UNESCO CHAIR For Inter-Religious Dialogue Studies in The Islamic World
Paris – 02.10.2025
Dr. Alaa Shtanan, Director of the UNESCO Chair at the University of Kufa, took part in the events of “World Futures Day: Anticipation in an Era of Volatility,” held at UNESCO Headquarters in the French capital, Paris, under the theme: “Foresight in an Era of Volatility: Anticipation amid Rapid Change.”
The event, which commenced on December 2, 2025, witnessed broad international participation by experts and academics whose discussions focused on strengthening futures literacy as a vital instrument for confronting contemporary global challenges—particularly in light of accelerating technological advancement, climate change, and the demographic and geopolitical transformations reshaping the world.
The sessions were inaugurated by the thinker Éric Sadin, who delivered a thought-provoking keynote lecture entitled “The Future of Humanity in the Age of Pervasive Artificial Intelligence.” This was followed by a series of specialized workshops addressing the ethics of emerging technologies, including quantum computing and neurotechnologies, as well as foresight perspectives on the future of science and international cooperation.
On the sidelines of the event, a strategic workshop was convened the following day, December 3, dedicated to empowering future leaders. The workshop was organized in cooperation with the UNESCO Chairs Network on Futures Literacy and the global UNITWIN Programme, underscoring the active role of the Chair in shaping anticipatory visions for international crises. The events also featured strong participation from UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN networks representing countries from across the world.
