H U M AN FU T U RE S
I n s i g ht f or the F ut u ra t i
Erik F. Øverland President
SALUTATIONSTHE PRESIDENT
Dear Members, Colleagues and Friends,
WELCOME to this first issue of the Human Futures Magazine in 2025. When I was little I listened to a song called 2525, which was a song reminding us about a really long term future. Now it is not 2525, but it is 2025, which back then also felt quite a long term into an uncertain future. So, please let me wish everyone of you – that are stuck to this calendar – a happy New Year! For me personally, and I guess, also for many of you, the number “2025” not only represents a new figure, but also reminds us about the complexity, unpredictability and long term adventures that might be in front of us.
There is a lot coming up this year. The WFSF is expanding, investigating new areas and regions. We are signing several new MoU, getting more involved in academic futures activities, both through scientific journals, but also through our Accreditation Program and University partners around the world. The peak of these activities will be the next World Conference at Stellenbosch University in South Africa on October 29th – 31st.
As usual you will find in this issue a great deal of interesting, relevant and intriguing futures perspectives and thoughts. With these words I wish you again a prosperous New Year and a HAPPY READING.
Sincerely Yours,
Erik
Erik F. Øverland President
World Futures Studies Federation (WFSF) wfsf.org president@wfsf.org
Mariana Zafeiropoulos
Khawaja Hammad Akbar
THE PAST IS PROLOGUE DISEMBARKATION:
By Claire A. Nelson
THE PAST is prologue, and 2024 leaves us with quite a few seeds of hope as we stand on the cusp of a new chapter in our shared planetary story. While the year was marked by ongoing challenges— climate instability, geopolitical tensions, and widening social inequalities—it also offered glimpses of humanity’s resilience and potential for transformative change.
In 2024, the urgency of the global climate crisis reached new heights, with record-breaking temperatures, intensifying natural disasters, and growing calls for systemic action. These calls leave many to feel like the children of Sisyphus – he who according to Greek legend bore the task of rolling a boulder up an unforgiving hill. For each step forward we seem to take two steps backward – this is the nature of our geo-political travails. Yet we have hope.
2024 also witnessed the convergence of innovation and collaboration in addressing planetary challenges. Breakthroughs in renewable energy, the expansion of carbon capture
technologies, and advancements in regenerative agriculture underscored humanity’s capacity to leverage science for the common good. The rapid development of global partnerships— spanning governments, NGOs, and the private sector— reminded us that collective action remains our most powerful tool for change.
2024 highlighted the interconnectedness of planetary health and human well-being. Public health crises, exacerbated by climate change and global inequality, spurred renewed focus on equity in healthcare delivery. This momentum translated into historic agreements to bolster pandemic preparedness and enhance access to medical resources for vulnerable populations.
Yet, the seeds of hope were not confined to health policy and technological innovation. Across the globe, communities demonstrated the power of unity and cultural preservation. Indigenous voices gained greater recognition, bringing with them invaluable wisdom about living harmoniously with nature. Youth movements, particularly those led by climate and social
justice advocates, injected urgency and optimism into global discourse.
2024 also reinforced the critical need for global governance systems that reflect the interconnected realities of our 21st Century. Our multilateral institutions born after World War 2, have served us well, but they face criticism for inertia and potential irrelevance. They have begun the process of evolving to meet modern demands, with reforms aimed at amplifying the voices of underrepresented nations and populations.
Nations reaffirmed their commitment to reducing emissions, while grassroots movements championed climate justice with unprecedented fervor. The Global South, in particular, demonstrated remarkable leadership, with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) advocating fiercely for climate financing and adaptation strategies at key international summits.
As we embark on a new year, it feels fitting to think of 2024 as a journey—a voyage through time and space, filled with unexpected detours, turbulent weather, and breathtaking vistas. We have disembarked – left behind the vessel that carried us through the trials and triumphs of 2024.
This journey through 2024 was marked by milestones that reshaped the course of our shared trajectory. We traversed the landscapes of global crises, from climate-induced disasters
to geopolitical upheavals, and yet found ourselves buoyed by moments of resilience and innovation. Along the way, we gathered knowledge, built alliances, and planted seeds of change, each one a testament to our collective ability to navigate uncharted waters.
As we prepare to step ashore into 2025, we must take a moment to honor the lessons of this journey. The year behind us was not merely a passage of time but a lived experience, with every twist and turn adding depth to our understanding of the world and our place within it. Disembarking means carrying forward the tools, insights, and wisdom we’ve gained while leaving behind the burdens and missteps that no longer serve us.
Crafting a year in review through the lens of four quarters offers a reflective and organized way to capture the essence of 2024. Fresh Starts marked the year’s beginning, a time of renewed energy and ambition, where new initiatives were launched, and bold ideas took root. The spirit of possibility set the stage for Collaboration Cultivated, the second quarter, as alliances and partnerships blossomed, fostering innovation and solidarity across sectors and borders and regions. By midyear, Transformation Blooms unfolded, showcasing tangible outcomes from earlier efforts—breakthroughs in technology, impactful global dialogues, and the blossoming of long-term visions. The final quarter, Storms Weathered, tested our resolve,
as global crises, economic uncertainties, and environmental challenges called for resilience and adaptability. Together, these quarters weave a narrative of growth, learning, and perseverance, reminding us that the arc of a year is shaped not just by its moments of triumph but also by how we respond to its trials.
Here are a few Milestone events we watched and Gems from futurists on their observations from 2024 to help us prepare for what to watch in 2025. They point to the deepening convergence of technologies like artificial intelligence, renewable energy systems, and biotechnology as transformative forces shaping the coming year. They note that 2024 highlighted the critical importance of ethical frameworks, particularly as AI’s role in decision-making grows across industries. Additionally, the escalating climate crisis underscored the urgency of integrating resilience and adaptation strategies into every facet of planning, from urban design to agricultural innovation. Observers also emphasize the rise of “planetary citizenship,” a concept grounded in the recognition of shared global responsibility, as a cultural shift to watch. From the expansion of decentralized governance models to the continued push for equitable access to technological and natural resources, these insights from 2024 serve as a guide to anticipate challenges and opportunities in 2025.
Join us in saying a graceful farewell to the vessel of 2024, a ship that weathered its storms and celebrated its calm seas. The journey continues, but for now, we disembark—grateful for where we’ve been and hopeful for where we’re headed.
