Vivian: Global leaders must ensure policies make for a better world

He welcomes emphasis on youth engagement in declaration adopted by UN member states

- Arvind Jayaram

Global leaders must ensure that the policies they make today are future-ready to build a better world for successive generations, who will have the biggest stake in that future, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said on Sept 23.

"The emphasis on incorporating anticipatory planning and foresight in our work is most timely," Dr Balakrishnan said in a National Statement at the Summit of the Future being held in New York, where UN member states adopted a Declaration on Future Generations.

The declaration seeks to ensure a more sustainable, just and equitable world for present and future generations, and recognises children and youth as agents of change.

"We are glad that the Declaration on Future Generations emphasises youth engagement," added Dr Balakrishnan.

Speaking at a Summit of the Future Action Days side event, titled The Declaration on Future Generations: From Words to Action, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Maliki Osman said the guiding principles and commitments in the declaration have to be integrated and introduced into the way UN members make decisions and policies, both at home and in the multilateral system.

Participating in the event were representatives from UN member states, civil society, the private sector, academia, the local and regional authorities, youth, and more.