The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales has called on the leaders of the world to step aside to allow young leaders the opportunity to lead
Sophie Howe made the call as she addressed the 1,500 delegates on the last day of the One Young World Summit (a global forum for young leaders) in London.
Other speakers include business leader and philanthropist Sir Richard Branson, Mary Robinson (Former President of Ireland and Chair of the Elders*), Edward Enniful (Editor in Chief of British Vogue) and Ellie Goulding (Singer/Songwriter and UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador).
The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales said:
“With only a decade left to reverse the ecological damage to our planet, current leaders have run out of ideas. It is the younger generations that is leading the way; showing commitment, radicalism and positive impact on how to respond to the climate emergency. Current leaders have not taking quick enough action despite many governments in the world, including our government in Wales declaring a climate emergency.
“Now is the time, not only to stand with our young people but give them the political platform they deserve. For too long, leaders have repeatedly disappointed young people, failing to grasp the seriousness of the challenges we face, or take the necessary actions.”
During her address, the Commissioner praised the work of young leaders across the world who were standing up for issues they believed in.
“Young people have done more to raise the profile and address action on climate change, than any discussion at the United Nations.”
She added that, Wales is testament that “no matter how small your country is, or how significant the contribution may seem, young leaders’ actions are having a global impact.”
Sophie Howe is the world’s first Future Generations Commissioner with statutory powers to represent not only current generations but also future generations and has been in post since 2016. Wales is also the only country in the world to legislate on behalf of future generations.
In 2015, in response to the Well-being of Future Generations Act, the United Nations said, “What Wales is doing today, the world will do tomorrow.”
During her speech, Sophie Howe encouraged young leaders from over 190 countries to campaign for similar legislation to the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act. On Monday (21st October) Lord John Bird and Sophie Howe convened a roundtable of young leaders in the House of Lords to promote a new private members bill which will adopt a UK Future Generations Bill.
The Commissioner ended her speech by calling on current leaders to “remember they were young once, unshackled by systems, they were brave, they were creative and willing to think outside the box. They have lost their way.”
Now in its 10th anniversary, One Young World has convened the brightest young talent from every country and sector, working to accelerate social impact. Delegates from 190+ countries are counselled by influential political, business and humanitarian leaders such as Justin Trudeau, Paul Polman and Meghan Markle, amongst many other global figures.
The One Young World Summit 2019 is being held in London, United Kingdom and ends on 25 October 2019. This year the speakers include J.K Rowling, Bob Geldof, Mary Robinson, Ella Goulding and Sir Richard Branson.
The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales has convened 10 young leaders to represent Wales at the annual One Young World Summit. This will be the first time a delegation from Wales will attend. This is part of a wider programme being launched by the Commissioner to bring the talent of young leaders to current leaders in the public’s private and voluntary sector in Wales
They are;
- Dan Tram (Arup)
- Molly Palmer (Wales Millennium Centre)
- Rebecca Brown (Future Generations Commissioner for Wales)
- Emily-Rose Jenkins (Transport for Wales)
- Bethany Roberts (Public Health Wales)
- Chris Roscoe (Natural Resources Wales)
- Chloe Winstone (Principality)
- Hayley Rees (National Assembly for Wales)
- Mishan Wickremasinghe (University of South Wales)
- Helen Atkinson (Scouts Cymru)
