This is an important recognition of the structural nature of inequality, one which cannot be overcome by individuals, communities, or even countries alone. It poses the need to think and act with future generations in mind as an imperative to fight inequality as “rivilege and poverty both transmit powerfully across generations.” The brief also cites the elements paper for the declaration for future generations to remind us that the “intergenerational transmission of inequality, including gender inequality, is well documented.” Responding to questions raised by Member States on balancing responsibility between generations, those living today and those not yet born, the policy brief highlights that the needs of present and future generations are not at odds, arguing that efforts to consider the future will leave all generations better off. Thus, it is of utmost importance to re-think systems based on intergenerational solidarity. To uphold the initial promises of sustainable development, it is crucial to awaken to the fact that future ways of living, interacting, and doing business are non-linear and will look very different from now on. A paradigm shift is required in how we measure and value what matters to peoples and the planet. The current dominant political, social, and economic systems favor short-term gains and quick fixes at the expense of longer-term planetary and human wellbeing and prosperity. Taking this definition into account, one might question why we are stuck in a short-term mindset when it comes to achieving the SDGs and a sustainable future. It defines sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (emphasis added). The definition of sustainable development, as frequently quoted from the 1987 Brundtland report, is centered on the notion of future generations. The first brief, published on 9 March under the title, ‘ To Think and Act for Future Generations,’ provides a number of suggestions and practical steps in ensuring that intergenerational solidarity becomes the guiding star of sustainable development and renewal of the multilateral system.īased on the Secretary-General’s paper, this Policy Brief aims to shed light on why it is important to adopt a future generations approach in policy design as a way to achieve long-term sustainability and to examine how the UN intends to embrace this approach in practice.įuture generations are at the heart of sustainable development. The policy briefs are intended to propose concrete actions under Our Common Agenda and to inform the discussions of Members States in advance of the 2023 SDG Summit and the Summit of the Future in 2024. In an effort to deliver the 2030 Agenda through a reformed multilateral system, the UN Secretary-General will publish eleven policy briefs between March and July 2023. By Özge Aydoğan, Eleonora Bonaccorsi, and Trine Schmidt
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