Legislation and policy support step change for public services in tackling societal challenges in a sustainable way
Across the globe, United Nations member states are considering the 17 new Sustainable Development Goals, targets and indicators that collectively focus on ending poverty and hunger, improving health and education, making cities more sustainable, and combating climate change.1 Wales is one of the first nations in the world to establish a legislative link to the international Sustainable Development Goals, through the creation of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. The ambitious Welsh legislation provides an opportunity for a step change in the way public services tackle some of the main health and other societal challenges that will serve and sustain future generations.
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Ruth Hussey is the policy lead for prudent health care and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) in the Welsh Government. The CMO will be a member of the advisory panel to the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales.