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Urgent Universal Basic Income, a four-day week and a well-being economy - Future Generations Commissioner’s plan to reshape Wales after coronavirus
Wales urgently needs a Universal Basic Income to help the country deal with the effects of COVID-19, Future Generations Commissioner Sophie Howe says.
Read MoreWell-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015
The Well-being of Future Generations Act gives us the encouragement, the permission and the statutory obligation to make the changes needed to improve our social, cultural, environmental and economic well-being
Read MoreWelsh Government budget must signal a change in direction to reset our economy
The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed deep structural inequalities in our economy and society including wage poverty, health inequalities, racial disparities, food poverty, job insecurity and imbalances in quality of housing. At the same time climate and ecological breakdown is escalating, and we risk exacerbating all of these challenges if we go back to the way things were.
Read MoreA Fit for the Future Programme for Government
We have the opportunity to create a better Wales for current and future generations.
Read More‘Don’t let young people down’, says Future Generations Commissioner as she launches Manifesto for the Future with 11-17-year-olds from Wales, and urges politicians to act now on climate and inequality
Walesâ political parties must act now on the urgent priorities of the nationâs young people, the worldâs first Future Generations Commissioner has warned.
Read MorePressure mounts on UK Government to follow Welsh Government and back the Well-being of Future Generations Bill
More than two thirds of the public want the Government to consider future generations in policy-making â according to new research - and the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales is backing a campaign for a UK-wide law that protects tomorrow from the actions of today.
Read MoreRadical vision for Wales needed to create future-fit jobs, says Future Generations Commissioner in her plan for new government
Thousands of new âfuture-fit' jobs could be created if the new Welsh Government embraces a radical vision for Wales, according to the Future Generations Commissioner.
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner urges Welsh Government to deliver on a green recovery budget
Sophie Howe says we have a âonce-in-a-generation opportunityâ to reset Walesâ economy and is calling for âvisionary ideas and transformative investmentâ in the nationâs recovery plan.Â
Read MoreProcuring well-being in Wales
Working in collaboration with Cardiff University, the Office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales has undertaken research and a Section 20 Review, to establish the extent to which the Act has been informing procurement decisions across the public bodies in Wales since 2016 (when the Act came into force). Â
Read MoreWales needs to explore paying everyone a basic income – open letter to First Minister
Wales should explore paying everyone a basic income to study how it could improve lives for generations in the future, the First Minister is being urged.
Read MoreStatement on the Future Generations Report 2020
I am pleased to be publishing the first Future Generations Report.
Read MoreBuilding Back Creatively: A Poet in Residence for the Future
The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Sophie Howe, in collaboration with Literature Wales and Wales Arts International, is announcing an exciting opportunity for an emerging poet to bring the Well-being of Future Generations Act to life.
Read MoreGreen spaces are important – that's why we’re asking Welsh Government to ensure people can access nature within a four-minute walk
People in Wales should be able to access nature four minutes from where they live, the Future Generations Commissioner is announcing during National Tree Week.
Read MoreLong-term Guidance
Resources that can help you think in the longer-term and act today for a better tomorrow.
Read MoreClimate change – our obligations to future generations
What Iâve learnt about climate change since becoming Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, earlier this year, is quite simply frightening. There is no doubt that itâs the greatest challenge facing future generations and action is urgently needed across the public sector to reduce our emissions and its impacts.
Read MoreHomes fit for the Future: The Retrofit Challenge
The purpose of our work is to estimate the total funding needed for the decarbonisation of homes in Wales, identify funding gaps and suggest approaches to addressing these gaps.
Read MoreA Future Fit for Wales: The roadmap to a shorter working week
I am calling on the Welsh Government to launch a shorter working week trial.
Read MoreMeeting Nimrod Wambette during Fairtrade Fortnight Megan Jones-Evans, Deputy Head Girl, Llanfyllin High School, Montgomeryshire
During Fairtrade Fortnight, we, sixth form pupils from Llanfyllin High School were the audience of a Fairtrade assembly ran by Ffion Storer Jones of Montgomeryshire Federation of Young Farmers Club (YFC) and Nimrod Wambette; a Fairtrade coffee farmer from Uganda.
Read MoreNew Future Generations Commissioner calls for ‘urgent and transformational change’ as he takes up post on St David’s Day
Walesâ new champion for the future of the nation is using his first day in the job to call for âurgent and transformational changeâ to improve peopleâs lives now and in the future.
