Chula for global dialogue forum via “Group of Friends for Futures Literacy”

Outreach and Engagement

Having been nominated as “UNESCO Chair for Resource Governance and Futures Literacy,” Chulalongkorn University was invited to participate in the virtual dialogue meeting of the Group of Friends for Futures Literacy (GoF of FL). GoF of FL is a global movement convened by 13 ambassadors across the globe, supported by the Assistant Director General (ADG) of the Social and Human Sciences Sector, Ms. Gabriela Ramos. Professor Emeritus Surichai Wun’Gaeo, Director of the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, Ms. Michiko Yoshida, Director, Global Networking and Engagement Division, Office of International Affairs and Global Network, and other Chula reps attended the meeting held on May 31, 2021.

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the vulnerability of the world that we live in. The pandemic reminds us of the importance of nurturing future leaders with a global mindset, leaders who can work beyond national interests toward common good. Futures Literacy, a universally accessible skill that builds on the innate human capacity to imagine the future, offers a clear, field-tested solution to poverty-of-the imagination. Being “futures literate” enables people, together, to appreciate the world more fully, and to use the future to innovate the present (Miller, 2015). Chulalongkorn University joined the Futures Literacy movement initiated by UNESCO and has been participating in several modalities of actions, including the UNESCO High-Level Futures Literacy Summit 2020.

Having been nominated as “UNESCO Chair for Resource Governance and Futures Literacy,” Chulalongkorn University was invited to participate in the virtual dialogue meeting of the Group of Friends for Futures Literacy (GoF of FL). GoF of FL is a global movement convened by 13 ambassadors across the globe, supported by the Assistant Director General (ADG) of the Social and Human Sciences Sector, Ms. Gabriela Ramos. Professor Emeritus Surichai Wun’Gaeo, Director of the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, Ms. Michiko Yoshida, Director, Global Networking and Engagement Division, Office of International Affairs and Global Network, and other Chula reps attended the meeting held on May 31, 2021.

The meeting brought together UN Member States, UNESCO Chairs/prospective Chairs and the UN Secretariat for a joint discussion of the strategic potential and positioning of UNESCO’s innovative work on Futures Literacy. The meeting was attended by 15 UN Delegations and over 40 UNESCO Chairs and members of the Global Futures Literacy Network. It demonstrated a global recognition of Futures Literacy activities at both the grassroots and policy levels.

Professor Emeritus Surichai Wun’Gaeo, Director of the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies (far bottom left) and other members of GoF for FL presented at the meeting.

H.E. Claudia Reinprecht, Ambassador of Austria to UNESCO, established the Group of Friends for Futures Literacy (GoF for FL) in 2019. It strives to enhance understanding of the undertakings/initiatives under UNESCO and to reinforce the development of the global Futures Literacy network, which includes the UNESCO Chairs in Futures Studies/Futures Literacy. The GoF is comprised of 13 Ambassadors, who actively support collaborations among UNESCO Chairs and encourage the development of Futures Literacy at various national and international levels.

Chulalongkorn University’s participation has highlighted the contributions made by the Chairs to UNESCO’s ability to play a leadership role in the field and ensure that Futures Literacy has a strong impact on efforts to address humanity’s pressing challenges. Moreover, this opportunity has allowed Chula not only to meet and form strategic partnerships with outstanding institutions across the globe in the Future Studies and Futures Literacy movement, but also to pave a way for Chula’s work under the Futures Literacy program to be fully supported by the global Futures Literacy network.