At the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi, the UN Futures Lab/Global Hub facilitated a strategic foresight session in collaboration with the Unlock the Future Coalition, Plan International, and the World YWCA. Panelists included:

Mai Sami, UNF Next Generation Fellow
H.E. Mr. Brian Christopher Manley Wallace, Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the UN
Dr. Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs
Ms. Katariina Oivo, Deputy Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-Habitat and First Secretary at the Embassy of Finland in Nairobi
Kathleen Sherwin, Plan International
Dolphine Kwamboka, World YWCA
H.E. Ms. Yoka Brandt, Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the UN
Ms. Alana Poole, Deputy Head of UN Futures Lab/Global Hub
Dr. Katindi Sivi, Futures Researcher

The session used the Three Horizons Framework to craft a shared vision for civil society’s engagement in the potential futures of global governance, focusing on youth-led innovation, intergenerational solidarity, and participatory foresight, resulting in:

Collaborative advocacy: Catalyzed engagement through the ImPACT Coalition on Future Generations to carry forward the recommendations to the Summit of the Future.
Visionary insights: Reimagined governance systems that prioritize youth and future generations.
Actionable takeaways: Identified strategies for governance reforms, investment priorities, and innovative platforms.

The foresight session at UN Civil Society Conference addressed the urgent need for civil society, especially youth, to have a meaningful voice in decision-making spaces and global governance. Against a backdrop of demographic shifts, debt burdens, and rising global uncertainties, the session highlighted the transformative potential of young changemakers and their critical role in achieving intergenerational equity and sustainable development. By having a shared understanding of challenges and opportunities, the workshop supported actionable recommendations to advance youth and civil society engagement.

Key insights from the Civil Society’s ImPACT for the Future Outcome Package

Intergenerational Cooperation: The conference demonstrated the power of intergenerational collaboration, with 40% of participants under the age of 35, highlighting the importance of including youth voices in shaping global governance.
Foresight in Multilateralism: Discussions emphasized the need to integrate foresight and future-oriented thinking into international governance to address long-term challenges, including the governance of artificial intelligence and the equitable distribution of digital technology.
ImPACT Coalitions as a Model for Civil Society Engagement: The formation of ImPACT Coalitions provided a platform for civil society, UN entities, and Member States to collaborate on key reform areas, aiming to move from recommendations to concrete action.
Focus on Transformative Change: Civil society urged the Summit of the Future to go beyond reaffirmations of past commitments and push for ambitious reforms, particularly in global financial architecture, governance structures, and climate resilience.
Enhancing Civic Engagement: The conference underscored the critical role of civil society in strengthening multilateralism, calling for greater inclusivity, transparency, and participation in global decision-making processes.

Read the 2024 UNCSC Final Report and Outcome Package

Vist the ImPACT for Future Generations Coalition Website

Vist the 2024 UNCSC website