FRESH STARTS
SIGNAL OF CHANGE
The Munich Security Conference: “Lose-Lose?”
Synopsis: The Munich Security Conference is an annual forum for political leaders, diplomats, and security experts to address critical global security issues. The theme “Lose-Lose?” highlights concerns about escalating geopolitical tensions, the erosion of international cooperation, and the risks of unilateral actions. Discussions focused on the interconnected challenges of global stability, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, East-West relations, authoritarianism, and climate change, while emphasizing the need for renewed collaboration to avoid mutually detrimental outcomes.
PUTTING THE HUMAN AT THE CENTRE OF NATIONAL SECURITY
By Mariana Zafeirakopoulos
HAVING worked in federal government settings at the intersection of law enforcement and national security, I’ve encountered the persistent challenge of information sharing. While its importance is undeniable, the difficulties inherent in achieving effective and secure sharing are equally significant. Exploring transdisciplinary practices—bringing together diverse disciplines to generate new knowledge—offers promising pathways toward a future of human security that prioritizes people over institutions.
Between 2020 and 2022, a collaborative project led by the Alan Turing Institute, Arizona State University, and the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) explored emerging national security issues, focusing on Artificial Intelligence in cybersecurity. This project demonstrated that human-centred approaches could address complex challenges without compromising operational sensitivity. Using design practices, we created a life-like persona named “Grace” to provoke exploration of how advancements in cybersecurity technology could help or harm her in imagined future scenarios.
Looking ahead to 2034, national security policymaking could adopt more human-centred approaches, facilitated by experts skilled in fostering neutral and inclusive spaces. Futures designers, transition designers, and dialogic design practitioners could lead discussions on the human experience of uncertain futures, hosted on platforms like Zoom and Teams. These dialogues, guided by exploratory questions about our hopes and concerns, could shift the framing of national security from one of offence and
defence to one grounded in values-based approaches.
What do privacy, security, and safety mean to the ordinary person? How can we adopt more holistic approaches to national security that embrace these nuanced meanings? How might ordinary people and government officials—those who work on secretive matters—collaborate to navigate the unknown? This space, perched at the crag of uncertainty, is where expertise no longer holds sway.
Expertise, after all, is rooted in past knowledge—methods and solutions tested and proven over time. But future challenges demand more than expertise; they require imagination, intuition, and diverse perspectives. We must harness our lived experiences and moral instincts, integrating various forms of knowledge: anthropology, sociology, history, religion, linguistics, business acumen, artistry, science, and,
above all, the richness of human experience. These collective wisdoms can shape a new mental paradigm for national security decision-making.
Lord Acton was right when he said, “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Although there is potential for human-centred approaches to be misused by those in power, redistributing power by sharing it with people in community through open, democratic processes of engagement and dialogue offers an alternative to the perception of government decision-making as distant, out of touch, and impenetrable.
Human-centric design offers an innovative approach to rethink concepts of national security - justice and human rights - by legitimising our human and lived experiences as its own form of expert knowledge.
WHAT THEY SAID
“
So let’s be clear: Rebuilding Trust is not a slogan or a PR campaign. It requires deep reforms to global governance to manage geopolitical tensions during a new era of multipolarity.
- Antonio Guterres, Secretary General, United National @WorldEconomicForum
”
SIGNAL OF CHANGE
1. UN Summit of the Future CIvil Society Conference in Nairobi.
Synopsis: The UN Summit of the Future Civil Society Conference in Nairobi provided a platform for dialogue on global challenges, emphasizing the role of civil society in shaping inclusive policies. Key themes included climate change, human rights, gender equality, and social justice, with outcomes aimed at informing future UN initiatives and fostering cross-sector partnerships.
2. Establishment of Impact Coalitions.
Synopsis: The conference highlighted the establishment of Impact Coalitions, uniting governments, civil society, the private sector, and academia to address global issues like climate action, health equity, and education. These coalitions aim to drive measurable change through innovative, inclusive collaboration.
3. International Conference on (Small Island Developing States) SIDS in Antigua.
Synopsis: The International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Antigua focused on the unique challenges of SIDS, such as climate change and economic fragility. Leaders discussed strategies for sustainable development, resilience, and climate adaptation, aiming to enhance global support and ensure these nations thrive despite their vulnerabilities.
COMMENTARY
REIMAGINING INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY: FROM DESTRUCTION TO DIGITAL LIBERATION
By Riel Miller
IT isn’t that I think that industrial societies are immortal, destined to live forever and constantly wreak havoc on nature and humans through the devastation of its inescapable extractivism, exploitation, hierarchical oppression, thirst for conquest, misplaced irreverence driven by voids of meaning and vain efforts to find satiation in orgies of consumerist gluttony, etc. No. Change is the only certainty. Still, the consolation offered by the prospect that we are witnessing the ‘hospicing’ of modernity seems
misplaced. Industrial society as modernity is indeed morphing, displaying its typical evolutionary exuberance by gleefully destroying the stories, language, expectations, hopes and fears of the past. Along with millions of lives. Still before seeking solace in the cost/benefit calculus that sees this as a high but necessary price to pay for something ultimately positive, I want to flag the speculation that this may not be a death knell, just a turning of the soil upon which new seeds of humanity’s
persistent delirium can sprout. Of course this is only a scenario, dime a dozen imaginaries that spring eternal and change from moment to moment. So don’t put much store in these certainly transitory observations – just consider how such imaginaries play a major role in what we are willing and able to sense and make-sense of in the present. Perception first, choice… maybe, but definitely later.
Caveats in place, here is a ‘creative destruction’ spin, without fundamental discontinuity with alienated forms of organizing human communities. In brief, the transition to intangible industrial society, underway for some time now, presents as necessary albeit not sufficient conditions a set of highly disruptive changes in power relationships. Take the analogy of ‘settling the frontier’ which can be an actual territory or ‘new’ markets – with the introduction of rules for ownership, transactions, redress, collective goods, etc. (enforced rules, more or less legitimate, more or less maintained by force, more or less costly/effective/ efficient, etc.) What is the equivalent for the vast splendour of the virtual, the simulated, a playground unconstrained by time and space and tangibility (although keep those servers, networks, and hardware accoutrements in mind). Actually, the pre-conditions (again, necessary but not sufficient) are
not too difficult to conjure. I’ve been writing about them since the 1980s and Info Highways. /Rules for Radicals.
