Well-Being of Future Generations: A Co-Creative Approach, June 2024, Harpa, Reykjavik
When our current economic systems effectively prioritise materialism, self-interest, and other misplaced values, a greater majority of humanity suffers. Some grapple with political antagonism and oppression, some experience racism and discrimination, and others struggle in poverty and marginalisation, and lack the opportunity for decent livelihood. Alongside related ecological disasters, causing catastrophic harm to humans and the more-than-human, such systemic and environmental turbulence has not only engendered a pandemic of ill-being amongst global youth, but can also have long-term detrimental effects on collective well-being in generations to come.
Despite bringing in technological advancement and increased wealth, in fact, capitalism remains entrenched in a culture of individualism and instrumentalisation. Such a culture perpetuates paradigms of separation, dehumanisation and inequality. Conversely, it also reflects a deeper crisis of humanity, namely a loss of core human values, such as respect for human dignity and care for our interconnectedness.
To move beyond the current impasse towards global transformation requires a fuller appreciation of what it means to live and act in accordance with our shared humanity. It involves a better understanding of how diverse social, political and grassroots actors can collectively respond to the myriad crises, and co-imagine common pathways for enhancing the well-being and flourishing of all in the future.
In such contexts, UNESCO Social and Human Sciences (SHS) Sector, in collaboration with Global Humanity for Peace (GHfP) Institute at the University of Wales TSD, is convening an international Symposium during the Well-Being Economy Forum 2024, to be held on 11th June in Reykjavik, Iceland. The theme of the Symposium is Well-Being of Future Generations: A Co-Creative Approach.
UNESCO has focused its fundamental mission on developing mutual understanding, confronting contemporary challenges, and building lasting peace. UNESCO SHS Sector, under the leadership of Mrs Gabriela Ramos, has extended expertise in co-constructing just, inclusive, and resilient societies. In particular, UNESCO recognises that concerted global efforts are imperative to reframe the present existential crises as an opportunity for inclusive intercultural and intergenerational dialogue, and cross-boundary collaboration.
In particular, the Symposium will draw insights from UNESCO’s focus on human rights and social justice to foreground an ethical approach to inclusive well-being policymaking. Furthermore, by stressing gender equality, youth empowerment and futures-forming changemaking, the Symposium seeks to advocate a co-creative approach to social transformation.
In this Symposium, we gather significant interdisciplinary perspectives to explore how our global systems can be:
- underpinned by the respect for the intrinsic value of every person and a commitment to the equal dignity of all.
- characterised by dialogue and co-creation in the processes.
- aimed at enhancing well-being of present and future generations alongside the flourishing of all beings in nature.
Through listening, dialogue and reflection, the contributors and participants will have an opportunity to give voice to the theme of the Symposium. In particular, the esteemed panel and youth will discuss how core human values and principles can inform the provision of well-being sensitive public policies, especially in education, equality and ecological integrity; the design of caring institutions, and the nurturing of futures-forming changemakers.