UN Strategic Foresight Guide
The first UN Strategic Foresight Guide, developed by the UN Futures Lab/Global Hub and launched in 2023, is a practical, one-stop resource approved by the UN Secretary-General. It is designed for individuals and teams at any stage of their foresight journey, introduces key concepts, provides an overview of foresight tools, and offers expert tips for framing and designing your first foresight engagement.
- Expert guidance: Introduces foundational concepts, provides an overview of essential tools, and offers actionable tips.
- Proven impact: Grounded in real-world applications from across the UN system, the Guide highlights how foresight improves planning, policymaking, and decision-making processes.
- Universal application: Adaptable to any mandate or thematic area, the Guide’s tools and principles are designed to empower everyone, everywhere.
Why it matters
The UN Strategic Foresight Guide democratizes access to foresight tools and practices, enabling individuals and teams across the UN system to contribute to long-term, forward-thinking strategies. Its user-friendly design bridges the gap between theory and application, making foresight methodologies accessible and adaptable to diverse contexts and mandates. By encouraging inclusive participation and equipping stakeholders with practical resources, the Guide enhances the UN’s capacity to anticipate and respond to emerging challenges. With over 1,000 downloads, it is scaling foresight practices globally, supporting a culture of preparedness, innovation, and resilience within the UN system and beyond.
