State Secretary Mika Rossi: Future generations in focus of decision making
"It is important that the needs of future generations are taken into account in policy sectors that deal with long-term decisions. It is essential how we solve the problem of energy, how we take care of our elderly, what choices we make for our economy,” said State Secretary Mika Rossi in his address to the What IF event on intergenerational fairness, held in the Finnish Parliament on Thursday, 14 April 2011.
According to Rossi, environmental issues are tougher to solve.
”In order to pass on our environment to our children in its current state, or preferably a better one, we must use our natural resources and meet energy needs in a more sustainable fashion. Finnish climate policy is a good example of such an approach,” he said.
Many policies undergo impact assessments, which then affect decision making. For example, economic and environmental impact assessments are required by law. Rossi is of the opinion that intergenerational impacts need to assessed and taken into account as well. We are not talking only about the needs of current generations, but of those not yet born.
“Policy making is often criticised as being too short-term. Intergenerational policy must look further into the future and consider the long-term impacts of our decisions. Decision making should be based on better use of the up-to-date information available,” said Rossi.
The event Intergenerational Fairness (IF) and the welfare state of the future was organised by Global Venture Lab Finland, a consortium coordinated by the University of Jyväskylä which, in addition to Jyväskylä, brings together the Aalto University, the University of Oulu, the University Alliance Finland and the Åbo Akademi University. Global Venture Lab Finland promotes the resolving of complex problems through innovative business ventures.
Inquiries: Mika Rossi, State Secretary, Prime Minister's Office, tel. +358 9 1602 2006