Looking for solutions at the World Foresight Forum

By Marijn Otte

2011 will be remembered amongst others as the first year that the World Foresight Forum took place in the city of The Hague on the beautiful Lange Voorhout. Tasked to map out the key issues affecting a secure and sustainable world for future generations the conference attracted a wide range of notable people. Dubbed future leaders by the organizers, United Netherlands had the privilege to be part of this by sending 15 students to the conference, which were assigned as moderators, rapporteurs and participants.

The likes of Tom Ridge (former US governor), Peter Sutherland (former WTO President) and Sang-Hyon Song (President of the ICC) gathered for three days to discuss topics ranging from the financial crisis to cyber security to the rise of populism. It might seem impossible to combine all this input into one coherent document, yet, the organization has managed to do so. By means of a graphical display the outcome has been made available to the wider public. This so called Roadmap gives insight in the challenges that we face the coming decades and the means to resolve those challenges.

United Netherlands is proud to have contributed to this worthy initiative and looks forward to be invited again for the 2013 edition and the many that will follow. The conference provided valuable contacts and new insights; for alumni it offered a nice opportunity to put all the skills learned during their participation in the Delegation into practice.

United Netherlands intends to remain involved with the organization and make the next event an even bigger success. In the meantime we suggest you to visit the WFF website and explore the roadmap for yourself.