Middle East and North Africa Chapter

13 December 2023, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia 

The academic lecture, Evolving Pathways of the Futures Studies Histories in the World, traces the historical development of futures studies. Beginning with an exploration of its roots from ancient to modern times, the lecture covers the identification of waves, traditions, and schools that have shaped the discipline. It highlights the influential authors and milestone publications contributing to its evolution. The institutionalization of futures studies, its connections to related disciplines, and its role place in research, education, and academia are examined. The lecture also deals with the practical dimensions, addressing the professionalization of the field as a trade or industry and its application in real-world contexts. Notably, the speaker emphasizes the often-overlooked non-Western contributions, including from the Middle East and North Africa, providing a global perspective on the diverse pathways of futures studies (click here to read more).


State of Foresight Studies in the World was organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) and the Policy Center of the New South on May 26-27 in Rabat.

The Conference gathered futurists from universities, think tanks and research centers across the globe to discuss opportunities, challenges, and formulate recommendations for Foresight Studies:

Here is the full playback video collection of the whole event in English, Arabic and French:


The Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd (PMU) campus looked to the future when it hosted its very first International Conference in Futures Studies on Dec. 7-8 at the campus headquarters in Khobar. The conference was organized in collaboration with the university’s partner, the World Futures Studies Federation.

 

photo credit: https://twitter.com/pmuofficial

10 December 2022, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia 

The Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd (PMU) campus looked to the future when it hosted its very first International Conference in Futures Studies on Dec. 7-8 at the campus headquarters in Khobar. The conference was organized in collaboration with the university’s partner, the World Futures Studies Federation. [Read more here]

7 November 2019, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia

On behalf of the WFSF, President Dr. Erik F. Øverland opens the new Centre for Futuristic Studies (Futures Studies) at the Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. In addition he gave a guest lecture, took part in a Round Table and met the Principal, Dr. Issa H. Al Ansari, the Vice Rector, Dr. Faisal Yousif Alanezi and other prominent leaders of the University.

In September the WFSF signed an agreement with the PMU and these were some of the following up activities according to the agreement.

“This is both an important and interesting collaboration,” says Dr. Øverland, and continues -“the agreement is also aimed at establishing a research fund, which could contribute to the members in a very positive way”. [Read more here].

News coverage on Saudi TV. Watch here.

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