Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd, and I'd like to start by thanking the Chair and the committee for leading the inquiry into the implantation of the well-being of future generations Act, and what more can be done to make it a success. I think the approach taken shows that the legislation can't be considered just by one committee, nor is it the responsibility of one Welsh Government Minister; it is our collective responsibility and duty to promote and carry out sustainable development in all we do. And the way in which you have conducted the inquiry with engagement from so many organisations, as the Chair has said, who wanted to share their evidence, and also the work with young people reflecting the spirit of the Act. And the publication of the report, alongside the reports from the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales and the Auditor General for Wales, provide a useful steer on the actions that we and others need to take to accelerate the implementation of the Act.

It's been five years since the main duties in the Act were commenced, although this is a short period in the context of future generations. It's nevertheless been a period of significant change, and that's been reflected on by Members in this debate. We've faced further austerity, we've left the European Union, we've felt the impacts of climate change and, over the last year, every aspect of our lives has been changed by the coronavirus. Any one of these challenges could have been enough to slow the progress of any Government, but despite all of these challenges, we've delivered on the promises we made to the people of Wales five years ago.

In recent months, alongside the pandemic and responding to that, and doing that in the spirit of the Act, we've also seen a growing application of the well-being of future generations approach in how Government is shaping Wales's future: the Minister for economy and transport publishing the economic resilience and reconstruction mission last month, which now for the first time means a well-being economy becomes the fundamental purpose of the Government's economic development activity; the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs publishing 'Beyond Recycling', a long-term strategy to 2050 to make the circular economy in Wales a reality, developed with the well-being of future generations Act at its heart; the Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government publishing the draft social partnership and procurement Bill, a live example of how we're ensuring that as legislation comes forward, it works with and complements the well-being of future generations Act in its well-being duty; and last week, the Minister for Education announcing how the Welsh Government is investing in our future generations by launching an international learning exchange programme for Wales, and this is a down payment on our young people's futures, offering opportunities to all from all backgrounds; and only yesterday, my statement publishing the race equality action plan, a collaborative effort, and we're grateful for so many organisations and people across Wales who been involved in co-creating it, and helping us to achieve a more equal Wales.

The recommendations and conclusions in the report of the committee will need careful consideration, and it will be for the next Government to reflect and respond fully in the autumn, but it's good that we've been able to have this debate to acknowledge it, receive it and reflect on it today. Earlier this year, I established the well-being of future generations national stakeholder forum, and this brings together public, private and third sector representatives to consider emerging work, and support and advise on the next phase of the national implementation of the Act and the sustainable development goals in Wales. The well-being of future generations Act with its seven well-being goals provides a long-term vision of Wales agreed by the Senedd back in 2015. It puts us on a strong footing to guide us in these uncharted waters. And thinking about the long term, involving young people, all people of all generations, joining up policies and delivery of services, collaborating across all sectors, and focusing on prevention is crucial in working more sustainably. What helps set Wales apart is the work of the independent future generations commissioner, and how the efforts to secure a sustainable path for Wales are supported across the whole of the Welsh Government. I would say, Dirprwy Lywydd, because of the Act, Wales is different. We make decisions for people, for the planet, for now and for the future. Diolch yn fawr.