Since 2012 UNESCO, in its role as a global laboratory of ideas, has demonstrated that people can become aware of why and how they use the future.
Through structured on-the-ground learning-by-doing activities people from all walks of life and all ages learn about the origins and power of what they imagine. By delving together into topics they care about, from the future of health and well-being to the future of jobs and gender, they undertake learning voyages that enable them to source their hopes and fears in their history, culture, context and aspirations.
These Futures Literacy Laboratories deploy action-learning and collective intelligence to co-create the meaning of sustainability, peace and inclusion where people live, work [and play]. When people are capable of deciding why and how to use the future, they become better able to detect and create the otherwise invisible – innovation and transformation. They are more at ease with novelty and experimentation. Less anxious about uncertainty. Humbler about controlling the future. More confident about being able to comprehend and appreciate the potential opened up by change.
High-Level Futures Literacy Summit
The Summit is composed of five strands: A high level plenary, Expo Agora, events and exhibitions, many of which will be interactive.
More than 25 high-level speakers are confirmed who will engage in ‘futures conversations’, including the Vice-President of Costa Rica, Ministers from Austria, Canada, Côte d’Ivoire, Finland, Greece, Norway, Philippines and Sierra Leone, State Governor from Austria, and heads of International Organisations including the Director General of the ICESCO; Secretary General of the OECD; Vice-President for Foresight of the European Commission; Economic Director of La Francophonie; President of World Futures Studies Federation and CEO’s of Climate-KIC (International), l’Atelier BNP Paribas (France), the President of the UNESCO General Conference, the Presidents and professors of universities in China, Egypt, France, Thailand, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.
Exhibitors include over 100 institutions participating in the Summit by hosting an “Exhibition Booth” or event, showcasing their past, current and forthcoming projects in Futures Literacy / Futures Studies.
Futures Literacy of UNESCO
You can now register for the Summit here: unes.co/flsregister
