In 2015, Wales became the first country in the world to legislate for the wellbeing of future generations. The Well-Being of Future Generations Act followed an inclusive national discussion about the kind of country people want for generations to come.
In that discussion, people told us they wanted Wales to be more equal and healthier. They wanted more cohesive communities, a vibrant culture and language, and to act responsibly on the global stage. They told us they wanted Wales to be resilient and prosperous. And they wanted prosperity to be about people and planet, not just economic growth.
Alongside these seven goals we legislated five ways of working for government. Leaders and decision-makers must take account of the long-term, prevent problems occurring or worsening. They must take an integrated and collaborative approach, and involve citizens of all ages and diversity – and “involve” is more than just “consult” or “inform”.
We also established a Future Generations Commissioner to act as guardian of the interests of the unborn. For the last seven years, that has been my job, and this is what I have learned.
Whatever point, issue or policy you start from, it is vital to make long-term connections and identify the sweet spots that promote long-term wellbeing.
That means breaking down organisational silos to deliver wellbeing for everyone.
During my term Monmouth Council became the first public institution to run a post office to prevent a community facility from closing down and disrupting the community’s connections.
The Environment Agency’s representative sitting on the Blaenau Gwent Public Services Board explained to me how his organisation could help tackle adverse childhood experiences because of the connections under this framework.
One of the first tests was transport. The Welsh government wanted to use the entire £1.5 billion borrowing capacity of the nation to build a motorway extension through a nature reserve.
I asked the government to explain how this was in line with the goal of a prosperous Wales, which talks about prosperity within the context of acting on climate change? How did it meet the goal of a resilient Wales when it would permanently damage the biodiversity of the area?
Against all expectations, the First Minister reversed the decision and is now planning to spend half the money improving public transport and active travel routes in the area.
I could tell you more about the good things; the champions using the act to change the way they procure, the doctors reforming city transport, the engineers greening our cities and the economic agencies focused on sustainable food chains.
Rather than listing achievements, I will emphasise this – a legislative framework alone does not drive change. Without strong oversight that produces supportive and challenging interventions, the system will not change.
Everyone needs to be involved, and wellbeing goals must underpin everything a country does to avoid being lost in the next political initiative. We had to build new ways from scratch and there are many barriers to overcome.
We have listened to the frustrated champions who believe there is a better way. These champions inspire and lead. They provide hope and vision for the future, instead of just relying on the system to challenge itself.
We have extended our approach beyond government. The Football Association in Wales plans to become the most sustainable football association in the world, reaching millions of people in a way government never can.
To those in the policymaking world advocating for long-term, connected, holistic solutions, never give up. Our actions add up, and our decisions will play out for decades – sometimes centuries – to come.
As the UN announces its own future generations work, I am proud to see that our pathologically modest nation of 3 million people might help these much-needed shifts in policy on a global scale.
Sophie Howe was the inaugural Future Generations Commissioner of Wales from 2016 to January 2023.
This is an extract of the John Menadue Oration Ms Howe delivered for the Centre for Policy Development at the Wheeler Centre in Melbourne on Tuesday 18 April 2023.
You can watch the full speech here:
Sophie Howe
Sophie Howe was the inaugural Future Generations Commissioner of Wales from 2016 to January 2023.
Sustainability futures and Wellbeing adviser and the first Future Generations Commissioner for Wales TED Speaker and public policy expert.