This blog is co-authored by Mary Robinson and Felipe Paullier.

No single generation can tackle today’s global challenges alone. Intergenerational solidarity is not only a moral imperative but also a practical necessity for fostering innovation and resilience. Younger and older generations bring a wealth of diverse experiences and perspectives, which together create fertile ground for transformative solutions.  

Whether addressing the climate and nature crisis, rethinking public health systems, or advancing social justice, this collaborative synergy has the potential to drive breakthroughs that neither group could achieve alone. Consider the global movement for climate action: youth-led initiatives have partnered with seasoned environmentalists to influence policy and mobilise global action. In peacebuilding efforts, young mediators have collaborated with experienced leaders to rebuild communities torn apart by conflict. These examples illustrate the immense potential of intergenerational collaboration to address urgent challenges while laying the groundwork for a sustainable future. 

A crucial element of this synergy is the cultivation of long-view leadership. Our complex global challenges demand the moral strength to not only address current problems but also long-term risks and opportunities. This leadership is not inherently tied to any single generation but is strengthened when decision-making includes diverse perspectives, including those of youth. Engaging young people as equal partners enriches the decision-making process, embedding fresh ideas and future-oriented thinking into solutions that benefit both present and future generations. 

Moving beyond tokenism 

Meaningful intergenerational collaboration must go beyond symbolic gestures and the tokenisation of youth. It requires from decision-makers the intentional recognition of young people’s vital contributions as equal partners in shaping policies and systems. This involves addressing power dynamics and systemic barriers that hinder youth participation, creating pathways for sustained engagement beyond one-off consultations and age-restricted programs, and ensuring mechanisms for accountability and transparency in how their contributions are utilised.  

Engaging youth as equal partners in positive change entails that their voices are not just heard but also acted upon and that their perspectives are embedded into the very fabric of multilateral systems. 

Inclusivity and justice as cornerstones of solidarity 

At its core, intergenerational solidarity is about inclusivity. It’s about breaking down silos — whether generational, gendered, cultural, or ideological — to create a shared understanding of the challenges we face and the opportunities ahead. But inclusivity cannot be achieved without justice and equity.  

Addressing systemic imbalances and amplifying marginalised voices is crucial to creating sustainable solutions, as the brunt of global crises often falls disproportionately on vulnerable populations and future generations. For example, climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is also a profound injustice that exacerbates existing inequalities, and therefore it must be addressed with equity at its core.  

Intergenerational efforts must incorporate gender-informed and equity-focused approaches to reflect the lived realities of diverse populations. Only by prioritising justice can we ensure that the solutions we craft are inclusive and effective for people across all walks of life.  

A call to action 

As we embark on this journey of intergenerational dialogue, we invite all stakeholders to join us in making space for multigenerational collaboration and solidarity. By fostering mutual respect and understanding across age groups, we can unlock the potential for transformative change and drive progress toward the SDGs.  

This series will serve as a platform to amplify diverse voices, share actionable insights and inspire collective action. Together, we can bridge generational divides, craft inclusive solutions and build a more sustainable, equitable and resilient future for all. Let this be our shared commitment — a commitment to intergenerational solidarity as a cornerstone of our efforts to deliver on the promise of the SDGs by 2030. 

Stay tuned for the upcoming conversations and join us in harnessing the power of solidarity to address the most pressing challenges of our time.