MYTHOLOGY OF THE FUTURE Tom Lombardo

playground and showcase for experiential and experimental futures, for progressive techniques, tools, and integration of emerging technologies into our field. It can house 40 participants and is a perfect space for creating the unthinkable.

Similarly, the aptly named Imaginarium, which has space for 40 attendees, will be designed to provoke and fire the imagination and artistry and will set the scene for creative futures through workshops, groupthink and inspirational, disruptive visions.

Other rooms including the Lounge and hallways will be used for networking, displays, catering and lively conversations.

While the program is still being finalized, we have already confirmed a number of topics and speakers. Topics include progressive arts and futures, Sci-Fi and futures, geopolitics, the future of democracy and political institutions, the futures of futures, participatory and distributed global futures, new methodologies and tools, serious games, multimedia, and transmedia approaches to scenario delivery, planetary futures, the future of education, future of sustainable design, corporate futures, the future of work, futures creativity, foresight vs. foresight-based programs for schools and universities, AI and Futures Studies and Futures Studies and AI, ethical futures and so much more. There will also be formal and informal regional and crossregional meetings as well as a gala dinner and plenty of opportunities and space for gatherings, networking, and debate.

The call for papers is still open with a closing date for abstracts of 10th August 2021, and for selected papers the date for final paper delivery is 30th September 2021.

Confirmed speakers include: n Erik F. Øverland, PhD: President and Chairman of the Board, World Futures Studies Federation; Senior Policy Advisor, Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research

n Gabriela Ramos: Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, UNESCO

n Dr. Issa H. al Ansari: President, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University

n Bayo Akomolafe, PhD: International speaker, poet, curator and activist, The Emergence Network

n Dr. Stanza (Steve Tanza): International award-winning digital artist

n Dr. Karina Vissonova: Founder, ADES (Institute for Advanced Design Studies), Expert of design, sustainability and futures studies

n Dr. Roberto Poli: Full Professor - Philosophy of Science and Social Foresight, University of Trento, Italy; President, AFI: Association of Italian Futurists

n Riel Miller, PhD: Head of Futures Literacy, UNESCO

n Dr. Faisal Yousif al Anezi: Vice President for Academic Affairs, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU)

Check the Conference website for frequent updates on the progam and speakers and other news or subscribe to the conference newsletter. https:// wfsfconferenceberlin2021.org/

We would love to see you at the 24th WFSF World Conference in Berlin or online. You can register at https:// wfsfconferenceberlin2021.org/registration/ Early bird closes on 7th September 2021

This conference would not be possible without the support of our partners and sponsors including: PMU, APF, UNESCO, European Journal of Futures Research, IZT (Institute for Futures Studies and Technology Assessment), Netzwerk Zukunftsforschung.

If you are interested in being a partner or sponsor, please use the Contact page on the website: https:// wfsfconferenceberlin2021.org/contact

ALL ABOARD! WELCOME TO THE NEW CREW AT A NEW ERA!

By Alethia Montero

EB Member

ON the past May 29th 2021, the General Assembly took place. The new members 2021-2025 were officially presented, after a nomination-election period. The new crew is comprised of:

n Rosa Alegria (Brazil) n Luke Van der Laan (Australia) n Jaana Tapanainen-ThiessThomas n Lombardo (USA) (Finland) n Claire Nelson (Jamaica) n Helga Veigl (Croatia) n Alethia Montero (Mexico)

And for a second period, the following were reelected:

n Javier Vitale (Argentina) n Thomas Lombardo (USA) n Lucio Henao (Colombia), who was elected in a second round among three contenders

Ph.D Guillermina Baena (Mexico) continues to be the Vicepresident of the Iberam Region. Victor Motti (originally Iranian, who recently came to live in Washington, D.C., granting him permanent residency in the category E21 National Interest Waiver (NIW) for his exceptional ability in the art and science of Futures Studies), also continues to being the Director. Erik Overland (Norway) is also having his second period as the President. For more info on the crew, take a look at: https://wfsf.org/ category/leadership/ .

It is a great time for Futures Studies. Worldwide, it is know that Covid-19 pandemics marked a turning point in several áreas, including humanity itself. In that sense, more people are turning around looking towards Futures more tan ever. Instinctively, there is something that is making people to have more consideration about the long term effects of their acts and also a huge need to be prepared for “everything”. Therefore, it is agreat time for the Federation.

Based on their vision statements, the future of the Federation in itself, will be shaped through these issues, if accomplished: a wise futures consciousness encompassing an holistic purposeful evolution; bonds, ties within other organizations, individuals, cultures, disicplines; putting two cents for reaching SDGS 2030; innovation; Futures Studies expansion at education, organizations, regions.

And certainly, sustainability, looking for financial foundation keeping high levels of research and profesionalization, from which Luke VanDerLaan and team’s great deal of efforts are truly recognized (look for more at: https://wfsf.org/accreditation-services/ ). The Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) has also been an strategic partnership under this umbrella (https://wfsf.org/wfsf-pmu-research-fund/ ).

But mostly, not to rest on our laurels and to stay working on our r-evolution. The path to growth and development recognizing