13 September 2013: In a report to the General-Assembly that was mandated by the outcome document of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20), the UN Secretary-General evaluates how the UN system can respond to the needs of future generations through the principles of sustainable development. Titled “Intergenerational Solidarity and the Needs of Future Generations,” the report outlines the ethical ideas of intergenerational relationships, actions at the national level on this topics, and possible options for institutionalizing the issue within the UN system.

The report outlines the commitments to the well-being of future generations made in numerous international treaties, declarations, and policies. Defining intergenerational solidarity as “social cohesion between generations,” the report examines the relationships between living generations, as well fairness between the present and generations of people yet to be born. It shows that concepts of caring and providing for future generation have been foundational to the concept of sustainable development.

Examining existing arrangements for representing the needs of future generations, the report gives an overview of legal instruments and institutions used at the international and national levels. These include treaties, declarations, constitutions, committees, commissioners, and ombudspersons that give focus to interests of the future. It also examines ways to involve children and youth in the implementation of sustainable development and decision-making.

Several options for the way forward on the issues of intergenerational solidarity are given in the report. The option to establish a High Commissioner for Future Generations is outlined, and this proposal is reported to have strong support from civil society. This High Commissioner could serve as “an advocate for intergenerational solidarity through interactions with the Member States and other stakeholders as well as across the United Nations entities and specialized agencies,” while conducting research and giving advice on the implementation of sustainable development. Other options include: a Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Future Generations; discussing the issue in the high level political forum (HLPF); and inter-agency coordination on the issue.

The report’s final recommendation invites Member States to consider institutional arrangements at the second meeting of the HLPF in 2014. [Publication: Intergenerational Solidarity and the Needs of Future Generations]