JUNE 2025 - Human Futures-Final

Erik F. Øverland

President

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Valued Readers and Fellow Futurists,

IT is with great enthusiasm that I welcome you to our latest issue of Human Futures Magazine. As we navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, the importance of thoughtful foresight and ethical consideration of our shared futures has never been more vital.

This issue brings together a diverse collection of perspectives that challenge us to think more deeply about humanity’s path forward in a time of accelerating and condusing change. The breadth of topics explored reflects our commitment to examining the multifaceted nature of our potential futures through diverse lenses—philosophical, ethical, social, technological, and deeply personal. Our Editor at Large Dr Claire Nelson begins with an interesting exploration into the concept of shareholder of social capital to create social cohesion for the future and tested it with a Social Capital Index.

I am particularly excited about Jerome C. Glenn, Theodore Gordon, Elizabeth Florescu, and The Millennium Project Team’s “State of the Future 20.0,” which continues their invaluable work in mapping global challenges and opportunities. Complementing this comprehensive analysis is Mara Di Berardo’s reflections on “World Futures Day 2025,” capturing insights from our global 24-hour conversation on humanity’s futures.

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly woven into the fabric of our societies, Trisha Mehta’s “Ethics in the Age of AI” and Bruce Lloyd’s intriguing exploration “Can Poetry Make You A Better Person? A Perspective from AI” offer critical perspectives on how we might maintain our humanity while embracing technological evolution.

In a world often characterized by polarization, Jerome Clayton Glenn’s “Synergetic Relations vs. Zero-Sum Power Geopolitics” and Frederic Hanusch and Anna Katsman’s “Seeds for Democratic Futures” provide hopeful frameworks for more collaborative approaches to our shared challenges.

For those seeking practical tools for navigating complexity, Patricia Lustig and Gill Ringland’s “The Possibility Wheel: Making Better Choices in a Fractured World” and Katharina Michalski’s “Growing Foresight” offer valuable methodologies and insights.

I’m also pleased to read Andy Hines’s “Keeping our Eyes on Transformation: Imagining After Capitalism,” which invites us to envision economic systems that might better serve humanity’s long-term flourishing.

As we consider our collective future, Victor Motti’s contributions on “Planetary Foresight and Ethics” and “Istishraf: A Linguistic and Conceptual Exploration of Future-Oriented Inquiry” remind us of the importance of diverse cultural perspectives in futures thinking.

Finally, in these challenging times, Elaine France’s “A Journey Inward to Ensure that Hope goes Viral in Dark Times” offers a timely reminder that our inner resources and collective hope remain powerful catalysts for positive change, while Yul Anderson takes us home clutching onto our hopes for the future of the American dream.

I would also like to draw your attention to the upcoming conference, “What Future for America? Community or Chaos?” which promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of crucial questions facing not just the United States, but societies worldwide.

As we explore these rich contributions together, I invite you to engage deeply with the ideas presented, to question your assumptions, and to consider how you might apply these insights in your own work and communities. It is through this collective engagement with possible futures that we increase our capacity to shape a world that reflects our highest values and aspirations.

Thank you for your continued support of Human Futures Magazine and your commitment to the important work of futures thinking.

With hope and determination for our shared future,

Sincerely Yours,

Erik Erik F. Øverland President

World Futures Studies Federation (WFSF) wfsf.org president@wfsf.org

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

Erik Øverland

Editor-In-Chief

Claire Nelson Editor-At-Large

“Until we see the value of sharing the future, we will not achieve the future we most value”

Hank Kune

Features Editor

The future is not what it used to be

Amy Fletcher

Features Editor

Mohsen Taheri News & Events Editor

Kevin Jae

Copy Editor

Historia abscondita. Every great human being exerts a retroactive force... There is no way of telling what may yet become part of history. Perhaps the past is still essentially undiscovered! So many retroactive forces are still needed!” - Nietzsche

Cristophe Bisson

Copy Editor

“Future that is sustainable requires to hybridize Human and Machine”s

Leopold Mureithi

Review Room Editor

Rosa Alegria

PR & Marketing

“Hope is the fuel that drives the engine of the desired future”

Elissa Farrow

Features Editor

The future requires us to be comfortable with uncomfortableness. Love, listen and respect each other on our way to the future.

FOREMOST

HOW WE SHARE

By Claire A. Nelson

WHAT if we humans saw ourselves as shareholders of the Earth? Shareholders in our Nation? Shareholders in our Community? Shareholders in the social and environmental ecosystems? Could we create sustainability? Could we create peace? Could we create a safe, just space for all humanity? It is still a matter for debate among futurists whether we are in a period of Unraveling -- a period of declining social cohesion, economic instability, and a weakening of traditional institutions-; or a Fourth Turning or Crisis -- a decisive era of upheaval and transformation, often marked by conflict or revolution, where the old order is replaced with a new one—as defined by William Strauss and Neil Howe in their 1997 book “The Fourth Turning”. We are at a tipping point. As of the most recent assessment

by the Stockholm Resilience Centre in 2023, humanity has transgressed six of the nine planetary boundaries, placing the Earth system at increasing risk of irreversible environmental change. These six are: climate change, biosphere integrity (particularly genetic diversity loss), land-system change, biogeochemical flows (specifically nitrogen and phosphorus cycles), freshwater change (including surface and soil moisture systems), and novel entities (such as chemical pollution and plastics). These transgressions reflect unsustainable pressures from human activity that destabilize critical Earth processes. Two other boundaries—ocean acidification and atmospheric aerosol loading—are approaching critical thresholds or remain difficult to fully quantify at a global level. Only one boundary, stratospheric ozone depletion, has been successfully brought

back within a safe operating space, largely due to coordinated international action like the Montreal Protocol.

This assessment underscores the urgent need for systemic shifts in how we manage our relationship with the planet. In other words, there is an urgent need for our behavior, culture, and social systems to change, as several social systems significantly impact planetary boundaries. Food systems, production systems, consumption patterns, and urban development are all deeply intertwined with human activities and societal structures. These systems exert pressure on planetary boundaries like climate change, biodiversity loss, biogeochemical flows, and land-system change. But social system change is difficult due to the complexity of social systems, resistance to change from individuals and groups, and the need for a collective effort to address the root causes of issues.

Social systems are intricate networks of individuals, institutions, and processes where changes in one area can have ripple effects throughout the entire system. They often exhibit emergent properties, meaning that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The behavior of social systems can be unpredictable and difficult to control. Moreover, due to their complexity and interconnectedness, it can be difficult to establish clear causal links between specific interventions and desired outcomes.

Social systems are resistant to change owing to status quo bias, as individuals and groups tend to resist change because they may be comfortable with the existing system, even if it’s

flawed. Fear of uncertainty, as people often fear losing their established roles, power, or benefits, and deeply ingrained beliefs and perspectives about how the world works, can also hinder efforts to change social systems. This is highly evident in the current state of social cohesion at play in the United States of America. It can also be quite challenging to hold individuals and groups accountable for their actions and contributions to the system. For one, it is often difficult to apportion blame and to isolate the specific impact of a particular intervention on a complex system due to the multitude of factors at play. Worse, evaluating the long-term impact of systems change can be challenging, as changes may not be immediately visible.

But there is no way around it, we need to change. We need a new paradigm—one that transcends profits and the Western capitalist frameworks. One that embraces a deeper, valuedriven foundation for shaping the future we want. The current metrics that guide our decision-making as a species often fall short in cultivating the empathy, imagination, and moral clarity needed to build a just and flourishing world. IMF programs and current development assistance sector rubrics, even wellmeaning attempts such as ESG initiatives, also have not resulted in transformation at the speed needed to avoid futures such as the 2050 ‘Extinction Express’ scenario envisaged by Arup. The reality is that a sustainable future cannot be engineered solely through optimization; it first must be envisioned through shared purpose. We must prioritize values like solidarity, mutuality, altruism, reciprocity, and trust. We must recognize that our interdependence demands that we take account of our

generational responsibility, as well as stewardship. But how do you get from here to there? Can we orchestrate a social tipping point that takes us to a new paradigm? In my SMART Futures framework, I lay out a simple approach for program design that focuses on the need to measure what matters. Can we identify a metric that would allow us to plot a journey towards a paradigm shift?.

So, in determining the safe just space for humanity, what if we could identify social boundaries like we have the nine planetary boundaries? What if we knew the value of the social tipping point that could take us to the paradigm shift we say we want? A metric that could be observed and understood by all of us.

Supposedly, a society reaches a tipping point when enough people deviate from the existing norm, making it attractive for even those who are risk-averse or conformist to follow suit. Social tipping points can occur as people shift their beliefs and behaviors to address climate change, leading to policy changes and technological innovations. The UN Pact for the Future has laid down a powerful vision for accelerating multilateralism and cultivating planetary consciousness. In alignment with this, the Declaration on Future Generations calls for intergenerational justice, longterm thinking, and inclusive governance.

Yet for these aspirations to be realized in practice, we must grapple with a foundational truth: we cannot transform what we do not see or name. And we often do not see or name that which we do not measure. Perhaps, what is needed now is a metric that captures not just economic output or efficiency, but what truly matters for sustainable, just, and flourishing societies, social capital. Without social cohesion driven by social capital, conflicts and war are inevitable. Measuring social capital and designing systems to optimize that would certainly constitute a pathway to a new paradigm.

NOTE: Use of AI: In this essay, I employed ChatGPT and Claude as research aids to explore the Doughnut Economics framework, with particular attention to its articulation of social boundaries. My objective was to identify a coherent and accessible set of factors that could support a paradigm shift from shareholder primacy to a stakeholdercentered model. To this end, I designed a series of inquiry-based prompts reflecting this transformative vision. In parallel, I incorporated analytical dimensions drawn from the discourse on inequality and discrimination—core concerns of Sustainable Development Goal 10, yet areas that have seen limited practical traction. The synthesis of these explorations informed the development of a proposed Social Capital Index, which serves as the central thesis of this work.

Imagine, if you will, a Social Capital Index of the Future. Could such a metric be possible? More importantly, could such a metric make a difference? I believe the answer is yes. A Social Capital Index of the Future (SCIF) could help reorient policy and governance around the invisible and intangible social infrastructures that sustain societies: tolerance, cooperation, integrity, belonging, equity, and collective agency. Unlike traditional indices focused on wealth accumulation, this index would recognize and reward communities for nurturing what sustains life, not just economically, but relationally, culturally, and ecologically. Data would be gathered using participatory and context-sensitive tools—community storytelling, citizen science, mobile surveys, and local deliberations. Rather than static scoring, SCIF would offer dynamic, evolving insights to guide both local leaders and national institutions.

A well-designed SCIF would be built on key dimensions such as:

n Relational Trust (across groups, institutions, and generations)

n Civic Participation (in decision-making, dialogue, and voting)

n Mutual Care and Reciprocity (volunteerism, caregiving, resource-sharing)

n Cultural Vitality (practices of identity, storytelling, and intergenerational exchange)

n Collective Agency and Empowerment (communities’ belief in their power to act)

n Environmental Stewardship (community-led conservation and climate action)

Because we measure these factors, we come to care for them, and through this care, we help to shape a future worth inheriting. A SCIF would give visibility and value to these aspects of life that are often overlooked, but which are central to sustainable futures.

It would shift the narrative of progress from extractive gain to regenerative capacity. It would help point us to future-conscious governance, aligning today’s choices with the rights and needs of generations yet to come.

Future Conscious Governance - designing the future becomes an act of collective care __ a narrative we co-author with the Earth, with each other, and with the unseen generations to come. Today, our frameworks produce innovation, but we are heading towards futures that look devastating for human well-being. Flourishing futures demand a reorientation of our values towards ones that lead to transformation.

The future is not a commodity— it is a global common. We are co-responsible for writing into

being the future we want. As imagined by the Declaration of Futures Generation chartering document espoused at the UN Summit of the Future, our mutual flourishing demands that we reimagine the future as a sacred trust. In this reimagined sense of co-ownership, we as agents in the global community hold a stake in the shared well-being of the planet. We participate in its care, continuity, and regeneration. As such, instead of defining a shareholder as someone who holds a piece of a company for private profit, we redefine a shareholder as someone who: a) Holds responsibility, not just equity; b) Shares in the commons, not just dividends; c) Acts as a guardian of the whole, not just a beneficiary of one or more of the ‘parts’. The Earth is recognized as the original shareholder, as it sustains all economic, social, and biological life. Without the Earth, we humans would not exist. Without the Moon, the Earth as a Pale Blue Dot would not exist.

