A Theoretical Framework for Transformative Corporate Intergenerational Equity.

This article focuses on advocating for the integration of intergenerational equity principles—recognizing the responsibilities of the present generation toward future generations—into UK company law to better address long-term environmental and social challenges. It proposes a theoretical framework comprising three key elements: reconceptualising corporate purpose to balance current and future stakeholder interests, expanding directors' duties to include long-term impacts on future generations, and enhancing accountability mechanisms through legal standing, reporting, and oversight bodies such as a proposed future generations ombudsperson. The article contrasts this approach with existing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, highlighting the limited legal enforceability and short-term focus of current ESG frameworks compared to the proposed legally binding, future-oriented duties. It also discusses challenges such as balancing competing stakeholder interests, legal enforceability, and representation of future generations, while emphasizing opportunities for promoting sustainable corporate governance and long-term value creation.