The Dubai Future Forum 2024 marked a historic milestone by including youth delegates in conversations that will shape our collective future. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the School of International Futures (SOIF) and the Next Generation Foresight Practitioners (NGFP) network, these young voices weren't just present—they were prominently featured in a collective NGFP network 2 minute video and featured in the digital zine titled "Courageous Chorus."
A Digital Time Capsule
This beautifully crafted zine serves as both a reflection of the present and a message to the future—"a map for future generations to be able to trace and understand the origins of their world," as the introduction eloquently states. The anthology captures diverse perspectives from forum attendees, weaving together personal narratives, poetry, and visual elements that highlight the intersection of technology and humanity in futures thinking.
Youth Leaders Taking Center Stage
At the heart of this collection is a special feature on "The Power of Youth Leadership," showcasing three exceptional young futurists who made notable appearances in the zine:
Sofia Londoño, recognized with the NGFP-Young Voices Award for SDG 15, who founded IMPAKTO Community, an international environmental action network. Her contribution emphasizes the importance of "great imagination" in creating better futures.
Claire Bridgette, recipient of the 2023 NGFP-YV Award with special recognition for SDG 4, who champions higher education access in Indonesia through her platform Eduqette. Her message highlights collaboration as the key to creating our future.
Vrishank Sai Anand, a Year 10 student and founding member of Teach the Future's Young Voices Council, honored for his work bridging the digital divide by distributing over 12,000 books to remote Indian villages. His powerful statement—"Youth can be valued"—encapsulates the spirit of this groundbreaking inclusion.
Beyond Technology: The Human Element
What makes this zine particularly powerful is its focus on the human stories behind the forum's technological showcases. Contributors repeatedly emphasize that while presentations on autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence were impressive, "it was the people who made it truly come to life." The collection captures how meaningful connections formed "in the coffee lines and corridors," where conversations about futures centered on human connection rather than digital interfaces.
A Courageous Chorus Indeed
The centerpiece poem, "Courageous Chorus," beautifully synthesizes the themes running throughout the forum:
"Optimism. Counterweight to narratives — Tomorrow's stories are ancient truths. The stories told, the questions we dared to ask, Take root and grow."
Gratitude to Our Partners
This innovative project wouldn't have been possible without the generous support of Dubai Future Foundation and the School of International Futures (SOIF). Their partnership with the NGFP network created the space for these young voices to be heard and their perspectives preserved in this digital time capsule.
The zine stands as testament to a growing recognition that youth aren't just future leaders—they're active participants in shaping our world today. Through initiatives like this, we're witnessing the power of intergenerational collaboration in reimagining what's possible.
For those interested in exploring these diverse perspectives firsthand, the complete digital zine offers an immersive journey through the experiences, insights, and aspirations of those working to build more hopeful futures for all.
What is next?
Teach the Futures Young Voices Network is inviting motivated young people (ages 12-18) to apply for the FutureWise Summer Institute before the April 1st deadline. This 6-week online program (June-August 2025) is designed for teens passionate about creating positive change, developing leadership skills, and engaging in project-based work. Sessions are available Tuesday mornings or evenings (PST). Limited spots available - register at https://www.teachthefuture.org/futurewise to secure your place in this exclusive opportunity.