01/04/2026
After Wales became the first country in the world to establish a dedicated system and institution devoted to future generations, the Equality and Social Justice Committee of the Senedd – Wales’ national parliament – published a landmark report reviewing what has been achieved, where progress has fallen short, and what must change. This development comes at a time when intergenerational fairness is climbing political agendas beyond Wales, including at the EU level.
The Welsh model
The report examines the Well-being of Future Generations Act a decade after its adoption. Back in 2015, it was a world-leading legislation which positioned Wales as a global frontrunner in intergenerational policymaking.
It was informed by a national conversation “The Wales We Want” held in 2014 with over 5000 people. This collective debate put forward the priorities for improving economic, social, environmental and cultural wellbeing.
Well-being is at the very core of the Act. The legislation identifies the following priorities: prosperity, health, equality, resilience and cohesion. It also calls for a Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language, and a globally responsible Wales.
The Act was praised for its innovative nature and presented as a model for others to follow. Countries such as Scotland and Ireland have committed to embedding its principles in future legislation, while nations including Japan, New Zealand, Canada, France, and Germany have drawn inspiration from the “Welsh model.”
Its global influence was further cemented in 2024, when the United Nations adopted the Declaration on Future Generations, marking a significant milestone in advancing long-term, intergenerational policymaking worldwide.
On the other hand, in years following its adoption, it also became a subject to criticism and labelled as “aspirational”, “non-law bearing” and “symbolic”.
Future Generations Report
The Future Generations Report sets out key recommendations to ensure that the Act continues to deliver for both current and future generations.
This report is based on extensive evidence, research and analysis and engagement with hundreds of representatives from organisations, stakeholders and communities across Welsh public, private and voluntary sectors.
The cross-party committee composed of representatives from the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru, Welsh Labour and the Welsh Conservatives examined the up-date implementation of the Act and formulated recommendations for the future.
The committee concluded that the challenges faced currently by the society, ranging from climate crisis, food crisis, declining trust in the institutions and strain on the cultural sector are significant. However, progress is possible and acting on it is of highest priority both for current citizens and as an obligation for future generations. The report also pointed out that the UK’s current economic strategy focused solely on growth puts at risk the well being.
Following those conclusions, the report calls on politicians and public bodies in Wales to move beyond short-term fixes. There is a need for supercharging actions that deliver multiple benefits, unlocking private sector finance, and committing to a real living wage.
The report also emphasises a need for a review and strengthening of the Well-being of Future Generations Act, alongside greater investment in public services, renewed efforts to rebuild trust in decision-making, and stronger protection for culture.
A broader shift
A decade after adoption of the pioneering Well-being of Future Generations Act, intergenerational fairness strengthened its position as one of policymaking priorities. In recent years it has also been climbing the EU agenda.
Earlier in March, the Commission unveiled its first-ever Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness. It marks the recognition of the importance to take into account interest and well-being of not only current, but also future EU citizens when making decisions that will have long-term implications for climate, defence, housing, technology and public finances.
This approach is a definite step towards ensuring intergenerational fairness and reflects a broader shift towards long term thinking in policymaking. However, the responses proposed in the strategy focus on solutions such as dialogue and exchanges of best practices, while more tangible and enforceable measures are missing.
It seems that just as in the case of the Welsh approach, the EU’s approach is so far rather symbolic and aspirational. While both policy developments are a welcome step, for truly future-proof policymaking, the gap between ambition and implementation needs to be addressed.