning experience. Many participants, who had previously relied on traditional farming practices, found the workshop transformative. Learning to convert basic cereal grains into malt not only introduced them to new skills but also revealed income-generating opportunities for their communities.

Sharma also emphasized other practical skills taught during the workshop, such as biochar production, advanced composting techniques, and pest control—each tailored to the specific agricultural needs of the participants. The immediate impact of the workshop is already visible: one participant from Karnali has started producing malt from local grains and is eager to pursue quality checks, marking an early success in what promises to be a wave of innovation across the region.

One of the organizers of these workshops expressed optimism about the future of youth engagement in agriculture, saying, “Hearing these young farmers share their stories made me realize the resilience it takes to grow food in such challenging conditions and the vital role they play in feeding our communities.”

The Global Shapers Kathmandu Hub is now looking forward to the upcoming talk series, which will further explore adaptive strategies for agriculture in the face of climate change and empower the next generation of farmers in Nepal.

Yellow-breasted bunting (Emberiza aureola), locally known as “Bagale bagedi” belongs to the family “Emberizidae”. It is one of the winter visitors which arrives in Nepal or stopover here and fly to more south in flocks during end of November to early April. This species is a native to the northern hemisphere, traveling from Russia, Mongolia, China and Siberia to avoid harsh cold. Normally, they reside in the southern part of the northern hemisphere for six months.

This species breeds in the forests of Siberia and northeast Asia during the months of summer, then migrate to south Asia during winter seasons where they can forage and roost. Additionally, return to the northern part to breed again and continue this cycle. This bird species inhabits bogs, meadows, mountain tundra, forest steppe, broadleaf forests, open conifer forests, and abandoned fields close to villages during the breeding seasons. They inhabit lowlands to an altitude of 2,000 meters. This species is classified as critically endangered on both global and national levels.  

This bird species forage insects and feed to their chicks during breeding season and in the non-breeding season they feed on seeds and grains. This insectivore and granivore diet are crucial for egg production, healthy development of their chicks while maintaining necessary nutrients to sustain their energy during the migration period. Hence, the YBB population depends on the accessibility of the grains and insects. 

According to BirdLife International, the species’ population is estimated to have declined by 84.3-94.7 percent between 1980 and 2013. Change in agricultural practices and degradation of natural habitats significantly impacts their survival during breeding and migrating seasons. The use of pesticides and insecticides considerably reduces the number of insects which is an important factor of nutrients during breeding season. Scarcity in the number of insects reduces the production of eggs and the health of chicks. Transformation of wetlands, grassland and agricultural lands to other forms, reduces the seed-bearing plant species. Lack of proper nutritious seeds while migrating decreases the chance of survival in harsh cold. Unfortunately, these are not the only factors for the YBB population to decrease. For decades YBB are hunted mostly during migration for foodstuff. Beside this species, 25 other bird species are trapped and sold as bagedi meat which is a matter of concern. It is consumed as gourmet food in China and some parts of southeast Asia, low land of Nepal and also found in local hotels of Kathmandu. There is a belief that they have medicinal properties, warm up bodies in winter and have aphrodisiac properties. It is assumed that a professional trapper can trap 100 to 130 birds in a day and has a transaction of Rs 7,488,000-8,424,000.

Organizing awareness campaigns, and community participation in bird monitoring, and conservation activities should be called on a regular basis. Promoting perma-agriculture, urban forestry, and other activities that benefit the bird should be promoted. This helps in maintaining its population. Implementing strong regulations to protect from hunting for consumption, restrictions on the sale of its meat and imposing penalty for poaching helps in its conservation. As this is a migratory bird, mapping the migratory routes’ wintering and stopover locations might be the major points in conservation by making a clear and sound environment in its migrating route, locally and internationally. 

Conclusion

The YBB helps in controlling the population of insects and scattering of seeds. Not only that, it also serves the purpose of food for the predator in the wide range of land in the migration route. As a migratory bird it transfers nutrients and energy between different ecosystems. Its conservation promotes ecotourism by attracting bird watchers and helps local communities by economic empowerment. In contrast, if this species is conserved and can increase the population, it can somewhat increase the economic status of trap hunters in livelihood. YBB is one of the good indicator species of the grassland, wetland and agriculture ecosystem. Its decline in populations in past decades indicates something negative has changed in this natural environment.

In today’s hyper-connected society, where we are inundated with a constant stream of information and opinions, silence can feel like an outdated concept. From social media updates to workplace chatter, the expectation to engage, share and respond instantly is ever-present. Yet, amidst this noise, there lies an often-overlooked strength: the power of remaining silent. Silence, far from being passive, is an active and intentional force, as I recently reflected during a workshop where an insightful keynote speaker spoke about its transformative potential.

Silence is not just about withholding words; it is about creating space for reflection, understanding and thoughtful response. It is a tool seldom used, but it holds immense potential, both in daily conversations and in moments of high tension. In a heated argument, for example, the person who pauses to listen rather than rushes to speak can turn the whole dynamic. That moment of silence provides clarity, allowing for solutions that may have otherwise been missed in the heat of the moment.

Ancient mythology, rich in lessons of human behavior and decision-making, repeatedly highlights the value of silence as an instrument of wisdom and strength. Take, for instance, the Mahabharata, where Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, is known for his calm and collected personality. In moments of conflict, he often remains silent, not out of indecision, but as a way to deeply reflect and weigh his words carefully. His silence, far from being submissive, was a mark of self-control, allowing him to bring clarity and resolution in times of chaos—a practice we could all benefit from in our fast-paced world.

Greek mythology also teaches us about the strategic power of silence. In the tale of Odysseus and the Sirens, Odysseus orders his men to plug their ears with beeswax to avoid the deadly call of the Sirens. Their survival depended on this silence, a disciplined refusal to respond to the seduction of noise. In many ways, this story mirrors our modern lives, where distractions and temptations constantly call for our attention. Sometimes, silence can be our greatest defense, allowing us to stay focused and true to our course.

Beyond mythological tales, silence is invaluable in today’s professional world. Leaders who practice restraint and listen, rather than dominate every conversation, often exude quiet confidence. Their silence signals control—not over others, but over themselves. By listening, they gain insight into various perspectives, which ultimately leads to better decision-making. Silence, in this sense, becomes a tool for leadership, allowing for more thoughtful and inclusive outcomes.

Moreover, silence can be an act of resistance. In a world that demands constant opinions, choosing not to speak is a bold statement of independence. It shows that we do not need to rush to respond, that we are capable of processing and reflecting in our own time. Silence can be a form of empowerment, offering us the space to deepen our understanding before we act.

This wisdom is mirrored in the Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to find detachment and inner calm. This form of mental silence allows for clarity in action—a lesson that reminds us of the power of controlling our thoughts before responding to the world.

On a personal level, silence offers restoration. We often underestimate the mental and emotional benefits of solitude and quiet reflection. In moments of silence, we recharge, realign and sometimes gain insights that were drowned out by the noise. Silence can restore our creativity, our focus and our connection to ourselves.

Of course, there are times when silence is not the answer. There are moments when speaking out is necessary, and silence can imply complicity or indifference. The key lies in discernment—knowing when to use your voice and when to withhold it. But when used wisely, silence can turn the tide of a conversation, a decision or even an entire movement.

In today’s loud and fast-paced world, silence is an undervalued strength. As the stories of Yudhishthira, Odysseus and Arjuna teach us, silence is not about the absence of sound, but the presence of thought. It requires discipline, self-control and patience. As we navigate the overwhelming noise of modern life, perhaps it is time to rediscover the power of silence—a power that speaks volumes without saying a word.