Futurists Call on Humanity to ‘Break Free from Outdated Paradigms to Fix Global Problems’

- The world is braced for ‘era-defining moments’ over the next 12 months, hears third edition of Dubai Future Forum.

The world must move beyond “outdated” paradigms if it is to fix its problems, according to leading minds in foresight.

Speaking at the Dubai Future Forum 2024, experimental philosopher Jonathan Keats said: “If we only think about today’s problems using today’s tools, we reify those problems. What we desperately need is an outside perspective—history can provide that, but so can the future.”

Recognised as the world’s largest gathering of futurists, the forum concluded its third edition with a resounding call for bold, innovative thinking to tackle today’s complex and interconnected global challenges. It emphasised the urgency of embracing transformative solutions to navigate an increasingly unpredictable world. Film director and architect Liam Young echoed this sentiment, stating: “The scale of crises we have created is so vast and extraordinary that the solutions we continue to hold on to are simply no longer fit for purpose.”

In his opening remarks, His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, highlighted the pace of change reshaping the global landscape: “What we are about to see in the next 12 months is not just change; it is a series of era-defining moments. The wheel of future design is spinning faster than we, or our ancestors, could have imagined.”

Highlighting some of these monumental human feats, Dr Adriana Marais, scientist and aspiring Martian, remarked: “The biggest adventure in the history of life on Earth is upon us—humanity has developed the capability to expand beyond our own planet.”

Building on this profound vision of human potential, Sara Sabry, the first Arab and African female astronaut, spoke about the transformative power of belief and ambition: “Opportunities grow when we dream about the impossible. But first, we must believe in why we are doing what we are doing now.”

The forum’s agenda revolved around five interconnected themes—Futuring Nature, Transforming Humanity, Optimising Health, Empowering Generations, and Foresight Insights—each exploring innovative responses to pressing global issues.

2024 Andromeda Research Program Competition
The forum also celebrated advancements in space exploration. Sara Sabry announced the winners of the 2024 Andromeda Research Program Competition, a three-month initiative uniting participants from India, Egypt, Nigeria, and Botswana under expert mentorship. The winning team tackled critical challenges in human spaceflight, including radiation protection, the effects of microgravity on health, and sustainable life support systems for interplanetary missions.

Beyond its discussions, the forum engaged the wider public through city-wide activations that showcased the intersection of art, science, and technology. Events such as ‘Future of Making: A New Material Culture?’ by ARUP and ‘Flipping the Script: How Can Films Shape Positive AI Futures?’ by the Future of Life Institute captivated audiences with creative and interactive approaches. Film screenings and showcases at Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue, and the Courtyard in Al Qouz further bridged the gap between futurists and the community.

This year’s edition of the Dubai Future Forum welcomed over 2,500 experts from 100 countries, including representatives from 100 international organisations specialising in future design. The event featured 150 prominent speakers—government officials, CEOs, academics, policymakers, and thought leaders—participating in 70 sessions spanning panel discussions, keynote addresses, and workshops.