Delivering Fair Policy Outcomes For All Generations

This chapter will discuss how governments can foster intergenerational justice in policy-making and public governance. The notion of intergenerational justice underlies many of today’s most heated debates, such as the sustainability of national deficits, the depletion of natural resources or the extinction of endangered species and pollution. It is also characteristic of debates in the field of social policy, especially due to an ageing population across all OECD countries, and frames discussions about inclusive participation in decision-making. However, demographics are not a fate – policies and institutions matter. Indeed, a growing number of OECD countries has created dedicated institutions, laws, and public administration tools to design policies and deliver services that fit all generations.