Representing future generations

Abstract

The interests of future generations need institutional representation, either by an organisation with moral power such as the Councils of Seers Into The Future in pre-colonial India or the World Future Council (WFC) today (see www.worldfuturecouncil.org). The objective for creating the WFC has been: creating a trusted, long-term voice to speak up for future generations; building an integrated global forum based on our shared ethical values; and overcoming action gaps by linking moral authority with democratic power. The Council unites fifty highly respected figures from across the globe and from all walks of life to create a strong ethical voice to represent future generations. Selected through a global consultation process involving 2,500 civil society organisations, the Council members bring with them a wealth of experience and expertise. Institutions that defend the status quoare well established, yet the futurehas no comparable voice. The WFC is being set up to close this gap. It will help create a fair and 'future-proof ' world, by accelerating major changes in the direction of progress such as assuring a sustainable ecological base for human development, and fairness in the conduct of world affairs. Alternatively, there could be Future Councils as constitutional bodies with the legal mandate ('future veto') to ensure that we fulfil our responsibilities to treat the world as on loan and not as private property. © 2009 Springer Netherlands.