Welcome to the United Nations
What is it?
The principle of intergenerational equity holds that, to promote prosperity and quality of life for all, institutions should construct administrative acts that balance the short-term needs of today’s generation with the longer-term needs of future generations.
Why is it important?
Fairness between generations is embedded in the concept of sustainable development. The 2030 Agenda recognizes the importance of intergenerational equity and acknowledges that the future of humanity and of the planet lies not only in our hands, but also in the hands of today’s younger generation. The planetary crises faced today, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, will only become more devastating and irreversible if left unchecked. International and regional institutions have a significant role to play in supporting governments in their efforts to consider the needs of current and future generations in policy making processes and building strong institutions for the SDGs.
Commonly used strategies
Commonly used strategies to operationalize this principle include sustainable development impact assessment, long-term public debt management, long-term territorial planning and spatial development, and ecosystem management.
What are some key insights for governments?
While some countries have incorporated concerns for future generations into their constitutional frameworks and environmental legislation, ensuring the full success of laws, policies and strategies which balance long- and short- term needs remains a challenge in many countries. The profligacy of living generations severely limits the options for future generations, and short-term calculations continue to dominate policymaking. Accounting for the interests of future generations requires strengthening capacities to understand and assess the future, building long-term thinking into important policies and decision-making, and ensuring that interests of future generations at all levels of governance are integrated into institutions.
Technical guidance for government officials
Related meetings
 | Workshop: The promotion of intergenerational equity for sustainable development (8 March 2022) |