Eigen

Intergenerational Equity

What is IGE

According to Principle 3 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, the right to development must be fulfilled so as to equitably meet developmental and environmental needs of present and future generations. While also highlighting equity between people of the same generation and assures "justice among human beings that are alive today, mandating particular priority for the special situation and needs of developing countries, particularly the least developed and those most environmentally vulnerable" (Rio Principle 6), intergenerational equity (IGE) fosters a sense of responsibility and stewardship toward future generations. It encourages decision-making that takes into account long-term consequences and aims to create a more sustainable and equitable world for everyone. IGE is a foundational principle outlined in "Our Common Agenda," the UN Secretary-General’s vision for the future of global cooperation.

Read UN Global Pulse's Medium article: Using Intergenerational Equity to Build Solidarity Across Generations

Read UN High Level Committee on Programmes (HLCP) discussion paper: Duties to the Future through an Intergenerational Equity Lens