In Wales, well-being isn’t a buzzword, it’s the law.
Since Wales committed to future generations thinking, the way things are done here has changed for the better.
We have a progressive school curriculum with qualifications to teach people to be planet stewards; a dramatic switch to a healthier, greener transport focus, a new way to define prosperity that focuses on people and planet and a plan for an anti-racist Wales.
Wales has helped the UN follow our lead on futures thinking, while countries who want to learn from Wales to develop their own future generation approaches like Scotland, Ireland, Canada, France, Germany, Gibraltar, New Zealand and Japan.
Here in Cymru, public bodies are creating change from Morriston Hospital’s solar farm and community growing, to Rhondda Cynon Taf’s real living wage, and businesses are using the law to successfully challenge short-termism – like Câr-y-Môr community-owned ocean farm in Pembrokeshire which wants to grow a seaweed industry for Wales.
Wales’ commitment to future generations is the result of the work and wisdom of countless changemakers – and it’s creating impact in everyday life.
From first nations Iroquois teaching, the 2015 Well-being of Future Generations Act lead to a dramatic transport change and an ambition for an anti-racist Wales, and inspired a 2024 UN declaration.
Ali Abdi, community organiser, Citizens Cymru
The Well-being of Future Generations Act is future-proofing Wales for the current and next generation by improving social, cultural, environmental, and economic well-being.
There is still a lot to do, but Wales is showing the rest of the world what can be achieved, and we’ve only just begun. We’re making sure Cymru Can reap the benefits of this world-leading piece of legislation, and our mission is to make this law work harder.
Read more about our strategy, Cymru Can.
Wales’ well-being law is by the people, for the people, and we want even more individuals and organisations to use it to create change.
Much of Wales is already a part of team Cymru Can – from community organisers to teachers, public service providers, businesses, recycling centres, construction sites to tourist destinations – all helping to create a Wales that is healthier, more equal, environmentally-resilient, globally responsible, prosperous, with cohesive communities and vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language.
Read our case studies to help inspire you and your organisation to create more change in Wales.
The Well-being of Future Generations Act came in to law from 2015, find out more about where the Act has taken Wales in our timeline that shows how we got here.
The United Nations
