Exploring the Future

Shaping Today and Beyond

The UN Futures Lab is a network that empowers the UN System and beyond to use futures thinking and strategic foresight in planning, policy- and decision-making.

Our Global Hub supports teams, provides frameworks, and builds capacity to help shape the more resilient and anticipatory United Nations the world needs.

How do we create lasting and significant impact in a context of uncertainty?

The world is dealing with monumental challenges and sometimes it feels like we are navigating a maze blindfolded. Strategic foresight is our shared instrument to not only plan for challenges but to actively shape a better today and tomorrow.

The world of futures thinking and strategic foresight can be a jargon jungle. We want to change that! We believe that strategic foresight needs to be accessible and inclusive to all. By collaborating with different stakeholders and people, we are building a network that empowers the UN System and beyond to use futures thinking and strategic foresight in planning, policy- and decision-making.

Our approach revolves around embedding foresight into everything we do by building capacities across the United Nations. Embracing a “learning by doing” ethos, we are developing our capabilities to master a broad range of foresight methodologies. We want to make sense of change, imagine possible futures, and take action.

How can we be better prepared for major global risks?

The world around us has evolved, and our Organization needs to evolve with it.

While different initiatives, networks, and products on futures thinking and strategic foresight exist in individual United Nations entities or collaborations, a coherent approach is needed for how we build foresight across, and within, the United Nations system.

Our recent news

Launch of UN Strategic Foresight Guide

Whether you are new to foresight or want to dig even deeper, this Guide will support you in your foresight journey. You will learn about key concepts of strategic foresight, get an overview of foresight tools, and find expert tips on framing and designing your first foresight engagement.

What is the UN Futures Lab?

Our vision

The UN and international policy-making and programming transitions from short-term reactions to long-term sustainable choices.

Our mission

To support the development of foresight capabilities, promoting a sustained emphasis on long-term vision in policy-making and programming. Our work extends across global, regional, and country levels, within each UN entity, across the UN System and beyond.

Our approach

We champion participatory foresight and inclusion by actively engaging diverse stakeholders from various sectors and geographies, including governments, academia, civil society, the private sector, and philanthropic organizations.

How we work

To support the development of foresight capabilities, promoting a sustained emphasis on long-term vision in policy-making and programming. Our work extends across global, regional, and country levels, within each UN entity, across the UN System and beyond.

Our key priorities

We grow and build foresight expertise and practice

by sharing guides, tools, and facilitating workshops.

We consolidate and share foresight knowledge

by establishing networks and encouraging collaboration.

We support decision-makers in planning and action

by providing strategic foresight tools and insights to navigate uncertainties and anticipate future trends.

Join a global multistakeholder network built on partnerships

The UN Futures Lab actively collaborates with diverse stakeholders, including governments, academia, civil society, the private sector, and philanthropic organizations.

We build and nurture partnerships that provide access to strategic foresight capabilities and advance future-oriented policies for the benefit of people and planet.

Our team equips stakeholders with the tools to develop their foresight skills, offering support that is customized to the unique requirements of our partners at global, regional, and local levels.

Email us at futureslab@un.org