Launch of Final Report in 2015

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The Wales We Want is a Welsh Government initiative delivered through Peter Davies, Commissioner for Sustainable Futures, and managed by Cynnal Cymru - Sustain Wales. THE WALES WE WANT REPORT A REPORT ON BEHALF OF FUTURE GENERATIONS

Continue the Conversation on The Wales We Want www.thewaleswewant.co.uk 1177_stills.co.uk

@thewaleswewant The Wales We Want INTRODUCTION

This Wales We Want report represents the culmination of a year-long conversation with people across Wales which started in February 2014. This National Conversation was initiated by the then Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty in association with the development of the Well-being of Future Peter Davies Generations (Wales) Bill.

Over the past two years there has been a Taking part in the Conversation “global conversation facilitated by the United The National Conversation has engaged Nations with people the world over to seek nearly 7000 people across Wales through their views on new sustainable development their communities and groups (in addition to goals. In Wales too, we need to build a contributions via social media, postcards and consensus around the goals which are the online) and tested different approaches to most important to all of us, including our engage people. A key feature has been the children and grandchildren. recruitment of Futures Champions whose role has been to take the Conversation forward, We need to understand how the long term becoming advocates for future generations trends – demographic, technological, and and raising the issues affecting their groups, environmental - will affect our long term goals. communities, and organisations. The conversation and the subsequent report are intended to set the agenda for the positive There are excellent examples of how people action by the devolved public service. engaged in the Conversation and adapted ” ‘The Wales We Want’ to their own interests; Jeff Cuthbert, AM for example The Llanelli We Want, The Wales Minister for Communities & Tackling Poverty, Women Want, The Seiriol We Want, The November 2013 Wales Carers Want, The Energy We Want and The Wales YFC Want. Each adapted Through the Conversation we asked people Conversation has helped to build a common to discuss the Wales that they want to leave set of values within which we can now behind for their children and grandchildren, develop measurable outcomes to ensure considering the challenges, aspirations and we achieve ‘The Wales We Want’. These ways to solve long-term problems to create a Futures Champions can become a core part Wales that they want by 2050. This process of the new Commissioner’s network and help also helped to shape the six well-being goals monitor long-term progress and trends within that were contained in the Well-being of their areas of interest. Future Generations (Wales) Bill when it was introduced in July 2014.

Continue the Conversation on the Wales We Want www.thewaleswewant.co.uk 2 An Informed Conversation the latest information on national and global ‘The Wales We Want’ Conversation has been trends. We have mirrored this process through set within the context of the United Nation’s the pilot Conversation to encourage a better global Conversation of ‘The World We Want’. understanding of the long-term challenges Our aim was to replicate the vision for this of, for example, climate change, poverty and conversation in Wales: health inequalities.

The World We Want 2015 will bring the THe Wales We Want Report – purpose “priorities of people from every corner of and impact the world to the forefront and help build a This report builds on the findings from our collective vision that will be used directly by interim report produced in July 2014, which the United Nations and World Leaders to plan presented a summary of views on the a new development agenda launching in 2015, Government’s proposed long-term goals, along one that is based on the aspirations of all with the emerging messages from the pilot citizens! National Conversation. The report found that: ” • Climate change was considered the single It was also important for the Conversations to most critical issue facing future generations be aware of the “Wales we have”. To support • Environment, employment, education and this we prepared a series of fact sheets and health are of most concern to the well- a range of supportive materials, in particular being of future generations using the Welsh Government’s ‘Understanding • A sense of responsibility and ownership of Wales’ Future’, which provides a stock-take of the long-term goals and their achievement Wales’ assets set against a backdrop of global was important trends that will drive change in the future. • Each goal in the Bill should not be viewed in isolation but need to be actioned as part of The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) the whole Bill will require Welsh Ministers to produce • The goals need to be underpinned by clear ‘Future Trends’ reports after every National measures and benchmarks of progress Assembly election. These reports are intended • The goals should set a common vision and to ensure that the process for producing the focus for collective leadership, with action Future Generations report is informed by at all levels and in all sectors.

Continue the Conversation on the Wales We Want www.thewaleswewant.co.uk 3 This report draws together the lessons from There is no statutory duty on public bodies the year-long National Conversation; distilling to consider this pilot report but it does discussions around areas of vulnerability that reflect the views of all who took part in the impact on individuals, their communities and National Conversation and from this the Wales; for example health, a growing and recommendations on which key actions ageing population, education, unemployment, should be focussed on in the local Well-being affordability, security of energy, inequality and Plans of the Public Service Boards which will the provision of adequate services. be established under the new legislation.

