{"id":548,"date":"2023-03-21T11:32:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-21T11:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simoninstitute.ch\/?p=548"},"modified":"2025-07-18T06:10:10","modified_gmt":"2025-07-18T06:10:10","slug":"response-to-our-common-agenda-policy-brief-1-to-think-and-act-for-future-generations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simoninstitute.ch\/blog\/post\/response-to-our-common-agenda-policy-brief-1-to-think-and-act-for-future-generations","title":{"rendered":"Response to Our Common Agenda Policy Brief 1: \u201cTo Think and Act for Future Generations\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) of the United Nations is publishing a series of policy briefs to inform the Our Common Agenda processes. On March 9th 2023, EOSG published its first two policy briefs on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/sites\/un2.un.org\/files\/our-common-agenda-policy-brief-future-generations-en.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Future Generations<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/sites\/un2.un.org\/files\/our-common-agenda-policy-brief-emergency-platform-en.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Emergency Platform<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Simon Institute for Longterm Governance teamed up with&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/riesgoscatastroficosglobales.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Riesgos Catastr\u00f3ficos Globales<\/a>&nbsp;to review the policy briefs and provide substantial input to contribute to the impact of these efforts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"on-the-general-principles-for-future-generations\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simoninstitute.ch\/blog\/post\/response-to-the-our-common-agenda-policy-brief-1-%E2%80%9Cto-think-and-act-for-future-generations%E2%80%9D\/#on-the-general-principles-for-future-generations\"><\/a>On the general principles for Future Generations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The common denominator across cultures, regions, and time is that future generations will inherit what we leave behind.&nbsp;<strong>Care for future generations cuts across all domains<\/strong>: human rights, environmental protection, technological progress, etc. By working towards protecting future generations, we are building upon a shared vision to improve our world for today and tomorrow.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We appreciate the emphasis in this policy brief on the&nbsp;<strong>intrinsic link between sustainable development and future generations.<\/strong>&nbsp;Everyone should consider the impact of our current policies and development plans on the future to create programs that have long-lasting positive impact. Indeed the relationship between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and future generations goes two ways: the SDGs inform how to preserve future generations, and future generations inform how to implement the SDGs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The international system must preserve the welfare of future generations by preventing global shocks from escalating into&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/riesgoscatastroficosglobales.com\/articulos\/definiciones-rcgs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">global catastrophic risks<\/a>. Furthermore, it should prevent existential catastrophes (catastrophes that would lead to the extinction of humanity) through risk-informed development and&nbsp;<strong>adequate stewardship of emerging technology,<\/strong>&nbsp;as&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/sendaiframework-mtr.undrr.org\/publication\/thematic-study-existential-risk-and-rapid-technological-change-advancing-risk-informed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">existential risk is increasingly likely to occur due to technological development.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"to-implement-the-principles-we-need-future-proof-policymaking-approaches\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simoninstitute.ch\/blog\/post\/response-to-the-our-common-agenda-policy-brief-1-%E2%80%9Cto-think-and-act-for-future-generations%E2%80%9D\/#to-implement-the-principles-we-need-future-proof-policymaking-approaches\"><\/a>To implement the principles, we need future-proof policymaking approaches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We need i<strong>nstitutions that are&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/351050249_Policymaking_for_the_Long-term_Future_Improving_Institutional_Fit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fit for purpose<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;and capable of handling long-term challenges, thus safeguarding and improving future generations\u2019 capacity to thrive. For institutions to be considered fit for long-term governance, they must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Act globally while coordinating at local, national, and international scales.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Act in a timely manner by preventing and responding quickly when threats manifest.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make balanced and deliberate decisions under uncertainty and complexity.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider and represent the interests of current and future generations.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We also need design tools that allow us to future-proof policies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Future-proofing<\/strong>\u00a0is the process of improving institutions, policies, and processes to improve humanity\u2019s long-term survival and flourishing, notably by accounting for the interests of future generations and addressing existential risk.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Concretely, decision-makers must build policies that\u00a0<strong>consider future generations<\/strong>\u00a0as stakeholders in the policy design, assess the policy\u2019s effects on the world\u00a0<strong>over an extended timeframe,<\/strong>\u00a0and put in place systems that\u00a0<strong>allow for enough flexibility<\/strong>\u00a0in the policy design for it to be adapted over time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"practical-steps-we-recommend-to-preserve-the-rights-of-future-generations\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simoninstitute.ch\/blog\/post\/response-to-the-our-common-agenda-policy-brief-1-%E2%80%9Cto-think-and-act-for-future-generations%E2%80%9D\/#practical-steps-we-recommend-to-preserve-the-rights-of-future-generations\"><\/a>Practical steps we recommend to preserve the rights of future generations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Appointing a Special Envoy for Future Generations<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Appointing a Special Envoy for Future Generations would be instrumental in giving a voice to future generations within the United Nations system. We envision their role as a&nbsp;<strong>dedicated advocate of the interests of future generations,<\/strong>&nbsp;as well as a&nbsp;<strong>key advisor to the different institutions<\/strong>&nbsp;in implementing policies that are future-proof and mindful of future generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We need to recognize that certain low- and middle-income countries are lacking capacity to institutionalize considerations for future generations. The Special Envoy for Future Generations should&nbsp;<strong>develop best practices<\/strong>&nbsp;for protecting the interests of future generations&nbsp;<strong>when institutional capacity is lacking,<\/strong>&nbsp;by involving the civil society as stewards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We recommend Member States to swiftly&nbsp;<strong>nominate a candidate for the Envoy for Future Generations to be appointed at the preparatory ministerial meeting.