Wales’ law protecting people not-yet-born has inspired an historic commitment by global leaders at the United Nations’ Summit of the Future. 

This week, the Declaration on Future Generations was signed to safeguard the well-being and needs of future generations, a milestone in the global movement for long-term decision-making. 

The declaration comes almost 10 years after the UN said ‘what Wales is doing today, the world will do tomorrow’, as Wales’ Well-being of Future Generations Act was passed, making it a legal obligation for public bodies including Welsh Government, healthboards and national parks, to work together and act for the long-term. 

Since 2019, the Office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales has been working closely with the United Nations to guide a global approach to future generations. 

This new declaration is a critical outcome of that ongoing collaboration, reflecting the future-focused approach Wales has taken to legislate for the well-being of its people and planet. The Act has created a culture change across public services, and has led to the scrapping of the M4 relief road in favour of an investment in public transport and active travel, a progressive school curriculum, and a new way to define prosperity away from GDP, as well as local and national examples of innovative thinking, from the first UK hospital to be powered by its own solar farm, in Swansea, to a new qualification to educate people to be planet stewards. 

Future Generations Commissioner Derek Walker hosted an event in collaboration with UNESCO-Bridges and shared platforms with high-level dignitaries, including the Prime Minister of Jamaica and Guy Ryder (United Nations Under-Secretary General). 

Derek Walker said: “Our future children and grandchildren need a global effort to safeguard their future, and vulnerable communities most harmed by today’s biggest problems can’t wait any longer for action. 

“The adoption of the Declaration on Future Generations at the United Nations marks a significant moment for global governance, where nations are coming together to acknowledge the long-term impacts of today’s decisions.

“Wales has led the way in becoming the first country in the world to embed future generations into law, and this UN Declaration is a testament to the power of collective action.  

As we approach the 10th anniversary of our own Well-being of Future Generations Act next year, and the world shifts focus to long-term planning, this is a proud moment for Wales as it continues to inspire nations to take bold actions that benefit both present and future generations.” 

Representatives from countries around the world gathered at the event to reimagine and reform multilateral cooperation, ensuring that global governance systems are fit for the complex challenges of the 21st century.  

The summit brought together heads of state, activists, and thought leaders from across the world to address climate change, digital governance, peace, and social equity.  

Central to this year’s discussions is the Declaration on Future Generations, an ambitious agenda to safeguard long-term sustainability and global peace. 

At the summit, Team Wales has been championing the successes and lessons learned from a decade of applying the Well-being of Future Generations Act, demonstrating how Wales’ approach has become a model for international policymaking.  

Wales’ Well-being of Future Generations Act, passed in 2015, places the needs of future generations at the heart of decision-making across the public sector.  

Derek Walker became commissioner in March 2023 and set out five missions for Wales to improve well-being by 2030, in his strategy, Cymru Can.