Public policy decisions made today will shape the opportunities and constraints faced by future generations. Yet political systems often prioritize short-term outcomes over long-term sustainability. This issue area examines how governments, institutions, and civil society can better incorporate generational fairness into policymaking. It explores questions surrounding intergenerational fiscal burdens, the long-term implications of climate policy, and the sustainability of pension and social welfare systems. The Centre also studies emerging approaches such as constitutional protections for future generations, youth participation in public budgeting processes, and generational impact assessments designed to evaluate how policies affect younger and future citizens. By advancing research in this area, the Centre seeks to promote governance frameworks that balance present needs with the rights and well-being of generations to come.
3 articles found
The conference worked through the most consequential question in democratic politics today: why are young people systematically excluded from the systems they will inherit, and what will it actually take to change that?
Rather than a final solution, Portugal's right to disconnect law functions as a vital but insufficient first step toward a future of work that prioritizes youth mental health. It's true long-term implication is its potential to catalyze a broader EU-wide directive that mandates not just the right to disconnect, but also the cultural and managerial reforms necessary to prevent digital overwork and build a sustainable work-life model for the next generation. Portugal’s right to disconnect, codified in Law No. 83/2021, is a landmark but preliminary measure, aiming to address youth mental health and pave the way for a sustainable work-life balance across the EU. This paper critically reviews the legislative framework, implementation practices, and broader policy ramifications, highlighting the law's strengths and shortcomings. The analysis underscores the need for future EU-wide directives that similarly mandate cultural and managerial reforms to prevent digital overwork and promote sustainable employment for the next generation.
Financial illiteracy is a pervasive and cost-inducing problem plaguing our economies and personal lives. The financial landscape for the new generation is fraught with complexity, making comprehensive financial education an urgent necessity. Youth today grapple with significant student loan burdens, rising cost of living, and often, a surprising lack of fundamental financial literacy with multiple studies consistently attesting to the low financial awareness, contributing to poor financial decisions and escalating debt. Equipping individuals with adequate financial knowledge directly translates into healthier financial behaviours, improved credit scores, and enhanced long-term economic stability. This empowerment extends beyond the individual, fostering intergenerational financial well-being and contributes to building the nation’s economy. Despite its clear benefits, barriers persist, including inadequate curriculum integration in schools, limited access for disadvantaged communities, and a general lack of perceived urgency. Overcoming these requires a multi-faceted approach involving governmental initiatives, educational reforms, and industry collaboration to deliver accessible, relevant, and engaging financial literacy programs. This piece contends that investing in financial education for the new generation is not merely an individual benefit; it's a strategic investment in national economic resilience and the foundational stability of future households.
