G20: future generations reach the top table

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What the G20 did

Global governance frameworks have historically prioritised short-term economic and political goals, often overlooking the needs of those to come. Under Brazil's leadership, the G20 Leaders' Declaration of November 2024 made intergenerational responsibility explicit at the highest political level, with leaders affirming that today's challenges "can only be addressed through multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow and the strengthening of global governance for both present and future generations."

How it Delivered

Institutional innovations such as the G20 Social and its engagement groups formally empowered youth, think tanks, civil society and other stakeholders to help shape policy discussions, creating a more inclusive, forward-looking policy ecosystem. The initiative also connected multilateral efforts, linking commitments like the Declaration on Future Generations with the G20 communiqué to reinforce a consistent intergenerational governance agenda.

What Made it Work?

Words at the top table carry weight. Naming future generations in a high-level political document reinforces accountability across national governments, and aligning multiple international platforms strengthens the coherence and impact of the whole agenda. Opening formal channels for youth and civil society ensured the commitment came with constituencies attached.

Future Generations Takeaway

When the world's largest economies name future generations in their shared declaration, the idea stops being marginal. The G20's step creates a precedent every future summit will be measured against. Keeping the future open has made it onto the agenda of the powerful; the task now is keeping it there.

This case study is based on one kindly shared with us by the us by School of International Futures (SOIF) and can be found in their digital implementation handbook: 'One Year in Practice: Stories of Global Action for Future Generations'. We have updated and expanded some case studies with more recent developments and additional sources where relevant.