79. Sophie Howe — Investing in Future Generations
The world is at a crossroads, facing myriad challenges, from climate change to societal fractures. While many are seeking solutions, few have been as pioneering and future focused as Sophie Howe.
Sophie served as the world’s first Future Generations Commissioner from 2016 to 2023. She is striving towards an economy that harmonizes with planetary boundaries. “Economic growth has often overshadowed other vital aspects, leading to our current climate crisis,” Sophie remarked. In her vision, the economy should work for the benefit of its people, not vice versa, which helps ensure a harmonious coexistence.
But it’s not just about the economy. The very fabric of our communities is under scrutiny. Sophie delves into the implications of car-centric infrastructures; the crucial need to make policy decisions with future generations in mind, crafting societal checkpoints to get in front of the issues, and the need to instill a love of learning in today’s students since the reality of today’s economy is that they need to be life-long learners.
Drawing from her background in policing, Sophie provided a unique perspective. “Policing often deals with the aftermath of societal failures,” she noted. Most individuals in the criminal justice system aren’t inherently bad but have faced traumas and hardships. Sophie’s passion? Proactive measures. By fostering inter-agency cooperation, she believes we can address root problems more effectively.
Coming from a small nation with a rich cultural history, she even talks about ways to embrace asylum seekers by sharing your country’s cultural riches with them. She also introduces the idea of “Repair Cafes” as a way to share goods and services on a community level.
An enthusiastic supporter for the work of the Global Wellness Institute’s “First 1,000 Days Initiative,” Sophie can be called a “Commissioner for the Unconceived.” She embodies the spirit of proactive change, pushing boundaries, and envisioning a future where both people and the planet flourish. Her insights serve as a beacon, urging us to reevaluate, recalibrate, and reimagine our future. Sophie is a featured keynote speaker at the 2023 Global Wellness Summit in Miami.
To learn more, visit Sophie’s site at FutureGenerations.wales.
Resources:
- Sophie Howe on the United Nations
- Connect with Sophie on LinkedIn
- Sophie Howe as Keynote Speaker at the 2023 Global Wellness Summit
- Global Wellness Institute’s First 1000 Days Initiative
Hosted by Kim Marshall
Produced by NOVA Media