Read MoreWe can end fuel poverty with £15bn retrofit investment plan for our homes, says Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
Fuel poverty could be eradicated in Wales by 2030 if Welsh Government commits to a long-term plan to improve the efficiency of our homes, says the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales.
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner calls for a Basic Income pilot for creatives
The Future Generations Commissioner is calling for a Creative Universal Basic Income to pay artists a basic living allowance and help Wales recover from the pandemic
Read MoreInequality in a Future Wales
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted new challenges for the people of Wales. It has affected the health and well-being of individuals and communities and impacted on wider areas such as how we work and the availability of jobs. These impacts however have not been felt equally.
Read More#TransportOctober Roqib Monsur nextbike Ambassador explains why cycling is the best way to get around Cardiff
Since the bike-sharing scheme launched in Cardiff earlier this year, I was one of the people that took advantage of the scheme and began travelling using the nextbike for my everyday travels across the city. After using them a few times, I started raving about it to my friends and family, or anyone who would listen, and getting them to use it too.
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner for Wales joins Pope Francis, Chris Hemsworth, and Other Notable Speakers at the First-Ever Free TED Conference
Sophie Howe, will join Prince William, Pope Francis, Al Gore, and over 50 notable speakers at the first ever free TED conference this Saturday.
Read MoreSkills through Crisis: Upskilling and (Re)Training for a Green Recovery in Wales
In collaboration with the New Economics Foundation and building on research undertaken by the Wales TUC, I have published analysis showing the potential of investment in green jobs and skills for a prosperous, green and equal recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read MoreStatement following the Supplementary Budget
In response to the Supplementary Budget announced by Welsh Government today, I recognise there is an enormous challenge to face in dealing with the immediate COVID-19 crisis.
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner launches major study into basic income and shorter week
Wales could be the test ground for a pioneering initiative to give citizens a basic income from the government and a shorter working week.
Read MoreChangemaker 100: Future Generations Commissioner marks end of seven-year term by recognising Wales’ changemakers
People making a positive difference to Walesâ present and future are being spotlighted by the first Future Generations Commissioner, Sophie Howe, as she comes to the end of her seven-year term.
Read MoreInvolvement
Involvement is at the heart of the Well-being of Future Generations Act. Since the creation of the Future Generations Commissioner in 2016, our office has involved thousands of people to support and inform our work. Some of the involvement projects we have undertaken to date include
Read MoreDomestic abuse survivors at Future Generations Wales will get financial support to leave an abusive relationship
People working for the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales will be able to receive cash support to escape an abusive relationship, it is announced today.
Read MoreCymru Can Strengthen Community Resilience
As part of our series of blogs in response to the Future Generations Commissioner for Walesâ new strategy, Cymru Can, Eleri Williams from Building Communities Trust, explores the link between community resilience and inequality. Here, she looks at what can be done to ensure that Cymru Can achieve well-being for people now, and generations yet to be born, no matter where they live in Cymru.
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner for Wales welcomes ‘brave decision by First Minister on the M4 Relief Road
Following the First Minister, Mark Drakefordâs decision earlier today to reject the building of the M4 Relief Road, Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner said:
Read MoreBlack History Month: “I believe it’s important to remember that we, as Black people, don’t need to wait for one month out of the year – we can be celebrating each other at any time.”
âAll my life I have wanted to become a doctor, however in my second year of studies, when I started plugging myself in to different communities and meeting different people through networking, I realised there was so much to do. And impacts to be made in so many ways."
Read MoreCalls for evidence on decarbonisation and carbon budgets
The Well-being of Future Generations Act requires you to use the five ways of working to maximise your contribution to the seven well-being goals â a number of which relate to climate change and low carbon.
Read MoreHome is where well-being begins
The links between tackling our housing crisis and the nation's health are growing.
Read MoreWales – where well-being isn’t just a buzz word, it’s the law – reflects on seven years of its world-leading Future Generations Act
A future-fit curriculum for our children, solar panels saving a hospital ÂŁ1m a year in electric bills, a road building freeze and hundreds of people receiving a basic income â these are just some of the changes Wales is making thanks to its world-leading Well-being of Future Generations Act.
Read MoreIf 2020 has shown that we can live our lives closer to home, how can we lock in the benefits for future generations?
The announcement back in March this year that the UK was going into lockdown was a shock to us all and created significant challenges as we navigated a new world which largely required us to stay at home.
Read MoreNew Future Generations Commissioner reflects on first month as the new guardian for people in Wales not yet born
Imagine a person born 50 or 100 years into the future - how is their life going to be made worse or better by what you do today?