Discussions also focussed on areas of People across Wales have been coming opportunity such as technology, skills, “together to talk about the issues that really leadership, diversity, identity, local enterprises matter to them, their families and their and preventative action. The combination of communities. These discussions have formed these areas has resulted in seven foundations the basis of the legislation that is now being for the well-being of future generations; each debated in the National Assembly for Wales. of which is presented in more detail in this ” document.

This Wales We Want Report is a forerunner to the statutory report which will be a requirement of the new Future Generations Commissioner for Wales under the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Bill. Public bodies will be expected to take account of the report in the objectives they need to set in order to contribute to the well-being goals.

Published a year before National Assembly elections, the Future Generations Report will be one of the important mechanisms aimed at improving our governance for the long term. Carl Sargeant AM It has the potential to contribute to a better Minister for Natural Resources informed political debate, greater engagement in the democratic process and an increase in awareness of our long-term challenges. The report will also review the contribution of the public service and wider society to the achievement of our long-term goals.

Continue the Conversation on the Wales We Want www.thewaleswewant.co.uk 4 The Seven Foundations for the Well-being of Future Generations

A conversation about the future of Wales 1. Children need to be given the best start in life from very early years

2. future generations need thriving communities built on a strong sense of place

3. living within global environmental limits, managing our resources efficiently and valuing our environment is critical

4. Investing in growing our local economy is essential for the well-being of future generations

5. Well-being of all depends on reducing inequality and a greater value on diversity

6. greater engagement in the democratic process, a stronger citizen voice and active participation in decision making is fundamental for the well-being of future generations

7. Celebrating success, valuing our heritage, culture and language will strengthen our identity for future generations

Continue the Conversation on the Wales We Want www.thewaleswewant.co.uk 5 CHILDREN NEED TO BE GIVEN THE BEST START IN LIFE FROM VERY EARLY YEARS

When asked ‘What is the Wales you want chances are closely linked to improving health for future generations?’ there was an outcomes adding that “preventative action in overwhelming similarity to the answers; pregnancy or childhood has a positive impact people want better opportunities for on several generations simultaneously, and young people equipping them with the can lead to huge savings when compared skills, education and knowledge needed with an action on an adult”, and that improving to encourage an independent thinking educational outcomes amongst the most next generation of ‘Futures Leaders’ and disadvantaged groups has the potential to ‘Community Champions’. make a positive impact on health inequalities.

The future of Wales rests with leaders born The positive impact of early interventions, “today and equipped to tackle the challenges (from pregnancy to the first 1,000 days of of tomorrow. We need to develop our young a child’s life) through environmental and people into ‘futures leaders’ and ‘community nutritional factors, has significant long term champions. effects on life chances as it can help eradicate ” many ailments that the child may face in With a child born today having a one-in-three adulthood, and close the gap in school- chance of living beyond 100 years, long-term readiness between children in deprived and health outcomes are therefore ever more more affluent areas. critical. Public Health Wales and industry peers have provided evidence on how improved life

Continue the Conversation on the Wales We Want www.thewaleswewant.co.uk 6 “Positive preventative actions in pregnancy will aspirations are fundamental to the success of not only improve the health of the pregnant our small nation on a global platform.” women and their babies but also their babies’ babies at once as mothers act as ‘the “Failing to engage our young people to want incubators of future generations’.” to be part of building the Wales we want will mean that they simply move to other places “The future of Wales is in the hands of today’s to work and live – without the young where children and young people – they deserve the is the future? We need to change the beliefs chance to grow within their communities and of young people particularly those brought develop their self-confidence and self-worth; up in communities of many generations of and deserve to be offered responsibilities economic inactivity or unemployment. There and opportunities to speak in public so that was a strong feeling that the Welsh have got they become confident and grow as future used to being ‘content’ and that this fosters leaders.” current paucity of ambition.” We need to have greater parental involvement TO ENSURE WE CREATE A “in children’s education, with more BETTER FUTURE FOR opportunities for skills-based learning, and means of encouraging independent thinking to YOUNG PEOPLE THE LOCAL better equip children for the future. WELL-BEING PLANS OF ” PUBLIC SERVICE BOARDS “Young people born today are likely to be NEED TO FOCUS ON THE working in jobs that are not yet invented – building their resilience, confidence and VERY EARLY YEARS

Continue the Conversation on the Wales We Want www.thewaleswewant.co.uk 7 FUTURE GENERATIONS NEED THRIVING COMMUNITIES BUILT ON A STRONG SENSE OF PLACE