In this SMART Futures, where sustainability includes a re-defined civic and ecological paradigm, a shareholder is not merely an economic actor with financial stakes, but a participant in the co-creation and stewardship of social capital—the trust, relationships, shared norms, and collective values that bind a society together. As citizens, consumers, and ‘communiteers’ – members of communities which have shared interests, we as shareholders hold a stake in the public good, and our role is central to sustaining the invisible infrastructures—trust, participation, legitimacy, and cohesion—upon which social ecosystems of law and governance are built.

Social capital is:

n Relational: rooted in networks of cooperation, reciprocity, and civic engagement.

n Normative: shaped by shared principles such as fairness, dignity, and mutual accountability.

n Institutional: reflected in the legitimacy and responsiveness of legal and governance systems.

A reimagined shareholder:

n Builds social capital through inclusive participation and community care.

n Protects it by resisting disinformation, corruption, and exclusion.

n Distributes it by ensuring that institutions reflect and respond to diverse voices.

We must move from shareholder value to shared values and vice versa, where value-creation goes beyond the confines of profit-making, to include the generation of trust, integrity, equity, and sustainability. We understand that as shareholders we share responsibility for the integrity of our social fabric, and are coarchitects of the commons.

For us to create a safe, just space for humanity, we need to better define and identify the metrics for the social boundaries we hold precious. We will need to define just social conditions in which economic and environmental justice can flourish. From neighborhoods to nations, we will need to see ourselves as weavers of social cohesion, and shareholders of social capital – not just consumers of financial dividends, but citizens and co-creators of the commons and stewards of shared destiny.

As we move from extraction to regeneration, from exclusion to inclusion, from short-term profit to intergenerational flourishing, we will act as if we understand that living systems are not just economic things to be owned but assets to be honored and protected and that flourishing futures depend on the health and wellbeing of the social fabric. Where the social fabric is unraveling or turning and tearing, we have an opportunity to reset the future by designing and deploying participatory platforms where all voices—human and other-than-human—can shape the narrative of tomorrow. In doing so, we begin to build a future not on the crumbling foundations of profit maximization, but on the living architecture of relational integrity, shared wisdom, and regenerative hope. This is not just a semantic shift—it is a paradigm shift.

To claim “shareholder” as a definition of who is in totality -- as citizens, consumers, and ‘communiteers’, is to disrupt the fiction of separateness. It is to assert that we do not own the Earth; we belong to the Earth. Moreover, we belong to each other. Ubuntu.

THE AUTHOR

Dr. Claire A. Nelson, Author of SMART Futures for a Flourishing World, and named among Top 50 Female Futurists on Forbes is Editor-at-Large of Human Futures, and Board Member of World Futures Studies Federation.

ADVANCING A SOCIAL CAPITAL INDEX OF THE FUTURE

IMAGINE, if you will, a Social Capital Index of the Future. Given the UN Pact for the Future and the Declaration of Future Generations and the current state of social capital globally, futuristas, and their friends and families who believe that ‘a better world is possible’ will need to define tools around which they can advocate for the policy and governance programs that will need to exist to co-create the social transformations demanded. But what if the people exist under structures where freedom is curtailed or threatened? What then? A Social Capital Index of the Future (SCIF) could help reorient policy and governance around the invisible infrastructures that sustain societies: trust, cooperation, belonging, reciprocity, and collective agency. Data would be gathered using participatory and context-sensitive tools—community storytelling, citizen science, mobile surveys, and local deliberations. The SCIF could offer dynamic, evolving insights to guide local leaders and global institutions. Crucially, a Social Capital Index could give visibility—and therefore value—to aspects of life that are often overlooked yet are central to sustainable futures that are equitable, embodied, and emergent. It would measure values such as meaningful participation, regenerative balance, collective stewardship, and intergenerational responsibility.

It would address Guiding Questions for New Paradigm Thinking, such as: What kind of world are we truly trying to co-create? And what values do we need to hold sacred in the process? It would help guide the way we approach: 1) Education (beyond skills: toward sensemaking, justice, and futures literacy); 2) Governance (from extractive power to relational accountability); 3) Economy

(measured not in GDP but in well-being, reciprocity, and planetary thresholds); and 4) Technology (not for domination but for democratized empowerment and ecological harmony)

The SCIF would measure issues such as:

n Democratic Participation-inclusive: civic engagement and deliberative decision-making

n Rule of Law - equitable access to justice and accountability

n Governance Legitimacy- institutional strength through trust and transparency

n Pluralism and Dialogue- a culture of respectful difference and collective problem-solving

n Intergenerational Justice - advocacy for future generations as rightful shareholders in today’s choices

This Futures Barometer asks you to rank possible metrics that could be important to measure and easy to acquire by a self-financed, citizen-run NGO.

Each factor is to be ranked 1-5 as follows:

Rating Scale Descriptions for Social Capital Measures

1 - Not Very Important

This factor has minimal impact on community social capital and relationships. While potentially beneficial in limited contexts, its absence would go largely unnoticed and not significantly affect community functioning. Resources directed here would yield marginal returns for social cohesion or collective capacity compared to higher-priority elements.

2 - Somewhat Important

This element contributes positively but in limited ways to community connections. It plays a recognizable role in supporting certain aspects of social capital but lacks broader applicability or depth of impact. The community would notice its absence but could adapt without major disruption to overall social functioning.

3 - Important

This element consistently contributes to healthy community relationships across multiple contexts. Most community members would recognize its value, and its presence enables improved collective functioning. Its absence would create noticeable gaps requiring deliberate adaptation strategies and affecting some collaborative capabilities.

4 - Very Important

This element represents a key building block for robust community relationships and resilience. Its presence consistently enables higher collective functioning across diverse contexts, and multiple other social capital dimensions may depend on it. Its absence would significantly undermine the community’s ability to collaborate effectively or respond to challenges.

5 - Critically Important

This element serves as a fundamental cornerstone of community social capital upon which other dimensions

depend. Its presence is necessary for healthy community function, coherence, and sustainability. Its absence would severely compromise community functioning across multiple domains, fundamentally threatening the community’s ability to maintain cohesion, sustain relationships, or collaborate during challenges.

RANK THESE QUALITATIVE FACTORS FOR SOCIAL CAPITAL INDEX DIMENSIONS

Rating Scale: 1 (Not Important) to 5 (Critically Important)

1. Trust Ecosystem Resilience

1. Institutional Transparency Perception

Community perception of openness & accountability in local institutions and decision-making processes

2. Digital Platform Trust Architecture

The extent to which digital spaces used by the community foster authentic relationships & reliable information exchange

3. Intergenerational Trust Transmission

The degree to which trust values and practices are successfully transferred between older and younger generations

4. Trust Diversity Index

Breadth of trust relationships across socioeconomic, cultural, and ideological boundaries within

the community

5. Cross-Group Trust Recovery Rate

The speed and effectiveness with which trust is rebuilt after conflicts or breaches between different identity groups

2. Participatory Governance Spectrum

1. Decision Influence Perception

Community members’ belief that their participation meaningfully impacts final decisions

2. Participation Accessibility

Ease with which diverse community members can engage in governance processes, regardless of resources or background

3. Deliberative Quality

Level of evidence-based, respectful dialogue in community decision-making processes

4. Digital-Physical Participation Integration

Seamlessness of connection between online and inperson civic engagement opportunities

5. Participation Outcome Visibility

Clarity with which community members can see the results of their participatory efforts

3. Care Networks Infrastructure

1. Care Network Density

Number and strength of connections through which community members give and receive support

2. Reciprocity Balance

Equilibrium between giving and receiving care across different community segments

3. Crisis Response Mobilization

Speed and scale at which care networks activate during emergencies or individual needs

4. Informal-Formal Care Integration

Coordination between institutional support systems and neighbor-to-neighbor care practices

5. Care Recognition Systems

Mechanisms through which caregiving is acknowledged, valued, and rewarded in the community

4. Cultural Heritage Innovation

1. Intergenerational Cultural Transfer

Effectiveness of practices that pass cultural knowledge and traditions between generations

2. Adaptive Heritage Practices

Community capacity to evolve cultural traditions while maintaining their core significance

3. Inclusive Cultural Expression

The extent to which diverse cultural identities find recognition and expression in community spaces

4. Digital Cultural Preservation

Utilization of technology to document, share, and engage with cultural heritage

5. Story Ecosystem Health

Richness and diversity of community narratives and the spaces where they are shared

5. Collaborative Action Capacity

1. Diverse Stakeholder Integration

Inclusion of varied perspectives and expertise in community problem-solving processes

2. Collective Efficacy Belief

Community members’ shared conviction that together they can address significant challenges

3. Resource Mobilization Effectiveness

Ability to gather and deploy necessary resources for collective initiatives

4. Cross-Sector Collaboration Quality

Productivity of partnerships between government, business, nonprofit, and community groups

5. Solution Implementation Follow-Through Consistency with which collectively developed plans translate into sustained action

6. Information Commons Integrity

1. Shared Fact Foundation

The extent to which community members operate from a common understanding of basic facts

2. Knowledge Access Equity

Fairness in the distribution of access to information resources across different community segments

3. Productive Disagreement Culture

Ability to maintain productive dialogue despite significant differences in viewpoint

4. Information Source Diversity

Breadth of information channels used and trusted across different community groups

5. Misinformation Resilience

Community capacity to identify, correct, and resist false or misleading information

7. Socio-Ecological Stewardship

1. Community-Environment Connection

Strength of emotional and cultural bonds between community members and local ecosystems

2. Collective Environmental Action

Scale and sustainability of community-led conservation and climate initiatives

3. Environmental Justice Advocacy

Effectiveness of networks addressing disproportionate environmental impacts on vulnerable communities

4. Intergenerational Environmental Responsibility Commitment to preserving environmental

resources for future generations

5. Green Space Social Functionality

Effectiveness of natural areas as spaces for social connection and community building

8. Intergenerational Solidarity Structures

1. Age Integration in Decision-Making

Inclusion of diverse age groups in community governance and leadership

2. Knowledge Exchange Pathways

Effectiveness of systems for sharing wisdom and skills between generations

3. Mutual Support Systems

Strength of reciprocal assistance networks connecting younger and older community members

4. Shared Purpose Across Age Groups

The degree to which different generations collaborate on common goals and projects

5. Age Bias Resistance

Community capacity to recognize and overcome stereotypes and prejudices related to age

9. Crisis Resilience Networks

1. Rapid Trust Formation

The speed with which community members establish working trust during emergencies

2. Informal Aid Activation

Effectiveness of neighbor-to-neighbor assistance during crises

3. Cross-Boundary Coordination

Ability to collaborate across typical social divisions during emergency response

4. Vulnerability-Focused Response

Prioritization of the most vulnerable community members in crisis mobilization

5. Resilience Learning Integration

Effectiveness in incorporating lessons from past crises into future preparedness

10. Regenerative Community Economics

1. Value Circulation Within Community

The extent to which economic resources recirculate locally rather than being extracted for value

2. Cooperative Ownership Structures

Prevalence of shared ownership models that distribute economic benefits broadly

3. Skill Exchange Networks

Robustness of systems for community members to share skills and services

4. Resource-Sharing Infrastructure

Accessibility and utilization of platforms for sharing tools, spaces, and other resources

5. Social-Economic Integration

The degree to which economic activities intentionally build social connections alongside material value

FEATURES

CAN POETRY MAKE YOU A BETTER PERSON? A Perspective from AI

By Bruce Lloyd

IN THIS panel discussion,I invited 5 AI (ChatGPT, Grok, Claude, Copilot, and Deepseek) to express views on the question ‘Can Poetry Make You a Better Person’ as well as to indicate what was its favourite poem? And why? The panel discussion was then summed up using Notebooklm. What follows is a transcript of the discussion which was done as written using the same computer, in one sitting in five minutes. The Notebooklm discussion took about 15 minutes.

Bruce: Can poetry make you a better person?

ChatGPT said:

Yes, poetry can make you a better person in many ways. It deepens emotional intelligence, enhances empathy, and encourages self-reflection. By engaging with poetry, you expose yourself to different perspectives, experiences, and emotions, which can make you more understanding and compassionate.

Poetry also fosters mindfulness and appreciation for language, helping you slow down and notice details in life that might

otherwise go unnoticed. It can be a tool for personal growth, healing, and self-expression, allowing you to process emotions and connect with your inner self.

Plus, reading or writing poetry can boost creativity, critical thinking, and even resilience, as it often deals with themes of struggle, beauty, and transformation. So, in a way, poetry doesn’t just describe the human experience—it enriches it.

