Interim report launched for National Conversation on ‘The Wales We Want’

7th July 2014

Today the Commissioner for Sustainable Futures, Peter Davies launches the interim report on behalf of future generations.

View the report

Since the launch of the National Conversation on The Wales We Want in February 2014, the question of 'what is the Wales you Want in 2050 and beyond' has been one that has been asked to communities, families, schools and businesses throughout Wales in this pilot project. 

The people of Wales have been responding on email, twitter and facebook as well as through radio, village-hall events, sending in postcards and taking part in more formal group conversations.

The Wales EAUC branch submitted a response to the conversation to ensure their views were included and represented.

Four months in to this twelve month pilot initiative, The National Conversation has 'informed and shaped' the long-term goals included in the Well-Being of Future Generations (Wales) Bill, which today begins its legislative passage in the National Assembly for Wales.

The main aim of this first stage of the National Conversation has been to respond to the draft set of long-term goals to be included in the Well-Being of Future Generations (Wales) Bill. Fortnightly feedback to the Minister has been taking place to inform the drafting of the Goals which are now included in the Bill laid before the National Assembly today.

However, the concept of setting long term goals to provide a common focus will only work if they can be shaped, understood and owned by people, communities, and businesses across Wales.

The Commissioners Interim Report presents a summary of views and comments on the draft Goals, along with the emerging trends and issues from the first stage of the National Conversation. Following the launch it is important to understand that the conversation will continue - it's an ongoing process. The second phase of the conversation will extend the network of Futures Champions, go into more depth on the long term generational challenges, focus on sustainable solutions and make recommendations on the genuine measures of progress that matter to the people of Wales. This will culminate in the Report on behalf of Future Generations in March 2015 which will set out recommendations to Government in implementing, what we hope will become, the Well-Being and Future Generations Act.

Ahead of the launch, Jeff Cuthbert AM, Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty said; "The Well-Being of Future Generations Bill will set ambitious, long-term economic, social and environmental goals to reflect the Wales we want to see both now and in the future."

So how far has the conversation reached: Over 7000 individuals have registered online at thewaleswewant.co.uk, over 100 have registered as Futures Champions to take the conversation into their communities and businesses, nearly 1000 interactions on social media.

The Wales We Want is a Welsh Government initiative delivered through Peter Davies, Commissioner for Sustainable Futures, and managed by Cynnal Cymru - Sustain Wales.