Yesterday, thanks to my friend and colleague María Lorente, who facilitated the event “Building the Rights of Future Generations,” organized in Madrid and Barcelona by WEAll Iberia together with REVO, I had the privilege of participating in a profoundly inspiring and hopeful space.
The gathering highlighted the vital importance of defending the rights of future generations. The reflections shared left a deep impression on me, one that I feel will accompany me for a long time because, as was so clearly stated yesterday: “This is only the beginning.”
Among the ideas that impacted me most and invite deeper reflection, I’d like to highlight the following:
Thinking Beyond the Short Term
In a world where policies often focus on 4-5 year cycles, the importance of evaluating each decision based on its long-term impact was emphasized. Neus Casajuana from REVO Sustainable Prosperity passionately stated: “Whenever you need to solve a problem, look beyond the next four years and think about the impact it will have on future generations.”
Environmental Laws and the Rights of Future Generations
With passion and energy, environmental lawyer Manuel Castañón (Future Generations Foundation) shared that while Spain has over 11,000 environmental laws, few explicitly consider the rights of future generations. However, at least 14 constitutions worldwide, such as Kenya’s, already include this protection, setting an example to follow. Why is it, then, that many supposedly “advanced” nations don’t even have this on their agendas?
Innovative Ideas to Secure the Future
One of the most inspiring discussions revolved around whether we should grant legal personhood to future generations: if nature and even robots can be recognized as subjects of rights, why not extend the same recognition to those yet to come?
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway serves as a tangible example of forward-thinking and commitment to the well-being of future inheritors of this planet. This bunker, located on the island of Spitsbergen, safeguards thousands of seed varieties to preserve biodiversity in the face of potential global catastrophes.
Lessons from Indigenous Peoples
The philosophy of considering the impact on up to the seventh generation is a cornerstone for many Indigenous communities. This perspective invites us to act with a responsibility that transcends our own time, both toward our ancestors and those who will inherit our actions. How would our descendants judge the decisions we make today?
The Importance of a Holistic Vision
Sophie Howe, from the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, shared how their government has successfully integrated this vision through clear goals and strategies that transcend political changes. This underscores the importance of working from a holistic and long-term perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness of areas like health, equality, and the environment.
Final Reflection
Honoring future generations is not just an intrinsic moral duty. The decisions we make today have the power to build bridges toward a better world or leave scars that will last for generations.
It is both beautiful and profoundly challenging to understand that our future is intrinsically intertwined with that of those yet to come. We share a single planet, and with it, the responsibility to preserve its richness and possibilities for all.
