JUST six months after being elected as a Peterborough city councillor, Nicolle Moyo was amazed to find herself speaking to a fringe meeting at the recent Conservative Party Conference. The topic was 'A Resilient Society: Protecting Future Generations'.... a theme which took on greater significance as young people gathered for the United Nations climate change conference in Glasgow a few weeks later.
The invitation to join a distinguished panel* of speakers came from Lord John Bird, whose Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill is currently at the committee stage in the House of Lords. The event was hosted by The Big Issue of which Lord Bird is founder.
Having not yet made her maiden speech in the council chamber, Nicolle was surprised and delighted to have this opportunity of speaking in such a high-profile setting. "I felt nervous preparing my notes on the train to Manchester although I know the topic well after researching it for my university dissertation," she said. "However, this was my first Party conference and not knowing what to expect did make me a little anxious."
The bill seeks to ensure future generations are considered when making decisions around social, economic and environmental challenges. The panel explored ways in which policy makers can apply long-term thinking when tackling the big issues facing the UK and the rest of the world such as climate change, poverty and homelessness.
As part of her dissertation Nicolle had participated in a series of workshops to help shape the main tenets of the bill in line with government priorities. As a proud Young Conservative, she believes strongly in its aims and objectives which chime with the message that came from the thousands of young people marching through Glasgow during Cop26.
She said: "Not only does this bill put future generations at the heart of policy making it also highlights the importance of building back better, from the bottom up, with a united civic approach focusing on localism, helping communities play a key role in a 'green' recovery post pandemic.
"By working together local communities, business, charities and local politicians can drive momentum and engagement around this important bill while reaching out to young people to harness their energy and commitment."
*As well as Nicolle the panel comprised Lord Bird, Simon Fell MP, Rt Hon David Willetts (Minister for Universities and Science) and Catarina Tully, founder of the School of International Futures.
