Dubai Future Forum, 2024

Dubai hosted the largest gathering of futurists and foresight practitioners as 2,500 participants convened at the Museum of the Future for the third Dubai Future Forum. The event served as a global platform for exploring emerging trends and innovative solutions to address the challenges of tomorrow. Our Research Director and team members represented the Early Warning program at Al Habtoor Research Centre (AHRC) at the Dubai Future Forum. Throughout the event, they participated in informative workshops focused on various foresight and future studies techniques. The forum also provided a valuable opportunity to connect with futurists from diverse disciplines globally and strengthen our network with organizations like the School of International Futures (SOIF) and futurists from the MENA region.

Fiker Institute: The Future of Diplomacy

During our participation in the 2024 Dubai Future Forum, we attended the “The Future of Diplomacy” Roundtable hosted by the Fiker Institute. This dynamic session featured distinguished speakers, including H.E. Alison Milton, Ireland’s Ambassador to the UAE; H.E. Lucie Berger, the EU’s Ambassador to the UAE; H.E. Octavian Bodica, Romania’s Ambassador to the UAE; and Jean-Christophe Paris, France’s Consul General in Dubai.

The discussion was enriched by diverse perspectives, with contributions from trailblazers such as Sara Sabry, the first African and Arab woman to travel to space; Dr. Adriana Marais, a renowned theoretical physicist; and Sophie Howe, the inaugural Future Generations Commissioner for Wales. Experts like Olga Tarasov, Vice President of Inquiry at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors; Adam Kahane, Director of Reos Partners; and Dr. Ariel Muller, Director of Futures at the Forum for the Future, brought innovative insights to the table.

The interdisciplinary dialogue explored how diplomacy is being reshaped by rapid technological advancements, environmental challenges, social transformations, and geopolitical shifts. The session provided valuable insights into the future of diplomatic practices and their role in addressing global complexities.

Making the Case: Which Way to the Future?

His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), emphasized the importance of governments enabling progress rather than controlling it. In the session “Making the Case: Which Way to the Future?” he highlighted Dubai’s use of adaptive frameworks, such as regulation labs and sandbox systems, to test and scale emerging technologies. These initiatives bring together policymakers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to collaborate on refining innovative solutions while ensuring safety and scalability.

Amy Webb, CEO of the Future Today Institute, praised the UAE as a global model for strategic foresight, noting the country’s long-term vision and the successful roadmap created by visionary leaders. The discussion also addressed the challenge of measuring the success of future-focused initiatives. Webb pointed out that tracking efficacy remains difficult, especially when success means preventing a crisis that never occurs. She called for more innovative and data-driven approaches to measure the impact of foresight efforts and ensure accountability.

Build Your Own Commissioner: What Does the Declaration on Future Generations Mean for Your Region?

We also participated in the ‘Build Your Commissioner’ workshop, hosted by the School of International Futures inspired by the UN’s Declaration for Future Generations. The discussions we had during the workshop centered on the unique challenges faced by the MENA region and the complexities of establishing a unified Commissioner to serve all countries in the region.

Divergent experiences and resources across MENA nations make it difficult to create a cohesive framework that addresses shared struggles such as climate vulnerability, displacement, and sustainable development. The workshop highlighted the need for tailored approaches that reflect the region’s diversity while fostering collaboration to tackle these pressing issues collectively.

In Conversation with Foresight Great

In the session “In Conversation with Foresight Great,” moderated by futurist Paul Saffo, renowned philosopher Jay Ogilvy offered profound insights into the complexities of foresight and systems thinking. He discussed the intricacies of crafting positive scenarios, focusing on how emergent systems—marked by adaptability, interconnectedness, and unpredictability—serve as a foundation for envisioning optimistic futures.

Ogilvy also introduced his latest book, “Coming Together,” which examines the intersections of life, evolution, and language to uncover deeper insights into consciousness, creativity, and love. Under Saffo’s thoughtful moderation, the discussion bridged theoretical concepts with practical applications, leaving the audience with valuable perspectives on navigating an increasingly complex and interconnected world.