We often talk about the future with a sense of threat. Climate Change, economic instability, rise of authoritarian regimes, more armed conflicts. 

 

A teenager asking their teacher: ”Is there still a point for me to have kids in the future?” 

 

What if the answer to the question is yes, and what if we can do better than thinking in distopias? Rather than exhaustedly retracting to the private sphere, what if we came together to discuss and imagine? How might our choices today help guide us towards a future we want to be a part of?

 

The GDI/Jacobs Foundations’ Future Skills Report, published in 2020, sketches out 4 different future scenarios for Switzerland - as cornerstones of a playing field of possibilities. Looking at degrees of wealth and freedom, the report describes a scenario of collapse, a gig-economy precariat, a net-zero scenario and a fully-automated AI luxury future. Based on a survey of teachers, it then explores what these scenarios - and the process of future shaping - requires of us in terms of 

skills and analyzes to what extent these skills are taught in today’s Swiss schools. 

 

The report is one of many that try to prepare us for the future by stretching our imagination. What makes it a good starting point for a thought-provoking discussion is the concrete shape the 4 scenarios give. We are invited to think and feel through what a day in each scenario might be like. 

 

As human beings, longing for connection, and eager to shape a future worth living, we invite you to join us online. Let’s explore different future scenarios and what they bring up in us. What is the world we want to see in 2050? What do we feel compelled to do in order to create that future? 

 

If any or all of the questions above resonate with you, we would love for you to join the conversation!  All are welcome.

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Please note that Daniel and Sara are in no way associated with the Jacobs Foundation or GDI and have selected the report merely as a starting point for reflection and discussion.