That was the question we posed at GRASP Pop Up: Utopian Decisions, where we explored how the choices, we make today shape the lives of those who come after us. As a follow-up to the debate, we spoke with panelist Michael Birkjær – Head of Analysis and co-founder of WELA – the Wellbeing Economy Lab.
Michael Birkjær works to make well-being and sustainability central guiding principles in political and economic decision-making. In the interview, Michael shares his perspectives on the UN’s newly adopted Pact for the Future, how we can foster political action across generations, and what it takes to rethink value creation in new ways.
The UN has recently adopted the Pact for the Future and the Declaration for Future Generations – Why is such a pact needed, and how can it help create better conditions for future generations?
The need arises from the fact that, in most countries, there are no mechanisms in place to ensure that the interests of future generations are represented in political decision-making. This is partly because future generations do not yet exist and therefore have no voice. But there is also a lack of mechanisms that can ensure their needs are accounted for and protected. That’s exactly what the pact and the declaration aim to address. They include a range of recommendations for how member states should work to represent future generations in policy development.
Many decision-makers today still primarily focus on GDP and economic growth – What does it take to make well-being a central metric?
It takes political will. Ultimately, choosing to use alternative metrics is a political decision. But that decision can certainly be influenced – including by civil society. The OECD estimates that around 70% of its member countries are currently working with indicators related to well-being and sustainability. This is happening with varying levels of seriousness and success, but it’s worth noting that Denmark is not among the countries that have adopted such metrics.
On the other hand, there are countries like New Zealand and Wales, where these measurements are not just secondary—they are a central part of how policy is developed, implemented, and assessed. They’ve come a long way, and it has transformed both the political process and the content of the policies themselves. There’s a lot Denmark can learn from – and right now, we’re lagging far behind.
What role does civil society—and especially young people—play in promoting the intergenerational perspective in global decision-making processes?
There is a great need for us in civil society to organize around this agenda. Many people are concerned about the future and engage with it in various ways, but it’s important that we don’t scatter our efforts. Instead, we should try to unite around an ambitious common agenda. The UN Pact and Declaration have given us that opportunity.
Young people are not themselves the future generations as defined by the UN, but youth movements play an important role—and have already done so—by raising the issue of future generations on the UN agenda. Young people are vital as a voice for future generations, but it’s important to stress that they do not automatically represent them. We must be mindful that, no matter who seeks to speak on behalf of future generations, their interests are not necessarily the same as ours.
How can we balance the needs of future generations with the urgent challenges we face today—such as economic inequality or the climate crisis?
There are two sides to this, and it depends on which issues and agendas we're looking at. When it comes to the climate crisis and our excessive consumption, it's important not to treat these as either/or problems. Science shows that it is possible to significantly reduce consumption—even in developed countries like Denmark—while at the same time increasing well-being. The science is clear; the question is how we approach the process.
Regarding geopolitical challenges and the sense of insecurity that characterizes the world today, I believe we need to unite around shared agendas. We must invest in community, well-being, and social cohesion. That is the counterforce to the instability we're currently witnessing. If we fail to invest, we risk creating even greater instability, polarization, and distrust in society.
Depending on which problems we focus on, there are nuances in how to balance them—but it’s not an either/or. A more nuanced approach is needed to understand the connections.
If, as a society, we had to prioritize one concrete action to ensure the well-being of future generations, what should it be?
At WELA, our key recommendation is that we start measuring success differently. This can help us navigate these unstable times and ensure we maintain social cohesion and well-being. But beyond simply setting new goals and indicators, we also need institutions and mechanisms to make sure those goals are enforced.
One example we can learn from is Wales, where they have appointed a Future Generations Commissioner and enacted legislation to ensure that well-being goals are upheld. Our clear recommendation is that we define new goals for value creation—going beyond GDP—and that we put in place mechanisms to guarantee those goals are followed through.
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If you want to learn more about WELA – Wellbeing Economy Lab and their work to promote wellbeing and sustainability as guiding principles for societal development, you can visit their website here.