<\/strong>&nbsp;With a dedicated voice for future generations ahead of the Summit of the Future, the Envoy would build momentum and ambitions around the objectives of the Summit in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Building ambition for the Futures Lab<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The United Nations Futures Lab should inform all of the other Our Common Agenda processes by&nbsp;<strong>uniting the United Nations\u2019 foresight capacity.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Futures Lab should also&nbsp;<strong>lead the substantial work on capacity building,<\/strong>&nbsp;knowledge synthesis, and&nbsp;<strong>monitoring<\/strong>&nbsp;needed to implement future-proofing and foresight for future generations at the multilateral level. It should support the development of government-funded infrastructure for implementing future-proofing at a national level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We recommend that the Futures Lab&nbsp;<strong>collaborate with forecasting institutions<\/strong>&nbsp;such as the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/goodjudgment.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Good Judgment Project<\/a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.metaculus.com\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Metaculus<\/a>, which have extensive knowledge and experience in informing decision-making through&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0169207021001473\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">expert forecasting<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We also recommend that the Futures Lab&nbsp;<strong>collaborate with leading strategic foresight institutions<\/strong>&nbsp;such as the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.oecd.org\/strategic-foresight\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">OECD foresight unit<\/a>&nbsp;to conduct a rigorous exploration and analysis of possible future scenarios relating to global catastrophic and existential risk in order to inform strategic decision-making in the face of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Adopting a Declaration for Future Generations<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Declaration for Future Generations should be the&nbsp;<strong>moral foundation<\/strong>&nbsp;underlying the Pact for the Future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Following the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bsg.ox.ac.uk\/research\/publications\/toward-declaration-future-generations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">recommendations from Hale et al. (2023)<\/a>&nbsp;the Declaration for Future Generations should include<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A recognition of the moral value of future generations and of the duty of present generations to protect their interests and preserve their rights and integrity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A clear definition of future generations as those not yet born who will eventually inherit our planet.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A recognition that protecting the rights of future generations that includes:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ensuring a sustainable planet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Responsible stewardship of emerging technologies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monitoring and preventing existential risks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fostering long-term development\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A commitment to review and reaffirm the principles once per generation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We recommend that a&nbsp;<strong>full draft<\/strong>&nbsp;of the Declaration for Future Generations be developed&nbsp;<strong>by the preparatory ministerial meetin<\/strong>g on September 18th, 2023, to allow for sufficient time to refine its content before adopting the declaration at the Summit of the Future.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"acf-hidden-block\" style=\"display:none;\">Malou Estier <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) of the United Nations is publishing a series of policy briefs to inform the Our Common Agenda processes. On March 9th 2023, EOSG published its first two policy briefs on&nbsp;Future Generations&nbsp;and&nbsp;The Emergency Platform. The Simon Institute for Longterm Governance teamed up with&nbsp;Riesgos Catastr\u00f3ficos Globales&nbsp;to review the policy briefs [&hellip;]","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":744,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39,42],"tags":[91,89,71],"post_formats":[21],"post_types":[46],"class_list":["post-548","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-multilateralism","category-future-generations","tag-future-generations","tag-our-common-agenda","tag-united-nations","post_formats-research","post_types-commentary"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/simoninstitute.ch\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/548","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/simoninstitute.ch\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/simoninstitute.ch\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simoninstitute.ch\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simoninstitute.ch\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=548"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/simoninstitute.ch\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/548\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1059,"href":"https:\/\/simoninstitute.ch\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/548\/revisions\/1059"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simoninstitute.ch\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/744"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/simoninstitute.ch\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=548"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simoninstitute.ch\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=548"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simoninstitute.ch\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=548"},{"taxonomy":"post_formats","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simoninstitute.ch\/api\/wp\/v2\/post_formats?post=548"},{"taxonomy":"post_types","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simoninstitute.ch\/api\/wp\/v2\/post_types?post=548"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}