1
Turn the net’s repository/accumulation of all human knowledge into a curated and universal public good – even the robber barons of the last Gilded Age understood this one – reaping the benefits of universal reading and writing require public libraries. Time to ‘nationalize’ google – same goes for ‘social’ media, who are you going to let own your ‘social capital’?? A cattle rancher, you’ve gotta be kidding! Everyone must own their own encrypted data – that they curate, not in the sinkhole of oblivion, the obscene carbon hog of forgetfulness that is the cloud.
2
Pure cliché, all the ‘leaders’ say it, what is the most valuable asset of a nation or a company, its human capital, of course. Nominally slavery is typically not allowed, that worked okay for physical labor and physical capital as the means for undertaking production… move to the virtual and… how to avoid the robbery and enslavement of the platforms? Easy credit and recognition of capital – so with everyone evaluating everyone else’s human capital (see Measuring What People Know ), and equally dispersed
attribution, responsibility, accountability, and redress of what you actually know how to do, the assets of the virtual become as distributed as the virtual. Even if the power law still calls for active anti-trust, the live nature of human capital means that when the mortal coil moves on so too does value creation. Heritage inequality solved. Not to mention the terribly harmful deception that claims that education enables meritocracy.
3Finally, peer to peer payment and copyleft attribution systems have been doable for decades, only the threat to financial sectors skimming and monetary privileges (creating credit) stand in the way of the new business models. Think of it as if the nobles of the renaissance had been able to block the introduction of double entry booking keeping and bills of exchange (checks). In bureaucratic social systems accounting is the ultimate arbiter of power and continuity – does that put a spin on the threat posed by new transaction and ownership systems that leverage block-chain distributed ledgers and peer-to-peer transaction systems that open up the potential for money to democratize (see Future of Money ).
So what do we have – it’s still industrial society in the sense that the objectives of life remain commercial and people will still be constantly exposed to subjugation by unexpected rip-tides of animal spirits and the concerted actions of bullies and their minions. Transactions and ownership prevail, but in a radically different context – even if the enforcement of the new rules for the virtual keeps some form of ‘state’ or legitimate exercise of violence in place. No idea about the winners and losers, or how the dynamics of conflicts, differing aspirations, and histories will play out. Can’t say if it’ll be better or worse than today. Just riffs off the past and present without the constraint of confinement to the physical.
Note: I didn’t explore the imaginaries that spin up from much more play – after simulation give scope to whole galaxies of learning through fun.
Rise up all ye who want to own your social and human capital, all you have to lose are your diplomas, social media accounts, and tithes to the info-barons.
WHAT THEY SAID
“
There is so much still to learn about oceans – and, importantly, to reverse the damage being caused to our precious lifeline resource… It is our joint responsibility to course correct –and recommit to sustainably manage the ocean’s precious resourcesso as to ensure their availability intergenerationally.
H.E. Dennis Francis, President of the UN General Assembly @UNWorldOceanDay
”
SIGNAL OF CHANGE
UN Summit of the Future. UN adopts “Pact for the Future” at the General Assembly.
Synopsis: The UN Summit of the Future focused on addressing global challenges and promoting international cooperation. The summit culminated in the adoption of the “Pact for the Future”, a landmark agreement containing 56 pledges aimed at protecting the needs of current and future generations. Key areas of focus include climate change, global conflicts, and governance. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called it a critical step toward more effective, inclusive multilateralism, responding to the challenges of today and the future.
COMMENTARY
THE PACT FOR THE FUTURE: NAVIGATING GEOPOLITICAL DIVIDES TO UNITE HUMANITY
By Khawaja Hammad Akbar
THE SUMMIT OF THE FUTURE on September 22, 2024, was a landmark event in global governance, marked by the adoption of the Pact for the Future and its annexes, including the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations. Envisioned as a pivotal step in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) , the pact laid out 56 commitments addressing critical areas such as sustainable development, peace and security, technological innovation, youth empowerment, and governance reform.
At its core, the declaration underscored the indispensable role of multilateralism, calling for nations to collaborate within the United Nations framework to foster inclusive societies founded on justice and international law. It prioritized key objectives such as eradicating poverty, achieving gender equality, transitioning to sustainable energy systems, and preserving both cultural and ecological diversity. With a vision extending to 2030, the pact set ambitious goals for accelerating SDG implementation, adopting bold climate action measures, and fostering inclusive governance to rebuild trust and ensure a sustainable and equitable future.
However, the claim of “unanimous adoption” demands closer examination. While 143 nations voted in favor, seven—including Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Sudan opposed the declaration, reflecting geopolitical tensions and skepticism toward the perceived inequities in global
governance structures. These opposing nations collectively represent over 350 million people, underscoring the magnitude of dissent. Moreover, 15 nations, including influential players such as China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Algeria , abstained, representing nearly two billion people. These abstentions highlight concerns over the declaration’s provisions or its alignment with national priorities. Additionally, several nations, including Afghanistan, Venezuela, and Serbia , did not participate, accounting for an additional 700 million people. This non-participation reflects systemic issues such as political instability, lack of institutional capacity, or misalignment with global frameworks. These populations collectively represent nearly one-third of humanity, which needs the most attention, reflecting the gravity of dissent and abstention.
The geopolitical divisions exposed during the voting process illustrate the significant barriers to achieving universal consensus. While the pact aspires to global solidarity, realizing its objectives will require addressing these fractures, fostering inclusivity, and building trust among all nations.
To transform the Pact for the Future into a truly “Our Common agenda” several measures are crucial. Firstly, fostering greater inclusivity in dialogue by engaging nations that opposed or abstained is essential. Tailoring the pact’s language and objectives to align with diverse cultural and political realities will help build broader consensus. Controversial terms, such
as “commissioner,” must be reconsidered to avoid colonial connotations and ensure the language resonates universally, particularly with the Global South . Financial support for developing nations is critical, necessitating that wealthier countries honor their commitments to bridge the SDG financing gap and provide technical expertise.
Moreover, integrating indigenous knowledge and practices from the Global South can offer innovative, localized solutions while honoring traditions of intergenerational care and environmental stewardship. Robust accountability mechanisms, including clear benchmarks and regular progress reviews, are essential for ensuring compliance and fostering trust. Promoting
regional partnerships can also address localized challenges, empowering nations to take ownership of their development pathways.
