Intergenerational Fairness

An intergenerationally fair world means placing young people’s realities, rights and ideas at the heart of every decision—today and for the generations to come. As Ursula von der Leyen affirmed in September 2024, “Intergenerational fairness is a cross-cutting topic – it affects all of us, but especially young people.”

This policy paper lays out six guiding principles to turn that vision into reality:

1. Generational Recognition – Tackle the unique challenges facing today’s youth.
2. Youth Rights – Eliminate all intersecting barriers and systemic discrimination.
3. Futures Thinking – Ensure today’s choices in spending, environmental protection and human rights don’t compromise future generations.
4. Eliminate Inequality – Close economic, social and political gaps within each generation.
5. Fair Investment – Shift from short-term fixes to long-term funding for young and future generations.
6. Intergenerational Connection – Foster dialogue, understanding and funding between generations.

Now is the moment to act—at the Council of Europe, the UN and the EU—to put young people and those who follow at the heart of an intergenerationally fair society and planet.