Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Rockerfeller launches "Searchlight" programme to ID trends impacting the global poor (tags: development, horizon scanning, Africa, Asia))

The Rockefeller Foundation hosted an international workshop on Horizon Scanning and Future Thinking at its centre in Bellagio, Italy, earlier this month, launching its Searchlight programme to identify emerging trends that impact the lives of poor populations around the world.

http://www.strategicforesight.com/bellagio_workshop.htm

The workshop discussed methods for trends monitoring, as well as substantive issues which are emerging on the horizon in different parts of the world.

It identified key issues in the developing world, including

  • aging in East Asia,
  • urban resilience in South and South East Asia,
  • problems of small farmers,
  • water scarcity in different parts of the world and its implications for food security,
  • ICT revolution in Africa,
  • migration issues on the US-Mexico border

A presentation on Africa brought out facts about the lessening role of men in the African society, as well as the growing role of mobile phones in financial transfers.

A presentation on Singapore illustrated the need for foresight in health care planning and the use of innovative insurance schemes, blending public and private resources.

A presentation on South Africa introduced the concept of peace parks for the preservation of nature in transboundary zones.

Posted via email from The Future Café: People, Policy, Trends, Technology, Leadership, Foresight, Innovation, Design