The term sustainable development is undoubtedly in direct competition with the word democracy as the most misused term in the political lexicon. We should occasionally revert to Our Common Future, the final report of the UN World Commission on Environment and Development, commonly referred to as the Brundtland Report, to refresh our memories. Occasionally we need to get back to basics to remember that the Brundtland report defined sustainable development as that which satisfies the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The politics of sustainable development is not just about the present: it is also about the future. Specifically, it is about the responsibility of today's generations to factor in future generations in their considerations. We must ensure that in satisfying our needs today, we do so without compromising the possibilities of those yet to come. The future should not be discounted.

There is, however, one little snag. Future generations have no vote on 30 May.

The Brundtland report, in fact, warned the international community that "future generations do not vote; they have no political or financial power; they cannot challenge our decisions." If they had a vote they would definitely not vote for electoral platforms which cushion the present by botching the future.

Earlier this month I was present for the launching of the Children's Manifesto. It is based on the aspirations of the Children's Local Councils established by the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society.

The aspirations of our children clearly plot what today's forward-looking decisions should aspire to. Our children have drawn up a well thought out blueprint as to what a responsible present should consist of. Their vision is based on six pillars which value the community, diversity and inclusion. It is also based on an appreciation of the environment and on the central role of education. It is also quite natural that our children activists place an emphasis on Children's Rights and on the essential role of active participation.

The Children's Manifesto also focuses on the exponential growth in the importance of technology and on the need of online protection as well as the regulation of artificial intelligence.

It is natural that our children look at the future and contrast it with what we are faced with today. This is an essential feature of the politics of sustainable development which we keep ignoring at our peril.

The Children's Manifesto is a wake-up call. It is not just about the future. It is a practical consideration of the untapped potential of the present. We need to understand that we are not the kings and queens of our surroundings. We are an integral part of an ecosystem, a part of a larger whole. Children realise this basic fact, and, as a result, they handle everything with the utmost respect. They respect one another. They respect nature. They care for animals.

This is the contribution of the Children's Manifesto to the electoral debate. It is not just the children's vision for tomorrow. It is also a reminder of what they expect that we do today. If we take heed, we can avoid botching the future. Their future.

An architect and civil engineer, the author is a former Chairperson of ADPD-The Green Party in Malta.  [email protected] ,   http://carmelcacopardo.wordpress.com