World Future Forum/ 17th Annual General Meeting

  • When?

    24-28 April 2024

  • Where?

    Sekem, Egypt

  • Who?

    Councilors, Honorary Councilors, Management Board, Supervisory Board, Staff, Guests

Safeguarding the Rights of Future Generations and Nature – this was the underlying approach of the 17th Annual General Assembly of the World Future Council, which took place from the 24th unftil the 28th opf April in Sekem, Egypt.

By recognizing the intrinsic value of both human and ecological well-being, we ensure that our actions today do not compromise the opportunities and resources available to those who will inherit the Earth tomorrow. This entails fostering an environment where future generations can thrive, free from the burdens of environmental degradation, social injustice, and economic inequality. It requires us to adopt policies and practices that prioritize conservation, equitable resource allocation, and intergenerational justice. Embracing this responsibility not only honors the rights of those yet to come but also acknowledges our interconnectedness with the natural world, reinforcing the need for stewardship and respect for all life forms.

For five days, the Council gathered to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year and discussed plans for the future. This was an excellent opportunity to meet fellow members, engage in meaningful conversations, and contribute to further development of the World Future Council.

We truly valued everybody’s presence and insights, as together we strive to create a just, sustainable and peaceful future.

Yes to safeguarding the rights of future generations and nature! We, the World Future Council, are eager – more than ever before – to commit to this high goal.

Yes to a forum of inspiring, diverse changemakers forming the World Future Council! Only with a diverse set of skills, expertise, social and ethnic background, and ages we can assess the world’s greatest challenges.

Yes to solutions for our common future! While acknowledging risks, our focus must be on seeking, inventing, and evaluating solutions. This ethos is evident at the WFC, highlighted by initiatives like our #FuturePolicy Award, which in this year will focus Peace and Future Generations, showcasing policies and practices for the benefit of future generations and nature.”

We also welcomed our new Council members Marie-Claire Graf and Roberto Roberto Hernández Juárez as well as Youth:Present representative  Jeffrey Opoku.

The assembly was financed with the support of Sekem, Fattoria la Vialla, the Nelting family and the World Ethics Forum.

Sign of Hope: Visit to thriving oasis in Egypt

Representatives of the World Future Council witnessed that the Wahat Desert, located in the Egyptian region of Wahat Bahareya, is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Thanks to the efforts of the Egyptian initiative Sekem, host of our 17th Annual General Meeting, this once arid landscape is now turning into a thriving oasis spanning 1,000 hectares through biodynamic farming, compost production, date palm trees and biodiversity boost.

In celebration of Honorary Councilor and Co-Founder Prof. Dr. Michael Otto’s remarkable life’s work and his receipt of the prestigious Future Economy Leadership Award, 100 trees have been planted in his honour.

Heliopolis University Explores Solutions for a Sustainable Future

The Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development hosted a special edition of its Social Initiative Forum with talks from World Future Council members under the topic “Solutions for Our Common Future: Living in Harmony with Nature”.

Host Helmy Abouleish, Honorary Councillor Dr. Michael Otto, WFC Councillors Otto Scharmer, Rama Mani, Thais Corral and Pedro Tarak as well as Executive Director Alexandra Wandel presented best practices and policies they successfully work on. Also students of HU presented solutions they have developed. Attendees included activists, academics, investors, entrepreneurs, stakeholders, educators, students as well as representatives from local & international organizations, NGOs, embassies, cultural institutions who work together towards a better society and humanity.