Read MoreCalling all the Zero Heroes
Ten years ago the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) launched a pioneering report â Zero carbon Britain â showing that we have the technology and solutions to reduce our carbon emissions down to zero.
Read MoreShaping Accountability in Wales for Future Generations
A radical, ground-breaking culture change is essential if public bodies are going to provide better service provision, now and for future generations
Read MoreNew report reveals Universal Basic Income in Wales would cut poverty in half
Poverty in Wales would be halved if Welsh Government commits to a progressive Universal Basic Income (UBI), according to a major study commissioned by the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Sophie Howe.
Read MoreDraft budget: Defining moment for Welsh Government
The forthcoming budget is a defining moment for the Welsh Government.
Read MoreHow do we procure well-being?
A record number of online delegates joined the recent Cardiff Business School Breakfast Briefing to hear how the Well-being of Future Generations Act provides an opportunity to transform the way procurement is delivered in Wales. By moving towards an outcomes-based approach, we can ensure the ÂŁ6 billion spent annually delivers the best outcomes across all four elements of well-being and helps to improve the economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being for current and future generations.
Read MoreFair Trade is winning at public policy
On a sunny day in June 2018, I was privileged to be invited to attend the Inaugural EU Cities Fair and Ethical Trade Award Ceremony, in Brussels along with representatives from 15 other EU countries.
Read MoreOur obsession with exams is failing to equip young people with the right skills for the future, says Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
Education fit for the Future A White Paper For discussion Produced by Professor Calvin Jones in collaboration with the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
Read MoreWelsh leaders to attend One Young World global forum for the first time
Young leaders from all over the world will come together in London this week to discuss some of the biggest global issues facing future generations. From climate change to education inequalities, the future of work and media freedom.
Read More#SocialPrescribingJanuary: The interconnections of people and planet: our health depends on nature - Ruth Allen
The interconnections of people and planet: health depends on nature.
Read MoreGreen Infrastructure
A catalyst for wellbeing of future generations in Wales - a special report by Wildlife Trusts Wales
Read MoreFor Belle and Emmeline
This Sunday my daughter and I will be taking part in something significant. We will be joining thousands of women across the country marching to commemorate the brave women who came before us 100 years ago who marched, campaigned, starved and even died to get us the vote.Â
Read MoreWell-being in Wales: what I found when responding to Public Services Boards’ (PSB) draft assessments of well-being in 2022
Given the unprecedented challenges weâve faced over the past couple of years, I want to acknowledge the commitment Public Services Boards (PSBs) have demonstrated in working together to prepare their 2022 well-being assessments.
Read MoreWorking together to build the Wales we want
In my role as the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, I have found an increasing interest over the last 6 months, from different sectors and indeed different countries to the Well-being of Future Generations Act and the work of our Office.
Read MoreWales is leading the world on safeguarding the interests of future generations
The worldâs first Commissioner whose role it is to act as guardian for future generations, Sophie Howe (Future Generations Commissioner for Wales) will be highlighting how Walesâ is leading the way on safeguarding the interests of future generations when she addresses the United Nations High Level Political Forum in New York this week.
Read MoreCommissioner challenges plans for £1.1bn M4 relief road
Proposals to build a ÂŁ1.1bn road to ease congestion on the M4 fail to set out how it will meet the needs of our future generations who will be burdened with paying for it,â says Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales.
Read More#TransportOctober The “joy” of electric cars in rural Wales by Neil Lewis
My wife and I drove UP to the Farm Shop for breakfast in Cross Hands- half the charge had gone-will we be able to get home.... What have I done?
Read MoreInspiring the Well-being champions of the future - the 2021 Future Generations Leadership Academy
After the success of the 2020 pilot academy, the Future Generations Leadership Academy has returned in 2021 to inspire the next generation of Welsh leaders.
Read More#TransportOctober How we are progressing – It is time to switch to Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs)
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. It is a common phrase that we use in our office where the second-hand office furniture and âno plastic cupâ signs welcome visitors.
Read MoreAnother step in the right direction for future generations
We are very pleased to see the Welsh Government publish this important report today accepting the recommendations of the Roads Review Panel which we supported. We thank them and Dr Lyn Sloman for their evident commitment to transforming the way we will move around Wales. Â
Read MoreWe must act now to avoid a climate catastrophe - Sion Sleep, UpRising Cymru
11 yearsâŠâŠ. 11 mlyneddâŠâŠ. Thatâs the amount of time that the intergovernmental panel on climate change have estimated we have to change our ways to prevent a potentially catastrophic global temperature rise of 1.5 degrees.
