Futures

Exploring Peacebuilding Through Futures Studies on World Futures Day, (from page 20230305.)

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Summary

World Futures Day focuses on futures and peacebuilding, highlighting the work of the Next Generations Foresight Practitioners’ network and the upcoming peace-building manifesto. The text reflects on historical contributions from figures like Elise Boulding and Johann Galtung, who emphasized envisioning a non-violent world. Boulding encouraged participants to imagine a future without armies, while Galtung’s ‘Transcend’ method focuses on peaceful conflict resolution. The challenge of managing disputes without violence is underscored, particularly in light of climate change and inequality, which may exacerbate conflicts. The initiative aims to generate new ideas for peacebuilding and reconstruction.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Focus on Futures and Peacebuilding A shift towards integrating peacebuilding in futures studies and community discussions. From a focus primarily on defense to including peacebuilding practices in futures studies. Futures studies will increasingly prioritize peace and conflict resolution alongside traditional security concerns. Growing awareness of the need for sustainable peace in the face of global conflicts and climate crises. 4
Democratization of Futures Research A call to democratize the futures research process, making it more inclusive. From elite-driven futures research to a more participatory approach involving diverse voices. Futures research will be more inclusive, involving a wider range of perspectives and communities. The demand for equity and representation in decision-making processes globally. 4
Revisiting Historic Peacebuilding Frameworks An acknowledgment of historical peacebuilding frameworks that have been overlooked. From neglecting historical insights to utilizing them to inform current peacebuilding efforts. Historical frameworks will be integrated into contemporary peacebuilding strategies, enhancing their effectiveness. Realization that past experiences can guide modern peacebuilding efforts. 3
Conflict Resolution through Cooperation The use of cooperative methods for conflict resolution as an alternative to violence. From adversarial conflict resolution methods to collaborative approaches fostering shared benefits. Collaborative conflict resolution will become mainstream, reducing reliance on coercive methods. A growing recognition of the futility of violence and the benefits of cooperation. 5
Impact of Climate Change on Conflict Increasing awareness of the link between climate change and conflict potential. From viewing climate change as an environmental issue to recognizing its role in exacerbating conflicts. Climate change will be a central factor in peacebuilding strategies, addressing root causes of conflict. Urgent need to address climate change as a catalyst for social and political instability. 5

Concerns

name description relevancy
Lack of Vision for Nonviolent Futures Difficulty in imagining a future without war hinders effective peace activism and planning. 4
Weapon-Centric Futures Research Funding Research on futures is overly influenced by funding from defense and armament sectors, undermining peacebuilding efforts. 5
Escalating Conflicts from Climate Change Slow violence from climate change and inequality is likely to exacerbate conflicts, making peacebuilding increasingly necessary. 5
Inadequate Conflict Resolution Strategies Traditional conflict resolution methods may not address the complexities of modern disputes without violence. 4
Overlooked Contributions to Peacebuilding The historical contributions of peacebuilding figures are often neglected in favor of security-focused narratives. 3
Need for Democratic Futures Research The dominance of elite perspectives in futures research limits diverse and inclusive futures, especially in peacebuilding. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Futures and Peacebuilding Focus A growing emphasis on integrating futures thinking with peacebuilding efforts to envision non-violent futures. 4
Democratization of Futures Research An emerging movement to make futures research more inclusive and accessible, moving away from military and defense funding. 5
Imagining Non-Violent Futures Encouraging participants to envision a future without violence or armies, fostering creative solutions for peace. 4
Collaborative Conflict Resolution Techniques Development and application of methods like Galtung’s ‘Transcend’ for peaceful conflict resolution and collaboration. 4
Awareness of Slow Violence Increased recognition of the long-term impacts of climate change and inequality as drivers of conflict. 5
Integrative Problem Solving Encouraging creative solutions that benefit all parties, as illustrated by the orange-sharing thought experiment. 4

Technologies

description relevancy src
New frameworks and methods for resolving conflicts and promoting peace, focusing on non-violent approaches and community engagement. 4 ec1cd3015f7369374399a6446dc13586
Techniques for envisioning and planning for future scenarios, particularly in the context of peace and security. 3 ec1cd3015f7369374399a6446dc13586
A conflict resolution method developed for peaceful negotiation and understanding among conflicting parties. 4 ec1cd3015f7369374399a6446dc13586
Emerging strategies and technologies aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change to reduce conflict potential. 5 ec1cd3015f7369374399a6446dc13586

Issues

name description relevancy
Peacebuilding in Futures Studies Increasing focus on peacebuilding within futures research, traditionally overshadowed by defense and security topics. 4
Imagining Nonviolent Futures The need for frameworks to envision a world without violence and conflict, promoting proactive peacebuilding efforts. 5
Impact of Climate Change on Conflict The potential escalation of conflicts due to the slow violence of climate change and rising inequality. 5
Democratizing Futures Research The call for more inclusive and diverse participation in futures studies, moving away from military-focused funding. 4
Innovative Conflict Resolution Methods Exploration of creative conflict resolution strategies, such as Galtung’s ‘Transcend’ method, for peaceful outcomes. 4