Wellbeing for Future Generations: building a more peaceful world

Join the Big Issue and Youth and Student CND to discuss how the Wellbeing for Future Generations act could play a part in creating a more peaceful world for future generations. The act could play an important part in securing a world with less conflict and less potential for catastrophic war and destruction.

Introduction and chairing by Caroline Lucas MP. With guest speakers Jane Davidson, Pro Vice-Chancellor Emeritus, University of Wales Trinity Saint David;  Priya Shivaram, Parliamentary Research Analyst, The Big Issue; and Ellie Kinney, Co-convenor, Youth and Student CND.

Watch the video here

Oxford Real Farming Conference 2021: Protecting the Lives and Livelihoods of Future Generations - The Ultimate Challenge?

What needs to be in place to change the behaviour of governments and institutions to encourage long-term thinking? This session will look at the approach adopted in Wales – the introduction of a law to protect future generations – through the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. Despite global commitments to climate change and biodiversity from UN member states, passing this act in 2015 thrust Wales into the global spotlight as the only country in the world to have a legal mechanism to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals. Jane Davidson, proposer of the Act and the author of #futuregen: Lessons from a Small Country will debate the key issues with Lyla June, indigenous environmental scientist and community organiser.

The session will be moderated by Leith Sharp, Director and Lead Faculty, Executive Education for Sustainability Leadership, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

The 2020 Annual Tony Jewell Lecture - Prof. David Pencheon

“Global health: the best of times, the worst of times: how do we address the paradox of progress in global health and equality?” by Professor David Pencheon

Prof Pencheon is the founder-director of the Sustainable Development Unit (SDU) for NHS England and Public Health England, established in 2007. He left the SDU in January 2018 and is now an Honorary Professor and an Associate at the Medical and Health School at the University of Exeter, England.

0:50:41 Response: Jane Davidson - former MS - architect of the Well-Being of Future Generations Act and author of #futuregen: Lessons from a Small Country

Small Farms for Future Generations - A panel discussion

Can small countries and small (and diverse) farms offer solutions to the crises we face? How can we move away from the ‘bigger is better’ narrative that underpins so much of farming today? And what are the key values we need in future policy and legislation to support a small-farm future? Authors Chris Smaje and Jane Davidson discuss these big questions, and more, in a conversation chaired by Sue Pritchard, Chief Executive of the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission. With the enormous challenges of climate change, economic inequality, biodiversity loss, and more, the conversation delves into the myriad possibilities that small farms offer when imagining our future.

Irish Tech News #FUTUREGEN Review: LESSONS FROM A SMALL COUNTRY by Simon Cocking

In #futuregen, Jane Davidson explains how, as Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing in Wales, she proposed the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015—the first piece of legislation on Earth to place regenerative and sustainable practice at the heart of government. Unparalleled in its scope and vision, the Act connects environmental and social health and looks to solve complex issues such as poverty, education and unemployment.

Davidson reveals how and why such groundbreaking legislation was forged in Wales—once reliant on its coal, iron and steel industries—and explores how the shift from economic growth to sustainable growth is creating new opportunities for communities and governments all over the world.

#futuregen is the inspiring story of a small, pioneering nation discovering prosperity through its vast natural beauty, renewable energy resources and resilient communities. It’s a living, breathing prototype for local and global leaders as proof of what is possible in the fight for a sustainable future.

#futuregen Lessons from a Small Country, reviewed

This is a positive and interesting book, who knew Wales was doing so many positive things. We are fans of CAT, the Centre for Alternative Technology, and Wales has some beautiful locations, but this book is a great guide to a conscious and intentional strategy to plan for the future and make Wales a more sustainable place.

Jane Davidson, the author, does address concerns and questions about whether Wales is too small to offer relevant insights for other countries around the world. However in many ways it is the New Zealands, Singapores, Finlands and Israels among others that are leading the way in innovative approaches to dealing with climate change and making our planet a better place to live. Davidson explains how they have identified, addressed and planned to get Wales to a better place.

In many ways during this recent lockdown period it has been a clear demonstration that local and small are actually the smartest way to identify what the issues are, and to create locally appropriate solutions. #futuregen is an inspiring case study, and a smart read for other locales, small countries, and even large ones to move forward in a positive and sustainable way.

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