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The Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act, enacted in 2015, is a pioneering piece of legislation, acknowledging the long-term effect of policy decisions.
The Act was launched after the country’s biggest National Conversation on ‘The Wales We Want’ with the aim to improve economic, social, environmental, and cultural wellbeing in Wales. Through this legislation, public bodies, including Ministries, Local Authorities, Local Health Boards, Natural Resources Wales and Public Health Wales NHS Trust, are expected to work together towards seven wellbeing goals: a prosperous Wales; a resilient Wales; a healthier Wales; a more equal Wales; a globally responsible Wales; a Wales of cohesive communities; a Wales of vibrant culture and a thriving Welsh language.
As the legislation has a particular focus on sustainability, a ‘Sustainable Development Principle’ has been defined, highlighting the need for the wellbeing of future generations not to be compromised by decisions which aim only to meet current needs. Thus, the Principle introduces five ways of working: looking at the long-term thinking; taking an integrated approach so that public bodies look at all the wellbeing goals when deciding on their wellbeing objectives; involving a diversity of the population in the decisions that affect them; working in a collaborative way to find shared sustainable solutions; understanding the root causes of issues to prevent them from occurring.
A Future Generations Commissioner oversees progress, provides guidance, and holds public bodies accountable. As a result, there has been increased transparency and accountability in public decision-making processes, with some innovative practices emerging in areas like renewable energy adoption, sustainable housing, and community wellbeing initiatives.
Looking forward, the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act has the potential to further transform Welsh society and influence global approaches to policy-making. As other regions and countries observe the successes and challenges of Wales’ approach, the Act has served as a model for discussions around the introduction and implementation of similar legislation worldwide, such as in Spain and the state of Vermont in the USA.
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