Why and how Western Australian policymakers can become good ancestors for future generations will be discussed at an event at The University of Western Australia next month.

Western Australians as Good Ancestors will be hosted at The University Club of Western Australia next Thursday 1 May as part of UWA's Public Policy Institute's Breakfast by the Bay series.

Sophie Howe, the inaugural Future Generations Commissioner for Wales and Thinker in Residence at the Forrest Research Foundation, will deliver a keynote address.

Image: Future Generations Commissioner Sophie Howe

In her role as commissioner, Ms Howe held the Welsh government to account on how its  decisions affected future generations and influenced major policy reforms across the country.

She has been a significant voice in other countries following suit on reforms including the United Nations, which passed the world's first Declaration on Future Generations in September 2024.

Ms Howe, who now advises other countries and corporates on implementing long-term governance, is a future governance adviser at the School of International Futures, global ambassador for the Wellbeing Economy Alliance and holds a number of board and academic advisory roles on human and planetary wellbeing.

Director of UWA Public Policy Institute Associate Professor Paul Maginn said Ms Howe was known for being a straight talker and was an inspirational advocate for those yet to be born.

"This is a chance to hear a global ambassador discuss the needs and interests of future generations," Associate Professor Maginn said.

"Now more than ever, it is important that policymakers consider security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights and gender issues to create a world where future generations not only live but also thrive."

The event will be hosted at The University Club of Western Australia on Thursday 1 May from 7am to 9am at the Banquet Hall. Contact University Club Reception on 6488 8770 or visit universityclub.uwa.edu.au for tickets and more information.