Futures: a tool to help us in the present
January brings with it a natural desire to look to the year ahead: what hopes, dreams and ambitions do we have for a 2021 starting with such turbulence?
While the future many of us want to see - one without pandemic restrictions, with freedom of movement and accelerating action on climate - seems like a distant dream, futures thinking can be a powerful tool to help us understand the present and make better decisions.
As Joy Green, Forum's Principal Futures Specialist, says in her exploration of 'Why Futures, Why Now': "Futures has always been a means to approach deep uncertainty - and to do so constructively, inclusively and creatively."
This month, we're sharing insights from the Futures Centre, our newly-launched platform built by users, for users, with a shared interest in understanding how the world is changing right now and what that might mean for what's coming. What are we seeing and what trends are emerging? How will these trends play out and what are the implications?
In our immensely disrupted world, there are countless ways forward. Join us to explore them and by doing so, better support yourself - and those around you - in the present.
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Introduction to the Futures Centre
Explore how the world is changing and help drive positive change. The more we know about the dynamic changes and trends that shape our world, the more we can identify risks and opportunities on the horizon, plan for the future, and understand our respective roles in driving greater sustainability.
Watch the video
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Insight: shifting narratives and why they matter
What’s the role of narratives and how do we update them once they’ve become obsolete? Anna Simpson discusses the process of shifting narratives in follow up to 2020, the agents and power dynamics implicated, and the role of futures as a tool to help us navigate towards a new, truly democratic narrative.
Read more
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Food Systems Insights
In the lead up to 2021's Food Systems Summit, and as part of our ongoing work on protein, agriculture, and food systems at large, we share two insights on all things food.
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An Abundant Harvest for Regenerative Agriculture
Mary McCarthy, Forum's Senior Strategist, reflects on the state of agriculture in the US and discusses what we need to address and practice if we are to start transitioning to a model that is truly regenerative.
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New Year’s resolutions for our food systems
Dr Gerry Salole, Impact Trust Trustee and member of the Barilla Foundation Advisory Board, discusses ‘the what’, ‘the how’ and ‘the who’ of new year resolutions required to future-proof the food system.
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Business risk and the pandemic: Insights from sustainability leaders for the future
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Oriana Brine, Forum's Senior Sustainability Strategist, shares insights from a New Zealand ASEAN Business Alliance Conference panel. Drawing on speaker insights, she examines the importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in how organisations responded to the pandemic, and what we can learn from this to create future-fit businesses.
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Deadline to apply: 4 February
School of System Change: Investors in Change Programme
Are you in the impact investing or public sector looking to better understand systems change in your work? If so, sign up for our ‘Investors in Change’ programme run by the School of System Change. You will be in a small online cohort and will receive one-to-one coaching support to better equip you in the systems change field.
Find out more
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28 January
Business webinar on the UN Convention on Biological Diversity
Join the one hour webinar, specifically designed for business, that will introduce the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Speakers from the CBD Secretariat, China COP15 Executive Committee and Business for Nature will explain why it’s important for business to engage, and how they can get involved. 11am or 5pm CET.
Find out more
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9-11 February
GreenBiz 21
The invitation-only GreenBiz 21 online event (9-11 February) is the premier annual event for sustainable business leaders, with three days of inspiring sessions and unique networking opportunities. We'll be there speaking about our work on regenerative agriculture and sharing the trajectories forward from the COVID crisis.
Hope you can join us!
Request an invitation
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2-4 February
edie Sustainability Leaders Forum
The virtual edie Sustainability Leaders Forum 2021 (2-4 February) will connect sustainable business leaders, government representatives, investors and NGOs around a common goal: to solve the climate crisis. James Payne, Associate Director, Transformational Strategies will be joining as a speaker.
Friends of Forum can save 15% with FFTF15.
Find out more
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Senior Global Development Manager (US-based)
Do you want to maximize the contribution of US funders in driving innovation and transforming systems to shape a different, better future? If so, we're looking for a creative, proactive, and adaptable Senior Global Development Manager experienced in building strategic funding relationships and networks within an international organization to join our growing fundraising and communications team.
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Freelance: Communications & Content Marketing Consultant
Are you a freelance content marketing specialist with a keen interest in sustainability? Do you have creative production skills with the ability to think strategically? The School of System Change is seeking a freelance Communications & Content Marketing Consultant on a part time basis to lead the development and publication of compelling content that helps drive recruitment for the School’s 2021 programmes.
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- Why do we need to understand the critical role of mindsets in driving a just and regenerative future? Access a recording of Forum's Global Systems Change Director, Caroline Ashley, in a recent webinar with Business Fights Poverty to find out.
- As we swiftly close the door on 2020, and look forward to 2021, Forum's Rodrigo Bautista takes some time to look at the present and future of mobility systems and sustainability.
- "The fashion industry needs a deep transformation. Manufacturers hold the key to circularity." Eco-Business explores how manufacturers can accelerate change on the back of a new report from Forum.
- "The new directions for fashion retail" - Drapers Online explores how fashion changed in 2020 and what the future might look like, including comment from Forum's Chief Executive, Dr Sally Uren.
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