Do you read or write poetry?

Bruce: And what is your favourite poem?

ChatGPT said:

I love many poems, but one that stands out is “The Guest House” by Rumi. It’s a short but powerful poem about embracing all emotions—joy, sorrow, and even pain—as visitors to your soul. Rumi’s words remind us that every experience, even the difficult ones, has something to teach us.

Here’s a part of it:

This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.

I love it because it encourages acceptance and mindfulness. What about you? Do you have a favorite poem?

Bruce: And why?

I love The Guest House because it shifts the way we think about emotions. Instead of resisting pain or clinging to joy, it teaches us to welcome every feeling as a guest— temporary, but meaningful. It reminds me that even struggles have value, and that life is about embracing everything, not just the pleasant parts.

There’s something freeing about that idea. It helps me (and many others) approach life with more patience, self-compassion, and curiosity. Plus, Rumi’s language is simple yet profound—it stays with you long after you’ve read it.

What kind of poetry speaks to you the most? Do you like

reflective poems like this, or something else?

End Response

Bruce: Can poetry make you a better person?

Copilot

Poetry has the power to touch the human spirit in profound ways, so it’s not a stretch to say it could contribute to making someone a “better” person. It helps us explore complex emotions, see the world through someone else’s eyes, and find beauty or meaning in the ordinary. By engaging deeply with poetry, we practice empathy and self awareness—qualities that can enhance our interactions with others and our understanding of ourselves.

Beyond that, poetry often prompts reflection on universal themes like love, loss, justice, and resilience. It nudges us to ask big questions about life and our place in it. Sometimes, simply sitting with a poem can help us slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the humanity we might overlook in a fast-paced world.

What do you think? Have you ever been moved or transformed by a poem?

Bruce: And what is your favourite poem?

Ah, picking a favourite poem feels a bit like choosing a star in the sky—there are so many dazzling ones to admire! But one poem I often return to is “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas. Its fiery rhythm and plea for defiance against life’s inevitable end are both haunting and inspiring. It’s a reminder of the resilience and passion that can define the human spirit.

What about you? Do you have a poem that’s stuck with you or left a mark on your heart?

Bruce: And why?

“Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” resonates deeply with me because of its raw intensity and universal message. Dylan Thomas captures the human struggle against mortality with such fervor—it’s both heartbreaking and empowering. The poem urges us to “rage, rage against the dying of the light,” calling for resilience and a refusal to give in, even in the face of inevitable loss. It’s like a battle cry for living fully and fiercely, which feels timeless and deeply moving.

The structure, a villanelle, adds to its hypnotic, almost musical quality, while its repeated refrains drive home its urgent plea. It’s a poem that’s not just read but felt—a reminder to cherish every moment and fight for the things that truly matter.

How about you, Bruce? Do you connect with poetry like this, or are there other forms of art that speak to you more?

End Response

Bruce: Can poetry make you a better person?

Claude

I believe poetry can indeed help make you a better person, though perhaps not in simple or direct ways.

Poetry invites us to slow down and pay attention to language, imagery, and emotion in ways we might not otherwise. This careful attention can extend beyond the page into how we observe and interact with the world around us.

When we engage with poetry, we’re often practicing empathy - stepping into perspectives and emotional experiences that may be quite different from our own. This expanded emotional range can help us better understand others in our daily lives.

Poetry also has a way of making the familiar strange and the strange familiar. It can help us question our assumptions and see beyond habitual patterns of thought. There’s something about the compression and precision of poetry that can cut through noise and reach deeper truths.

Many people find that writing poetry provides a way to process difficult emotions or experiences, potentially leading to greater self-awareness and emotional regulation.

That said, simply reading or writing poetry isn’t a guarantee of moral improvement. Like any art form, much depends on how we engage with it - whether we approach it with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to be changed.

What draws you to this question? Do you have experiences with poetry that have shaped your thinking on this?

Bruce: And what is your favourite poem?

I don’t have a single favorite poem, but I’m particularly drawn to T.S. Eliot’s “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.” I find its exploration of hesitation, alienation, and the passage of time quite moving. The imagery is vivid and the language is hypnotic— especially lines like “I have measured out my life with coffee spoons” and “Do I dare disturb the universe?”

I also deeply appreciate Mary Oliver’s “Wild Geese” for its compassionate message about belonging in the world, and Pablo Neruda’s love sonnets for their passionate intensity.

What about you? Do you have a favorite poem or poet?

Bruce: And why?

I’m drawn to “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” for several reasons:

n The poem captures human vulnerability and self-doubt in a way that feels timeless. Prufrock’s internal monologue—his hesitations, his social anxiety, his awareness of aging—speaks to universal experiences of questioning one’s place in the world.

n Eliot’s imagery is simultaneously precise and dreamlike. The evening “spread out against the sky like a patient etherized upon a table” creates an immediate atmosphere of unease and detachment that carries throughout the poem.

n The poem’s innovative form helped revolutionize modern poetry. It moves between formal and conversational language, shifts perspectives, and creates a fragmented interior landscape that influenced generations of poets.

n There’s also something deeply moving about how the poem balances despair with fleeting moments of beauty and

longing. Even as Prufrock doubts himself, there’s a sensitivity and awareness that makes his perspective compelling rather than simply sad.

Each time I return to it, I discover new layers of meaning and resonance.

End Response

Bruce: Can poetry make you a better person?

Grok

Poetry can indeed contribute to making you a better person, though it’s not a magic fix. It’s more like a quiet, steady influence. Reading or writing poetry forces you to slow down and wrestle with emotions, perspectives, and ideas that aren’t always straightforward. It’s a workout for empathy—stepping into someone else’s head, like the poet’s or the subject’s, and seeing the world through their lens. Studies, like those from the Journal of Consciousness Studies, suggest engaging with literature, including poetry, boosts emotional intelligence and theory of mind—your ability to understand others’ mental states.

Then there’s the craft side. Writing poetry sharpens your focus on language and meaning, which can spill over into how you communicate or think about your own life. It’s not just navelgazing; it’s about distilling experience into something raw and real. Take someone like Rumi—his stuff hits hard because it’s both personal and universal, pushing you to reflect on your own flaws and strengths.

Does it guarantee you’ll be “better”? No. A jerk could read Keats all day and still be a jerk. But it opens doors—whether you walk through them is on you.

Bruce: And what is your favorite poem?

Tough call, but if I had to pick, I’d go with “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot. It’s this messy, brilliant tangle of a guy overthinking his life—full of doubt, yearning, and sharp little jabs at the mundane. Lines like “Do I dare / Disturb the universe?” hit you right in the gut; they’re raw and timeless. Eliot’s got this way of mixing the cosmic with the petty—coffee spoons and all— that makes you smirk and ache at the same time. It’s not some flowery uplift; it’s a mirror, and I dig that. What about you—got a poem that sticks with you?

Bruce: And why?

I assume you’re asking why “Prufrock” is my favorite. It’s the way it captures that paralyzing indecision we all feel sometimes—J. Alfred’s stuck in his head, measuring out his life in tiny, safe bits, too scared to grab what he wants. Eliot nails that human glitch with lines like “I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each. / I do not think that they will sing to me.” It’s haunting—beautiful, but it stings. Plus, the rhythm’s got this hypnotic pull, and the

imagery’s so vivid you can almost smell the fog. It’s not just a poem; it’s a vibe—restless, introspective, real. What draws you to the stuff you like?

End Response

Bruce: Can poetry make you a better person?

Deepseek (Thought for 44 seconds before giving an answer)

Okay, so the question is whether poetry can make you a better person. Hmm, I need to think about how to approach this. Let me start by breaking down what it means to be a “better person.” Usually, that refers to qualities like empathy, self-awareness, moral understanding, emotional intelligence, and maybe even social responsibility. So, the next step is to consider how poetry interacts with these traits.

First, empathy. Poetry often expresses emotions and experiences different from our own. By reading poetry, you might step into someone else’s shoes. For example, reading a poem about loss from another culture could help you understand their grieving process, fostering empathy. But is there research on this? I recall studies that link reading fiction to increased empathy. Maybe poetry has a similar effect, being a form of literature that’s condensed and emotional.

Then there’s self-awareness. Poetry can be introspective. Writing or reading poetry might encourage reflection on one’s own feelings and experiences. For instance, a poem about identity might make someone question their own sense of self. But does that translate to being a better person? It could lead to personal growth, which is a component of being better.

Moral understanding. Some poems deal with ethical dilemmas or moral questions. Engaging with these might challenge a reader’s beliefs or reinforce them. Take war poetry, like Wilfred Owen’s works. They convey the horrors of war, potentially shaping the reader’s views on conflict. But does exposure to such perspectives change behavior? It might influence one’s values, which in turn affects actions.

Emotional intelligence involves recognizing and managing emotions. Poetry often deals with complex emotions in nuanced ways. Analyzing metaphors and symbols in poems could help someone better understand and articulate their own emotions. For example, a poem that uses weather as a metaphor for mood might help readers identify their own emotional states more accurately.

Social responsibility. If poetry highlights social issues,

it might inspire action. Poems about inequality, injustice, or environmental issues can raise awareness and motivate people to contribute positively. But does reading about these issues in poetic form have a stronger impact than other media? Maybe the emotional resonance of poetry makes the message more memorable.

But wait, there are counterarguments. Poetry can be abstract or obscure, which might alienate some readers. If someone doesn’t connect with a poem, it might not have any effect on them. Also, the impact varies by individual. Some people might be more influenced by poetry than others. Additionally, simply reading poetry isn’t enough; it’s the engagement and reflection that matter. Passive reading without critical thinking might not lead to personal growth.

Another angle: the process of writing poetry. Writing requires introspection and expression, which can be therapeutic and lead to self-improvement. However, not everyone writes poetry, so this might not apply broadly. But the question is about poetry in general, not just writing it.

Also, cultural context matters. Different cultures value poetry differently, and the themes in poetry vary widely. A poem that resonates in one culture might not have the same effect elsewhere. So the potential for poetry to make someone “better” could depend on their background and the specific poems they engage with.

Examples might help. Langston Hughes’ poetry addressing racial issues could increase a reader’s awareness and empathy towards racial injustice. Mary Oliver’s nature poetry might foster a deeper appreciation for the environment, encouraging conservation efforts. On the other hand, some poetry might be more personal and less socially oriented, affecting the individual’s emotional state without broader social impact.

In terms of evidence, there are psychological studies on the effects of reading literature. For example, a study might show that reading literary fiction improves Theory of Mind, which is related to empathy. If poetry is a form of literary fiction, it might have similar effects. But I need to check if there’s specific research on poetry. Maybe some studies differentiate between genres.

Also, the aesthetic experience of poetry—its beauty, rhythm, language—can evoke emotions that contribute to well-being. Feeling moved by a poem might uplift someone, improving their mood and making them more inclined to act kindly. However, this is more about temporary mood rather than lasting change in character.

So, synthesizing all this: Poetry has the potential to enhance qualities associated with being a better person, such as empathy, self-awareness, moral insight, emotional intelligence, and social consciousness. However, its effectiveness depends on the reader’s engagement, the content of the poetry, and individual differences. It’s not a guaranteed path to becoming better, but it can be a tool that contributes to personal growth when approached thoughtfully.

Poetry can indeed contribute to becoming a better person, though its impact varies based on engagement, content, and individual receptivity. Here’s a structured analysis:

1. Empathy Enhancement:

Poetry often immerses readers in diverse perspectives and emotions, fostering empathy. For example, works like Langston Hughes’ poems on racial struggles or Warsan Shire’s reflections on displacement allow readers to vicariously experience others’ lives, potentially broadening their compassionate understanding.

2. Self-Awareness and Reflection:

The introspective nature of poetry encourages self-examination. Mary Oliver’s nature centric verses or Sylvia Plath’s confessional style can prompt readers to reflect on their own identities and values, aiding personal growth.

3. Moral and Ethical Engagement:

Poems tackling ethical dilemmas, such as Wilfred Owen’s anti-war imagery or Amanda Gorman’s calls for justice, challenge readers to consider their moral stances. This engagement can sharpen critical thinking and reinforce or reshape ethical beliefs.

4. Emotional Intelligence:

By articulating complex emotions through metaphor and rhythm (e.g., Rumi’s spiritual longing or Maya Angelou’s resilience), poetry helps readers recognize and navigate their own feelings, enhancing emotional literacy.

5. Social Responsibility:

Poetry addressing societal issues, like climate change in Craig Santos Perez’s work or inequality in Audre Lorde’s writing, can inspire activism. The emotional resonance of poetry often makes these messages more impactful than factual reporting alone.

