For the past three years, Derek Walker has been urging the Welsh government to consider the long-term impact of their decisions on future generations born in Wales. As the Future Generations Commissioner for his country, Walker’s responsibility is to champion for the rights of Wales’s youth and ensure that their interests are taken into account in policy-making.
Walker questions the rationale of leaving current problems for the next generations to solve when solutions could be implemented today. He emphasizes the importance of addressing present challenges instead of passing them on to future generations.
The role of Walker was established following the enactment of Wales’s innovative Well-being of Future Generations Act in 2015. This legislation outlines seven objectives for the nation, including promoting a healthier and more equitable society, along with 50 national benchmarks to monitor progress.
During his tenure, Walker has advocated for stronger measures to combat river pollution and enhance the sustainability of Wales’s food system. Notably, he has successfully advocated for public sector entities to adopt a genuine living wage, which he believes will significantly alleviate poverty levels across the country.
In Canada, young people are facing various issues such as high unemployment rates, affordability concerns, climate change impacts, and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. Advocates in Canada are calling for the appointment of a dedicated advocate for the country’s youth at the federal level.
At St. Mother Teresa High School in Ottawa, Grade 8 students, like Nayah Tarpeh and Dimitri Conistis, express concerns about the cost of education and rising grocery prices, respectively. Their teacher, Katie Richmyre, observes that societal and economic challenges are causing anxiety among the younger generation.
Canadian advocates, including UBC professor Paul Kershaw, are inspired by Walker’s initiatives in Wales and urge the Canadian government to take more extensive measures for the youth. Kershaw stresses the need for a government minister dedicated to generational equity and an advisory body to address the issues faced by younger Canadians effectively.
Ontario Senator Rosemary Moodie is promoting Bill S-212, which aims to establish a national strategy for children and youth in Canada. She highlights the importance of creating a cohesive framework to support the well-being and health of all children, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive vision for the future.
In conclusion, Walker encourages the Canadian government to consider implementing a similar position to his role in Wales, tailored to the Canadian context. He emphasizes the positive impact of legislation like the Well-being of Future Generations Act in driving crucial changes for the betterment of society in the long term.
