The Scottish Government have launched a consultation into a Wellbeing and Sustainable Development bill.
This presents an important opportunity for those of us concerned with creating a fairer world, because the new legislation would mean public bodies need to consider wellbeing and sustainable development in all of their decisions. Definitions of wellbeing and sustainable development would be embedded in law for clarity for everyone. The legislation could also introduce a Future Generations Commissioner for Scotland, who would scrutinise decisions, provide support, and promote the concepts of wellbeing and sustainable development.
However, much depends on how sustainable development is defined and the current proposals don’t clearly take into account those outside Scotland. The proposals also do not reference policy coherence for sustainable development, which is crucial if we want joined-up policymaking which links global and domestic priorities, alongside human and environmental wellbeing.
SIDA is working with other organisations interested in furthering wellbeing and sustainable development and we’re pleased to be able to invite you to an information session hosted by WeAll to find out more about the consultation and how you can get involved. We’ll also be sharing written guidance on how to respond before the deadline of 14th February (look out on the members hub for more details). If you can’t make the session but want to discuss the consultation please contact Louise Louise@intdevalliance.scot