A strong sense of belonging to our often felt to be missing from the priorities of communities has emerged as a clear asset public services. Greater empowerment is seen throughout this conversation. However, as creating resilience and a greater sense of many felt a lack of engagement between the responsibility, whilst top down interventions community and the decision-makers resulted can lead to disempowerment. in frustration due to an inability to make the necessary changes. Many questioned current service provisions, noting how the ‘needs assessment’ system We need to create a Wales where communities primarily leads to categorising the population “find it easier to do things for themselves into target groups and as such many issues fail through for example increasing people’s to be addressed due to system failures. Others ownership of their community including questioned whether infrastructural provisions spending. to improve access, both physical (i.e. roads, ” cycle lanes) and technological (i.e. connectivity Creating the conditions within which and phone access) were adequate to meet communities and enterprises can thrive was demand, particularly within rural areas.

Continue the Conversation on the Wales We Want www.thewaleswewant.co.uk 8 The Conversation connected with many of or where investment delivers poor economic the community leaders who are passionate returns.” and ambitious about the success of their communities. They reported on their The Llanelli Partnership used the National successes as well as their feelings of Conversation as a stimulus to bring the frustrations, isolation, and the dangers of burn community together to create the ‘Llanelli We out due to the challenges of the system. Want’, developing a local vision and action plan. Such initiatives highlight the potential of Many of these inter-generational challenges a joined-up community-led approach that is “are interdependent that need a co-ordinated based on local needs and priorities, connecting not an isolated approach. the separate funding streams and independent ” approaches of different organisations to focus “With loneliness and associated mental health on “pride, place and people.” problems a growing problem within the older population, closures of community centres THE LOCAL WELL-BEING and services can exacerbate the problem. PLANS PROPOSED IN THE We need to create ‘age-friendly communities’ that are built with the communities and the NEW LEGISLATION NEED TO BE demographics in mind.” BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP AND BASED AROUND LOCAL “Wales has more unpaid carers than any other PLACE PLANS parts of the UK and they save public finances approximately £294 million per year. We must make better provisions for carers.”

“It must not be left solely to public sector or businesses to take action but this needs to be done collectively.”

“We create society and choose the way we live, so the changes we need to make need to come from us, as individuals working together, not from government led agencies or large international business.”

“Too often practice in the past has led to development which has been isolated from sustainable transport, drawing life away from sustainable transport hubs in town centres

Continue the Conversation on the Wales We Want www.thewaleswewant.co.uk 9 LIVING WITHIN OUR ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITS, MANAGING OUR RESOURCES EFFICIENTLY AND VALUING OUR ENVIRONMENT IS CRITICAL

The Conversation contained a clear call for People also recognised that changes to action “to live within our environmental limits energy production and consumption would be and use our natural resources responsibly”, necessary in the future. There were negative where the views on fossil fuels as a long-term energy source, with positive responses to renewable natural environment should be accessible to energy including on-shore wind and more “all and used sustainably because people mixed views of nuclear. depend on it for food, fuel, clean water and clean air. Living within our environmental limits ” resounded strongly with youth groups and Many Conversations took place following the schools yet there were also reflections on a severe weather events of last winter so the lack of direct engagement between young impacts of a changing global climate featured people and their environment. Many of the significantly. The Wales We Want survey negative impacts of the local environment on highlighted climate change as the single most the quality of life were highlighted in areas of important issue facing future generations, greatest deprivation, with adverse effects on while the collation of overall responses in all mental and physical health. On the other hand forms of the Conversation made environment there were many positive examples of the the main area of concern. benefits of improved access to green spaces.

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Continue the Conversation on the Wales We Want www.thewaleswewant.co.uk 10

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Wales needs to establish better national within local communities and particularly measures to track progress to ensure we within our younger generation to learn to value continue to prioritise our local and global their environment and resources.” environments and their natural resources. “Our natural environment is valued and “Children value their environment, but with considered key to our life and a cornerstone lessons increasingly class-based, they are to everything.” not experiencing the natural environment, nor learning from it or becoming familiar “The value of landscape to society needs to be with it. Reintroducing ‘nature’/the natural better appreciated due to the benefits it brings environment into school can be of huge to achieving better health outcomes, well- potential benefit.” being, a sense of place-making, encouraging tourism, whilst also alleviated flooding.” Climate change needs to be top of the agenda “and politicians have to take it seriously. Local well-being plans ” need to be ‘climate-proof’ “There can be no successful future for succeeding generations unless we meet the and identify the climate change challenge.” environmental improvement areas “We need to empower our communities, and that can improve economic create pride and a sense of ownership and responsibility; we want to create ambassadors and social well-being

Continue the Conversation on the Wales We Want www.thewaleswewant.co.uk 11 INVESTING IN GROWING OUR LOCAL ECONOMY IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE WELL-BEING OF FUTURE GENERATIONS

The Conversations stressed the need for a There were strong examples of community- stronger, more localised economy as critical to led economic development. Support for achieving a ‘prosperous’ and ‘more resilient’ local enterprise and enabling a culture of Wales. Lack of economic opportunity was entrepreneurship were key themes which seen to be a key issue especially in rural would enable economies to be built on local areas and in those suffering from long-term assets, localising supply chains and investing economic decline. in skills.This was seen to be essential in building resilience to the global impacts of We need to sustain local jobs in the area that climate change, particularly in relation to “pay living wages and help to grow the local food and energy supply, and prioritising the economy and “unleash more entrepreneurial foundational economy. creativity through encouraging and developing more leadership networks” by creating “an Strong views and inspiring leaders came from employment, skills, enterprise framework the Young Farmers Clubs with a vision for the based on natural assets, energy, food and actions that need to be taken to strengthen transport” through “locally sourced skills and rural economies and improve local food products to develop the local community and supply. reduce a reliance on public funds.” Continue the Conversation on the Wales We Want www.thewaleswewant.co.uk 12 The issue of future trends relating to energy We need more jobs available for young people have been at the heart of the National “that give a more successful career in the future Conversation, reflecting concerns over in Wales, and with opportunities to explore the nature, security and affordability of their interests and help develop skills for work energy supply. There is clear recognition and better lifestyle. that engaging the public will play a critical ” role in the successful transition to a secure, Some also felt that “agriculture should become affordable, low carbon energy system. a part of national curriculum to grow our local farms and increase skills in this area, and There was a significant focus on the potential strong local supply chains that enable Welsh role of community energy as a transformation produce to be readily available.” process to increase local ownership of the energy system, but to date there is frustration Local well-being plans need to ensure by the pioneers in this area at the lack of an integrated approach to growing local progress. economies by leveraging public procurement, enabling distributed low carbon energy “Wales is of a scale that makes de-centralised schemes and improving local food supply. generation and distribution of energy via a network of neighbouring local grids a “Government has a key role in putting in place manageable and realisable aspiration. The the infrastructure for the future, but this needs vision of an energy independent Wales, to be accompanied by a culture change as powered by a high proportion of community often it was attitudes to risk and a negative renewable energy, is realisable and not a high approach to private sector investment that risk strategy to follow.” provided the major barriers.”

“We need to recognise our strengths and Supporting our significant niche industries weaknesses within the global economy – and our research base within the academic setting out the nature of a ‘boutique economy’ institutions to retain and train many of our offering premium value and service.” young talents and future entrepreneurs is also needed. “There are no opportunities here any longer - most of my family members are unemployed.” LOCAL WELL-BEING PLANS NEED TO ENABLE LOCAL “Greater effort is needed to make a wide range of opportunities including agriculture as ENTERPRISE AND USE viable job options for young people leaving PROCUREMENT POLICIES OF education early.” PUBLIC BODIES TO STIMULATE LOCAL SUPPLY CHAINS

Continue the Conversation on the Wales We Want www.thewaleswewant.co.uk 13 WELL-BEING OF ALL DEPENDS ON REDUCING INEQUALITY AND A GREATER VALUE ON DIVERSITY

All aspects of inequality have been highlighted discrimination in income, violence against as a key focus throughout the Conversation women, the portrayal of women in the media, with areas of concern from a variety of affordable childcare and inflexible working sources. For example, despite an overall hours. increase in life expectancy, health inequalities in some areas of Wales can lead to differences Sport also featured as an unbalanced area of life expectancy by up to 10 years. As which could benefit from more diverse older people become the largest and fastest representation; as did support in public growing demographic in Wales it becomes services and employment generally. Many more urgent to enable older people to also discussed the inequalities towards maintain their independence and to engage volunteers and particularly carers “who are and participate fully in society. often the closest female relative” and whose contributions are underplayed. If Wales becomes a more equal nation where “everyone has the opportunity to reach their full “No person should have their educational, potential and are able to contribute fully to the economic, social or political opportunities economy, Wales will inevitably become more limited because of their race, ethnicity, prosperous and innovative. religion, disability, gender, sexual preference, ” or for any other reason, and no person should Other issues focussed on gender and fear for their personal safety for the same age inequalities, and in particular gender reasons.”

Continue the Conversation on the Wales We Want www.thewaleswewant.co.uk 14 “Despite progress women continue to work their farming or their rural environment with below their potential in low paid, part time little awareness of the social impacts affecting work and face a range of barriers to entering these areas.” and progressing in the workplace.” LOCAL WELL-BEING PLANS “Greater focus also needs to be given to NEED TO BRING INEQUALITY people aged 85+ since this group tends to be more acutely impacted by the health and ISSUES TO LIGHT AND TO well-being issues.” PRESENT SOLUTIONS ON HOW WE CAN BETTER ACHIEVE Everyone should be accepted for the way EQUALITY. FOR EXAMPLE WE “they are and children with disability should be treated fairly – with more parks and play NEED TO PLAN NOT JUST FOR centres for the disabled. AN AGEING COMMUNITY, BUT ” ALSO FOR SUPPORTING AND “North Wales gets side-lined in media RESPECTING OUR POPULATION coverage, has poor transport provisions to connect its communities, and has an unequal OF CARERS WHO ARE share of government funding compared to OFTEN UNDERVALUED AND south Wales.” OVERLOOKED

“The rural voice is often felt to be lacking in key decisions given its smaller populous, and feel that they are often defined by others by

Continue the Conversation on the Wales We Want www.thewaleswewant.co.uk 15 GREATER ENGAGEMENT IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS, A STRONGER CITIZEN VOICE AND ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN DECISION MAKING IS FUNDAMENTAL FOR THE WELL-BEING OF FUTURE GENERATIONS

On the whole people felt disconnected from the decision-makers that affected their daily lives as decisions felt removed, top-down and with no clear link to outcomes. They reported an increased sense of fatigue and frustration with the way in which they were being engaged.

This was reported by groups across all sectors that we engaged, where each questioned the effectiveness and robustness of current consultative exercises, adding that by the time they are approached for their views most of the key decisions had already been made and the consultation became no more than a ‘tick-box’ exercise. Engagement from the outset and not just during consultation was the consensus, as people want to be involved in the decision- making process as part of the solution. Such views of disempowerment often became stronger the greater the distance from Cardiff.

The role of government needs to be was also a great sense that individuals and “re-imagined. Government needs to see communities should be empowered to take itself as having a different purpose in the the lead on managing community assets 21st century, and that is one of system and creating a better place by encouraging stewardship rather than just deliverer of entrepreneurial thinking. public services and guarantor of security. ” “We don’t want services to be shaped around Many youth groups were concerned about us but with us.” funding cuts within youth-led movements and the loss of their voice through the demise of “Groups feel that their voice has no influence Funky Dragon, which was seen to exacerbate anyway and often perceptions are of a the problem of disengaged youth in decision- ‘them and us’ relationship with Government making. initiatives.”

Many also recognised the need for trade-offs “There is no silver bullet that will be the answer and maintaining a balance, given decreasing to all our problems; we all need to take public funds to deliver service, but there responsibility and act together.”

Continue the Conversation on the Wales We Want www.thewaleswewant.co.uk 16 “There is little or no dialogue between our It is up to all of us to take responsibility and community and county councils and the “to be influential in our own worlds and help residents they represent and with so many empower others. methods of communication available ” to us in this day and age, this is wholly “Local conversations are needed to truly unacceptable.” identify local needs.”

“Young people want to have the freedom to THE SUCCESS OF LOCAL voice their own opinion and be heard and feel WELL-BEING PLANS WILL more in control and independent”, suggesting that “we must encourage BE DEPENDENT ON THE community councils to have a member of LEVEL OF INVOLVEMENT OF the community represented by those aged CITIZENS. PUBLIC SERVICE between 16 and 18 years, with voting age BOARDS NEED TO BUILD reduced to 16 years,” and recognising the role of social media that is likely to ON THE NATIONAL create a more ‘participatory’ rather than CONVERSATION TO ENSURE A ‘representative’ democracy. WIDE OWNERSHIP OF LOCAL OBJECTIVES AND PRIORITISE YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

Continue the Conversation on the Wales We Want www.thewaleswewant.co.uk 17 CELEBRATING SUCCESS, VALUING OUR HERITAGE, CULTURE AND LANGUAGE WILL STRENGTHEN OUR IDENTITY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

The theme of identity generated a great amount of discussion throughout the Conversation. Initially people asked ‘What is Wales famous for?’ with inevitable answers around wanting to be known for more than “sheep and slate”. As discussions progressed many people felt it important to portray a far more positive, inclusive and forward-looking Wales.

There is a need to showcase and build on the “Children should be encouraged to enjoy both “very essence of Wales – its language, culture, the built and natural heritage, and that the context and pride, and communicate the value stories from older generations are preserved of its differences to others and other countries. for the future.” Media has a key role to play to actively promote and help establish the new belief that “There is a need to encourage pride in our ‘Wales can be best in the world.’ culture and heritage and to promote diversity ” and integrate different cultures.” Wales’ culture, language and heritage are unique and identifiable world-wide. People Around discussions on identity there was also want to use these assets to define Wales more frustration that successes and achievements positively as a legacy for future generations are not often celebrated, for example the whilst continuing to be inclusive of all cultures. contribution to international development through projects like ‘Size of Wales’ and “We want a Wales that has a future, not only a ‘Wales for Africa partnership’, and Wales being past.” the first Fairtrade nation.

“We need to change the focus from ‘looking The infrastructure on which identity is based for problems to fix’ to finding and talking – our heritage buildings, museums, libraries, about all that we do well, build stories and theatres and others – brings a focal point new legends to take into the future.” for the sense of place which should not be ignored. Independent museums, for example, “Everyone should have the opportunity to tend to have grown from a community need appreciate and access cultural heritage with to conserve and celebrate their local heritage the Welsh language valued equally alongside and culture, and as such are an extremely the English language in Wales, along with important part of what provides people with a respect for the use of other languages.” sense of place, of belonging and community cohesion.

Continue the Conversation on the Wales We Want www.thewaleswewant.co.uk 18 The identity of a nation can be a powerful “We have a great heritage to be proud tool as it has a negative or positive influence of. For example, Elizabeth Andrews who on many factors including tourism, business campaigned to improve maternity care and investment, higher education and migration of nursery provision, leading to the opening of talent. the first nursery school in Wales in Llwynypia in 1935.” “It is amazing how BAD Wales is at telling its stories!” Welsh needs to be seen as more than just “a language. It is an important part of our “We need to harness the expression of heritage, but also an essential part of our national pride, unity and excitement from our identity, and sustaining its use is just as sport, and take that across all themes of life, important as sustaining our environment. work, health and living in Wales – as is also ” seen in Australia Day’.” There is a drive from the network of Futures Champions to build on our strengths and “With technology and social media bringing celebrate the areas where Wales is leading the world ever closer we need to use this as the way and as a result a stronger identity will an opportunity to give even more prominence emerge – a Brand Wales. Wales is one of the to our identity and showcase our culture few nations globally to put future generations and heritage to the global audience, else we at the heart of decision-making by creating can be left behind as other smaller nations legislation focussed on well-being and future emerge.” generations. The National Conversation can support this by emphasising the role we each have to play in creating the Wales We Want and in strengthening our national identity. WE NEED TO CELEBRATE AND VALUE OUR CULTURE, LANGUAGE AND HERITAGE AS ASSETS ON WHICH TO BUILD LEARNING PLATFORMS FOR OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS.THESE ASSETS THEREFORE NEED TO BE AT THE CENTRE OF OUR WELL-BEING PLANS

Continue the Conversation on the Wales We Want www.thewaleswewant.co.uk 19 Concluding remarks – listening into action

I was delighted to be asked to lead a National ‘The Wales We Want’ has contributed to Conversation on ‘The Wales We Want’ as part shaping the legislation. I thank Cynnal Cymru of the preparation for the Well-being of Future - Sustain Wales in particular for their role in Generations (Wales) Bill. We can be proud of managing the project, along with over 200 the fact that we are in the vanguard of a global organisations that have taken the conversation movement led by the United Nations with the forward as ‘Futures Champions’ engaging creation of global Sustainable Development nearly 7000 active participants, and many Goals; and it was an honour to be asked to more who contributed via social media, present at their High-Level Political Forum on postcards and online. Sustainable Development in New York last July. The pilot National Conversation has been a journey that exceeded our expectations in A commitment to promote sustainable terms of engagement and more notably in development is embedded within the the sense of responsibility and ownership that Government of Wales Act and has emerged from these conversations. There represented a distinctive part of the devolution has been a strong sense of a momentum journey. However, as Commissioner I have for change, where people have talked about advocated the need for new legislation to collective action. The challenge will be to address the weakness in the current structure translate this dialogue into action and long- and provide a distinctive, enabling framework term value to ensure we avoid disengagement that can make more impact on the ground. and cynicism.

Central to my concern has been the top-down The Conversation has been an opportunity nature of public policy implementation and to look beyond the short-term pressures of the failure to connect with community-led everyday life and to discuss the nation we action. The new legislation introduces a range want for our children and grandchildren. of mechanisms designed to address this The exercise has helped us to focus on the issue such as requiring greater involvement long-term legacy we want to leave for future from communities in decision making, a new generations, recognising that the future does statutory Commissioner for Future Generations not just happen but that we create it through and a role for a Future Generations Report. the decisions and actions we take today. Through this process we have identified seven The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) clear foundations that are essential for the Bill will have an important role to play in well-being of future generations. The next introducing a common purpose with long-term stage of the Conversation will work on taking goals, common principles to the operations forward the key messages within each. of the public sector and a delivery structure through statutory Public Service Boards that can deliver more integrated solutions.

Continue the Conversation on the Wales We Want www.thewaleswewant.co.uk 20 This will involve: Talking about the ‘The Wales I Want’ makes me • Deepening and widening the Future “a by-stander, I want to talk about the ‘Wales I Champions Network to provide a strong want to help create.’ platform for the new Commissioner ” • Working with the early adopter network It is clear that working directly with of public bodies and signatories of the communities and groups has worked well Sustainable Development Charter to in progressing important discussions, and take forward the key messages of the these Futures Champions have influenced our Conversation approaches. • Focusing on strategies for integrated approaches to early-years interventions This report has been informed by your • Working with partners in developing a Conversations across Wales and contains model for a Futures Leaders programme important messages which need to be • Working through Local Service Boards to translated into action. It highlights that our apply the learning for the development of major intergenerational challenges of climate local well-being assessments and plans change, poverty, ageing population, health • Building on place planning and community- inequalities and others require collaborative led developments and recognising the key approaches and integrated solutions that role of town and community councils translate at an individual and community • Shaping the indicator set that will measure level. It recognises that engagement at the progress against the goals in the Well-being local level is the best way to unlock creativity of Future Generations (Wales) Bill and innovation. It reveals the importance of • Hosting an international partners event in prevention over cure and on giving future April in conjunction with the World Future generations the best start in life. It also Council on models for governance for the emphasises that it is not simply Government’s long term. responsibility to make it happen – we each have a part to play. Throughout the report I have listened and reflected on your words, extracting seven This is not a one off exercise but the beginning principal values from your conversations of a process which will be taken forward by which are essential to the well-being of the new Commissioner for Future Generations. future generations. These seven values form the foundation on which we can build a Peter Davies better future. We have also learned valuable Commissioner for Sustainable Futures lessons on how best to engage a nation in conversation having piloted a number of campaign activities, of which several have evolved and will inform the next stage of the Conversation.

Continue the Conversation on the Wales We Want www.thewaleswewant.co.uk 21 The idea of losing control of the conversation is a good thing. “Natural Resources Management Conference ”

The concept of a National Conversation, of encouraging people from “all walks of life to contribute their views on the Wales they want for future generations is a great step forward. WCVA ”

The Conversation has been a great way of bringing people together “of all generations from different demographics. YFC members found the discussions and debates extremely empowering as so often decisions are made for them by adults who think ‘they know best’. Wales YFC has enjoyed being part of the Wales We Want and would welcome being a part of future areas of work. Young Farmers Clubs ”

“I want a Wales that asks me what I want!”

An inclusive process, such as the National Conversation, is what is “needed and what is important if we are all to work together towards specific goals.”

Starting a discussion with students about the Wales We Want with “a standup comedy gig was an interesting experiment, but one that certainly got them talking openly and honestly.”

Continue the Conversation on the Wales We Want www.thewaleswewant.co.uk 22 Thanks to the Futures Champions and all who took part in the National Conversation

A4SW Eco Schools network - Keep Wales Tidy Plant Rhieni Abergavenny and Crickhowell Friends of the EEESafe Policy Forum for Wales Earth EHRC Powys County Council Abertawe Bro Morganwg University Health Board Energy wardens Holyhead Prince’s Trust Albert Road Heritage Group (ARCH), penarth Environment Wales Principle Youth Officers (PYO) Aldersgate Group ESC ProMo-Cymru Alun School, Mold ESDGC Public Health Wales Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales Estyn Llaw Race Council Cymru Angelsey Energy Island Evangelical Alliance Wales Race Equality First Anglesey County Council Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens Revive and Thrive Aro Ling Cardiff Buddhist Centre Future Generations Bill Reference Group RNIB Arriva Trains Wales FNF Both Parents Matter Cymru Robert Owen Community Banking Arts Factory Friends of the Earth Rounded Developments Enterprises Asiantaeth Ynni Severn Wye Energy Agency FSB RSA and The Learned Society of Wales Atkingroup Fuel Poverty Coalition RSPB Awesome Cardiff Funky Dragon Samaritans Bangor University Future Generations Bill Reference Group & Save The Children Barry Communities First Cluster team Advisory Group Severn Estuary Partnership BAVO Gecko Clothing Severn Wye Energy Agency BDW Consulting Generations Together Cymru Smart Energy GB Boyos Book Club Geography University of South Wales South Wales Chamber of Commerce Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Gibran UK Ltd South Wales CIPS Branch Bridgend College and member of the EAUC Girls Friendly Society Stop Climate Chaos Cymru Bridgend County Voluntary Council Glyn Derw Michaelston Federation Sustainable Development Charter “Bridgend HSCWB Third Sector Network” Glyndwr University Sustainable Development Co-ordinator’s Cymru Bridges Community Centre/Transition Monmouth Good Relations Sustainable Places Research Institute Caerphilly Council Gower Power Community Co-operative Sustainable Swansea - The Environment Centre Cambrian Mountains Initiative and LLANI Ltd Grwp Cynefin Sustainable Wales Capita Grwp Llandrillo Menai Sustrans Cymru Cardiff & Vale College Gwrandwch Community Voice Swansea Council Cardiff Instagramers HEFCW Swansea CVS Cardiff University Holywell student voice Swansea Environment Centre Carmarthenshire Cycling Forum IEMA Wales network Swansea University Carreg Adventure Incredible Edible Wrecsam Tai Eryri Cartrefi Conwy Housing Association IWA The Auction Surplus Shop CaST Cymru and a Community Councillor Landscape Institute Wales The Big Lunch (Eden Project) CAVO Lead Wales, Swansea University The Care Society CAVS Learning Pathways Cymru The Co-operative Party CBI LGBT Sport Cymru The Riverfront Centre for Alternative Technology Charity Llais Rhieni Ceredigion Third Sector Alliance Ceredigion Association Llanelli Community Partnership Timecentres UK Children’s Commissioner Llanelli Town Council Torfaen Biodiversity Church in Wales Parish Church Llanfair Carnival group and Sunday school Torfaen County Borough Council Cilgwyn community LLETS TPAS Cymru City and County of Swansea Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru Traws Link Cymru City Development and Neighbourhood Locality with DTA Unique Transgender Network Regeneration LSB Co-ordinators Wales University of South Wales CLIConline Marine Conservation Society University of Wales Trinity St David Climate Change Commission for Wales Marine Conservation Society (MCS) UnLtd Coed Cymru Melin Homes Urdd Coleg Ceredigion Millbank Primary School VocalEyes Digital Democracy Coleg Gwent Miller Research Wales Audit Office ColegauCymru Monmouthshire County Council Wales Community Justice Network Communities First NAS Cymru Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) Community Energy National Eisteddfod Wales Environment Link Community Energy Wales National Federation of Women’s Institutes Wales Substance misuse network Community Housing Cymru - Finance Forum National Parks Wales Water and Waste Water Treatment Conwy BIG Community Voice National Trust WAVE - Women Adding Value to the Economy Co-production Wales Natural Resources Wales Welsh Language Commissioner Council of Wales Voluntary Youth Servive NEA Cymru Welsh NHS Confederation (CWVYS) Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service Welsh Women’s Aid CREW Regeneration Wales North East Wales Carers Information Service Western Valleys Communities First CTC Cymru NUS Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd CVC Network One Voice Wales Women Connect First Cymdeithas yr Iaith Parent Network Caerphilly Women Making a Difference Cynefin Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services Women seeking sanctuary advocacy group Cynefin Anglesey Pembrokeshire College (Wales) WSSAG Cynefin Place Co-ordinators Pembrokeshire Local Action Network for Women’s Equality Network Wales Cyngor Tref Aberystwyth Enterprise & Development (PLANED) ‘Working WIth Not To’ Co-Production Project Danescourt Primary School Pembrokeshire’s Children and Young People’s WWF Cymru Disability Wales Rights team Y dderwen community enterprise Diverse Cymru Plan Your Ymlaen Ceredigion EAUC Cymru PLANED Young Farmers’ Club

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