Importantly, the Futures Community in the Global South should convene a review annually to sustain momentum, reconcile divergent perspectives, and drive consensusbuilding. The impact of geopolitical tensions, particularly between major powers like the United States, Russia, and China , must not undermine the pact’s objectives, and a special committee should be formed to navigate the process to do so, as a neutral and collaborative approach to governance is essential to safeguard global progress and equity.
Only by prioritizing shared goals, fostering trust, and navigating geopolitical complexities with sensitivity, the Pact for the Future has the potential to evolve into a transformative framework that unites humanity in pursuit of a sustainable and equitable future.
POPULATION
BREAKDOWN OF DISSENTING NATIONS
COUNTRIES THAT OPPOSED THE DECLARATION
1. Belarus: Approximately 9 million
2. North Korea: Approximately 26.5 million
3. Iran: Approximately 89 million
4. Nicaragua: Approximately 7 million
5. Russia: Approximately 146 million
6. Sudan: Approximately 48 million
7. Syria: Approximately 24.7 million
COUNTRIES THAT ABSTAINED FROM VOTING
1. Algeria: Approximately 47.4 million
2. Bolivia: Approximately 12.6 million
3. China: Approximately 1.41 billion
4. Cuba: Approximately 11.3 million
5. Iraq: Approximately 43.4 million
6. Kazakhstan: Approximately 20.6 million
7. Kiribati: Approximately 123,000
8. Lao PDR: Approximately 7.6 million
9. Malaysia: Approximately 34.2 million
10. Maldives: Approximately 538,000
11. Oman: Approximately 5.28 million
12. Pakistan: Approximately 251.27 million
13. Saudi Arabia: Approximately 36 million
14. Sri Lanka: Approximately 23.1 million
15. Thailand: Approximately 70.6 million
COUNTRIES THAT DID NOT PARTICIPATE
1. Afghanistan: Approximately 43.1 million
2. Argentina: Approximately 46.3 million
3. Azerbaijan: Approximately 10.4 million
4. Bahamas: Approximately 403,000
5. Brunei: Approximately 453,000
6. Burkina Faso: Approximately 24.2 million
7. Central African Republic: Approximately 5.5 million
8. El Salvador: Approximately 6.4 million
9. Equatorial Guinea: Approximately 1.6 million
10. Eritrea: Approximately 3.7 million
11. Eswatini: Approximately 1.2 million
12. Haiti: Approximately 12 million
13. Kyrgyzstan: Approximately 7.2 million
14. Mali: Approximately 23.9 million
15. Niger: Approximately 27.9 million
16. Papua New Guinea: Approximately 10.1 million
17. Samoa: Approximately 204,000
18. Sao Tome and Principe: Approximately 234,000
19. Serbia: Approximately 6.8 million
20. Somalia: Approximately 18.6 million
21. Tajikistan: Approximately 10.5 million
22. Tonga: Approximately 106,000
23. Turkmenistan: Approximately 6.3 million
24. Uzbekistan: Approximately 36.5 million
25. Venezuela: Approximately 33.5 million
26. Vietnam: Approximately 101 million
THE AUTHOR
Khawaja Hammad Akbar is a Geo-Political Scientist, Futurist, and Decolonization Strategist based in Pakistan.
WHAT THEY SAID
“
What the world needs now is a reset. What the world needs now is a little more love…We can change this global governance system. We can make both fit for purpose for the majority of world’s people, not just a few. It doesn’t require new technologies. It requires action and humanity, accepting that we are human together, that we are because of each other, and that we can, in this generation, secure the future of human progress.
Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados @UNSummitOfTheFuture
”
NARRATIVE FORESIGHT
AS A TOOL FOR EXPLORING SIDS COASTAL RESILIENCE
São Tomé
Mauritius
Comoros
Seychelles
Maldives Bahrain
By Nandi Walcott and Claire A. Nelson Ph.D.
BACKGROUND
CARIBBEAN nations (SIDS) due to their size, location, and isolation are most severely impacted by issues arising from our world’s global climate emergency. Issues like coastal erosion and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and tropical storms, threaten the habitability of Caribbean nations (SIDS). In alignment with the aim of the 2024 UN Summit of The Future, which brought together over 4,000 Heads of State and Government, intergovernmental organizations, UN System, civil society, and non-governmental organizations, The Futures Forum organized The Caribbean Parliament of the Future Simulation as an explorative space for participants to role-play as delegates and senators to intercommunicate
policy strategy to rectify SIDS unique challenges. Set in the year 2029, this simulation prompted participants to think about plausible future scenarios and debate and dialogue issues pertaining to the health and sustainability of the Caribbean Sea and the wellbeing of the Caribbean peoples. The simulation was the result of the SMART Futures Design Dialogue process, which brought together advocates and activists to explore the future challenges affecting Caribbean nations’ (SIDS), bearing in mind Jamaica’s role as the Co-Chair of the UN Declaration of Future Generations process. The participants who were all new to futures thinking were introduced to scenario planning and challenged to utilize their imagination to identify a shared challenge. This resulted in the design of a Simulation ‘Caribbean Parliament of the Future’ which would allow for
Vanuatu
Federated States of Micronesia
the wide interests of the participants as well as the complex systems of the Caribbean Sea to be explored effectively.
THE SIMULATION
The simulation imagined the (fictional) Caribbean Parliament of the Future convening a Special Session on the ABAS+5 Blue Economy Agenda (Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS established in May 2024), during which issues pertaining to land-based sources of marine pollution, deep-seabed mining, and coastal zone asset resilience were brought to the floor. The Special Session on the ABAS+5 Blue Economy Agenda was Chaired by Dr. Claire Nelson1, Chief Ideation Leader at The Futures Forum from Jamaica.
Senator Francine Campbell-Hakim 2 , representing St. Vincent & the Grenadines was the speaker, and Delegate Sherrie Marks, representing the islands of Grenada served as Co-Chair. Delegates hailed from various member nations, each elected to ensure the health and sustainability of the Caribbean Sea. Each group consisted of a maximum of 5 participants, including experts brought in to provide insight on a topic3 Delegate Jenine Shepherd opened the session by addressing land-based sources of marine pollution. She presented the Proposal of the Caribbean Sea Resolution, prepared by the Marine Pollution Parliamentary Oversight Committee. Special Envoy on Climate for the Eastern Caribbean States, Kevin Pinnock, and Permanent Representative to Central America, Denise Salmon, both spoke as experts on the topic, highlighting the importance of environmental protection and the need to educate youth on the subject.
