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Generating Impact with the Declaration on Future Generations

Project Note

Contributed by Permanent Mission of the United Kingdom to the UN, Stimson Center

Posted 16 December 2024

   

Two roundtables, held on 22 and 23 October 2024 and co-sponsored by the United Kingdom's Mission at the United Nations and the Stimson Center, brought together Permanent Representatives and senior representatives of UN Missions, representatives of UN Agencies, funds, and programmes, and civil society leaders. The roundtables sought to elevate dialogue and explore strategies for carrying forward and implementing the Declaration on Future Generations' principles, commitments, and actions. A central theme was the need to make use of existing tools and best practices across international organizations and countries in order to be more intentional about looking at problems and opportunities with a long-term view. 

The discussions underscored the necessity of coalitions and partnerships—emphasizing that collaboration among diverse groups, particularly women, youth and marginalized communities—is essential for developing effective policies. The success of the Declaration relies heavily on Member States’ commitment to establishing clear indicators and fostering accountability. 

Participants identified several critical challenges to implementing the Declaration's principles, commitments, and actions, including current fragmentation of efforts across sectors and insufficient resources. Additionally, systemic inequities often prevent marginalized communities from fully participating in governance processes, undermining the inclusivity essential for the Declaration's success. 

In light of these challenges, participants highlighted key priorities for advancing the Declaration. Critically, it was important to understand how the Declaration influences processes that are already ongoing, and thus, also the tools we use to deal with them (for example, how the Declaration affects debt restructuring worldwide). Engaging in strong partnerships across stakeholder groups, including through ImPact Coalitions, emerged as crucial to allowing meaningful policy influence. The role of an Envoy for Future Generations was discussed, including through how such partnerships could support this new role. Simplifying accountability indicators was also emphasized, as clear metrics can facilitate effective monitoring and enhance transparency. 

Participants concluded that committing to intergenerational equity requires sustained dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that the Declaration's principles, commitments, and actions are taken seriously in order to safeguard the wellbeing of present and future generations. 

Read the Summary Report here

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