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Article
Publication date: 1 October 1999

Michel Batisse

Against a background of global change and major demographic, social, economic, political and technological trends, this article explores the future role of Unesco. Considering…

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Abstract

Against a background of global change and major demographic, social, economic, political and technological trends, this article explores the future role of Unesco. Considering these major trends, this article first examines three global scenarios: optimistic liberal; pessimistic liberal; and sustainable human development. Building on the discussion of these scenarios, a possible future for Unesco is sketched out in terms of both priorities for action and management methods. The aim for this UN organization is not to set out a medium‐term strategy nor undertake a programming exercise but rather to ask often ignored questions and enliven debate on future world governance.

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Foresight, vol. 1 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6689

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Article
Publication date: 1 October 2000

Michel Batisse

This article identifies the major problems currently facing our world and raises pertinent questions. The issues discussed are population dynamics, urbanization and land…

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Abstract

This article identifies the major problems currently facing our world and raises pertinent questions. The issues discussed are population dynamics, urbanization and land occupancy, water and food, energy and climate, technology and society, info‐rich and info‐poor, unchecked or uncheckable markets, affluence and poverty, and world governance or domination. Because we live in a world system, these issues are all interconnected and cannot be tackled independently. The article suggests a systemic approach using prospective studies to anticipate the future more effectively than our natural inclination to extrapolate. One of the simplest methods for this is the trend scenario which leads from the past and present along logical paths throwing light on possible futures. However, this leads to unacceptable situations in a not too distant time frame, and so a shared and sustainable development scenario is proposed which would emphasize the non‐material aspects of economic growth in order to handle natural resources wisely and establish the stable and equitable wellbeing of the human race. The main conclusion is that a real paradigm shift in current economic, social and environmental practices is necessary both at the individual level in terms of the perception of the limits, constraints and values of the world system, and at the world level with respect to the political will to build consensus around the new goals, with the major powers taking the lead.

Details

Foresight, vol. 2 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6689

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 2006

Jacques Richardson

This paper seeks to summarize humanity's growing appraisal of cumulative transgressions against nature and how these may be proving reversible.

937

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to summarize humanity's growing appraisal of cumulative transgressions against nature and how these may be proving reversible.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes some of the current literature on environmental failure and the reasons therefor, and what, in global terms, activists are doing to rectify systemic breakdown.

Findings

The wrecking of nature is not new, but it is only recently that the conservationists, scientists, engineers and political activists of civil society have undertaken repairs and begun to meet the challenges of maintenance.

Originality/value

The application of rational, well‐intended corrective strategies (motivated beyond moralizing) are shown to undo some of the past's grossest misdemeanors.

Details

Foresight, vol. 8 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6689

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