The next session on deep-seabed mining was led by Delegate Bradley Downer, representing Guyana. He discussed the lucrative but deadly repercussions of seabed mining and called for a balance between financial gain and protecting the marine ecosystem in the pursuit of economic growth and health. The senator from Dominica also spoke, emphasizing the importance of healthy diets. They decided to return to their subcommittee to reconstruct their request of the Caribbean Parliament of the Future.
The last session of the Caribbean Parliament of the
Future, led by Delegate Nandi Walcott4, addressed the topic of coastal zone asset resilience. Walcott, representing St. Lucia, introduced the Coastal Zone Asset Resilience Initiative (CZARI), a trifold initiative calling for the synergism of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ministry of Finance and Public Service, and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Delegate Odane Brooks 5 outlined how, through this symbiotic partnership, the elements of CZARI would be implemented.
The Stewardship aspect of CZARI would provide educational programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of fisherfolk. This includes training on sustainable fishing practices, climate change adaptation, and data security. The committee proposed that the Sea Stewardship Program partner fisherfolk with marine scientists, environmentalists, and engineers to support marine protected areas and develop alternative ventures, such as fishing for lionfish to produce leather for the billion-dollar luxury leather goods industry. Registration in this program empowers fisherfolk by highlighting their contributions to maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. By equipping fisherfolk with critical thinking skills, they can better navigate the challenges posed by climate change. CZARI also offers government-subsidized parametric insurance.
The Parametric Insurance Program for fisherfolk addresses their immediate financial needs after climate events and strengthens the broader fisheries ecosystem. By providing a fast and efficient payout mechanism, this system would allow for the rapid recovery and longevity of climate-vulnerable fishing communities. Delegate Odane Brooks’ arguments helped the House recognize the importance of a systems design approach by addressing the holistic problem. He defined the challenges faced by fisherfolk as multi-dimensional, arguing that a systems
approach must address the interrelated impacts of climate change, economic vulnerability, and food security. Through modular design and flexibility, Brooks outlined the need for a payout disbursement mechanism driven by predefined, objective climate triggers. A real-time risk assessment model to monitor and predict climate impacts and dynamically manage payout triggers was also proposed.
The team emphasized that for CZARI to succeed, a blended finance model—combining public sector contributions, private sector investments, and international climate finance—offers a viable solution to ensure the financial stability of the program. Delegate Asha, via meta-conference, outlined the digital identification system and database for fisherfolk in the Caribbean region. Housed by the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism, this information would be accessible to all respective fishery ministries in each CARICOM nation, allowing easy identification of fisherfolk regardless of their location. This system would use biometric fingerprints, which are unique and cannot be lost or destroyed like physical ID cards. Jamaica introduced its digital biometric identification system in 2021 and has since been able to auto-enroll its citizens in benefits such as PATH, without any data breaches. However, unlike NIDS, CZARI would gather data beyond basic biographical information, including indicators of vulnerability, such as education level and property ownership. For CZARI’s purposes, CARICOM can use this information to tailor its support to individuals, and in the long run, gather robust real-time data on fisherfolk in the region. This would allow not only reactive support in times of disaster but proactive measures to reduce vulnerability. The groundwork has been laid, the technology is available, and expert Chris Beckford6 outlined ways to ensure the protection of the database.
Delegate Walcott noted that the Coastal Zone Asset Resilience Committee plans to fund the program by tapping into the luxury leather goods market. Lionfish, the single most invasive species in the region, present a valuable opportunity, with lionfish hides priced at $70 each and the luxury leather goods market valued at $738.61 billion. CZARI strives to introduce and promote sustainable practices, raise awareness about the importance of fisherfolk as environmental stewards, and highlight their contributions to maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. Additionally, CZARI seeks to develop and provide access to digital tools that help fisherfolk track and report their stewardship activities. This could include apps or community kiosks where they can log their contributions to environmental conservation and receive updates on best practices. The program aims to
ensure its interoperability across countries, allowing fisherfolk to receive support regardless of their location. This includes recognizing climate refugees and providing them with the necessary resources to rebuild their lives while continuing their stewardship roles. The Simulation ended with a call for Delegates to follow-up on findings with national governments and functional cooperation agencies of CARICOM.
LESSONS LEARNED
The Futures Forum was interested in exploring how narrative foresight could be used to bring to life real world issues facing the Caribbean region that need new forms of decision support. The decision was made to focus on the Blue Economy as that sector was highlighted as a critical space for action by Caribbean governments and the Caribbean
Sea remains a complex systems of systems management challenge. The participants who were all advocates or activists were all new to futures thinking were introduced to scenario thinking using the SMART Futures Design Framework. They were challenged to identify issues within their personal area of interest and advocacy. They were also challenged to identify areas of common ground. The goal was to 1) help participants identify their personal stories of successful futures and 2) identify and create plausible stories of shared success. A key challenge was to help participants manage temporal thinking in plausible ways. Another key challenge was to help participants see how current activities and organizations could evolve so as to ensure the solutions they proposed were plausible given some of the real constraints faced by advocates and Civil Society as a whole in the
REFERENCES:
1 Dr. Claire Nelson (She/Her)
Forbes 50 Female Futurist, Sustainability Engineer & Innovation Consultant, Keynote Speaker & Storyteller, White House Champion of Change
2 Francine Campbell-Hakim (She/ Her)
Executive Leader-Clinical Research Professional-Cultural Heritage ProfessionalTrailblazer, Innovator, Mentor.
3
4 Nandi Walcott
Strategic Designer, International Business
5 Odane Brooks
M&E Specialist, Lecturer - Politics, CARICOM Youth Ambassador, Public Policy Fellow, Non-Profit Leader and Activist, Budding Innovation Policy Expert
6 Chris Beckford(He/Him)
CEO at eTRANSERVICES Corp.
Caribbean region. They were not allowed to invent any new organizations other than the Caribbean Parliament of the Future, They were also constrained to work within the framework of existing intergovernmental arrangements and institutions. At each stage of the design process, the participants were asked to focus on the actors in the system of their concern, hence the selection of fisherfolk as an everpresent actor and agent in the systems under study. The simulation of a Caribbean Parliament of the Future proved to be a useful way for Caribbean community advocates to access imagination as well as information about the future. The Caribbean Parliament of the Future proved to be a potentially powerful tool that can be further developed for addressing the future training needs identified for implementation of the Pact for the Future and the Declaration of Future Generations.
