Promoting Wales to the World: Our International Work

The Well-being of Future Generations Act seeks to transform the way public bodies in Wales are improving our social, cultural, environmental and economic well-being. The work we do in Wales continues to inspire organisations and governments internationally

The Well-being of Future Generations Act remains the only legislation of its type in the World and has been regarded by the United Nations as a role-model for other countries to follow. Since the Act was passed, our office has supported many international organizations in adopting the Act’s principles.

In his visit to Wales in 2015, Nikhil Seth (Former Head of Sustainable Development at the United Nations) said;

“We hope that what Wales is doing today the world will do tomorrow. Action, more than words, is the hope for our current and future generations.”

These are some of the examples of my international work:

• I am the Chair of the Network of Institutions for Future Generations – a body of similar commissioners or bodies with responsibilities for representing the needs of future generations across the globe.
• Promote the legislation at international conferences including the High-Level Political Forum at the United Nations and the World Government Summit to encourage other countries to place sustainability, well-being and the need to ensure that future generations at the heart of policy development and legislation. 
• Engage with senior international stakeholders including the United Nations Special Envoy on Climate Change and the United Nations Youth Envoy.
• Facilitate youth delegation exchanges  from Wales to engage in international dialogue, and provide opportunities for young people to share their experiences of using the Act with global peers. These events included One Young World, Future Generations Summit in Berlin and various Wales Weeks. I currently offer these opportunities to those involved in my Future Generations Leadership Academy. 
• Advise international Non-Governmental Organisations in aligning policy, frameworks and discussion forums with well-being and long-term thinking. I am part of a European COVID-19 Policy Innovation Task Force, working to identify various solutions for Recovery. In 2019, I addressed the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) ‘Putting Well-being Metrics into Policy Action’ conference in Paris to reflect on the various techniques and approaches on measuring well-being. The OECD recently published their Global Trends 2020 Report, placing the Well-being of Future Generations Act as a pioneering example for the world to follow. 

My international engagements are constantly reviewed. Where possible, I request virtual or digital attendance and I have successfully participated in a range of conferences and events this way. I also explore sustainable transport and accommodation options when I travel. My carbon emissions are offset annually.

In terms of the impact of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, whilst the direct impact on my own activity and outcomes is unlikely to be significant, our work aligns with Welsh Government’s International Strategy to define and promote and take what Wales does to the World.

Join the movement – whether you represent an international government, NGO or if you work within a university and would like to get in touch please email: contactus@futuregenerations.wales