Although half of the global population is under 30 years old, the average age of leaders is 62. Nearly 40% of young people between 15 and 25 do not trust their governments. In this scenario, incorporating foresight practices at the core of democratic institutions is no longer an option but a necessity. Strong institutions capable of responding to citizens' needs must be prepared to face challenges and promote more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable futures for all.

At the recent Summit of the Future, world leaders approved a Pact for the Future, which includes a Global Digital Pact and a Declaration on Future Generations. Among the agreed priorities are the importance of strengthening intergenerational dialogue and digital governance with a focus on inclusion and respect for human rights. Preparing public institutions to act effectively in the present while fostering spaces for participation and decision-making for future generations is essential to sustaining progress in the human development agenda.

UNDP is working to strengthen an anticipatory governance agenda in public institutions. Anticipatory governance refers to the incorporation of foresight practices and mechanisms into public institutions to optimize planning and policy outcomes for citizens in response to emerging challenges. This allows for a better preparation toward a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future. Through the new publication "The Use of Futures in Parliaments: A Guide for Transformative Action", the systematization of  several experiences in the implementation of future commissions in parliaments provides findings and strategies on how to strengthen anticipatory governance capacities to legislate for the complexity of the present while anticipating future needs and opportunities.

Opportunities for applying anticipatory governance in public institutions emerge as a valuable chance to foster collaborative processes that create a shared agenda and rebuild social trust. By encouraging spaces for civic participation and intergenerational dialogue, parliaments can promote transparency and accountability, both essential for democratic governance. By promoting access to quality information, legislators can make informed decisions aligned with the population's needs and aspirations.

Another aspect of anticipatory governance is creating a shared future agenda across generations. By engaging in dialogue with various stakeholders, legislators can design shared future scenarios through legal frameworks that anticipate the needs of coming generations. This collaborative approach ensures that legislative decisions are not only reactive to current challenges but also proactive in addressing emerging issues. Uruguay serves as a notable case study in this field. Through its Future Commission, Uruguayan legislators engage in dialogues with different societal actors to design shared future scenarios and legislative foresight.

Furthermore, anticipatory governance enables parliaments to evaluate the future impacts of policies and budget allocations. Legislators can foresee medium- and long-term possibilities and challenges, ensuring laws remain relevant and effective in a constantly changing environment by adopting an evolutionary and flexible approach to legislation. The Committee for the Future of Finland's Parliament has used such methods to assess future impacts of policies on sustainability and social welfare.

Incorporating anticipatory governance in parliaments can also benefit from tools such as big data and artificial intelligence to analyze the prospective impacts of legislation. The Parliament of Singapore uses data and artificial intelligence to anticipate and manage future challenges. The Future Challenges Commission of the Chilean Senate has generated legislative proposals to regulate neuro-rights and has stood out for addressing issues related to artificial intelligence. By embracing innovation and technology, legislators can enhance their capacity to anticipate future trends and make more informed decisions.

In summary, parliamentary activity can apply foresight practices in its three main functions: control and accountability, legislation, and representation, each essential for governance and democratic processes. In legislation, laws can be created to address not only current problems but also anticipate future challenges. Regarding representation, parliamentarians must view themselves as representatives of future generations, not just their current constituents, considering the long-term impact of their actions. Finally, control and accountability functions can offer anticipatory guidance that strengthens the legislative branch's proactive impact, ensuring public policies and budgets are better adapted to the future from their initial design.

The use of Futures in Parliaments is essential to building a development agenda that addresses the needs of today's and tomorrow's societies. By fostering trust, promoting dialogue, and adopting innovative approaches, legislators can play a proactive role in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for all. Through collaboration and future vision, parliaments are a key actor in paving the way for a better tomorrow, leaving no one behind.