We also must protect Social Security for future generations because the sluggish economy is making it difficult for young people to survive, let alone save for retirement.

FORBES: 'Family Care' Benefit Could Fix Retiree Pay Gap

However, the main demographic problem facing Europe is a declining birth rate, which is threatening to make it difficult to pay for pensions for future generations.

BBC: Analysis: Who gains from immigration?

"We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations, " he said, warning of a "long and sometimes difficult" path to sustainable energy sources in a nation dominated by its fossil fuel industries such as oil and coal.

CNN: Obama's speech ties current issues to founding principles

This shows the commitment that the United States has to bringing security to Afghanistan and, by extension, to the United States and the rest of the world, and the difficult task that we have ahead of us in securing our future generations a better and more secure life.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama and President Karzai Press Availability