Foresight in foreign parliaments and international organisations, foresight-related events, and notable futurists |
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This analytical review examines foresight in foreign parliaments and international organisations, provides a brief overview of foresight-related events, and, finally, gives a list of internationally recognised experts on foresight, including academics, politicians, and thinkers. The list has been compiled by the Research Unit in December 2022.
The paper includes a detailed analysis of the experience of nine countries (Austria, Chile, Estonia, the Philippines, Iceland, Paraguay, South Korea, Finland and Uruguay) in setting up and developing foresight institutions in parliaments. It should be noted that the composition, functions and influence of the parliamentary foresight committees vary significantly from Finland’s standing Committee for the Future, which has operated for over two decades, to recently established bodies in Uruguay and Iceland. The review shows how these committees contribute to long-term strategic planning, help parliaments to incorporate the future dimension into legislative processes, and promote public debate on future challenges and opportunities.
Additionally, the review gives a detailed presentation of future-oriented activities of seven international organisations. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the United Nations Futures Lab, the World Futures Studies Federation, UNESCO, and other organisations actively develop methodologies, conduct research, organise training programmes and thereby strengthen institutional capacity to anticipate and conceptually shape potential future scenarios. Importantly, these organisations not only create global networks, but also provide practical and methodological tools for governments and other institutions.
Part of the review is devoted to overviews of international events relevant to parliamentary foresight committees. The World Futures Day, the world summits of the committees of the future, the Dubai Future Forum, and other events serve as important platforms for discussions on future challenges. Such meetings shall enable parliamentarians, scientists and experts to exchange experience, expand knowledge, and forge international ties.
The final section introduces the most prominent individuals involved in the development of future thinking. They are divided into three categories of experts on geopolitical foresight, on democratic foresight and technological impact on the world’s future, and on the Green Deal. For each individual, the review provides a brief biography, key areas of expertise, scientific publications (where applicable), and contact details. The list includes academics, ‘pure’ futurists, politicians and international experts.
This review can be useful in developing foresight practices in Lithuania both at the parliamentary level and across various institutions and organisations.
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