bulletins: declaration on future generations

• The Declaration on Future Generations, initiated in 2022, has progressed through several revisions, with Rev. 5 released in September 2024. Co-facilitated by the Permanent Representatives of the Netherlands and Jamaica, the Declaration emphasizes intergenerational solidarity, climate action, and the protection of human rights. It highlights the need for inclusive governance and sustainable development, while also supporting the Secretary-General’s proposal to appoint a Special Envoy for Future Generations. This bulletin explores key themes from Rev. 5 and the document’s evolution. 
• Get more detailed analysis on the Declaration on Future Generations and the negotiations in the following ICH Special Bulletin!

• The Declaration on Future Generations has undergone multiple revisions since its initial release, reflecting its evolving nature in addressing global challenges. The Zero Draft was issued in April 2024, followed by Revision 1 (Rev. 1) in May 2024. Subsequent updates included Revision 2 (Rev. 2) in July 2024 and Revision 3 (Rev. 3) in August 2024. The most recent iteration, Revision 4 (Rev. 4), was published in September 2024. The progression of the Declaration on Future Generations, from the Zero Draft to Revision 4 (Rev. 4), demonstrates significant enhancements in scope and detail. Each version builds upon its predecessor, expanding the focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and intergenerational equity. Key developments include greater attention to pressing issues like climate justice, human rights, and the protection of vulnerable groups, along with increased specificity and accountability. Rev. 4, the most advanced iteration, emphasizes proactive global governance, cultural restitution, and technological cooperation to better address future risks. This latest version ensures a comprehensive, forward-thinking framework aimed at safeguarding the well-being of future generations. This bulletin provides a detailed overview of the changes across these versions, offering a comparative analysis of each revision and its key improvements over the previous one.
  

• The Declaration on Future Generations underwent revisions, with Rev. 2 released on July 8, 2024, followed by Rev. 3 on August 13, 2024. Rev. 3 builds upon Rev. 2 by enhancing linguistic precision, commitment, and focus areas while reaffirming key principles such as the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Both versions share commitments to international law, peace, human rights, and sustainable development, alongside the acknowledgment of ethical obligations to future generations and the complexities faced by current societies. However, Rev. 3 differentiates itself through urgent language emphasizing safety, environmental action, and ethical governance of technology, as well as expanded commitments to vulnerable groups and historic inequities while promoting gender equality and indigenous rights. It encourages a “whole-of-society” approach for broader collaboration and articulates a clearer vision for effective multilateralism to address upcoming challenges. Ultimately, Rev. 3 reinforces inclusivity and proactive strategies and it underscores the necessity for immediate action and collective responses to emerging global issues.

• On May 31, 2024, Permanent Representatives Brian Christopher Manley Wallace of Jamaica and Yoka Brandt of the Netherlands released the DFG revised draft (REV1) along with an explanatory note that outlined the co-facilitator technique utilized to transition from the initial draft to the revised version. 
• After the release of REV1, a virtual stakeholder briefing was held on June 12, 2024. The briefing focused on key points raised by stakeholders during the event, emphasizing the importance of engaging with individuals, especially youth, affected by drug policies. There was a call for prioritizing the rights of future generations in policy-making, combating discrimination and promoting tolerance, exploring harm reduction strategies, and empowering youth-led organizations. Additionally, the need to safeguard vulnerable populations, promote gender equality, address marginalized communities’ needs, and support global peace efforts, particularly in Afghanistan, was highlighted
• Stakeholders stressed the significance of foresight, collaboration, and youth involvement in decision-making processes to ensure a sustainable future. Recommendations were made to address inequalities, safeguard human rights, enhance youth participation in policy formulation, and reassess global peace efforts. The integration of a precautionary principle into policies, investment in young individuals, and sustainable development were underscored as crucial steps towards creating a more equal, inclusive, and just society for future generations. 

• The Zero Draft of the Declaration on Future Generations aims to ensure a better future for generations to come by promoting peace, human rights, poverty eradication, and global cooperation. Member States provided feedback on the draft, calling for an action-oriented and ambitious approach, clarity, inclusivity, and considerations for data and cultural aspects. They also highlighted the importance of economic language, gender equality, intergenerational solidarity, and the role of the UN Charter and international law. Key priorities include promoting international peace and security, respecting human rights, guaranteeing future generations’ rights to flourish, preserving a sustainable environment, and strengthening the multilateral system for collaboration and trust-building.

• The General Assembly committed in Decision 77/568 to adopting a Declaration on Future Generations, which, if approved, would be one of the outcomes of the Summit of the Future, scheduled for September 22–23, 2024, in New York, and annexed to the Pact for the Future. The co-facilitators of the Declaration on Future Generations, H.E. Mr. Brian Christopher Manley Wallace of Jamaica and H.E. Ms. Yoka Brandt of The Netherlands held virtual informal consultations with stakeholders on January 15 and 16, 2024, in advance of the intergovernmental negotiations scheduled for the second quarter of 2024. Separate consultations were held with Youth and Indigenous Groups; United Nations Agencies, Funds, and Programs; Civil society organizations, Research institutions, Academia; and the Private sector.