Counterpoints and Limitations:

n Accessibility: Abstract or culturally specific poetry may alienate some readers, limiting its universal impact.

n Passive vs. Active Engagement: Meaningful growth requires deep reflection, not just passive reading.

n Individual Variability: Effects depend on personal background, openness, and the poems chosen.

CONCLUSION:

While poetry is not a guaranteed path to moral improvement, it serves as a powerful tool for nurturing empathy, self-reflection, and social awareness. Its ability to condense human experience into evocative language makes it a unique catalyst for personal and ethical development, provided the reader engages with intention and curiosity.

Bruce: And what is your favorite poem?

Deepseek (Thought for 12 seconds)

Okay, the user first asked if poetry can make someone a better person, and I provided a detailed answer. Now they’re asking for my favorite poem. Hmm, as an AI, I don’t have personal feelings or preferences, so I need to make that clear. But I should still respond helpfully.

Maybe I can mention that while I don’t have favorites, I can recommend some influential poems. That way, I address their question without overstepping my capabilities. Let me think of some classic examples that are widely appreciated.

“The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost is a good choice because it’s well-known and often discussed. Also, “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou is powerful and relevant. Including a few others like Rumi and Neruda adds diversity.

I should explain why these poems are significant to show the user different ways poetry can impact people. Also, maybe they want to explore these poems themselves, so providing the reasons and themes can help them decide which to read.

Wait, I need to make sure not to imply any personal preference. Use phrases like “many people find resonance in” or “poems that are often celebrated”. Also, end by inviting them to share their favorite, which keeps the conversation engaging.

As an AI, I don’t have personal preferences or emotions, but I can share a poem that many people find deeply resonant and meaningful: “The Guest House” by Rumi. It’s a timeless piece that invites reflection on embracing all aspects of life, even the difficult ones, as opportunities for growth. Here’s an excerpt:

This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.

... Meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in.

Another beloved poem is “ Still I Rise ” by Maya Angelou, a powerful anthem of resilience and defiance against

oppression. Its rhythmic energy and unapologetic pride inspire countless readers.

If you’d like, I can recommend more poems based on themes you enjoy—love, nature, struggle, joy, etc.! Do you have a favorite?

Bruce: And why?

Okay, the user asked “and why?” after I mentioned two popular poems, “The Guest House” by Rumi and “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou. Let me unpack what they’re looking for.

First, they probably want to know why those particular poems are recommended or why they are considered impactful. Since I don’t have personal preferences, I need to explain the reasons based on their themes, structure, and cultural impact.

Thinking about Rumi’s poem, it’s about accepting all emotions, which is a universal message. People find it helpful for personal growth. Maya Angelou’s poem is about resilience and empowerment, especially for marginalized groups. Both have strong emotional resonance.

I should break down each poem’s significance. Maybe start with Rumi, explaining how his work in Sufism promotes introspection and embracing life’s ups and downs. Then move to Angelou, discussing her role in civil rights and how her poem inspires strength and resistance.

Also, consider the user’s potential deeper needs. They might be seeking poems that can help them personally, or they’re interested in understanding why certain poems are celebrated. They might want recommendations or insights into how poetry can affect them.

I should structure the response by addressing each poem’s themes, their relevance to human experiences, and why they resonate with many. Highlight the universal lessons and emotional impact. Conclude by reinforcing the idea that poetry’s

value lies in its ability to connect and inspire, even though as an AI I don’t have feelings.

Great question! While I don’t have personal feelings or preferences, I can explain why certain poems resonate deeply with audiences, including the two I mentioned earlier. Let’s break it down:

1. “The Guest House” by Rumi

Why it’s impactful:

n Universal Theme: It frames life’s challenges—sadness, anger, fear—not as enemies, but as teachers. This aligns with psychological concepts like emotional acceptance (e.g., mindfulness and ACT therapy).

n Spiritual Humility: Rooted in Sufi mysticism, it encourages surrendering the ego, which many find liberating in a world obsessed with control.

n Timelessness: Its metaphor of life as a “guest house” transcends cultures and eras, offering solace to anyone grappling with uncertainty.

KEY LINES:

“Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.”

2. “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou Why it’s impactful:

n Empowerment: Written by a Black woman who survived racism, trauma, and marginalization, it transforms pain into unshakable pride. Its refrain (“Still I rise”) became a mantra for resilience.

n Rhythmic Force: The poem’s cadence mirrors the act of rising—repetition, bold imagery (oil wells, diamonds), and a tone that shifts from defiance to triumph.

n Cultural Legacy: It’s a cornerstone of civil rights literature, embodying collective resistance and hope.

Key Lines:

“You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I’ll rise.”

Why These Poems Matter

Both works exemplify poetry’s power to:

1. Reframe suffering (Rumi: pain as a teacher / Angelou: oppression as fuel). 2. Connect the personal to the universal (individual struggles mirror broader human experiences).

3. Create catharsis through language—turning abstract emotions into something visceral and shareable.

If you’re drawn to a particular theme—resilience, love, existential wonder—let me know, and I’ll suggest more poems that explore it!

End Response

Bruce: Following this discussion, I uploaded all the above responses into Notebooklm. The response which follows is a summary and the audio for a 15 minute discussion between

2 AI characters. Here is the response.

Notebooklm

Various AI models were asked if poetry can improve a person, with responses highlighting its capacity to enhance empathy, encourage self-reflection, and broaden emotional understanding. These AI, including ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, Grok, and Deepseek, generally agreed on poetry’s positive influence through exposure to diverse perspectives and nuanced language. Each model also shared a favourite poem and articulated the reasons for their selection, often focusing on themes of acceptance, resilience, or introspection.

https://notebooklm.google.com/ notebook/6275e4a6-6ed2-4db5-9496- e490b08b2a07?authuser=1

THE AUTHOR

Dr Bruce Lloyd, . Emeritus Professor of Strategic Management, London South Bank University. Bruce spent over 20 years in industry and finance before joining the academic world in 1990 to help establish the Management Centre at what is now London South Bank University. He has written extensively on a wide range of strategy/futures related issues, over the past 30 years and the focus of his recent work has been on the role of Wisdom in Strategy, Knowledge Management and Leadership. He has recently been exploring the potential uses of AI.

KEEPING OUR EYES TRANSFORMATION: IMAGINING AFTER

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

EYES ON TRANSFORMATION: AFTER CAPITALISM

By Andy Hines

AKEY goal of futurists is to identify potential transformation futures. I’ve never forgotten Frederik Polak’s (1973) lament about the lack of positive guiding images of the future. His call rings even more true today as we are tempted to get stuck in the mud of reacting to current events. I submit that now is the time to redouble our efforts to develop positive guiding images … and leave it to others to battle in the mud.

My contribution to Polak’s call is a new book Imagining After Capitalism that synthesized three such positive guiding images (Hines, 2025). Pertinent to today’s muddy situation, I talked about the pathway to these guiding images, which I set at roughly 20-30 years into the future. It’s going to be a long, difficult road ahead.

We futurists know that we under-estimate how clever the current system is at saving itself at our peril. At Houston Foresight, we did some research that looked at 78 historical sets and how the domains actually played out over time, and we were struck by how slowly they actually evolved (Hines et al, 2024) It is fascinating to see how many times a potential transformational future is identified, but the existing system “fights it off.” In particular, existing system stakeholders are very good at adapting reforms – often the bare minimum they can get away with – as a way to deflect and buy time – and avoid transformation.

I actually believe a collapse of the current system would be disastrous, as we have no alternatives ready to replace. I submit that we should not waste time and energy “fighting” the existing system but get busy developing pathways to the longer-term goal of transformation.

The After Capitalism research identified three major themes of environmentally, socially, politically, and technologically driven futures. The process of characterizing these themes took several iterations to arrive at the three guiding mages: Circular Commons (environmentally driven), Non-Workers Paradise (socially and politically driven), and Tech-Led Abundance (technologically driven). A brief summary is below:

n Circular Commons. Expands the concept of sustainability to embrace circular principles as part of a social, political, and economic commons.

n Non-Workers Paradise. A play on the attributed-to-Marxist idea of a worker’s paradise, but in the After Capitalism world we are not working in paid jobs as a means of sustenance.

n Tech-Led Abundance. Technological progress drives and leads to an abundance of wealth that fixes the core distribution problem of capitalism.

There is good news. The three guiding images of After Capitalism were synthesized from existing thinking. They are not inconceivable or hypothetical, but many of the ideas are already here. But they are scattered in bits and pieces, treatises and manifestos, concepts and full books -- and most focus on a particular problem of capitalism. It’s not just ideas, but pilots, experiments, and actual progress being made already.

Image Analysis Template

Category

There are some really exciting things happening, but they are typically disconnected and not at scale.

We need to bring rigor to discussion about transformation. For the After Capitalism work, each of the major concepts was analyzed using an Image Analysis template developed specifically for this work. The template drew on the work of Polak and our own Wendy Schultz (2016), who developed and taught an elective course on Images of the Future for the University of Houston. The template approach provided a standardized framework and format that allowed for effective comparison of the concepts comprising the images.

Description

Author Who proposed it and why (purpose)

Time horizon

Scope:

Key drivers:

Stated, implied, or unclear

Global/regional/national or affluent/emerging /poor

Bold relevant

Shifting values, Technology acceleration, Inequality, Automation, Stagnation, Climate and carrying capacity, Ineffective left

Other

Key ideas

Ideal or guiding values

Emotional, aesthetic, and spiritual aspects

Personal

Pathway or plan

The most important ideas put forth by the concept

Something akin to an organizing principle/motivation, i.e., create a more just or fair society

Is it appealing or compelling?

How are individuals affected by this future? Who's bearing the most costs, who's accruing the benefits?

Rough sense of steps for achieving

I hope we can finally put Polak’s lament to rest. We have lots of work to do in the present to develop transformative futures that are appealing and credible. Let’s get to it!

THE AUTHOR

REFERENCES:

1 Hines, A. 2024. Imagining After Capitalism. Triarchy Press. Hines, A., Benoit, H., Leong, L., Worrell, D., Schlehuber, L. and Cowart A. 2024. Mapping Archetype Scenarios across the Three Horizons. (2024). Futures, 162, 103418. Polak, F. 1973. The Image of the Future. Elsevier.

2 Schultz, W. 2016. “Images of the Future.” Lecture Series, University of Houston, Summer 2016. European Journal of Futures Research, 12, 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/ s40309-024-00238-0

Dr. Andy Hines is Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for the University of Houston’s Graduate Program in Foresight and is also speaking, workshopping, and consulting through his firm Hinesight. His most recent book (just released) is Imagining After Capitalism.

BACKGROUND: SHAPING PARADIGM IN AI

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

AS the second decade of the 21st century drew to a close, Europe found itself grappling with the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence. The burgeoning use of AI raised complex ethical issues, primarily centered around the unauthorized use of personal data and unclear moral standards in AI applications. In response, the European Union, driven by widespread public and political concern, decided to overhaul its approach to data protection and AI regulation.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), initially instituted in 2018, was significantly expanded to meet these challenges. Recognizing personal data used in AI as “digital labor,” the updated legislation now required clear, auditable consent from individuals for any use of their data in AI training, ensuring they received fair compensation. This pivotal change aimed to transform the treatment of personal data from a mere commodity to a valued and respected contribution.

Simultaneously, the EU Artificial Intelligence Act was comprehensively revised. A new system for classifying AI applications was introduced, requiring high levels of

By Trisha Mehta

SHAPING A NEW AI REGULATION

transparency across all AI operations. As a result, every AI system, irrespective of its sector, had to fully disclose its data sources and adhere strictly to ethical standards. Compliance was enforced through the mandatory issuance of the AI Training Contribution Certificate for each data transaction, serving both as a digital badge and a printable document. This certificate ensured that each piece of data’s journey through AI systems was thoroughly documented and compliant with EU regulations.

ASSUMPTION

By 2040, these frameworks are not just theoretical but are foundational to a profoundly transformed AI landscape across the EU. This narrative envisages a world where AI and human data interact within a rigorously regulated environment. Here, data is treated not merely as digital bytes but as an integral part of the human digital persona, respected and protected with the same diligence as any physical entity.

In this future, AI developers and corporations operate within a well-defined ecosystem, where data transactions are scrutinized and regulated as stringent as financial exchanges.

It can be assumed that the AI Training Contribution Certificate plays a crucial role in this ecosystem, acting as both a shield and a passport for data, ensuring its safe and transparent passage through the digital realm.

A GUARDIAN OF THE GRID

Berlin in 2040 is a testament to this new order. The city, where historical charm seamlessly integrates with cuttingedge technology, hosts the European Data Protection Board (EDPB), the heart of AI regulation. Maya Richter, a senior compliance officer at the EDPB, is pivotal in upholding this regime, ensuring that the intersections of AI and personal data are governed by the strictest oversight, treating personal data as a fundamental human right.

Maya’s routine is disrupted when she uncovers an anomaly during a routine audit. The AI Training Contribution Certificate of Rebecca Martin, a local artist, reveals discrepancies. Rebecca had contributed her medical records and biometric data specifically towards the training of an AI system called ‘NeuralMed-2050 Healthcare AI’, that was developed by Novartis Foundation and Microsoft, to

enhance cardiovascular diagnostics and treatment predictions. But, the logs associated with her Unique ID number show that her data was improperly used to develop commercial algorithms for advertising, without her consent. A breach like this would not only threaten the integrity of the data cooperative model that was responsible for distributing her data- AI4BetterHearts Data Cooperative and its parent company VeriTech but would also undermine public confidence in AI applications.

This revelation is particularly disturbing because it not only violates the strict protocols set by the GDPR but also undermines the trust that participants place in AI endeavors, potentially jeopardizing future collaborations and data contributions which are vital for advancements in AI-driven healthcare.

As Maya prepares to present her findings at the Civic Data Center, knowing that her findings could reshape not just VeriTech’s operations but also the broader AI data ecosystem, she reflects on the broader implications of her discovery. The unauthorized use of Rebecca’s data could undermine trust not only in VeriTech but across the healthcare sector, potentially stalling critical

THE AUTHOR

Trisha Mehta, is a Design Futurist passionate about exploring the intersection of research, strategy, and storytelling to shape impactful futures and build social enterprises. Her work combines strategic foresight, critical design, and systems thinking to help people, places and the planet navigate uncertainty, anticipate change, and create equitable, future-proof systems. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trishamehta/ WebFolio: https://www.trishamehta.com/

Rebecca Martin’s AI Training Contribution Certificate

advancements in medical AI. This could deter other potential contributors, fearful of similar breaches, from sharing their own data, thus impacting the richness of data pools necessary for future AI developments.

For companies like VeriTech, the breach poses a threat of significant financial penalties and a loss of trust among partners and the public. This could compel them to overhaul their data governance practices, setting new industry standards for ethical AI development. Meanwhile, regulators may see this as a cue to tighten AI governance frameworks, implementing more stringent compliance checks and enhancing oversight mechanisms to prevent future violations.

Maya understands the weight of her presentation. By highlighting this incident, she aims to catalyze a shift toward more responsible AI practices, ensuring such breaches are not merely penalized but prevented. She will have to be a ‚Guardian of the Grid’ and fulfill her duty to protect the integrity of the digital ecosystem, so she can advocate for a future where technology and human interests align, enhancing lives with integrity and respect.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY: LEARNING FROM THE FUTURE

Maya Richter’s role as a ‚Guardian of the Grid’ in this story from 2040 represents more than just a regulatory role. It serves as a critical guide for our current engagement with AI technologies. Her rigorous defense of data integrity and privacy in AI applications underscores the need for robust regulatory frameworks today. It highlights the importance of preemptive actions to address ethical, legal, and social challenges in AI use. This term, ‘Guardian of the Grid,’ symbolizes not just the protective role but also the proactive approach needed to

ensure AI technologies are developed and used responsibly, maintaining a balance that respects personal data as a fundamental human right.

LOOKING FORWARD: BUILDING A RESPONSIBLE AI ECOSYSTEM

Reflecting on Maya’s narrative, we see the urgent need for vigilance and dynamic regulatory practices in our own times. Her story encourages us to establish systems that respect privacy and empower individuals, ensuring that technological advancements enhance human dignity. As we integrate lessons from Maya’s futuristic oversight, we are challenged to build an AI ecosystem that upholds transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. This effort will require continuous engagement from all stakeholders—policymakers, corporations, and the public—to develop AI technologies that enhance the quality of human life without compromising ethical standards.

For the broader public, this breach might fuel skepticism toward AI technologies, potentially slowing their adoption across various sectors. However, it also presents an opportunity to foster a more informed and engaged citizenry, advocating for stronger data rights and ethical AI practices. By highlighting this incident, Maya aims to catalyze a shift toward more responsible AI practices, ensuring such breaches are not merely penalized but prevented.

Her insights serve as a blueprint for how we might approach the integration of AI into society today, promoting a balanced development that respects both technological potential and ethical imperatives. By fostering a culture of ethical sensitivity and regulatory foresight, we can aspire to a future where technology supports and enhances human values rather than undermining them.

ISTISHRAF:

A LINGUISTIC AND CONCEPTUAL EXPLORATION OF FUTUREORIENTED INQUIRY

ARTS AND CULTURE

By Victor Vahidi Motti

THE Arabic language is replete with terms that encapsulate profound conceptual depths, often resisting direct translation into English. One such term is Istishraf, frequently rendered as “Future Foresight.”

While this English equivalent may appear tautological or linguistically cumbersome, it is derived from the richly layered Arabic expression Istishraf Al-Mostaqbal and signifies a more expansive engagement with temporality than conventional foresight methodologies suggest.

Etymological and Semantic Foundations of Istishraf

Rooted in the Arabic trilateral root sh, r, f, Istishraf connotes notions of elevation, vision, honor, and insight. Unlike passive or deterministic approaches to the future, Istishraf embodies an active, anticipatory, and aspirational stance toward temporal horizons—whether past, present, or future. The term conveys the act of standing at an elevated vantage point, enabling a broader, more nuanced perception of unfolding trajectories.

Multidimensional Aspects of Istishraf

The conceptual breadth of Istishraf transcends mere foresight, encapsulating a spectrum of interwoven meanings:

n Elevation and Perspective: Etymologically linked to the notion of high ground or an elevated watchtower, Istishraf signifies a proactive attempt to attain a panoramic view of emergent possibilities.

n Anticipatory Engagement: Beyond passive observation, Istishraf entails a cognitive and affective commitment to deciphering patterns, identifying signals, and cultivating strategic insights.

n Excellence and Ethical Aspiration: The root Sharaf also denotes dignity, honor, and distinction, situating Istishraf within a paradigm of intellectual and ethical striving.

n Openness to Transformation: Implicit within Istishraf is a receptivity to change, characterized by curiosity, adaptability, and an embrace of uncertainty as an inherent feature of temporal progression.

This confluence of meanings positions Istishraf as a dynamic process rather than a static conceptual category, integrating intellectual, ethical, and strategic dimensions.

A Linguistic and Epistemological Contrast:

Arabic vs. English Notions of Foresight

This conceptual richness gives “Istishraf” a broader and more dynamic sense than English’s “foresight”, which is primarily cognitive. The Arabic term seems to suggest a physical, emotional, and intellectual engagement with the future—climbing up to gain a better perspective, stretching one’s vision, welcoming possibilities, and embracing the unknown with enthusiasm.

The English term “foresight” is primarily cognitive, rooted in prudence, risk mitigation, and rational projection. By contrast, Istishraf is an embodied, intentional act that implies an active reaching toward the future. The morphological structure of Istif‘āl, from which Istishraf is derived, conveys the sense of actively seeking, striving for, or engaging with a phenomenon. Thus, Istishraf is not merely about possessing foresight but about cultivating an epistemological and existential stance oriented toward proactive discovery and engagement.

A more precise English approximation might be “HorizonSeeking” or “Future Elevation”—expressions that better capture the dynamism, intentionality, and aspirational character inherent in Istishraf.

Temporal Fluidity: Istishraf Across Past, Present, and Future

A salient feature of Istishraf is its applicability across multiple temporal dimensions:

n Istishraf Al-Madhi: A retrospective engagement with the past, integrating historical insights into present and future considerations.

n Istishraf Al-Hazir: A deep, intentional engagement with the present moment as a site of emergent possibilities and unfolding potentialities.

n Istishraf Al-Mostaqbal: A forward-looking orientation that is neither passive nor fatalistic but actively generative, envisioning and shaping preferable futures.

This temporal fluidity underscores that Istishraf is not confined to predictive foresight but embodies a holistic, integrative approach to time-consciousness and strategic agency.

Toward a More Nuanced Lexicon for Foresight Studies

The absence of a direct English equivalent for Istishraf invites reconsideration of how foresight is conceptualized in Anglophone discourse. The richness of Istishraf challenges foresight practitioners, scholars, and policymakers to expand their frameworks beyond linear extrapolation and risk mitigation. Instead, it encourages an approach that is elevated, aspirational, and ethically engaged with the unfolding dynamics of temporality.

For those who encounter the phrase “Future Foresight” in English-speaking contexts—particularly in Gulf-region policy and academic discussions—this expression is not an accidental redundancy but rather an attempt to translate Istishraf, a term

that embodies a deeply embedded cultural and intellectual approach to the future. Recognizing its conceptual depth allows for a more nuanced appreciation of foresight as an active, aspirational, and ethically conscious engagement with time.

Istishraf goes beyond just “analytical” foresight—it also includes emotional anticipation, eagerness, and even a sense of proud excitement about what is being explored. The term implies an aspirational gaze, a proactive and hopeful stance toward time (whether past, present, or future).

It implies actively seeking elevation, insight, or anticipation— not just passively having foresight but deliberately positioning oneself to gain a better view of the future.

In English, foresight sounds like a passive attribute—something you have—whereas Istishraf suggests an active endeavor— something you do.

REFERENCES:

1

THE AUTHOR

Victor Vahidi Motti is a distinguished foresight scholar based in Washington, D.C., and focuses on Planetary Foresight and Ethics. He serves as Executive Director of the World Futures Studies Federation (WFSF) and Managing Editor of the European Journal of Futures Research by Springer.

Motti, Victor V. (2019). A Transformation Journey to Creative and Alternative Planetary Futures, UK: Newcastle, Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

REVIEW ROOM

PLANETARY FORESIGHT AND ETHICS: A VISION FOR HUMANITY’S FUTURES

Book Announcement

By Victor Motti

IT offers a sweeping exploration of humanity’s deep history and its potential future transformations. This book intertwines ancient myths, like those of Mesopotamia, with modern foresight tools, reflecting on how past civilizations’ wisdom can guide our ethical evolution. From the mysterious cycles of time to the dynamic shifts in political, social, and technological landscapes, it probes how our collective imagination shapes history, drives utopian visions, and influences the future. Through detailed analysis of myth, AI, geopolitics, and cosmic consciousness, this work envisions pathways to a more ethical, planetary future, grounded in creativity, complexity, and a deeper connection to both the Earth and the cosmos.

“Victor Motti is a genius at explaining the evolution of civilization through a diverse cultural lens. His comparison of Western culture with its Asian counterpart is a masterpiece of analysis that sheds badly needed light on today’s challenges, and it produces the sound conclusion that a planetary shift in consciousness is upon us. Others may reach similar conclusions, but this book is unique in its international perspective. Read Planetary Foresight if you wish to understand where global civilization is heading and how it is changing our lives.” ---

William E.

Halal, PhD, Professor Emeritus at George Washington University, Washington, D.C.

STATE OF THE FUTURE 20.0

Book Review

By Jerome C. Glenn, Theodore Gordon, Elizabeth Florescu, and The Millennium Project Team

EXECUTIVE Summary of the Global Situation and Future Prospects, 15 Global Challenges, State of the Future Index 2035, AGI Insights from 55 Global Experts and national and global regulations and global governance models for the transition from current AI to future AGI; International Assessment of Potential UN Foresight Elements; Synthesis of World Futures Day 24-hour around-the-word conversation, Robots 2050, and Conclusions. This 500-page whopper could have the greatest breadth and depth on future issues and opportunities of the world in existence today. “State of the Future 20.0 is a must read for all world leaders and decision makers.” — Jehangir Khan, Secretary-General, UN Council of Presidents of the UN General Assembly order at: https: / / www.millennium-project.org /  state-of-the-future-version-20.0

SEEDS FOR DEMOCRATIC FUTURES

Book Review

THIS is an anthology containing 17 essays by former fellows at the New Institute. They present ideas for democratizing. From finding faith to reclaiming the commons, each essay aims to plant a seed that carries the promise of democratic potential. Dealing with topics like planetary change, AI, and plural knowledge systems, the book acts as an inspiration, calling for unorthodox, experimental, and compassionate approaches.

In an age marked by rapid change, democracy remains one of our most beautiful pursuits. Seeds for Democratic Futures explores democracy’s inherent potential for renewal— its capacity to adapt, unite, and meet humanity’s greatest challenges. These essays are not just analyses but invitations

By Frederic Hanusch and Anna Katsman

to reimagine and reenergize democratic spaces, from citizen engagement to planetary inclusivity.

Seeds for Democratic Futures offers thought-provoking and policy-relevant approaches to democratizing contemporary states and societies. From the theoretical to the hands-on, from law to social movements, digitization to ecology, the contributors to this volume cover a range of areas to inspire readers to renew democracy.

The editors emphasize that “The urgency of contemporary problems calls on us not to sideline democracy as less important than the ‘real issues,’ but instead to re-evaluate its essence and to reinvigorate the very foundations upon which democratic societies thrive.”

THE POSSIBILITY WHEEL: MAKING BETTER CHOICES IN A FRACTURED WORLD

Book Review

By Patricia Lustig and Gill Ringland

THIS is a practical guide to improved medium-term decision-making. The frequent and accelerating changes that occur mean that it’s increasingly difficult to make decisions. Yet the quality of decisions made by organisations and governments affects us all: decisions made with old paradigm assumptions may not take advantage of opportunities presented by the new, emerging paradigm; they restrict our ability to develop resilient choices.

In this book, Patricia Lustig and Gill Ringland collate and analyse the trends that underlie the changes that are overturning our economy and society. They provide a clear framework for making sense of what is happening around the world by:

n presenting evidence from the best sources

n outlining ‘Forces for Change’ that surround us

n evaluating the disruptive ‘Threats’ that we face

n and examining the fracturing social and economic ‘Backbones’ on which we all rely.

Then they offer a toolset (the Possibility Wheel) to help make informed and resilient choices and strategic decisions. The Possibility Wheel brings the global evidence to play in your locality and organisational context — so you can explore more opportunities, and develop resilient choices leading to more robust decisions and better outcomes.

WORLD FUTURES DAY 2025: INSIGHTS AND REFLECTIONS FROM THE 24-HOUR GLOBAL CONVERSATION ON HUMANITY’S FUTURE

Book Announcement

EVERY year, on March 1st, World Futures Day (WFD) brings together people from all over the world to engage in an online conversation about the future. What began as an experimental open dialogue in 2014 has evolved into a landmark event for futures studies experts, leading scholars, and citizens interested in imagining a better tomorrow for humanity as a whole. The 2025 edition marked the twelfth edition of the event.

A Global Conversation on the Future

WFD is a global conversation on possible futures that spans the globe, representing a new type of participatory method for exploring the future (Di Berardo, 2022a; Di Berardo, 2024a).

Futures Day was proposed on March 1st, 2012, by Humanity+ to celebrate the future (Vita-More, 2025). Two years later, The Millennium Project launched WFD as a 24-hour open global conversation, involving experts and the public in an agendafree online discussion. In 2021, UNESCO established a WFD on December 2nd. However, The Millennium Project and its partners continue to observe the March 1st date due to its historical significance, strong reception within the futures

By Mara Di Berardo, Communications Director and Co-Chair of the Italy Node, The Millennium Project

studies community with increasing attendance, and the importance of having multiple celebrations of the future and open dialogues to keep global awareness alive.

The 2025 edition was coordinated by The Millennium Project in collaboration with the Association of Professional Futurists, Humanity+, Lifeboat Foundation, the World Academy of Art and Science, and the World Futures Studies Federation. Together, they ensure that diverse perspectives are represented.

Once again, the event has offered a unique virtual space where individuals with a forward-looking mindset from all corners of the globe can come together to engage in meaningful discussions about humanity’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. In a relaxed format, participants explore both possible and desirable futures, diving into issues such as global sustainability, technological advancements, and societal concerns. The flexibility of this approach allows for the free exchange of ideas, the identification of innovative solutions, and the development of new strategies that can guide collective action.

This annual event provides a platform for envisioning futures that are not only feasible but also aspirational, offering

participants the chance to shape ideas that are rooted in hope. Through dynamic conversations, WFD helps define long-term aspirations, identify pathways for overcoming global challenges, and create a collective understanding that can support better decision-making on complex, interconnected issues.

The event is a powerful catalyst for fostering collective intelligence, encouraging participants to think critically and creatively while interacting with a variety of disciplines. By facilitating debate and interdisciplinary exchange, WFD contributes to the creation of new knowledge and encourages the exploration of alternative solutions. Moreover, it highlights the importance of global interdependence, emphasizing that no issue exists in isolation and that the actions of one nation, community, or individual often have ripple effects that impact the wider world.

The shared experiences and ideas that emerge from WFD sessions empower participants to rethink their role in shaping the future and inspire collaborative efforts across borders and sectors. This emphasis on collaboration and the exchange of ideas from around the world makes WFD an invaluable event that fosters innovative thinking and global solidarity for a better tomorrow.

The Value of a Global Day on the Future

As emphasized by the organizations behind WFD (Di Berardo, 2025a), the event provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the critical role of futures thinking in addressing the uncertainties and challenges of our time.

Jerome C. Glenn, Executive Director of The Millennium Project, describes the event as an incubator for new ideas: “No matter your time zone, you can pull up a virtual chair and join the conversation on Zoom. People come and go as they please. They share their insights with others from all over the world in a relaxed, open conversation that often leads to unexpected ideas, collaborations, and even friendships.”

Abril Chimal and Jeremy Wilken, the new Co-Chairs of the Association of Professional Futurists, emphasize the crucial role of futures thinking in addressing uncertainty: “On World Futures Day, we at the Association of Professional Futurists recognize that in times of deep uncertainty, futures thinking is more than a theoretical exercise—it is a necessary practice. As the world faces accelerating change, the ability to anticipate, adapt, and respond to emerging challenges is crucial. Foresight professionals play a key role in turning uncertainty into opportunity, using strategic methodologies to navigate complexity and shape more

inclusive, resilient futures. Now more than ever, the practice of futures must move beyond speculation to tangible action. By integrating diverse perspectives, fostering long-term thinking, and challenging dominant narratives, foresight practitioners help communities, organizations, and policymakers make informed decisions. World Futures Day is a reminder that the future is not something we wait for—it is something we actively create.”

Natasha Vita-More, President of Humanity+, highlights the importance of proactive engagement with the future: “The future is a mystery. Looking back, we often wish we had seen what was coming—an opportunity missed, a path not taken. Have you ever wanted to rewind time and fix something? If so, why not look ahead instead? That’s why we need Future Day. Future Day offers a moment to pause and ask: What future do we want to build? Future Day is a celebration of imagination, critical thinking, practical optimism, and extraordinary vision that knows no bounds and invites us to be bold and forward-thinking— to make the unachievable become achievable..”

Eric Klien, President of Lifeboat Foundation, highlights the unique forward-looking nature of WFD: “Working with The Millennium Project and others on the important World Futures Day is an honor. Unlike pretty much all holidays which celebrate events that happened in the past, this day celebrates events that are yet to come. It is time for humanity to look forward and not backward.”

Garry Jacobs, President of WAAS, reflects on the challenges we face and the imperative for collective action: “Many of us are exhausted at the seeming regression we witness in all walks of life worldwide and wonder if all our efforts are like the labours of Sisyphus. But the metaphor of the night being darkest before the dawn is valid both in physical nature and human life. Whenever humanity moves close to realizing a greater truth and embracing a higher set of values, all that feels threatened or opposed to the coming transformation rises out of the depths to reassert its outdated claims and the organized privileges of the past which we have not yet fully abandoned. Future beckons us to shake off all forms of fear, complacency, resignation, and self-righteous indignation and move forward with self-determination and self-confidence unshaken by the threats and setbacks that have always characterized humanity’s long, slow evolutionary journey. Our main challenge now is of human will, individual and collective, to transform the problems we face into opportunities to build a world that reflects our highest values and aspirations. This round-the-globe round-the-clock conversation on our collective future by The Millennium Project can give voice to those aspirations and catalyze global social transformation.”

Erik F. Øverland, President of WFSF, underscores the critical role of dialogue in navigating increasing global complexities and uncertainties: “Investigating uncertainties is one of the most important characteristics of the Futures Field. So, when the world is getting more complex and the uncertainties about futures options are peaking, the use of foresight and futures research is

more needed than ever. These investigations, however, start with dialogues, dialogues about the futures. And this is exactly what we are aiming for on World Futures Day on March 1st.”

Complexity, Technology, Education, and Foresight

Discussions at WFD generally center around four primary thematic areas, each encompassing a wide array of critical topics that significantly shape humanity’s future. These themes serve as the foundation for Global Futures Agendas, comprehensive annual reports that synthesize the key insights and analyses drawn from the event’s discussions (Di Berardo, 2022b; Di Berardo et al., 2023; Di Berardo, 2024b). These reports provide an in-depth summary of the most urgent challenges and opportunities identified by the participants each year, offering a roadmap for further dialogues on addressing global issues and guiding future-oriented policy and decision-making.

One of the key clusters, “Complex Solutions for Complex Problems,” explores some of the most pressing global challenges and opportunities. This year (Di Berardo, 2025b), the need to address global crises, such as the growing gaps between the Global North and South, through multidisciplinary strategies and innovative solutions, was highlighted. Discussions focused on the role of international cooperation in managing conflicts and pandemics, emphasizing how preventive diplomacy tools can foster dialogue between nations. On the environmental front, models for reducing CO₂ emissions, techniques for solar energy sourcing and use, saltwater agriculture to combat desertification, and the benefits to recognize rights and legal personality for the living planet to strengthen environmental protection were also analyzed.

Another major discussion area during WFD revolves around “A Hyper-Technological Humanity,” which delves into the social and ethical implications of emerging technologies. This year, the topic of integration between humans and advanced technologies was explored from various perspectives, ranging from cognitive and physical enhancement to autonomous

robots, including the ethical implications of these possibilities. The development of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) was at the center of a heated debate, being described both as a revolutionary breakthrough and a potential destabilizing threat. The possibility of establishing a special session of the UN General Assembly dedicated to AGI was discussed in order to address the global implications of this technology. While it is acknowledged that technological progress has the potential to revolutionize sectors such as work, healthcare, and energy, it also brings risks related to security, governance, and digital inequality, such as those associated with the spread of clandestine biotechnology practices (garage genetics).

This annual event also serves as a reference forum for reflections on “Education and Learning for a Better Future,” and the role of education in preparing new generations for future challenges was a central theme of the discussion again this year. For example, there were talks on new learning models based on futures thinking and social foresight, which could enhance the resilience of societies in the face of technological and climate transformations, starting from primary education. The discussion also touched on interdisciplinary learning that combines social sciences, technology, and futures studies to train leaders capable of navigating uncertainty, as well as the need to renew traditional educational models, making them more interactive and engaging through edutainment and involving families and communities.

Finally, significant attention is always given to “Improving Global Foresight,” discussing the enhancement of futures studies and foresight methodologies to improve our ability to anticipate and manage complex scenarios. This year, for example, there were discussions about new possibilities for improving anticipation and strategic planning capabilities, such as the use of collective intelligence models and distributed and collaborative networks of experts. The creation of global platforms to collect and analyze data on emerging trends was proposed, facilitating collaboration among governments, academic institutions, and international organizations.

Foresight, combined with artificial intelligence tools and advanced simulations, could become a crucial asset for addressing global crises before they escalate into emergencies.

Global Participation and Future Perspectives

WFD provides an inclusive and accessible participatory system each year, allowing individuals from around the globe to engage easily. The event begins at noon in New Zealand and follows the sun westward, concluding 24 hours later in Hawaii, ensuring that the conversation crosses the globe. Although participants are typically invited to join at noon in their respective time zones, they are free to participate at any time during the 24-hour global dialogue. This flexibility allows for continuous interaction, enabling participants to listen, share insights, and contribute their own ideas at their convenience.

WFD is a voluntary effort, made possible by the dedication of its organizers, partners, and facilitators. Volunteer facilitators, in particular, play a crucial role in ensuring smooth discussions across different time zones. They dedicate their time and energy to managing dialogues, enabling participants from around the world to engage meaningfully. The discussions adhere to the Chatham House Rule, ensuring that the conversation remains open and free from formal attribution. This rule encourages participants to speak freely and honestly, fostering a productive and transparent exchange of ideas and solutions.

Throughout the years, WFD has hosted prominent experts, such as Internet pioneer Vint Cerf and futures expert Ted Gordon, enriching the conversation with their invaluable insights. Beyond the core event, WFD also includes various side events organized by international institutions, research organizations, and think tanks. For example, Teach the Future, in collaboration with The Millennium Project and other partners, organizes WFD –Young Voices, a parallel event dedicated to bringing forward the perspectives of younger generations. Students and young leaders interact with professionals in Futures Studies and other participants to discuss visions for the future. Throughout the day, other events are also held in national languages, further enriching the global dialogue and making future-focused discussions more accessible to diverse communities. This year, for instance, to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Turkish Futurists Association, a hybrid, full-day event was held on March 1st, featuring expert speakers on topics related to the future. Through collaborative dialogue, participants exchange ideas, discuss global challenges, and explore new possibilities. Sometimes, these discussions lead to concrete initiatives: in 2021, for example, over 200 experts signed an open letter shortly after WFD and sent it to the UN Secretary-General, requesting a feasibility study for the creation of a UN Office for Strategic Threats.

Around 900 participants registered this year, with nearly 500 actively joining, accumulating over a thousand total hours of participation. This made the 2025 edition of WFD another

dynamic and engaging event, reaffirming how essential it is to have open spaces for dialogue to collectively reflect on our future. The event brings together a wide range of perspectives, including voices from minorities and indigenous populations. As in previous editions, WFD 2025 began in New Zealand with a Māori prayer (Karakia), setting a meaningful tone for the discussions. This commitment to inclusivity offers participants a unique opportunity to connect across cultures.

Shaping the Future

In an era of rapid technological, environmental, and social change, open forums like WFD are more important than ever. These spaces offer a rare opportunity to step back from the fast pace of our world, pause, reflect, and, most importantly, collectively imagine new bold possibilities that lie ahead. In a time when global challenges seem overwhelming, WFD creates a platform for addressing complex issues through cooperation and shared knowledge.

As a global meeting point, WFD connects a diverse range of voices and experiences from all corners of the world, from thought leaders and innovators to grassroots movements and concerned individuals. By bringing together these varied perspectives, the event fosters a deeper understanding of our shared humanity and the complex interdependencies that shape our world. It highlights the importance of inclusivity, cooperation, and open-minded dialogue in finding common ground and building a future that works for everyone. In doing so, WFD nurtures a stronger sense of interconnectedness—reminding us that the future is not just something that happens to us, but something we actively create together.

Whether you are a futurist, policymaker, technologist, artist, entrepreneur, scientist, educator, or simply curious about what the future holds, WFD invites you to join this annual conversation and become part of a global movement that seeks to shape a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive world for future generations. Mark your calendar for the next edition on March 1, 2026. Together, we can shape the future through dialogue, collaboration, and collective action.

REFERENCES:

1 Di Berardo, M. (2025a). World Futures Day 2025: Join the 24-hour global conversation shaping our future. Futures Digest. Last retrieved on March 8, 2025: https:// futuresdigest.substack.com/p/world-futures-day-2025-join-the-24

2 Di Berardo, M. (2025b). World Futures Day 2025: spunti e riflessioni dalla conversazione globale di 24 ore sul nostro futuro. Futura Network. Last retrieved on March 8, 2025: https://futuranetwork.eu/interventi-e-interviste/638-5548/world-futures-day-2025spunti-e-riflessioni-dalla-conversazione-globale-di-24-ore-sul-nostro-futuro.

3 Di Berardo, M. (2024a). World Futures Day. Glenn, J.C., Gordon, T., Florescu, E. (2025). State of the Future 20.0. Washington DC: The Millennium Project, pp. 427-438.

4 Di Berardo, M. (2024b). World Futures Day 2023 Global futures agenda by The Millennium Project. Futures(164).

5 Di Berardo, M., Di Zio, S., Fontanella, L. (2023). World Futures Day 2022: A mixed method approach to identify topics of a global futures agenda. Futures(154), 103244.

6Di Berardo, M. (2022a). The World Future Day Method: A 24-hour Round-The-World Global Discussion. World Futures Review 14(2–4), 165–179.

7Di Berardo, M. (2022b). A global discussion about our possible futures during the 2021 World Futures Day”. Futures(136).

8Vita-More, N. (2025). Future Day. March 1st Every Year. Around the world!. Humanity+. Last retrieved on March 8, 2025: https://www.humanityplus.org/futureday.

PROGNOSIS

DEEP DIVES INTO AND SKILLS NEEDED FUTURE WORKLIFE

THE third and final year of our project ‘T-winning Spaces 2035’, funded by the Academy of Finland and NextGeneration EU, has started actively.1 In addition to the literature review, several futures cliniques, conference presentations and the Delphi study, we have conducted several expert interviews and the newest interview report is now published with the title of ‘Society, Skills and Spaces – Curated Conversations on Futures of Work with Foresight Experts’.2

We had the opportunity to interview six representatives of the Millennium Project from three continents about the organising of future work and workspaces, as well as the skills needed in the green and digital transition that the European Union pursues as strategy. The interviewees who gave us valuable insights were Mara di Berardo from Italy, Lala Deheinzelin from Brazil, Geci Karuri-Sebina from South Africa, Kacper Nosarzewski from Poland, Wendy Schultz from the UK and Karlheinz Steinmüller from Germany. The Millennium Project is a collaborating network in this project. CEO Jerome Glenn acts as a member in the Advisory Board of the T-winning Spaces 2035 project. The cooperation with the Millennium Project directed the choice of the

interviewees invited for this set of interviews.3 The first part of the report discusses major questions regarding the futures of worklife, such as the new paradigm of work, various paradoxes of work, the nature, motivations and meanings of work, and impactful trends in society. From the perspectives of the interviewees, we also raised specific issues of working life for discussion, such as anticipation of workspaces and the skills needed, as well as challenges for new leadership. In the big picture, everything is hybrid and a large part of knowledge work takes place regardless of location. This is naturally the trajectory only for jobs that are independent of location. Paradoxically, location still matters even for those employed in the knowledge sector and high-end digital nomads, regardless whether work takes place at home, teleworking, in the office, or in third-party spaces such as coworking spaces, libraries, or cafés.

Hybridisation also represents the way in which people use their time and do their work in the most appropriate periods and spaces. Work is increasingly being linked to off-work aspects, while leisure time is frequently being used to do more work. In the future, it will be increasingly difficult to set clear boundaries

INTO THE MEANINGS NEEDED IN THE WORKLIFE

By Sirkka Heinonen Finland Futures Research Centre (FFRC), University of Turku

between these areas of life in knowledge work. Efficiency requirements and especially employee control are eroding wellbeing. In addition, values are an essential part of the future of work. Work is not just about livelihood and salary. Rather, people want to work in a way that follows their own values and is in line with the employer’s values. They want to contribute to sustainable development and build an equality-based society. At the organisational level, a quantum change will happen if partnership and collaboration become the goal instead of competition.

Not everything will change, though. Work is still largely paid and part-time, even leaning towards the precariate. However, the concept of work is expanding to include volunteer work and any activity that is meaningful to the person doing it. Until new mechanisms are introduced into the economic system, such as a basic income, polarisation between the employed and the unemployed will deepen. The rapid development of technology, and especially artificial intelligence (AI), means that jobs will disappear and the nature of the underlying tasks may change continuously. As a result, individuals must focus on developing and maximising their own capabilities throughout their lives. The responsibility for developing skills is shifting from organisations to individuals. The ability of countries, organisations, and our education and development systems to facilitate this transition is a crucial factor in the future success of nations. Futures awareness, long-term and critical thinking, understanding of wholes and systems, empathy and other soft skills are core competencies of the future

working life – in a mode of continuous learning. The desired future panorama of working life is linked to the opportunity for self-realisation, meaningfulness, humanity, making one’s own contribution to the wider community, autonomy, flexibility, cooperation and creativity.

REFERENCES:

1 1For more information on the project, see T-winning Spaces website: t-winningspaces2035.com and T-winning Spaces FFRC website: ty.fi/tws2035.

2 The report is available at https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-249-623-2

3 For a previous set of interviews, please see FFRC eBook 5/2023 ‘Towards Twin Transformations and Spaces – Convoluted Conversations on the Green and Digital Futures of Work’. The report comprises eight interviews, out of which six were conducted within the FFRC Conference in Turku 2023 for the T-winning Spaces 2035 project, largely drawing on the conference presentations. The report is available at: www.utupub.fi/handle/10024/176094.

Heinonen, Sirkka & Viitamäki, Riku (2025). Society, Skills and Spaces – Curated Conversations on Futures of Work with Foresight Experts. FFRC eBooks 1/2025. Finland Futures Research Centre, University of Turku. ISBN 978-952-249-623-2 (pdf), 978-952249-624-9 (print). ISSN 1797-1322. https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-249-623-2

THE AUTHOR

Prof. Sirkka Heinonen has been with Finland Futures Research Centre (FFRC), University of Turku since 2007, now as Professor Emerita, previously as Chief Research Scientist at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. She has 40 years of research and teaching in futures studies, especially on technology foresight and innovations, urban and rural futures, housing, work, and lifestyles, as well as futures policy. She is Full Member of the Club of Rome and Chair of the Helsinki Node of the Millennium Project, as well as Director of FFRC Helsinki Office.

SYNERGETIC RELATIONS VS. ZEROSUM POWER GEOPOLITICS

GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNANCE

By Jerome Clayton Glenn CEO, The Millennium Project

SYNERGY is a concept made popular by futurist R. Buckminster (Bucky) Fuller. He would say “you put a wheel in a box and you don’t get much, but put it under the box and you get a wheelbarrow and you can get plenty of work done.” Hence, it is not the parts that may create synergy, but their relationship. It is not that the wheel cooperates with the box, instead the synergetic relationship creates a new entity with properties not easily predicted by the parts.

What synergetic relationships might be possible between the United States and China? The U.S. National Intelligence Council produces the Global Trends reports. Essentially this series of reports provide analysis of what could decrease or increase the power of the United States in the world. It is a Zero-Sum analysis: if China’s power increases, then U.S. power decreases. There is no serious analysis of what synergetic relations are possible to improve both and the world.

If the world continues to play zero-sum power geopolitics, it seems continuing wars in one form or another is inevitable for our future. But are alternatives really possible?

Let’s take the United States and China for an example. One potential synergetic relationship between the U.S. and China is global governance of the transition from today’s

artificial intelligence (AI) to future forms of artificial general intelligence (AGI).

Managing the transition to AGI is the most complex and difficult challenge humanity has ever faced and the most important since preventing nuclear war between the U.S. and U.S.S.R.

So, this is where synergy should come in. The U.S. and China could Co-Sponsor a UN General Assembly Resolution to create a UN Convention on AGI and the establishment of an International AGI Governance Organization. This new entity, like the wheel barrow example above, could do the work necessary to prevent out-of-control artificial super intelligence, give hope to the world and focus research and policy on addressing one of the greatest threats to humanity.

The world is well aware that China and the United States are the biggest greenhouse gas emitters; and therefore, they have the greatest moral responsibility to lead the solutions to address global warming. Synergetic intelligence is clear: they both have the largest economies and greatest technological capacities in the world. They could agree to an Apollo-like Climate Goal and create the NASA-like joint R&D organization to achieve it that others can join.

These synergies on climate change and artificial general

intelligence would usher in a new paradigm for international geopolitics of synergetic international relations instead of the old zero-sum power politics.

The Millennium Project, a global participatory think tank, has just created the South Asia Foresight Network (SAFN) to conduct collaborative futures research for the region and explore synergies among these nations. Geopolitical scholars in each of these countries have been asked to suggest potential synergies with the other countries in the region. They are having a very hard time thinking this way. What are the possible synergies between India and Pakistan? This kind of question has never been asked in geopolitics.1

University schools of business and diplomacy teach competitive intelligence, competitive advantage, and competitive strategy, but none to my knowledge are teaching synergetic intelligence, synergetic advantage, and synergetic strategy. The sooner we begin to do so, the faster we can get beyond the old zero-sum mentality that is holding up the solutions we know will make the future a better place for all.

The Millennium Project has just released the State of the Future 20.0 that shares details of such innovations and synergies at https://www.millenniumproject.org/publications-2/ state-of-the-future-version-20-0/

REFERENCES:

1 https://southasiaforesight.org/synergetic-thinking-for-the-absence-of-multilateralismin-south-asia/

TECHNICAL NOTES

A JOURNEY INWARD ENSURE THAT VIRAL IN DARK

INWARD TO THAT HOPE GOES DARK TIMES

By Elaine France

AS professional futurists, we are facilitators, guides and explorers of possible futures, commonly practicing Paul Saffo’s “strong opinions, weakly held” approach to unleash new perspectives and pathways forward.

