UNESCO

Chair on Heritage Futures

World Futures Day 2025 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris

2025-12-04


Compiled by Helena Rydén, Assistant to the UNESCO Chair on Heritage Futures at Linnaeus University.

On 2 December, UNESCO hosted World Futures Day at UNESCO HQ in Paris under the theme “Anticipation in an Era of Volatility.” The event showcased UNESCO’s approach to addressing global challenges through futures thinking and foresight. It also highlighted the role of UNESCO’s network of over 1,100 University Chairs, including 35 focused on Futures Studies, in identifying emerging issues worldwide.

The event gathered around 700 registered participants—mainly from Europe, including many Paris-based attendees—from diverse backgrounds: academia, UNESCO Chairs, students, UNESCO staff, policymakers, and industry representatives. The venue itself, rich in history and adorned with works by among others Picasso and Giacometti, provided a cultural backdrop. Sessions alternated between French and English with simultaneous interpretation.

Helena Rydén, Assistant to the UNESCO Chair on Heritage Futures at Linnaeus University waiting for the World Futures Day to start!

A keynote lecture by French philosopher Éric Sadin “The Future of Humanity in an Era of Omniscient Artificial Intelligence,” argued that generative AI marks a turning point in human history. He warned of its social consequences, particularly in education, and urged critical reflection on what remains for humanity when learning and creativity are delegated to machines.

A panel followed, exploring how complex systems perspectives and education systems can help societies navigate AI-driven futures while safeguarding humanity and planetary well-being. Speakers included Rosa Vásquez Espinoza, Tanja Hichert, Michael Shamiyeh, and François Taddei, moderated by Gustavo Merino, Director, Social Policies, UNESCO.

Other sessions addressed systemic change, resilience, and international cooperation, with contributions from global thought leaders and UNESCO senior officials. Closing remarks by UNESCO’s Gustav Merino reinforced UNESCO’s mandate to strengthen shared humanity through education, science, culture, and communication.

A digital exhibition, “Good Ancestors: Art & Culture for Future Generations,” ran in the Ségur Hall, linking art and culture across time. The original exhibit was organised by the two missions to the UN (the co-facilitators of the negotiations) in support of the UN Declaration on Future Generations.

At the reception in the evening Cornelius Holtorf, holder of the UNESCO Chair on Heritage Futures at Linnaeus University and UNESCO Director-General, Mr Khaled El-Enany had the opportunity to shake hands. Photo Claudio Pescatore

Some UNESCO Chairs on Futures Studies gathered at the reception in the evening.

Creative workshop by UNESCO Chairs at World Futures Day in Paris

Compiled by Helena Rydén, Assistant to the UNESCO Chair on Heritage Futures at Linnaeus University.

World Futures Day (WFD) on 2 December 2025 explored the theme “Anticipation in an Era of Volatility” at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. One of the highlights was the afternoon session, “Crisis Preparedness and Beyond: Future-Making Through Heritage,” where Vicky Karaiskou and Cornelius Holtorf—both UNESCO Chairs—engaged a large and enthusiastic audience.

Vicky Karaiskou and Cornelius Holtorf at UNESCO HQ in Paris 2 December 2025 preparing for the afternoon session.

We were divided into four groups. After introductions by several UNESCO officials, Vicky and Cornelius took the lead and guided us through the workshop in a structured way. Both are deeply interested in the culture and values that shape us as human beings—Vicky focusing on the visual dimension. She explains her field as follows:

“I explore the profound implications of cultural visual narratives, shedding light on how they shape our individual and collective memory, as well as societal perceptions. Visuality examines the origins of our perceptions and assumptions because they deeply influence how we perceive the present, how we engage with the past, and how we envision the future.”

The workshop was truly engaging. We began by discussing what forms a collective identity—language, food, family, and education were among the ideas raised. Next, we reflected on the skills needed to cope with a crisis. We agreed that care—both as a human trait and as something that must be learned—was essential. Finally, we were asked to imagine future scenarios where these skills would matter.

The goal was to help us focus on the origins of our perspectives and assumptions, which deeply impact how we engage with the past, how we perceive the present, and how we envision the future. Our group envisioned a natural disaster scenario where empathy, emotions, and context were crucial for decision-making.

If the aim was to foster empathy, inspire positive change, and promote inclusiveness and social resilience for an equitable future, the workshop certainly succeeded. By envisioning the future beyond the uncertainty of the unknown, we learned how to mobilize communities and stimulate inspiring thinking, feeling, and acting—unlocking new possibilities for creative, “out-of-the-box” solutions.

Several participants said this workshop was the highlight of the day, and some even asked to exchange contact details with us, expressing interest in visiting the Chairs for a period.

Want to learn more about the UNESCO Chairs?