Summit of the Future: Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight to Safeguard Future Generations
The UN Futures Lab/Global Hub, in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Kingdom of Spain, and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), hosted a high-level side event to explore how integrating futures thinking and strategic foresight into decision-making can build a more anticipatory and resilient multilateral system, fit for future generations.
Panelists
- Mr. Guy Ryder, Under-Secretary-General for Policy, Executive Office of the United Nations Secretary-General
- Mr. Ulrik Verstergaard Knudsen, Deputy Secretary General, OECD
- H.E. Ambassador Héctor Gómez Hernández, Permanent Representative of Spain to the UN
- Ms. Kandya Obezo, Deputy Minister for Multilateral Affairs Colombia
- Mr. Korir Sing’Oei, Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Kenya
- Mr. Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales The Office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales
- Ms. Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences UNESCO
- Ms. Erin Tansey, Director IDRC
- Mr. Chris Earney, Head UN Futures Lab/Global Hub
Discussions focused on the application of foresight tools like scenario exercises and megatrend assessments to shape long-term policies, challenge biases, and guide meaningful action. Examples showcased practical foresight applications, including Spain’s National Foresight Office, Kenya’s youth visioning project, UNESCO’s work on futures literacy, and Wales’ Well-being of Future Generations Act. Key themes discussed include:
- Inclusive foresight: Prioritizing engagement with youth, indigenous groups, and local communities to ensure decisions reflect diverse perspectives and intergenerational fairness.
- Capacity building: Investing in the analytical capabilities of governments to effectively integrate foresight into policy decisions.
- Collaborative action: Strengthening multilateral partnerships to address global challenges through shared foresight initiatives and collective data sharing.
Why it matters
As governance systems face unprecedented risks and rapid change, futures thinking and strategic foresight have emerged as essential tools for building resilience and long-term strategies. This event highlighted the transformative potential of foresight to anticipate challenges, align policies with future needs, and empower multilateral systems to better serve current and future generations. It encouraged global collaboration among Member States, international organizations, and civil society to address complex challenges such as climate change and AI. The event also emphasized the importance of empowering policymakers by showcasing successful foresight applications and advocating for broader investment in building the UN system’s capacity for anticipatory decision-making.
