Future Generations
The concept of "future generations" encompasses all individuals who will come after the current population. Their lives and ability to effectively enjoy human rights and meet their needs are shaped by today's decisions and actions. Over 10 billion people are projected to be born before the end of this century, predominantly in countries that are currently low- or middle-income. Given that these individuals are not yet alive to voice their needs or concerns, it is imperative to proactively consider their well-being in current policies and practices. The United Nations (UN) proposes the appointment of an Envoy for Future Generations, a move that the Global Centre for Risk and Innovation (GCRI) supports with concrete actions and initiatives from local to global levels.
Commitments
Policy Development:
GCRI advocates for and assists in the development of policies that prioritize long-term sustainability and intergenerational equity, ensuring these policies are embedded in national and international agendas.
Promotes laws and regulations that address climate change, resource preservation, and sustainable development, guided by frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Intergenerational Equity:
Ensures that the needs and rights of future generations are considered in all decision-making processes, promoting fairness and justice across generations.
Strives for an equitable distribution of resources and opportunities to prevent future conflicts and ensure a sustainable future.
Sustainability Initiatives:
Supports and promotes initiatives focusing on sustainable development, renewable energy, and environmental conservation, adhering to industry standards such as ISO 14001 for environmental management systems.
Encourages innovation and adoption of practices that reduce environmental impact, such as circular economy models and green technologies.
Education and Awareness:
Raises awareness about the importance of considering future generations in today’s actions and decisions through public campaigns, educational programs, and collaborations with academic institutions.
Educates current populations, particularly youth, about the long-term consequences of their behaviors and the importance of sustainability, leveraging platforms such as UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development framework.
Global Cooperation:
Fosters international collaboration to address global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion, working with organizations like the UN, World Bank, and IMF.
Develops frameworks and agreements that protect the interests of future generations, such as the Earth Cooperation Treaty (ECT).
Strategic Framework
Integrated Learning Account (ILA):
Develops educational programs and resources aimed at building awareness and understanding of sustainability and intergenerational equity.
Provides tools for lifelong learning to ensure that knowledge and skills necessary for addressing future challenges are continuously developed, aligning with industry standards such as those set by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Global Risks Index (GRIx):
Monitors and evaluates global risks that may impact future generations, providing data and insights to inform policy and decision-making.
Develops risk mitigation strategies to ensure a safer and more secure future, utilizing advanced analytics and big data.
Integrated Credits Rewards System (iCRS):
Incentivizes sustainable behaviors and practices through a system of credits and rewards, promoting a culture of sustainability.
Encourages individuals and organizations to take actions that benefit future generations, based on models like the LEED certification for green buildings.
Micro-Production Model (MPM):
Supports local production and consumption to reduce environmental impact and promote economic resilience.
Encourages sustainable practices at the grassroots level, ensuring communities are equipped to meet future challenges, inspired by the principles of the Permaculture Design System.
Integrated Value Reporting System (iVRS):
Ensures transparent reporting on sustainability initiatives and their impacts on future generations, adhering to guidelines such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards.
Provides a framework for measuring and communicating the value of sustainability efforts to stakeholders.
Sustainable Competency Framework (SCF):
Defines competencies necessary for promoting sustainability and intergenerational equity.
Guides the development of educational programs and professional training, aligning with frameworks such as the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) certification.
Earth Cooperation Treaty (ECT):
Promotes international cooperation for sustainable development and environmental protection.
Encourages nations to commit to policies and actions that benefit future generations, fostering a global network of collaboration.
Decentralized Innovation Commons Ecosystem (DICE):
Supports the development of innovative solutions to global challenges through collaborative platforms.
Encourages the sharing of knowledge and resources to foster innovation for sustainability, utilizing open-source technologies and collaborative research networks.
Supporting Nations
Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
GCRI’s initiatives support the achievement of the SDGs, particularly those related to climate action, quality education, sustainable cities, and responsible consumption.
Works with UN bodies to ensure that global policies reflect the needs of future generations.
National Policy Integration:
Collaborates with national governments to integrate considerations for future generations into national policies and development plans.
Provides technical assistance and expertise to help countries develop and implement sustainable policies, in line with national priorities and international commitments.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Tracks progress towards achieving sustainability goals and their impact on future generations.
Provides regular reports and assessments to ensure accountability and continuous improvement, utilizing methodologies like the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee (DAC) evaluation criteria.
Importance of Action
Long-term Impact:
Decisions made today will have profound and lasting effects on future generations, making it essential to prioritize long-term sustainability.
By considering the needs of future generations, we ensure the stability, health, and prosperity of the planet.
Moral Responsibility:
There is an ethical duty to protect those who cannot yet speak for themselves, ensuring justice and fairness across generations.
Upholding the principles of intergenerational equity reinforces our commitment to human rights and the common good.
Preventing Future Crises:
Addressing issues like climate change, resource depletion, and social inequalities now can prevent more severe crises in the future.
Proactive measures can lead to a more resilient and adaptable society capable of facing future challenges.
The UN’s proposal to appoint an Envoy for Future Generations exemplifies a recognition of the responsibility to those who will come after us. By integrating considerations for future generations into all aspects of governance, policy, and practice, we commit to creating a legacy of sustainability, equity, and human rights. This role is crucial in ensuring that the interests of future generations are protected and prioritized, contributing to a thriving and just world for all who come after us. The Envoy, supported by GCRI’s concrete actions and initiatives at local, national, and global levels, serves as a guardian of future interests, advocating for policies and actions that will create a sustainable and equitable future.
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