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null Building Our Common Future The role of the Network of Institutions for Future Generations in safeguarding the future

Building Our Common Future - The role of the Network of Institutions for Future Generations in safeguarding the future

Building Our Common Future - The role of the Network of Institutions for Future Generations in safeguarding the future

Working in collaboration with ZOE Institute for Future-fit Economies, the Network of Institutions for Future Generations has published a report on the current landscape of future generations governance, and as an opportunity to reflect on the network’s future. The report is available in our publications section.

Working in collaboration with ZOE Institute for Future-fit Economies, the Network of Institutions for Future Generations has published a report on the current landscape of future generations governance, and as an opportunity to reflect on the network’s future.

In the last decades, discussions about integrating protection for future generations into governance has advanced considerably. Given the unprecedented challenges we’ve faced with the COVID-19 pandemic and the fall shorts to limit global warming, the need for a longer term perspective in governance is urgent. Tackling these issues requires new governance approaches that bring future impacts into present decision-making, which ensure wellbeing and environmental protection not only for people living now, but create sustainable systems that ensure happy, healthy people and planet in the generations to come. Institutions are essential in the pursuit of solutions as they shape policies that will have long-lasting impacts.

The Report “Building Our Common Future: The role of the Network of Institutions for Future Generations in safeguarding the future” provides an overview of both the NIFG as well as the broader context for future generations governance.

The network is now presented with many challenges, but also opportunities, including; an ageing Global North, growing inequalities which can carry over to the next generations, a labour market disrupted by rapid digitalisation, and an overarching feeling of uncertainty. Against this backdrop, 4 distinct possible future scenarios for the future of the network are explored in this paper; Diversify & Expand, Institutions-focus, Maintenance-mode, and Alignment.:

  • Diversify & Expand, wherein the NIFG focuses its efforts on expanding its base and targets the Global South
  • Institutions-focused, wherein the network focuses ever-growing resources on governments and adjacent agencies
  • Maintenance-mode, wherein the network's official structure must dissolve for its survival, but exists as an informal entity
  • Align with another network, wherein the NIFG would fall under the umbrella of an established and stable institution like the UN, working on a specific goal, e.g., the SDG's

As the global landscape changes, NIFG can play a crucial role in bringing together key stakeholders to build momentum towards protecting the rights of future generations. Looking forward, the network aims to broaden the geographic reach of membership, enable more institutions to establish and participate, and strengthen the role national and international entities have in defending future generations' interests.

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