27 & 28 November 2023
Dubai Future Forum
2023 Edition
The 2023 Dubai Future Forum built upon the 2022 vision of becoming “the world’s largest gathering of futurists.” In the same year, the UAE hosted COP28 at the Dubai EXPO site, making it natural for one of the Forum’s key themes to focus on Regenerating Nature. Throughout the two-day event, climate, food, and nature-related discussions were deeply intertwined with youth and indigenous communities—representing future generations and exploring diverse perspectives on sustainability. These conversations were vital for shaping a better tomorrow for both our planet’s ecosystems and its people.
With over 2,500 participants from nearly 100 countries, the 2023 Edition featured 70 sessions across three other major themes: Empowering Generations, Transcending Collaboration, and Transforming Humanity. It also hosted Foresight Insights sessions, where the traditions and methodologies of foresight met innovation. These sessions ignited discussions on alternative futures, shared lessons from local governments practicing foresight, and paved the way for a more inclusive, sustainable future.
OUR SUCCESS IN NUMBERS
2,500
Participants from varied future-focused sectors
150+
Speakers
70
Sessions and Workshops
100
Participating top global institutions specialised in foresight and future studies
Representation from 100+ Countries
Our Distinguished Speakers Included
Dr. Angela Wilkinson
World Energy Council
Bruce Friedrich
The Good Food Institute
Dr. Ismahane Elouafi
Consultative Group on International
Agricultural Research
Agricultural Research
H.E. Ohood Al Roumi
Minister of State for Government Development & Future, UAE
Dr. Mary Lou Jepsen
Openwater
Prof. Pascale Fung
Hong Kong University of
Science & Technology
Science & Technology
H.E. Khalfan Belhoul
Dubai Future Foundation
Dr. Aaron Maniam
University of Oxford
Joanna Lepore
McDonald's Corporation
Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi
Emirati astronaut & Member
of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 mission 2023
of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 mission 2023
Dr. Paul Salem
Middle East Institute
James Pomeroy
HSBC
*whurley
Strangeworks
Dr. Sophie Howe
“World’s First Minister for the Unborn”
Sinead Bovell
WAYE
Alice Ruhweza
WWF International
Prof. Marc Buckley
ALOHAS Regenerative Foundation
Sarah DaVanzo
Pierre Fabre Foundation
2023 Themes
REGENERATING NATURE
Our future is undoubtedly centered around minimizing environmental risks, amplifying Nature’s capacity to restore itself and having a positive impact on crucial environmental ecosystems and habitats. This would not only create a more stable, healthier planet for humanity but it would also elevate Nature’s overall standing in this world.
EMPOWERING GENERATIONS
The global population will continue to grow for another three generations. It will be non-trivial to empower societies by offering solutions to humanity’s most complex and universal needs, optimizing systems they rely on, safeguarding against risks that could make societies more fragile in the face of crises and extending individual and collective potential for growth, development and well-being.
TRANSCENDING COLLABORATION
Individually we can achieve only so much. Collaboration, with a twist, is the way forward. Enhanced problem-solving, learning and innovation by redesigning collaborative structures and processes among humans, including different generations, between humans and machines, and between machines.
TRANSFORMING HUMANITY
This is the power to radically change ways of life by replacing the models that countries, communities and individuals live by – if they don’t work. These new models enable individuals and communities to innovate, improve and aid the transformation of humanity to new digital and non-digital realities.
EXPLORE 2023 THEMES
Empowering Generations
The global population will continue to grow for another three generations. It will be non-trivial to empower societies by offering solutions to humanity’s most complex and universal needs, optimising systems they rely on, safeguarding against risks that could make societies more fragile in the face of crises and extending individual and collective potential for growth, development and well-being.
Transforming Humanity
This is the power to radically change ways of life by replacing the models that countries, communities and individuals live by – if they don’t work. It’s more than the opportunities for generations yet to come: these new models enable individuals and communities to innovate, improve and aid the transformation of humanity to new digital and non-digital realities.
Foresight Insights
Foresight Insights explores tools to navigate a rapidly changing world. