Coalition 2030 urges government to pass legislation for the thought-leadership position
Coalition 2030, a group of leading civil society groups and trade unions, held an event in Dublin City Centre, urging the government to enact a bill that would lead to the creation of a Commissioner for Future Generations.
The gathering at Buswells Hotel was attended by members of the UN Youth Delegation, GOAL, INTO, Social Justice Ireland, Irish Environmental Network, and the Disability Federation, along with a number of TDs and senators. It coincided with the UN High-Level Political Forum on the Sustainable Development Goals, which is running from July 14th to the 23rd at UN Headquarters in New York.
The Commission for Future Generations Bill had been under scrutiny by The Joint Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth prior to the General Election in November 2024, but has not been put back on the new government’s legislative agenda.
In his address Coalition 2030 Coordinator David Rossiter said it’s crucial to act now: “The climate crisis, demographic shifts, and widening inequalities make long-term thinking essential. Ireland co-led the negotiations for the 2030 Agenda and has a global reputation to uphold in sustainable development. This is particularly relevant as the UN HLPF is underway this week in New York. A reintroduced Commission for Future Generations Bill must not return to square one. A cross-party agreement should facilitate referral back to the committee stage and eventual enactment.”
Sarah Carr of the GOAL NextGen youth programme was present at the event and said: “It’s about legacy: Today’s policies shape tomorrow’s realities, from housing and healthcare to climate and economy. We are the last generation with a real chance to get this right and a Commissioner for Future Generations can pave the way for action. What Wales did in 2015, Ireland must do in 2025.”
Speaking at the event, Green Party TD Roderic O’Gorman said: The world is watching as we approach key global milestones. Passing this Bill now would send a clear message that Ireland is serious about future-proofing our policies and living up to our international commitments under the SDGs.”
Also addressing attendees Labour TD Ciarán Ahern said: “We know this model works. Wales has led the way with its Future Generations Commissioner, delivering real results in terms of policy coherence, sustainability, and long-term planning. It has been shown how a dedicated office can challenge short-termism and embed future thinking across government. The precedent is clear, this is a proven and practical step toward better governance.”
Also speaking at the event in Buswells Hotel, Karen Ciesielski, the CEO of the Irish Environmental Network and a member of Coalition 2030 said: “Now is the time to introduce a Future Generations Commissioner. The role is critical in supporting the long-term thinking that is essential to providing a framework for decision-making and policy coherence. Healthy ecosystems are critical for society to function – for food production, for our economy and jobs, and for our health and wellbeing. Ireland stands at a pivotal moment in its response to the converging climate and environmental crises… The scale and urgency of these crises demand transformative action that is founded on fairness, guided by science, and focused on delivering a Wellbeing Economy that allows both people and planet to flourish.”