#futuregen

‘The very definition of sustainable development embodies the need to ensure the well-being of future generations and yet, until Wales in 2015 enacted its Well-being of Future Generations Act, no country had passed legislation to look ahead and give itself the ambition, permission and legal obligation to improve social, cultural, environmental and economic dimensions of well-being for current and future generations. Jane Davidson was a pioneer in pushing forward Wales’s pathbreaking Future Generations Act, blazing a trail for the rest of the world, and WWF was delighted and honoured to support her on that journey. Decision-makers everywhere should read her book to understand the importance of putting future generations at the heart of all they do and the actions needed to make that a reality.’-Pavan Sukhdev, President, WWF International ‘Please give this book to the sons and daughters of our leaders, then ask them to give it to their parents. Maybe they won’t make the change needed for the people who voted them in, but they might just do it for their children.’-David Hieatt, co-founder of Hiut Denim Co. and of The Do Lectures, author ‘Once at the forefront of the industrial revolution, Wales now leads the world in the sustainability revolution. At the intersection of sustainability, economics, law, morality and politics, the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act enshrines the responsibility of a government to take care of its citizens, especially the vulnerable, and extends that responsibility to those who are the most vulnerable because they do not yet have a voice - the generations as yet unborn. In #futuregen, Jane Davidson, its chief architect, relates what inspired this groundbreaking Act and what impact it has had in the five years since it was passed. Politicians are not generally noted for their long-term, upstream thinking. Influenced by systems thinker Donella Meadows, Jane Davidson is an inspiring exception and has earned the gratitude of generations both future and current.’-Roz Savage MBE, ocean rower and sustainability advocate ‘Be inspired by this fascinating story of how Wales made into law the obligation for a country to pursue sustainable development on behalf of future generations.’-Gro Harlem Brundtland ‘As the effects of climate change and ecological degradation become ever more apparent it is not despair that must drive us, but action. Jane Davidson’s wonderful #futuregen tells the inspiring story of how one country stepped up with just that - a groundbreaking new law to protect the interests of future generations. For those searching for hope, this is a must-read.’-Tony Juniper CBE, Environmentalist ‘A truly pioneering Act that puts sustainability at the heart of every governmental decision combined with a country seeking to reimagine itself - the story of this revolutionary engine for change holds enormous possibility and is a true beacon of hope.’-Michael Sheen OBE, actor and UNICEF ambassador

Jane Davidson

Jane Davidson is Pro Vice-Chancellor Emeritus at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

From 2000 to 2011, she served in the Welsh Government as Minister for Education, and subsequently Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing. In this role, she championed legislation to embed sustainable development as a central organising principle, leading to the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act, which became law in April 2015.

Her environmental initiatives include introducing the UK’s first plastic bag charge and implementing recycling regulations that elevated Wales to third place globally in recycling rates. She also established the Climate Change Commission for Wales, the position of Sustainable Futures Commissioner, and the Wales Coast Path.

In education, Jane Davidson spearheaded significant curriculum reforms, including the Foundation Phase for early years, the Welsh Baccalaureate, and the integration of Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship into the Welsh curriculum.

She is a patron of the Chartered Institute for Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) and Tools for Self Reliance (TFSR Cymru). Jane holds honorary fellowships from the WWF, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, and the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management.

Currently, she serves as chair of the RSA in Wales and is an associate faculty member on the Executive Education for Sustainability Leadership programme at Harvard University.

Jane resides on a smallholding in West Wales, where she endeavours to live a life with minimal environmental impact.

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