SIGNAL OF CHANGE
COP29 Climate Finance Agreement in Baku
Synopsis: The COP29 Climate Conference, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, concluded on November 24, 2024, with a historic climate finance agreement. Developed nations committed to channeling at least $300 billion annually to developing countries by 2035, aiming to help them mitigate and adapt to climate change. This funding is part of a broader target to reach $1.3 trillion in climate financing by 2035, enabling vulnerable nations to transition to sustainable energy and enhance resilience against climate-related disasters.
WHERE’S OUR HOLLYWOOD ENDING? COMMENTARY
By Steve Willis and Jan Lee
IN the 1992 film The Player1, an insiders’ tell-all about how the movie industry functions behind the scenes, a producer explains how film pitches in Hollywood are selected:
Griffin Mill: It lacked certain elements that we need to market a film successfully.
June: What elements?
Griffin Mill: Suspense, laughter, violence. Hope,
heart, nudity, sex. Happy endings. Mainly happy endings.
June: What about reality?
It’s clear: Hollywood needs happy endings. But when it comes to mainstream entertainment that deals with climate change, there are no “Hollywood endings”.
Popular fiction that focuses on climate change is full of doom and gloom. “Cli fi” novels have titles like Termination Shock or
The Drowned World. Meanwhile, feature films and Netflix hits do an excellent job of bringing disaster to life: at the end of the movie The Day After Tomorrow, the global North is rendered uninhabitable, while in Don’t Look Up, a metaphor for climate change, the Earth is utterly destroyed.
This matters because popular film and fiction directly impact public opinion. When members of the public form para-social relationships with characters they see on the screen or read about in a book, they extend those opinions to real life. People who watched the sitcom Will & Grace, which featured several gay characters, developed positive opinions about the gay people they knew in real life. This is not a new phenomenon: those who read the book Uncle Tom’s Cabin in the nineteenth century sympathized with the enslaved characters in the novel, and many fought to free their real-life counterparts.
So where are the sympathetic characters fighting to address climate change?
Unfortunately, those who exist have two problems. First, they aren’t winning. If climate change is acknowledged at all in popular film and fiction, it is shown as a disastrous, foregone conclusion with no hope of redemption. In the 2024 novel The Comforting Weight of Water Society has totally collapsed after climate change takes hold, and humans have reverted to a primitive state. Second, if the scenario is positive, it is unrealistic. The energy-efficient techno-state of Wakanda, depicted in the movie Black Panther, depends on a fictional element called vibranium and leadership who have literal magical powers.
Here is the gap: a piece of mainstream entertainment – ideally not just one, but several – depicting sympathetic characters, who make a believable contribution to fighting
climate change. The technology exists today; depending on imaginary elements is unnecessary. But the Hollywood ending is necessary. To date, there are precious few pieces of media in this category: Fairhaven – A Novel of Climate Optimism, by the authors of this article, is one, but more are needed.
In 2023, there were 270 million unique subscribers who consumed content from Disney; this could be a massive resource in tackling our common challenge, climate change. But in order to leverage this resource, we need realistic, relatable, and achievable stories – stories that show how things might go right despite all the barriers fate throws in our way. In short, we need Hollywood endings.
REFERENCES:
1 The Player (1992) - Quotes - IMDb. (n.d.). IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105151/ quotes/
2 Stephenson, N. (2021). Termination Shock. William Morrow.
3 Gandy, M. (1962). The Drowned World. http://ci.nii.ac.jp/ncid/BA87484861
4 The Day After Tomorrow (2004) (2004, May 28). IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/ tt0319262/
5 Don’t Look Up (2021) (2021, December 24). IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11286314/
6 Schiappa, E. (2019, March 5). How Will & Grace proved the contact hypothesis of psychological theory. The State of SIE Report. https://thestateofsie.com/edwardschiappa-will-grace-contact-hypothesis-psychological-theory/
7 Mightier than the sword; Uncle Tom’s cabin and the battle for America. (2011, October 1). Document - Gale Academic OneFile. https://go.gale.com/ps/retrieve.do
8 McClelland, R. (2023). The Comforting Weight of Water.
9 Black Panther (2018) (2018, February 16). IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1825683/
10 Willis, S., & Lee, J. (2024). Fairhaven.
11 United States Securities And Exchange Commission. (2023). Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Financial Report [Report]. Https://Thewaltdisneycompany.com/App/ Uploads/2024/02/2023-Annual-Report.pdf
WHAT THEY SAID
“
A true ecological debt exists, particularly between the global north and south, connected to commercial imbalances, which affects on the environment and the disproportionate use of natural resources by certain countries over long periods of time… Therefore, it is essential to seek a new international financial architecture that is human-centered .. and based on the principles of equity, justice and solidarity. A financial architecture that can truly ensure for all countries, especially the poorest and those most vulnerable to climate disasters, both low carbon and high sharing development pathways.
Vatican Secretary Of State Cardinal Pietro Paroli @COP29ClimateSummit
RHIZOMES, AIS AND FUTURES
By Wellington Porto
WHAT will the world look like in 2030? Will we be more connected and collaborative, or navigating between fragmented and unpredictable forces?
In a global scenario of accelerated change, thinking about the future requires breaking with linearity and adopting the rhizomatic logic proposed by Deleuze and Guattari. This conceptual model, inspired by the biology of underground roots, teaches us that systems develop in a decentralized way, creating multiple and adaptable connections. The
future, therefore, is not a straight line, but a living network of possibilities that are continuously transformed.
The BRICs, for example, exemplify this rhizomatic logic by expanding as a bloc of increasing relevance. With the possible inclusion of countries such as Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Nigeria, the group is no longer a coalition limited to five major emerging economies to become a more diverse and representative multilateral force. This reconfiguration should profoundly influence global dynamics by 2030, bringing new models of cooperation to critical areas such as technology,
energy transition, and international trade. In particular, the BRICs can play a leading role in the development of sustainable infrastructure and the advancement of technologies that reduce dependence on the dollar and traditional financial institutions in the West, as already suggested by recent analyses in the Financial Times and Foreign Affairs.