Read MoreThe Media Must up its Game on Climate Change
Stories about climate events are becoming more common across our news channels. Floods, migration, crop failures, public health â the impact of climate change is wide and varied. Perhaps this incremental increase in climate change activity will lead to more coverage where environmental stories compete for air time on our radio and tv news outlets and in newspaper columns.
Read MoreRefugee Ali joins Wales’ leaders of tomorrow as he graduates from Future Generations Leadership Academy
Refugee Ali joins Walesâ leaders of tomorrow as he graduates from Future Generations Leadership Academy  A former asylum seeker will become one of Walesâ leaders of tomorrow after graduating from a transformative programme run by the Future Generations Commissioner.  Ali Al-Anbaki, 27, from Cardiff, said he wants to raise awareness of the mental health struggles of people seeking sanctuary, after completing the Future Generations Leadership Academy, which supports young people to bring about lasting social change under the Well-being of Future Generations Act. Â
Read MoreLights out today for a bright future tomorrow
However, one small action as simple as switching off your lights for one hour can help reduce the impacts of climate change on the planet, its wildlife and future generations.
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner for Wales calls for long-term policy ideas to protect against future cost of living emergencies
The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales says the Well-being of Future Generations Act should be used to future-proof against further cost of living emergencies.
Read MoreThe importance of mental health for our future generations
The importance of mental health for our future generations
Read MoreFuture transport in the capital city - guest blog by Councillor Caro Wild
Cardiff is a really exciting place at the moment. We have a young and fast-growing city, with jobs being created, houses being built and a billion pounds worth of regional rail infrastructure on its way. Thereâs a real buzz about the capital city.
Read MoreCan't change slow got to change completely - Rufus Mufasa, Poet in Residence
Can't change slow got to change completely - Rufus Mufasa, Poet in Residence
Read MoreSocial Prescribing approach could lessen pressure on GPs
In response to a British Medical Association survey that revealed that a quarter of GPs in Wales are considering leaving the profession.
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner - August Newsletter
We know we canât tackle the challenges facing our future with the solutions we relied on in the past. Especially when those very ways of working often are what have created the global issues we face in the first place.
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner for Wales – July Newsletter
As the summer holidays begin and many of us look forward to spending time with our own future generations, weâre reminded of just what well-being really means; spending time with loved ones, a bike-ride in the sunshine, or simply taking a well-earned break, itâs important to take stock of whatâs already been a busy 2019.
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner for Wales
The Future Generations Commissioner role, was established by the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 - a pioneering piece of legislation which is unique to Wales
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner for Wales - June Newsletter
The events throughout June have highlighted just what can happen when people make their voices heard about what matters to them. Donât miss out on the opportunity to raise your voice for future generations.
Read MoreCase Studies
Over the last few months, we have been collecting good case studies of how the Act is being implemented on the ground across Wales.
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner welcomes moves to reduce M4 congestion with public and active travel
The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales has welcomed plans to improve public transport to reduce traffic on the M4- but says more needs to be done to retain the numbers of people working remotely.
Read MoreResponse to M4 report findings: Building future communities with clean, affordable and accessible transport
âThe debate around the future of the chronically congested M4 has been too much about the needs of the car and not enough about the needs of the people of South East Wales and our environment.
Read MoreWales leading the way with Future Generations Legislation - UN plans to adopt Welsh Approach
Wales is leading the way to protect future generations, the United Nations has said.
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner for Wales Response to Welsh Government’s Well-being of Wales Report
"The Well-being of Wales Report is Welsh Governmentâs assessment of whether they are making progress against the seven national well-being goals set in law by the Well-being of Future Generations Act."
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner calls for Shorter Working Week trial
The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales has called on the Welsh Government to launch a shorter working week trial.
Read MoreScrapped M4 Relief Road cash must be used to fund green recovery, says Future Generations Commissioner
Wales must have full borrowing powers from Westminster to build a green recovery, says the Future Generations Commissioner.
Read MoreFuture Trends Report: It has never been more important to understand the world around us and the projected world of tomorrow
It is therefore incredibly important that the Welsh Government release a Future Trends Report, as they did this week.
Read MoreRe-Energising Wales: Decarbonising Transport in Wales
This paper is one of a series of reports being launched as part of the IWAâs âRe-energising Walesâ project, which in early 2019 will deliver a plan to enable Wales to meet its projected energy demands entirely from renewable sources by 2035. The report highlights a number of practical steps that can be taken to overcome Walesâ challenges.
