Achieving Intergenerational Trust for Sustainability
The Hamburg Sustainability Conference 2024 outlined critical strategies to build intergenerational trust and embed future-oriented policymaking into global governance systems. Against the backdrop of a polycrisis—climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and conflict—we once more would like to emphasize the urgent need for collaboration across generations to secure a sustainable future. The erosion of trust within and between generations threatens progress on global sustainability goals, making intergenerational equity a central pillar for resilience and sustainable policies.

Our delegation at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference 2024
Core Principles and Frameworks
The recommendations in the report align with global sustainability frameworks, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Principles of International Sustainable Development Law, and outcomes from the UN Summit of the Future 2024.
These frameworks provide a roadmap for integrating environmental, social, and economic sustainability into policy and governance. The WFC advocates for leveraging these principles to ensure that future generations’ voices and interests are represented in decision-making processes.
Key Observations
The Hamburg Sustainability Conference 2024 highlighted both achievements and challenges in fostering intergenerational trust.
During the preparatory phase, the conference successfully engaged diverse stakeholders, including youth, Indigenous groups, and local leaders, aligning its priorities with the SDGs through workshops and consultations. However, it faced challenges in fully integrating underrepresented voices and embedding intergenerational trust-building into its foundational discussions.
The conference itself featured thematic panels on topics such as resilient food systems, green energy, urban sustainability, and equitable development. While youth leadership and intergenerational perspectives were emphasized, these principles were not consistently integrated across all sessions. Despite this, significant agreements emerged, including the Hamburg Declaration on Green Aviation and initiatives for green shipping corridors.
Post-conference, the focus shifted to accountability through annual reviews, regional hubs, and the Hamburg Sustainability Platform. However, the lack of fully embedded future-just mechanisms across all structures was a recurring challenge, highlighting the need for stronger follow-up measures.
Strategic Recommendations
The WFC outlines a three-phase approach to ensure future sustainability efforts are more inclusive and impactful.
1. Preparatory Phase
The report recommends establishing an Intergenerational Committee to ensure diverse representation and accountability. Strengthening partnerships with youth innovators, private sector leaders, and local communities is crucial, as is launching a digital knowledge-sharing platform to foster collaboration and transparency.
2. Conference Implementation
Future conferences should introduce intergenerational co-leadership across panels and initiatives, ensuring diverse voices shape the discussions. The creation of a Future Generations Pavilion is proposed as a space for innovation, mentorship, and creative engagement. Additionally, hosting a Hamburg Sustainability Week (HSW) can foster cross-generational dialogue and experiential learning through workshops, innovation fairs, and hackathons.
3. Post-Conference Actions
To maintain momentum, the report calls for biannual reviews to monitor progress on commitments, the development of data-driven tools to measure sustainability metrics, and an expansion of media outreach to showcase impactful initiatives. These steps aim to ensure transparency, accountability, and ongoing global engagement.
Visions for the Future
The WFC envisions a future where intergenerational trust is central to global sustainability efforts. By prioritizing equity, collaboration, and forward-looking policies, the report seeks to address systemic challenges and empower future generations. Governments, businesses, and civil society must integrate these principles into their practices, ensuring that today’s decisions benefit both current and future generations.