For more than forty years, the Foundation for Democracy and Sustainable Development (FDSD) has contributed to the global conversation on how democratic systems can respond to long-term social and environmental challenges. Established originally as the Environment Foundation in 1983, and renamed in 2009, FDSD has consistently highlighted the importance of linking democratic practice with sustainable development.
As part of its planned wind-down, FDSD has now handed on its work to the School of International Futures (SOIF). This transition builds on a long period of collaboration and shared interest in how governments and communities can think, plan and act for the long term.
FDSD’s work has shaped thinking on future generations in many settings. During the development of the Well-being of Future Generations Act in Wales, its thinking and advocacy provided support to ministers as they worked through how the legislation could take shape.
“The Foundation has been the only body that has focused on the interface between the democratic process and sustainable development.” – Peter Davies
The FDSD legacy website remains publicly accessible, preserving publications, insights and tools developed over several decades. It continues to serve as a reference for practitioners working across democracy, sustainability and long-term policy design.
Continuity in questions, practice and purpose
The decision to transfer FDSD’s work to SOIF reflects long-standing proximity in focus and practice. Both organisations have been concerned with how institutions can consider the long term, involve citizens meaningfully, and strengthen decision-making for current and future generations. SOIF has collaborated with FDSD for many years and Cat Zuzarte Tully, SOIF’s Founder and Managing Director, previously served as a trustee of the Foundation.
A core part of FDSD’s contribution has been its ability to convene communities that do not always meet.
“FDSD has always brought together people working on democracy and people working on sustainable development — communities that too often operate separately.” – John Lotherington
Professor Graham Smith also highlighted the importance of accessible language in long-term policymaking:
“Future generations offered us a more accessible and human way of talking about long-term thinking — a discourse that resonates where ‘sustainable development’ often does not.” – Graham Smith
SOIF is pleased to continue this legacy through its programmes and through a spotlight on the two FDSD-supported Fellows in the NGFP 2026 cohort, Clare Beaton-Wells (Australia) and Ebenezar Wikina (Nigeria). Their projects consider the intersections between democracy and sustainable development, including the tensions between short-term political cycles and the long-term decisions required for future generations.
A full video conversation with members of FDSD’s former leadership – Peter Davies, John Lotherington and Graham Smith will be added shortly.
SOIF is honoured to steward FDSD’s legacy, ensuring that its insights continue to support efforts to strengthen democracy and long-term governance around the world.