Anticipatory Governance for Global Challenges:

Amir Jahangir

Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Mishal Pakistan | Strategic Communications, Public Policy, Narratology

Published Dec 2, 2024

By Amir Jahangir , Chief Executive Officer, Mishal Pakistan

Ensuring the Needs of Future Generations in Today's Policymaking

In an era marked by accelerating global challenges—from climate change to inequality and technological disruption—policymakers are increasingly confronted with the need to think beyond the immediate. While short-term solutions remain critical, ensuring that we safeguard the interests of future generations is becoming an imperative for sustainable governance. The concept of anticipatory governance—which integrates long-term thinking into today's decision-making processes—offers a framework for navigating this complexity (OECD, 2024)[1]. As the world continues to evolve, anticipatory governance provides a way for policymakers to address present challenges while anticipating the needs of the future (4strat, 2024)[2].

The recent adoption of the Pact for the Future at the UN Summit of the Future underscores the growing recognition of this approach (OECD, 2024)[1]. World Futures Day 2024 invites a global conversation on the future of global social and economic progress, emphasizing how foresight and futures literacy can address pressing challenges. By incorporating foresight into policy development, we can better address systemic problems such as inequality, climate change, and technological transformation (OECD, 2024)[1].

This article explores how anticipatory governance can reshape policymaking, ensuring that today’s decisions align with long-term goals, address global challenges, and meet the needs of future generations.

What Is Anticipatory Governance?

At its core, anticipatory governance integrates futures literacy and foresight into decision-making. It encourages policymakers to look beyond the immediate term and consider the long-term implications of their actions (4strat, 2024)[2]. Anticipatory governance involves the use of foresight tools—such as scenario planning, horizon scanning, and backcasting—to project multiple future scenarios and develop policies that are adaptable, resilient, and sustainable (OECD, 2024)[1].

Rather than focusing solely on short-term efficiency or growth, anticipatory governance emphasizes the importance of proactive thinking. In a world beset by uncertainty, it’s about preparing for possible futures, not predicting a singular outcome (OECD, 2024)[1]. This approach allows governments to swiftly respond to emerging challenges, creating policies that benefit both present and future generations.

Reimagining Economic and Social Progress

In the context of global challenges, particularly inequality and economic disruption, reimagining progress is necessary. Traditional economic models often prioritize short-term growth at the expense of long-term sustainability and equity. Futures literacy enables policymakers to explore alternative economic models that are not only growth-driven but also inclusive, sustainable, and resilient (OECD, 2024)[1].

For instance, as income inequality continues to rise in many parts of the world, futures-oriented policies can help policymakers imagine different economic trajectories. By using foresight tools, governments can assess the long-term effects of policies like universal basic income or wealth redistribution (OECD, 2024)[1]. Foresight can also highlight the benefits of circular economies—which reduce waste and emphasize sustainability—helping policymakers align economic progress with environmental stewardship.

Through futures literacy, policymakers are better equipped to craft policies that move beyond short-term fixes, considering how decisions made today will reverberate through generations. This long-term perspective ensures that social and economic progress benefits everyone now and in the future.

Addressing Global Challenges: Climate Change and Technological Transformation

Climate change and technological transformation are two of the most pressing global challenges that require anticipatory governance. While the effects of climate change are already being felt—ranging from extreme weather events to rising sea levels—the full scope of its impact will continue to unfold over decades (OECD, 2024)[1]. The urgency of addressing climate change calls for policies that are not only reactive but also proactive, ensuring that future generations inherit a sustainable planet.

Foresight plays a critical role in shaping climate policy. Through anticipatory governance, governments can develop long-term strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Scenario planning allows policymakers to assess different future environmental conditions, identifying potential risks and opportunities for resilience (OECD, 2024)[1]. These insights can help governments implement policies that prioritize sustainable development, green innovation, and climate justice—addressing both immediate and future needs.

Similarly, the rapid pace of technological transformation—particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, automation, and biotechnology—requires foresight-driven policies. Emerging technologies present both opportunities and challenges. Without foresight, there is a risk of exacerbating inequalities or creating new ethical dilemmas. By incorporating anticipatory governance, policymakers can anticipate the societal impacts of technological advancements (OECD, 2024)[1].

Leveraging Futures for Social Equity and Inclusion

One of the most compelling arguments for anticipatory governance is its potential to advance social equity and inclusion. Historically marginalized groups have been excluded from decision-making processes that shape their futures. Futures literacy offers a means to engage these groups in policymaking processes (OECD, 2024)[1].

By using foresight methods, public institutions can better understand the long-term dynamics of social inequality. Rather than treating inequality as a static issue, futures literacy encourages policymakers to view it as a dynamic challenge (OECD, 2024)[1]. By engaging diverse communities in foresight exercises, governments can co-create policies that promote social justice and address root causes of inequality.

The process of co-creation is central to anticipatory governance. When diverse groups are actively involved in shaping the future, resulting policies are more likely to be equitable and effective (OECD, 2024)[1].

The Interconnected Nature of Global Progress

Global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and technological transformation are interconnected. Anticipatory governance provides a framework for addressing these issues in an integrated manner (OECD, 2024)[1]. A futures-oriented approach allows policymakers to understand how different issues—such as economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability—are deeply intertwined.

For example, climate change disproportionately impacts low-income communities while automation can lead to job displacement if not managed properly. By using foresight tools, policymakers can identify synergies between these challenges and create holistic policies addressing multiple dimensions of global progress (OECD, 2024)[1].

Fostering a Future-Oriented Culture in Governance

For anticipatory governance to succeed, a cultural shift within public institutions is essential. Futures literacy must be embedded as a core competency for policymakers (OECD, 2024)[1]. This requires both formal education in foresight methodologies as well as a commitment to incorporating long-term thinking into day-to-day government operations.

Governments can foster a future-oriented culture by prioritizing foresight in policy development processes (OECD iLibrary). Through such practices, governance will become more adaptive and resilient.

As the world faces a growing array of interconnected challenges, anticipatory governance offers a way forward. By integrating futures literacy into policymaking processes (OECD iLibrary), governments can ensure decisions made today align with future generations' needs. In doing so they will not only address current global issues but also foster a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

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