Diolch, Llywydd, and I'd like to thank Rhys for bringing this debate today on the well-being of future generations Act, and I very much welcome the continuation of the conversation we've been having in the Senedd about the Act at the start of this term.

And I just wanted to recall, during the opening ceremony of the sixth Senedd, we had a reading of a specially commissioned poem, 'Ein Llais - Our Voice', a poem created with the help of the future generations commissioner's poet in residence. And the final words of that poem—and I know we were all very moved by it:

'We want to set an example for the rest of the world.'

So, I do think we can be proud that other countries and international organisations are looking to Wales for inspiration on how to legislate for the future, and I know you've acknowledged that, Rhys, in your contribution tonight. But we can't underestimate the fact that the well-being of future generations Act is showing a uniquely Welsh way of tackling the long-term challenges we face, with its focus on empowering and transforming how Government and public bodies work. And it does this by enabling bodies to work in that preventative, collaborative and integrated way, one which involves citizens and looks to the long term. You know, it has been recognised internationally, as you've identified. It is inspiring organisations and governments across the world. And we did take a bold decision to legislate in this way—those of us who were here at the time, taking that legislation through. It is different, and there are many views on what the Act is and what it should be in the future. It's been described as 'remarkable' in terms of its breadth, its coverage and its ambition, and, internationally, we have seen example upon example of where the Welsh approach has been adopted or has influenced thinking.

In Scotland, they are committed to future generations legislation. In the UK Parliament, as you've already mentioned, Lord John Bird and Simon Fell MP are co-sponsoring a well-being of future generations Bill, modelled on our legislation. In November, the Irish foreign Minister, Simon Coveney, told the Welsh Ministers that the Act was inspirational and that the Irish Government would be keen to replicate it. New Zealand amended their public finance Act, so that their Government has set out the well-being objectives that will guide the Government's budget decisions and support long-term well-being.

In 2019, the Government of Jersey legislated to require their Council of Ministers to take into account the sustainable well-being of current and future generations. And, earlier this year, the United Nations made substantial commitments to bring in a future-generations approach into the UN system. The WHO, the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, recognises the value of the Act for health, stating that

'the Act truly resonates with the SDGs and with the values and principles of Health 2020, the WHO European policy framework for health and well-being.'

And next week, I'm speaking at the tenth global conference on health promotion, focusing on well-being equity and sustainable development. We as Wales are attracting international interest because our approach is distinctive.