Back to the Futures #1: Diplomacy for Tomorrow
Hi there, Mathias from ANTICIPATE here!
Welcome to the first of our new monthly updates! As we close out November, I want to reflect on what’s been happening here at ANTICIPATE—and in the futures space more broadly—for those curious to follow along. This month has been all about growth, inspiration, and action, from welcoming a new colleague to engaging with organizations and communities across the globe.
Earlier this month, I shared some thoughts on what it means to be a futures diplomat—someone advocating for the possibilities and generations that don’t yet have a voice. While I haven’t ended up as a traditional diplomat bridging divides across nations, the work we do at ANTICIPATE mirrors that role in some important ways. We strive to bring future needs and perspectives into today’s decisions, helping people and organizations act not just for themselves but for those who will inherit the outcomes.
Every workshop, talk, and conversation we’ve had this month—whether on prototyping futures at Maersk Design Days, exploring the placeless internet at Digital Tech Summit, or tackling climate change and humanitarian aid futures with CARE Denmark—has been a step in this mission. It’s a reminder that shaping the future is a collective effort, one grounded in curiosity, imagination, and the ability to act today for a better tomorrow.
1. Looking Back
Welcoming Kofi Dakinah. We’re thrilled to introduce our new colleague, Kofi, a seasoned futures researcher and analyst. With expertise in foresight and scenario planning, he’s already adding fresh insights to our work. 👉 More about Kofi here.
Dubai Future Forum Shared insights and absorbed a wealth of knowledge at this year’s forum. 👉 My 9 takeaways.
Wrapped up a Futures Design workshop with CARE Denmark focused on humanitarian aid and climate change futures. The feedback we got was fantastic—people found the workshop relevant, engaging, and inspiring. They loved the mix of practical examples and big-picture discussions on leadership, climate, and foresight
Delivered a talk on AI and Horizon Scanning at Digital Tech Summit about the placeless internet, the splinternet, and building trust in the digital age. Find the recording here.
Podcast with Monnou. I had the pleasure of discussing how design and futures thinking can reshape sustainability. 🎧 Listen on Spotify.
Prototyping the Future at Maersk. Led a dynamic workshop at Maersk Design Days, where we turned trends into tangible prototypes using LEGO. 👉 Full breakdown here.
SXSW London 2025 Proposal Submitted a proposal to host a workshop on futures, health, and AI alongside Agathe Acchiardo, ThinkNext. More on this laterFingers crossed!
Article: Unlocking Imagination in Foresight. Imagination is a muscle, and we’ve shared tips on how to flex it in your work. 👉 Read here.
2. Signal of the Month: Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness 2.0
Amid a world where GDP dominates the measure of success, Bhutan continues to stand out with its unique metric: Gross National Happiness (GNH). But it’s evolving.
With its “GNH 2.0,” Bhutan aims to strengthen the economy while staying rooted in well-being and sustainability. This approach includes creating local jobs to retain young talent—a critical challenge for smaller nations—and balancing traditional values with the need for growth.
💡 Why it matters: Bhutan’s example invites us to rethink how we define progress and who benefits from it. In a world increasingly focused on short-term metrics, could broader, more holistic measures like this become the norm?
Questions to consider:
How can we measure success differently to create the futures we want?
Who decides what that future should look like, and how do we ensure all voices are heard?
3. Looking Ahead
December promises to be just as dynamic:
Releasing our new free Megatrends Report in January—stay tuned!
Contributing to a university's new master’s program on democracy, governance, and innovation in Spain.
Launching a LinkedIn mini-series: 12 Days of Signals around the holidays—insights you won’t want to miss.
Building futures-thinking communities in Copenhagen and attending key events like the Nordic Foresight Network formation meeting.
4. Futures Field Trip
Are you looking for an inspiring off-site experience for your team next year? Imagine a trip where sustainability, innovation, and design come alive—not just as concepts but as experiences.
💡 The Futures Field Trip is a tailor-made adventure for delegations, teams, and organizations ready to reimagine what’s possible. Set in Copenhagen, a city known for its forward-thinking approach to urban design and sustainability, this immersive experience is crafted to challenge your assumptions, spark creativity, and build actionable strategies for the future.
Here’s what you can expect:
Studio Visits: Gain behind-the-scenes access to up to 10 pioneering organizations across sustainability, tech, and design. Learn from the leaders shaping the future and discover actionable insights for your own work.
Foresight Workshop: A 3-hour interactive session based on our ACT Foresight Framework, designed to help your team translate observations into actionable ideas. By the end of this session, you’ll have clear takeaways to bring back to your organization.
Safari Canal Tour: Explore Copenhagen’s dynamic public spaces on a 2-hour guided boat tour. This isn’t your typical sightseeing trip—it’s a deep dive into the intersection of urban design, innovation, and societal trends.
Whether you’re planning a team retreat, looking to energize your organization, or exploring ways to strengthen your strategy, the Futures Field Trip offers a unique blend of inspiration and practical application.
👋 Let’s make it happen: Reach out at hi@anticipate.dk to start planning your team’s journey. We’ll work with you to create an experience tailored to your needs, blending the best of Copenhagen’s innovative spirit with actionable foresight practices.
5. Upcoming Futures & Foresight Events
UNESCO World Futures Day
December 2, 2024
Global
UNESCO has designated December 2nd as World Futures Day to emphasize the importance of futures thinking in addressing current and future challenges. This initiative aligns with the UN's "Our Common Agenda," promoting foresight to secure a sustainable future and encouraging inclusive discussions through the promotion of futures literacy.
More Information: UNESCO World Futures Day
LaFutura Global Event
December 12-13, 2024
Munich, Germany
The LaFutura Global Conference brings together professionals, thought leaders, strategists, futurists, innovation managers, and entrepreneurs to explore emerging trends, disruptive ideas, and the latest technologies. This year's theme focuses on "Antifragility," exploring how systems can grow stronger through disruption, turning uncertainty into a catalyst for innovation and growth.
More Information: LaFutura Global Event
For a comprehensive list of upcoming futures and foresight events, please visit our Futures and Foresight Calendar.
Back to the Futures is your monthly dose of foresight insights, highlights, and happenings from ANTICIPATE. Explore cutting-edge projects, emerging trends, and global events shaping the futures. Reach out if there's anything specific you want us to cover or for any input or feedback.
All the best,
Futurist & Founder, ANTICIPATE