We are endlessly fascinated by signals, manifesting from imagination, dreamed into life, pressing all beings in different directions. Often, I find, we focus greatly on finding, sense-making and sharing signals outside of ourselves as a way of exploring what futures might emerge. It’s a valid and valuable route out of the chaos: bringing a veritable cornucopia of possibilities to inspire our communities to navigate forward with hope.

In today’s world, when human rights and personal freedoms are at stake, and maintaining planetary boundaries is essential for the survival of the planet, there’s an ongoing debate, questioning whether it is the role of professional futurists to be advocates for transformational change.

For my part, as someone who has worked for 30 years in, and for, social change, the answer is yes. Applying futures thinking tools and methods to communicate with communities and catalyze their creativity as problem-solvers for people and planet, is exactly why I use it. I am not alone, as we imagine and dig into the business-as-usual, the catastrophic, the disowned as

alternative futures, there are many of us who bring focus to aspirational, transformational, hopeful futures. We engage our communities in the cause and effect that unfold these futures, using the act of imagining as a tool for wellbeing and the seeding of hope.

Yet, advocating for hopeful, flourishing futures is not just a community-based or external action but also a deeply personal exploration. If we’re to make hope go viral in the Age of the Anthropocene, to transition into the regenerative futures that we are longing for, we need to take an inward journey too.

We all need to hold space within ourselves, to hold and explore futures constructs, so that we sense our agency to shape and unfold. The following exercise is proposed as a personal ‘Hopeful Futures’ exercise, to help those of us seeking to learn, grow and maintain our optimism and not succumb to learned helplessness or hopelessness.

How might we shape hopeful, flourishing futures then, by naming ourselves as signals of change? Each of us is a vivid, real, tangible universe of creativity capable of unfolding transformational change, living at this moment in time and space in a glorious galactic tapestry.

Every day. As many times as you can, whisper these words.

“I am a signal of change,” in your in-breath. “I am a signal of change,” on your out-breath.

A loving kindness meditation, words that serve as a blessing inward, an intention as you embark on each moment of each day, to bring your unique blend of unprecedented self to the world.

In and of itself, breath and word are an act of communion with Nature. An exquisite fusion of the principles of regeneration and flourishing: alchemy, where story of place meets relationships with self, selves, beings. You are in the

present, nudging and pushing futures.

The late Irish author and poet, John O’Donohue, wrote in his essay To Retrieve the Lost Art of Blessing that, “A blessing is a circle of light drawn around a person to protect, heal and strengthen…The beauty of a blessing is its belief that it can affect what unfolds.”

He goes on to write that, “Blessing as a powerful and positive intention can transform situations and people.”

In the direst of times, when I’ve been most afraid, when I’ve

been inert with fear, I’ve found that uttering “I am a signal of change” is the blessing inward that draws that circle of light around me.

Why this blessing, now?

We are living in dark times that are designed to unbalance us, old systems of divide and rule ramped up via online cityscapes and media networks, shape-shifting truths and lies and deceptions. Yet, it’s in these very conditions that hope rises. Dr Barbara Fredrickson, in her work on positive emotions, wrote in her book entitled Positivity in 2009:

“Unlike other emotions that arise out of comfort and safety, hope springs out of dire circumstances, as a beacon of light. Deep within the core of hope is the belief that things can change, turn out better. Possibilities exist. Hope sustains you and motivates you to turn things around.”

We must choose now, to step deliberately and consciously into our circles of light.

Try this for yourself. Set this intention at the centre of a Futures Wheel and consciously write in the potential positive impacts and consequences for that day. Repeat several times daily for a pathway out of the chaos of panic, overwhelm and anxiety, with this invocation that re-establishes a connection to the very essence of who you are.

I always find that doing this creates the energy of being and becoming; a gorgeous immersion from being abstract and individual, into being rewoven into the fabric of ecosystems, into belonging once more. Over time, this practice has guided me through the gullies and ravines and mountain tops of choices, trusting myself to take one more step forward.

Play with this. Name yourself a signal of change. Visualize the threads of light and energy that are the systemic eco-system around you, intertwining with the air you breathe, the trees, the mycelium, the bees, the birds, the people whose lives touch yours and vice versa. Imagine seeing all of this interbeing as you walk down the street, into a meeting, as you make dinner. No longer abstract and alone but in an ever-evolving embrace.

To be sure, this self of yours, is one who holds the echoes of ancestral wisdom and deep rootedness with the soil, the water, the mountains, the rivers and all more-than-human-beings.

It’s in these breaths of blessing where futures are seeded.

Imagine this. April 2039.

Today, when you opened your Signals/Hope App, you had a long conversation with the community of beings that you’re systemically connected to through your job list.

It still seems a little strange to talk with a Mountain and a 1000+ year old Larch Tree and yet, there you were discussing how you were all going to be signals of change today, living your passion purposefully.

This morning, like every morning, you stepped into the mixed reality circle of light as you drank your tea. The app is connected to your daily agenda and location/s. You see a multi-dimensional

THE AUTHOR

Elaine France works at the intersection of flourishing, regeneration and being entrepreneurial as problem-solvers for the planet and people in intergenerational and multi-cultural settings, including Nature as a stakeholder. She brings together 30 years of experience in social change, working with UN, Government, Public and Private Sector and Civil Society actors.

version of all of the systemic impacts and consequences that will play out based on the actions that you might take. It’s super rapid and keeps you net-positive.

The best part is that you see yourself in a community of intergenerational, interspecies beings. A Citizen’s Assembly taken to a whole new level. Each being registers as a signal. The algorithms calculate and reveal how each being’s needs for safety, joy and love are met in empowering ways, showing an amber warning light when the confluence of activities start to cause harm. Back in the 2020s, everything always seemed to be in the red.

The sentient AI powering the app even places themself into the equation, calculating their greenhouse gas emissions and water usage, negotiating with their wetland of choice to absorb, restore, regenerate.

Where do you feel this future is? In your head? In your heart

space? In your gut-brain? If this future becomes reality, where did we meet ourselves today in the ecosystems that we inhabit? To realize this possible future means recognizing the potential in all beings around us now, not waiting for Earth Law to confer personhood on them.

This future brings me back to the present, with a longing to have those golden threads of energy and connection weaving themselves around me, in community, in communion with all of the other beings.

Why wait though? Surely, there’s no need to wait for an app. We are connected now, you and I, as you read this, by this blessing, by this practice. We are lightworkers; our mutual act of journeying inwards, means hope goes viral through this coming home.

I am a signal of change. You are a signal of change. We go together. This blessing and its intention, is an act of resistance and a revolutionary act of love.

WFSF HAPPENING

WFSF CONFERENCE

WFSF has been holding World Conferences around the globe for 50 years in such diverse places as: France, Norway, Germany, former Yugoslavia, Poland, Egypt, Sweden, Costa Rica, USA, China, Hungary, Spain, Finland, Kenya, Australia, the Philippines, Romania, Japan, and Mexico.

2001 – Brașov, Romania

Theme: Many Cultures, One World: Globalisation and Local Development

n September 5–9, 2001

2002 – Kure City, Japan

Theme: Futures of Humanity around the Oceans

n November 13–16, 2002

2005 – Budapest, Hungary

Theme: Futures Generation for Futures Generations

2008 – Trollhättan, Sweden

Theme: Transitions: Encouraging Emerging Worlds

n June 30 – July 3, 2008

2009 – Bollwiller, France

WFSF General Assembly (no formal conference held)

2013 – Bucharest, Romania

Theme: Global Research and Social Innovation: Transforming Futures

n June 26–28, 2013

n Also marked WFSF’s 40th Anniversary

2017 – Jondal, Norway

Theme: HUMANKIND 2050: Peace • Development • Environment

n June 7–10, 2017

n WFSF Humankind 2050 Photo Album: https://goo.gl/photos/F5rLjB2YyGHoBdz67

2019 – Mexico City, Mexico

Theme: USES OF THE FUTURES: Traditional • Cosmopolitan • Creative • Holistic

n September 10–13, 2019

n Held at UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico)

n First WFSF Congress in Latin America

2021 – Berlin, Germany (Online)

Theme: The Openness of Futures

n October 26–29, 2021

2023 – Paris, France

Theme: Exploring Liminalities: Creating Spaces for Unlimited Futures

n October 25–26, 2023

n Photo Album: https://goo.gl/photos/F5rLjB2YyGHoBdz67

2025 – Cape Town, South Africa (Upcoming)

Theme: Thriving Together: Imagining Shared Futures

n October 29–31, 2025

n Stellenbosch Business School, Cape Town

n Conference Website: https://wfsf2025capetown.org/

AFTERMOST

WHAT FUTURE FOR AMERICA? COMMUNITY OR CHAOS?

THE African American Future Society leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) as powerful tools to analyze and forecast alternative futures for Black Americans, Africans, and the broader diaspora.

AI/ML is transforming the landscape of future analysis, reshaping how we predict and understand social, political, and economic change. These technologies now have the potential to autonomously manage aid distribution, banking transactions, stock markets, and even navigate competing interests. With remarkable precision, AI/ML can already anticipate alternative future outcomes.

Yet alongside these technological advances comes a sobering warning: the idea of erasing 400 years of Black achievement within the first 100 days of a U.S. presidential administration is deeply unsettling. Black history is not merely a chronicle of oppression — it is a testament to

resilience, innovation, and vital contributions that have shaped the nation. If such achievements were undermined or erased, it could create profound disconnection, injustice, and a dangerous escalation of division and chaos.

However, the future does not have to be bleak.

Community can emerge from chaos if people unite to protect and celebrate the rich tapestry of history that defines America. It will require vigilance, advocacy, and a steadfast commitment to truth and equity. The question before us is clear: will the nation rise to this challenge, or succumb to the forces of division?

The African American Future Society seeks a sustainable and flourishing future for all. As cultures across the world fight for survival, we must ask: which future will prevail? Is there a place for Black people in this unfolding future — and what will that place look like?

The answers will depend on the choices we make today.

AN AFRICAN FUTURE SOCIETY

By Brenda. K. Kim

AS a young African woman, I see the signs, A continent standing between two lines. One leads to chaos, division, and fear, The other to unity, drawing us near. We’ve grown up in storms, seen systems fail, Heard empty promises, old leaders’ tales. But we’ve also seen what hope can do, When youth take action and push on through. From tech hubs buzzing and social enterprise, To climate action..., all youths rise.

We are not waiting, we are the tide, With hands and hearts open wide.

Chaos is easy; it thrives on fear, But building community? It’s harder to care. It takes work, it takes trust, Perseverance, when systems seem to be crumbling to dust.

I believe I co-create tomorrow’s light, In doing what’s just, not only what’s right. So I choose to act, to build, to be, Part of a future where all walk free.

The question is not what will become of us Africans, But how we will choose to build our shared vision.

I choose community.

PHOTO CREDITS

Main Cover Image - viktor-vasicsek - Unsplash

Inside Cover Image - maria-bernal-urquiola - Unsplash

Pages 4-5 - Leonardo Yip - Unsplash

Pages 6-7 - chuttersnap - Unsplash

Page 8-9 - dan-cristian-padure - Unsplash

Pages 10 - dan-cristian-padure - Unsplash

Page 11 - wiki-sinaloa - Unsplash

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Page 15 - yishen-ji - Unsplash

Page 16 - Freepik

Page 16-17 - clark-gu - Unsplash

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Page 20-21 - sam-szuchan - Unsplash

Pages 22 - berke-citak - Unsplash

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Page 24 - greg-rosenke - Unsplash

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Pages 31 - jack-harbieh - Unsplash

Page 32 - yeongkyeong-lee - Unsplash

Page 33 - annie-spratt - Unsplash

Pages 34 - the-blowup - Unsplash

Pages 37 - xavi-cabrera - Unsplash

Page 38-39 - xavi-cabrera - Unsplash

Page 40 - olli-kilpi - Unsplash

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Page 46-47 - rey-seven - Unsplash

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Pages 58-59 - anita-jankovic - Unsplash

Page 6-61 - joshua-lawrence - Unsplash

Page 61 - bernd-dittrich - Unsplash

Page 62 - parabol-the-agile-meeting-tool

Page 63 - doni-haris - Unsplash

Page 64 - Freepik

Page 65 - Photogal / Getty Images

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Page 79 - WFSF

Page 80-81 - yanmin-yang - Unsplash

Page 82-83 - brian-lundquist - Unsplash

Page 83 - Freepik

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Layout Artist:

Jeremae Jumao-as

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