Futures

Exploring the Significance of the Upcoming United Nations ‘Summit of the Future’, (from page 20240915.)

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Summary

The upcoming United Nations ‘Summit of the Future’ on September 22-23, 2024, aims to gather world leaders to create a new global consensus addressing pressing issues like climate change, poverty, and sustainable development. Initiated during the 75th General Assembly in 2020, the summit reflects on past efforts to tackle global challenges, such as the Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasizes the need for long-term thinking, collective action, and political will to address the complex crises humanity faces today. The summit seeks to establish clear goals and strategies to achieve a balanced approach to development while ensuring basic needs are met without exceeding planetary boundaries. The article sets the stage for future discussions on the preparations and expected outcomes of the summit.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Increased Global Cooperation A call for a new international consensus at the UN Summit of the Future. Shift from fragmented approaches to a unified global strategy for major challenges. Enhanced global governance and collaborative frameworks to address climate change and poverty. Growing recognition of interconnected global issues requiring collective action. 4
Focus on Long-term Solutions Emphasis on long-term thinking and foresight in policy-making. Transition from short-term reactive policies to long-term strategic planning. Policies that prioritize sustainability and resilience in addressing global challenges. Need for a sustainable future in the face of pressing environmental and social issues. 5
Recognition of Political and Social Barriers Acknowledgment that political and social factors hinder economic growth and development. Realization that physical resources are not the main barriers to progress anymore. Shift towards addressing governance and institutional reforms to enable sustainable development. Understanding that effective governance is crucial for solving global issues. 4
Planetary Boundaries Awareness Recognition of critical environmental thresholds that humanity must not exceed. Shift from unlimited growth mindset to a sustainable development approach. Global policies that respect planetary boundaries to ensure sustainable living. Scientific consensus on Earth’s environmental limits necessitating urgent action. 5
Emergence of Strategic Foresight Need for foresight and strategic planning in global governance. Transition from reactive crisis management to proactive strategic foresight. Global institutions equipped with foresight capabilities to tackle future issues effectively. Increased complexity of global challenges requiring anticipatory governance. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Underaddressed Global Challenges Despite awareness, significant global challenges like poverty, climate change, and biodiversity loss remain inadequately addressed, risking future stability. 5
Inadequate Geopolitical Infrastructure Existing geopolitical and institutional frameworks may be ill-equipped to manage and respond to rapid global changes and crises. 5
Failure of Economic Growth Models Current economic models prioritize endless growth over sustainability, often leading to environmental degradation and resource depletion. 4
Insufficient Public Policy Action Knowledge exists to solve key issues, but lack of decisive public policy results in stagnation in addressing urgent global problems. 5
Risks of Social and Economic Inequality Persistent poverty and inequality could lead to social unrest and destabilization, undermining progress towards global goals. 4
Threat of Environmental Collapse Exceeding planetary boundaries could result in catastrophic environmental changes detrimental to human civilization. 5
Urgency of Climate Action Failure to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 threatens global temperature rise and long-term human survival. 5
Shortcomings of International Cooperation A lack of effective collaboration among nations to address common challenges could lead to global crises worsening. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Global Consensus Building World leaders are seeking to forge a new international consensus on addressing global challenges. 5
Integration of Foresight in Policy Making Incorporating long-term thinking and foresight into governmental decision-making processes is becoming crucial. 5
Holistic Approach to Global Challenges Recognizing the interconnectedness of issues like climate change, poverty, and health in global strategies. 5
Emphasis on Collective Intelligence Utilizing collective intelligence to address global problems and create sustainable solutions. 4
Shift from Economic Growth to Sustainability Redefining economic success by prioritizing sustainability and quality of life over mere GDP growth. 5
Public Engagement in Global Initiatives Broadening the involvement of various stakeholders, including civil society and businesses, in global decision-making. 4
Urgency for Action on Climate Change Recognizing the need for immediate action to meet climate targets and ensure environmental sustainability. 5
Reevaluation of Development Goals Adapting and evolving development goals to better suit current global challenges and expectations. 4

Technologies

name description relevancy
Global Foresight and Risk Assessment A systematic approach for nations to predict and prepare for future global challenges through strategic foresight and risk assessment. 5
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Goals established to promote global development while ensuring sustainability and equity, requiring collective commitments from all nations. 5
Climate Change Mitigation Technologies Innovative technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change challenges effectively. 5
Collective Intelligence Systems Frameworks that enable collaborative decision-making and problem-solving at a global scale using diverse perspectives and expertise. 4
Emergency Response Platforms Systems designed to coordinate international responses to complex global crises, ensuring timely interventions. 4
Planetary Boundaries Model A scientific framework defining the ecological limits within which humanity can safely operate, guiding sustainable development efforts. 4
Net-Zero Technologies Technologies aimed at achieving net-zero carbon emissions, critical for combating climate change by 2050. 5

Issues

name description relevancy
Global Governance for Future Challenges The necessity of a cohesive global governance structure to tackle multidimensional problems like climate change, poverty, and health crises. 5
Need for Strategic Foresight The importance of integrating long-term thinking and foresight into global decision-making processes to address future uncertainties and risks. 5
Environmental Sustainability vs Economic Growth The conflict between pursuing economic growth and ensuring environmental sustainability, highlighted by outdated economic models. 4
Collective Intelligence and Action The need for a collective approach to problem-solving involving all stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and civil society. 4
Technological Adaptation and Innovation The urgency for technological advancements to meet global challenges and improve resource management. 4
Political Will for Change The necessity of strong political commitment to implement effective policies addressing global issues and achieving SDGs. 5
Socio-Economic Inequity The widening gap between developed and developing regions, exacerbated by global crises and requiring urgent attention. 5
Education and Lifelong Learning Transformation The need to transform education systems to equip individuals with skills for a rapidly changing world. 4
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health The critical importance of preserving biodiversity and ecosystem health as a foundation for human survival and prosperity. 5
Interconnected Global Risks The growing complexity and interconnectedness of global risks that necessitate a comprehensive and coordinated response. 5