Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight in Action: Insights from the Global South

by UN Futures Lab/Global Hub; International Science Council

Published | May 2025

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Summary

This report showcases 14 case studies from the Global South, illustrating how futures thinking and strategic foresight are applied to address challenges such as climate resilience, digital governance, and social protection, thereby promoting inclusive and sustainable development.

Why read

Civic space actors will find this report invaluable as it demonstrates practical applications of foresight tools to empower communities, enhance participatory governance, and integrate indigenous knowledge into policymaking. By learning from diverse experiences across the Global South, they can adopt innovative strategies to navigate uncertainties and strengthen their advocacy efforts.

Description

“Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight in Action: Insights from the Global South” is a collaborative report by the UN Futures Lab and the International Science Council. It compiles 14 diverse case studies highlighting how countries in the Global South employ foresight methodologies—such as horizon scanning, scenario development, and backcasting—to tackle pressing issues like food security, climate change, and digital transformation. The report emphasises the importance of integrating local and indigenous knowledge, fostering multistakeholder collaborations, and building organisational capacities to create resilient and forward-looking policies. It serves as a practical guide for policymakers, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders interested in applying strategic foresight to drive sustainable development.