World Futures Studies Federation XXth World Conference

Transitions: Encouraging Emerging Worlds

June 30-July 3, 2008 – Trollhätten, SWEDEN

The World Futures Studies Federation has successfully organised its XXth World Conference. In the focus participants has discussed 'Transition' from several different aspects. The keynote speaches articulated by John Stutz, Fabienne Goux-Baudiment and Riel Miller have put the essence and nature of transition to the forefront from the viewpoint of macrohistory, regarding the transition of futures studies and the organisation of WFSF itself as well as based on the nature and demand of anticipatory thinking.

One sequence of sessions have discussed different aspects of transition: new images of the future, emerging issues of the present, global mindset changes and pioneers that may encourage the seeds of change and those tools and methods that may implement the emerging alternatives. The paralel set of sessions have gone into details of futures literacy by raising the practical experience of this field, the ontological and epistemological foundations and the possible paths ahead into discussion. The transition in futures education has also recieved much attention.

The outcome and messages have been articulated via several small-group discussions where all participants could voice their understanding and learning. The atmosphere was intimate and erotic for the people.

The conference has also given place to the General Assembly of the Federation. The preparatory work of the Executive Board suggested profound changes in the operational structure of the WFSF as well as summarised the current lessons of the refreshing process. The General Assembly has discussed the different reports and made important changes in the constitution of the WFSF.

A detailed set of reports will soon be submitted to the participants and WFSF members as well as this conference website is going to host all presentations, papers and evaluation.

Let us thank the contribution of all participants who have created a memorable spirit, developed futures studies and hopefully put the Federation on a new track.