In Latin America, the rhizome manifests itself in an even more peculiar way. The cultural, ethnic, and ancestral diversity of the region represents a unique creative force, which can be translated into disruptive innovations. Indigenous and Afro-descendant traditions, for example, offer regenerative approaches to natural resource management and the design of more sustainable cities. In Medellín, Colombia, social urbanism programs inspired by local community practices have transformed the city into a global example of urban resilience. In the Amazon, sustainable management initiatives by traditional communities combine ancestral knowledge with cutting-edge biotechnology, creating solutions that dialogue with global demands for conservation and sustainable development.
Brazil, in this context, emerges as one of the natural protagonists for 2030. In addition to being a powerhouse in biodiversity and renewable energy, the country has been leading the way in advancing Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) . Projects such as the ABC+ Plan in sustainable agribusiness and the expansion of the Amazon bioeconomy show how Brazil can transform its natural wealth into global competitive advantages. The bet on clean energies, such as green hydrogen and secondgeneration ethanol, places the country at the forefront of the energy transition. In addition, initiatives such as Amazônia 4.0, which integrate technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence to track sustainable production chains, reinforce Brazil’s role as a leader in the creation of new economic paradigms aligned with environmental preservation.
As linear narratives like the “American dream” fade, a new paradigm emerges: the future will be shaped by the ability to connect, adapt, and innovate in living networks. As futurist Alex Steffen argues, “the most resilient systems are not the most stable, but the most interconnected.” This thinking resonates with the potential of rhizomatic logic to navigate a future where complexity is not an obstacle but an opportunity.
HOWEVER, HOW TO NAVIGATE SUCH A COMPLEX AND INTERCONNECTED FUTURE?
This is where IRA (Autonomous Rhizomatic Innovation) comes in, a tool designed to map and
explore multiple scenarios. Based on artificial intelligence, the IRA analyzes global and local data networks, identifies emerging patterns, and offers insights for strategic decisions in high-uncertainty environments. Imagine, for example, governments and companies using IRA to predict the impacts of climate change on supply chains or to anticipate market opportunities in emerging sectors. The IRA’s ability to integrate seemingly unconnected variables makes it an essential compass in an increasingly rhizomatic world.
The dance of the future has already begun, and the best dancers will be those who understand that time does not follow a single score, but a collective and organic measure. By adopting the rhizome as a guide, we can turn uncertainties into possibilities and design a vibrant, diverse, and interconnected 2030.
Want to know more about how to apply for the IRA? Contact me via email wellington.porto@teachthefuture. org or my linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/ wellingtonporto-businessdesigner/
REFERENCES
THAT SUPPORT THIS TEXT
Concept of Rhizome and Philosophical Thought
n A Thousand Plateaus: Capitalism and Schizophrenia (1980) , Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari – a fundamental work that introduces rhizomatic logic and the idea of interconnected systems.
n Byung-Chul Han, In the Swarm: Perspectives of the Digital (2013) – reflections on networks and decentralized logic in the technological age.
Global Transformations and BRICs
n Foreign Affairs: analyses on the expansion of the BRICs and their role as a counterpoint to the G7.
n PwC (2022): The World in 2050 – projections on emerging economies and the impact of multilateralism.
Innovations and Sustainability in Latin America
n World Economic Forum (2023): “Amazon and Bioeconomy: Strategies for a Sustainable Future”.
n IDB Report (2023): “Resilient Cities in Latin America”.
Brazil and Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)
n Amazônia 4.0: led by scientist Carlos Nobre, explores the use of technology for sustainable production chains in the Amazon.
n McKinsey & Company (2023): “Nature-Based Solutions: Unlocking Potential in Emerging Markets”.
Autonomous Innovation Vehicles (VIA)
n Deloitte (2023): “AI and Strategic Foresight: Tools for Navigating Complex Futures”.
n Harvard Business Review (2022): “The Rise of Autonomous Innovation Systems in Business Strategy”.
TOP TEN PERSONS
(CULTURE
AND COUNTERCULTURE AS
SELECTED
AS of December 19, 2024, several counter-culture and alternative publications have announced their “Person of the Year” selections, highlighting individuals who have significantly influenced subcultures and alternative movements globally.
1. Rolling Stone: Recognized Taylor Swift for her profound impact on the music industry and her role in advocating for artists’ rights and creative freedom.
2. VICE: Honored Greta Thunberg for her relentless activism and innovative approaches in addressing climate change, inspiring a new generation of environmentalists.
3. The Village Voice: Selected Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for her progressive policies and influence in reshaping American politics from a grassroots perspective.
4. Dazed: Chose Lil Nas X for challenging norms in the music industry and promoting LGBTQ+ visibility through his art.
5. The New Inquiry: Recognized Arundhati Roy for her literary contributions and activism addressing social and political issues in India.
6. Adbusters: Honored Edward Snowden for his ongoing
advocacy for privacy rights and transparency in the digital age.
7. High Times: Selected Snoop Dogg for his influence in cannabis culture and efforts toward legalization and normalization.
8. Juxtapoz: Chose Banksy for his provocative street art that continues to challenge societal norms and provoke thought.
9. The Baffler: Recognized Naomi Klein for her critiques of capitalism and contributions to discussions on climate justice.
10. Paper Magazine: Honored Billie Eilish for redefining pop culture aesthetics and addressing mental health issues through her music.
As of December 19, 2024, several major publications have announced their “Person of the Year” selections, highlighting individuals who have significantly influenced global events and public discourse. Here are the honorees from 12 prominent outlets:
1. TIME Magazine
Named President-elect Donald Trump as their Person of the Year, acknowledging his profound impact on American
PERSONS OF THE YEAR
SELECTED BY CHAT GPT)
politics and his unprecedented return to the presidency.
2. Financial Times
Selected Donald Trump as their Person of the Year, emphasizing his dramatic political comeback and the implications of his second term on both domestic and international affairs.
3. The Guardian
Recognized Yulia Navalnaya, Russian economist and widow of dissident Alexei Navalny, for her courageous activism and leadership in the Russian opposition following her husband’s death.
4. Der Spiegel
Honored Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, for her historic election and commitment to addressing economic challenges and organized violence in Mexico.
5. LE MONDE
Chose Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, for his influential and controversial leadership during a year marked by significant military actions and geopolitical decisions.
6. The Economist
Selected Elon Musk for his continued influence in technology and politics, particularly his endorsement of Donald Trump and his role in shaping the future of social media through his platform, X.
7. Forbes
Named Jerome Powell, Chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve, for his pivotal role in steering the U.S. economy during a year of significant political and economic transitions.
