Nuorisoalan kattojärjestö Allianssin lausunto: Declaration on Future Generations

In the declaration, we hope to see a definition of future generations, that identifies future generations as those who have not yet been in a position of power, in line with the 7th generation principle and which acknowledges current children and youth as part of future generations. The definition of future generations should also include succeeding non-human generations.

Securing the rights of future generations starts with securing the rights of current generations. Therefore we hope that more effort is being made to guarantee the rights and well-being of children and youth, with a particular focus on the areas currently under conflict and regions that are expected to populate more youth, and future generations in the future.

1. What are the principles that should ground our commitments in the Declaration on Future Generations?
   • Clearly define future generations as generations who have not yet been in a position of power, in line with the 7th generation principle and which acknowledges current children and youth as part of future generations. The definition of future generations should also include succeeding non-human generations.
   • Reaffirm the United Nations Charter, Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Paris Agreement.
   • Affirms the Declaration on the commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations (“UN75 Declaration – RES/75/1) and the UNESCO Declaration on the Responsibilities of the Present Generations Towards Future Generations.
2. What practical steps are needed at the global level to take future generations systematically into account?
   • Accountability
     • Long-term accountability: Establish robust and transparent frameworks for monitoring, evaluating and reporting long-term impacts of policies and decisions on the well-being of future generations, and create legal provisions or international agreements explicitly considering intergenerational equity to hold decision-makers accountable.
     • Feedback systems: Encourage functioning feedback systems that take into account the long-term impact of major policy decisions on future generations through, inter-alia, a UN Youth Test, ensuring that potential long-term consequences are accounted for. Allow for spaces to mutually exchange ideas and concerns to foster understanding and influence decision-making that recognizes the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer and prioritize the well-being of future generations.
     • Special Envoy on Future Generations: Welcome the Secretary General’s intention to appoint a Special Envoy on Future Generations, to ensure the implementation of comprehensive and integrated strategies that prioritize intergenerational equity, cultural values and sustainability, and encourage Member States to appoint special representatives for future generations on regional and national levels and encourage Member States to recognize rights of future generations in their national legislation.
   • Foresight
     • National Foresight mechanisms: Encourage Member States to enhance and integrate foresight capabilities to ensure that policymakers and decision-makers anticipate potential future developments and consider the long-term implications of their actions, and integrate such practices into decision-making processes, policy development, processes on evolving global dynamics, and crisis responses.
     • Special Envoy on Foresight: Appoint a Special Envoy on Foresight to ensure the implementation of foresight strategies in the United Nations entities.
     • United Nations Foresight mechanisms: Implement a robust framework of foresight mechanisms in the United Nations to strengthen the futures oriented view on decision-making processes by strengthening the role of, inter alia, UN Futures Lab and Strategic Foresight Reports.
     • National Committees for the Future: Encourage Member States to establish National Committees for the Future to integrate foresight and futures oriented knowledge in the decision-making processes to increase futures literacy in the governance.
   • Youth and civil society
     • Inclusive anticipatory governance: Encourage Member States to ensure the effectiveness of anticipatory governance by consulting and providing meaningful participation for young people and civil society in decision-making processes. Mandate the United Nations entities and encourage the Member States to establish citizens’ councils and youth expert groups at the core of their governance.
     • Youth in decision-making: Ensure full, inclusive, effective, equitable, and meaningful engagement of youth in policy and decision-making. Urge Member States, United Nations entities and national structures to systematically integrate youth engagement through designated focal points in decision-making processes. Strengthen dedicated boards, councils, and networks by integrating young representatives into policymaking, decision-making, and agenda-setting in a representative and equitable manner.
     • Rights of young people and children: Commit to realize the rights of young people and children, including the right to education, mental and gender-transformative health, and safe digital space. Commit to end all un-paid internships. Secure the rights and well-being of children and youth, with a particular focus on the areas currently under conflict and regions that are expected to populate more youth, and future generations in the future.

Paula Pättikangas

Suomen YK-nuorisodelegaatti vuosille 2023-2024

paula.pättikangas@nuorisoala.fi