The UN Futures Lab/Global Hub launched a pilot project in 2024 in partnership with the UN Development Coordination Office (DCO) and UN Global Pulse. A total of 33 UN Resident Coordinator Offices (RCOs) took part in the Foundational Training, with 12 receiving Individualized Support thereafter. The project focuses on integrating foresight capacities in UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (Cooperation Frameworks) planning processes at the country level. The foresight training builds upon existing Cooperation Framework design support provided by the regional DCOs and the DCO Foresight Guide, as well as the UN Strategic Foresight Guide.
Building resilient governance
This project strengthens foresight capabilities within the UN Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) system to address the rapid pace of change and uncertainty. It integrates long-term, anticipatory thinking to ensure planning is both forward-looking and adaptive.
Comprehensive training approach
Training features two modalitiesāFoundational Training and Individualized Supportāproviding participants with hands-on tools, practical entry points, and tailored guidance. To date, 235 UN personnel and 83 non-UN participants have been guided through Individualized Support across 12 countries.
Global engagement
The Foundational Training has engaged participants from 33 countries across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East and North Africa, broadening foresight capacity-building beyond the 12 countries receiving Individualized Support.
Why it matters
In a world of accelerating transformations, effective governance requires the ability to anticipate future challenges and opportunities. The project empowers RCOs to integrate foresight into their operations, fostering a culture of longer-term thinking, learning, and experimentation. By aligning foresight with the six transitions needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UN country teams are better positioned to plan future-proofed decisions and actions.