8. The New York Times
Recognized Joe Rogan for his substantial influence on public opinion through his podcast, which has been a leading platform for discussions impacting the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
9. EL PAÍS
Honored Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, for her openness about her health challenges, sparking global conversations about privacy and health for public figures.
10. The Wall Street Journal
Chose Kamala Harris, U.S. Vice President, acknowledging her role and impact in American politics during a transformative election year.
EMBARKATION:
AS we embark on the journey that is 2025, the question that drives my pondering is taken from the title of the book by Martin Luther King. “Where do we go from here? Chaos or Community” The year promises to be filled with transformative trends, pivotal moments, and unforeseen twists e.g. 1— Indonesia Joins BRICS: On January 6, 2025, Indonesia was admitted to the BRICS bloc of developing nations, enhancing its role in global economic discussions; 2) Earthquake in Tibet: A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck China’s Tibet region on January 7, 2025, resulting in at least 95 fatalities and significant infrastructure damage; 3) Los Angeles Wildfires: Severe wildfires in Los Angeles have led to the evacuation of over 200,000 residents and at least 24 deaths, with the fires approaching iconic landmarks like the Hollywood sign. There are very rough seas ahead. And so we must orient ourselves towards safe harbor, (as agreed in the Global Pact for the Future) by understanding the currents shaping our world.
Here are 25 things to watch— trends, signals of change, wild cards, global happenings, and next generation of leaders shaping the future.
TRENDS TO WATCH
1) Global South Rising: Economies like India, Nigeria, and Indonesia are gaining global influence.
2) Space Economy Expansion: Commercial and governmental missions are accelerating in space exploration.
3) Circular Economy Practices: Companies are rethinking
waste, focusing on reuse and regeneration.
4) Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Blockchain applications continue to reshape banking and finance.
5) Cultural Resurgence: Localized storytelling through media, art, and fashion pushes back against homogenization.
SIGNALS OF CHANGE
1) AI legislation solidifies across multiple countries, creating ethical guardrails.
2) Advances in gene therapy cure rare diseases.
3) Ocean cleanup efforts reach unprecedented scales.
4) Tech companies prioritize ethical supply chains in response to consumer demand.
5) Youth-led political movements dominate elections in key nations.
WILD CARDS
1) Discovery of habitable conditions on an exoplanet.
2) Sudden breakthroughs in quantum computing reshape cybersecurity overnight.
3) A global tech blackout exposes vulnerabilities in AIdriven systems.
4) New species discovery prompts revisions to evolutionary theories.
5) Cryptocurrencies face mass delisting after coordinated regulatory action.
GLOBAL EVENTS TO NOTE
1) COP30 in Brazil: Will nations take stronger climate actions?
THE PRESENT IS OUR GIFT
2) UN Digital Governance Forum: Debating AI ethics and international policy.
3) Global Food Security Summit: Addressing agricultural innovation and hunger.
4) World Expo in Osaka: Showcasing innovations for future societies.
5) World Ocean Summit in Tokyo: New Treaty Negotiations to focus on regulating deep-sea mining and ocean preservation.
PEOPLE (UNDER 25) TO WATCH
1) Saara Khumalo (Age 9, South Africa)
A child prodigy in environmental activism, Saara has mobilized thousands of young people in South Africa to participate in community clean-up drives and tree-planting campaigns, earning recognition from the UN’s Youth Environment Program.
2) Arjun Rao (Age 8, India)
A tech whiz, Arjun developed a mobile app that simplifies access to education for children in rural India. His work has been highlighted in global tech conferences as an example of innovation bridging the digital divide.
3) Leo Anderson (Age 9, United Kingdom)
Leo is a science enthusiast who created a YouTube channel to teach kids about climate change. His engaging experiments and tutorials have gained millions of views, spreading awareness globally.
4) Kiara Nirghin (23, South Africa)
Kiara created a super-absorbent polymer using orange peel to address drought conditions. Her invention is being
applied in water-scarce regions to improve agriculture.
5) Param Jaggi (24, United States)
Founder of Hatch Technologies, Param invented the Algae Mobile, a device that uses algae to convert carbon dioxide emissions into oxygen. He is recognized as a leader in green technology.
A COUPLE EXTRAS WHICH I JUST MUST INCLUDE...
1. Fionn Ferreira (22, Ireland)
Fionn developed a method to remove microplastics from water using magnetic liquids. His groundbreaking invention has gained international attention for addressing ocean pollution.
2. Adam Huddart (24, United Kingdom)
Adam invented a portable device to desalinate water using solar power, providing clean drinking water to disasterstricken and remote areas.
THE JOURNEY AHEAD
How do we go from here? Embarkation is not merely the act of stepping onto the ship; it is the commitment to the voyage ahead. Our young changemakers remind us that age is no barrier to making a difference. Their actions inspire hope for a future shaped by the creativity, courage, and compassion of the next generation. In 2025, as the world grapples with rapid transformations, let us approach this year as explorers—curious, adaptive, and courageous. The seas may be unpredictable, but with our collective wisdom and resolve, we can navigate towards futures we want.
PHOTO CREDITS
Main Cover Image - Mark Dela Cruz
Inside Cover Image - NASA - Freepik
Pages 4-5 - Freepik
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Layout Artist: Jeremae Jumao-as
HUMAN FUTURES NEEDS YOUR VOICE
Calling All Futurati & Futuristas: Help Shape the Future with Human Futures Magazine!
Are you a wordsmith with a knack for envisioning tomorrow? Do you thrive at the intersection of innovation, imagination, and humanity? Human Futures Magazine is seeking passionate writers to join our mission of exploring the evolving landscapes of our world and beyond.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
Original Thinkers:
Writers who can articulate bold ideas about technology, sustainability, and the human condition. Creative Storytellers: From speculative fiction to real-world analysis, craft compelling narratives that captivate and inspire.
Futures Enthusiasts:
Explore trends, wild cards, and signals of change that will define the coming decades. Diverse Voices: We celebrate perspectives from every corner of the globe.
WRITE ABOUT:
Emerging technologies and their impact on society. Sustainable development and planetary futures. The interplay of culture, religion, and science in shaping humanity. Wild ideas, thought experiments, and creative forecasts. Space exploration, AI ethics, and beyond.
WHY JOIN US?
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Pitch us your article ideas, essays, or stories that inspire curiosity and action. Word Count from 500-1500
Submit to humanfutureseditor@gmail.com with the subject line Writer Application – [Your Name].
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