The Well-being of Future Generations Act was passed by the Government of Wales in 2015 and gave the government the mandate and legal obligation to improve social, cultural, environmental and economic well-being in Wales.

The Well-being of Future Generations Act requires public bodies in Wales to think about the long-term impact of their decisions, to work better with people, communities and each other, and to prevent persistent problems such as poverty, health inequalities and climate change. The Act is unique to Wales attracting interest from countries across the world as it offers a huge opportunity to make a long-lasting, positive change to current and future generations.

Our webinar will feature AELA’s National Convenor, Dr Michelle Maloney, in conversation with outgoing Future Generations Commissioner Sophie Howe, to find out more about inter-generational equity, the work Sophie has been involved in during her time as Commissioner and how countries like Australia might create new approaches to protecting our future generations.

ABOUT SOPHIE HOWE, OUTGOING FUTURE GENERATIONS COMMISSIONER, WALES

Wales was the first government in the world to legally create a position for protecting future generations. Sophie Howe took up post in 2016 and finished her term in January 2023. During her time as Commissioner, Sophie led high profile interventions around transport planning, education reform and climate change challenging the Government and others to demonstrate how they are taking account of future generations. Described by the Big Issue Magazine as one of the UK’s leading Changemakers, Sophie’s interventions helped secured fundamental changes to land use planning policy, major transport schemes and Government policy on housing – ensuring that decisions taken today are fit for the future. Sophie also represented Wales at the UN, the OECD and on a number of International Forums including Chairing the Network of Institutions for Future Generations.

ABOUT AELA

The Australian Earth Laws Alliance (AELA) works to promote the understanding and practical implementation of Earth-centred governance, with a focus on creating systems change and transforming law, economics, education and ethics in Australia.