Read MoreThree Horizons Toolkit
A new easy-to-use guide will help public bodies to think and plan better for the long-term, by keeping a clear vision and taking future trends into account.
Read MoreHealth and Well-being
We will make it our mission to facilitate a transformation in the way we keep people healthy, with a greater focus on prevention and the long term. As a result, public bodies are working together to tackle the root causes of ill health and addressing health inequalities.
Read MoreNext Welsh Government budget is an opportunity for a green and just recovery from the pandemic
I recognise the significant challenges that the Welsh Government has faced in the past year, and it is positive that the draft budget for 2021-22, published in December 2020, emphasises the importance of a green and just recovery.
Read MoreProviding advice and assistance to public bodies and PSBs
We provide advice, assistance and support to people on the Well-being of Future Generations Act in a variety of ways.
Read MoreCulture and Welsh Language
We will make it our mission to reinforce the positive impact of cultural well-being. As a result, public bodies are making the urgent changes needed to promote culture and creativity, enhance the fabric of communities and promote multi-culturalism and the Welsh language.
Read MoreA Well-being Economy
We will make it our mission to help transition Wales to an economy that puts people and planet first. As a result, governments at all levels, communities and business are making this happen.
Read MoreSelf Reflection Tool 2019
In 2018/19, the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales trialled a method of monitoring and assessing progress towards the well-being objectives set by public bodies â one of her duties according to the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.
Read MoreImplementation and Impact
We will make it our mission to ensure the Well-being of Future Generations Act is applied effectively and with ambition in a way that improves the lives of the people of Wales now and in the future.
Read MoreWell-being in Wales: planning today for a better tomorrow
The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act (2015) requires Public Services Boards to publish a local assessment of economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being.
Read MoreCardiff Transport Green Paper
In response to Cardiff Council's Transport Green Paper, published Wednesday, 21 March and the start of a city-wide conversation on big ideas that could shape the future of Cardiff's transport system.
Read MoreThe Future Generations Report 2020
This report sets out my assessment of progress made in implementing the Act within the first reporting period, i.e. the last three years
Read MoreArea of Focus: Food
From farm to fork, food is critical to achieving Walesâ well-being goals for the health of our people and our planet.
Read MoreTaking Wales Forward Programme for Government provides new opportunities
As the First Minister highlights, this is an opportunity to take a new approach. I am encouraged the Welsh Government recognises the need for new ways of working to make the most of its contribution to improving the wellbeing of people â today and in the longer term
Read MoreThe People’s Platform
For centuries we have learnt and understood the world around us through the ancient art of storytelling.
Read MorePicture Your Future: A Participatory Photography Project on the National Nature Service (Wales)
Currently in Wales we have a major skills gap. This is only going to widen as we move to green technologies and green jobs. We know that if Wales is to be prosperous, we need our workers to have the skills for the jobs of the future.
Read MoreManifesto for the Future
Our younger generations are calling out the failures of past decisions, and sadly, often decisions in the continuing present that fail to take into account their futures â embarrassing, perhaps, but necessary.
Read MoreHorizon Scanning
Should your organisation do it and, if yes, how?
Read MoreInternational Work
The work we do in Wales continues to inspire organisations and governments internationally.
Read More#ACEsDecember Are too many women being jailed in Wales?
In response to a BBC Wales story on the numbers of Welsh women in prison for non-violent offences, Sophie Howe commented on how the impact on children and young people and contributes to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
Read MoreUrgent action needed to protect communities from climate change
Stronger, more focused action is needed to protect communities in Wales from the risks of Climate Change, says Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales.
Read MoreProcurement
Public bodies in Wales spend over ÂŁ6 billion each year procuring a range of goods, services and works; this represents nearly a third of total devolved Welsh annual expenditure, and it is estimated that over the next decade Welsh public services will spend over ÂŁ60 billion.
Read MoreClimate and Nature
We will make it our mission to ensure all Welsh public bodies achieve their net zero and nature positive goals by 2030. As a result, public bodies are leading action on climate change including adaptation, in a way that reduces inequalities and maximises the benefits to people and communities across Wales.
Read MoreFuture Generations Commissioner for Wales announces paid leave for staff fleeing domestic abuse
To mark International Womenâs Day, Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales has announced a new staff policy that provides support and paid leave to staff who are victims of domestic abuse so that they can leave the abuse and secure safe accommodation.
Read MorePublic sector must stop funding climate change say Welsh organisations and Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
Friends of the Earth Cymru, Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales and other environment, development and trade union groups are calling on all public sector bodies in Wales to stop investing in climate-wrecking fossil fuel companies.Â
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