Image: courtesy of Melissa Askew
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FDSD submitted a response to Sarah Boyack MSP on the proposed Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill on 24 March 2023. We highlighted the importance of adopting a long-term perspective in policymaking to ensure the wellbeing of current and future generations. The Bill can support this by establishing a commission or commissioner focused on harmonising short-term goals with long-term objectives.
We emphasise the necessity of legislation for providing a robust legal foundation to underpin sustainable development principles, as well as encouraging citizen involvement, long-term thinking, prevention, monitoring, reporting, capacity building, and continuous learning and adaptation. We discuss the importance of defining national wellbeing, accounting for both subjective and objective determinants, and propose a series of key responsibilities central to the role of a commissioner or commission.
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A copy of the submission is available for download in pdf.