Foundation for the Rights of Future Generations
The Foundation for the Rights of Future Generations[1] is a think-tank focusing on the interface of science, politics and the business world. It is based in Stuttgart, Germany,[2] and it has had a major influence in legislation to enshrine sustainability and intergenerational justice in several constitutions in Europe. The FRFG published several books in English, including the Handbook of Intergenerational Justice. FRFG is associated with the United Nations' Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and Department of Public Information (DPI).
History
In 1997, the organization was founded by a group of European students who worried about the future and wanted to promote intergenerational justice in terms of ecology and economy. To FRFG, intergenerational justice means that today's youth and future generations must have at least the same opportunities to meet their own needs as the generation governing today. Research topics of FRFG include the unprecedented ecological destruction, the pension crisis, what it sees as the disenfranchisement of the young generation, youth unemployment and national indebtedness.[3] FRFG has four young board members, whose average age of 30 makes FRFG's board one of the youngest boards of a foundation worldwide.
Activities
FRFG organized several congresses, symposia and meetings, such as a congress with 330 young decision makers from throughout Europe which took place at the World Exhibition (EXPO) in Hanover in 2000. It publishes books and issues policy papers. FRFG publishes a journal called Intergenerational Justice Review, which reaches many thousand of today’s and future decision makers (Members of Parliament of various European countries, numerous managers, journalists and professors, 3000 students from various fields of study). Through the so-called “Generational Justice Award”, endowed with 10,000 €, young scientists are encouraged to take a close look on issues concerning the future. Numerous politicians asked for FRFG’s advice on questions concerning Generational Justice, among them the German ministers for Work (Reform of the pension scheme), and the minister for Justice (establishment of Generational Justice in the German constitution).
Scientific Advisory Council
FRFG is supported by a scientific advisory council that includes Dr. Mihajlo Mesarovic (Club of Rome), Dr. Radermacher (Club of Rome), Dr. Ernst Ulrich von Weizsäcker (Club of Rome), Lord Ralf Dahrendorf (UK House of Lords), Wolfgang Seiler (KIT) and Kennedy Graham (UN University).
Awards
FRFG received the Theodor-Heuss-Medal and the Medal for Good Citizenship of the town of Oberursel for its engagement.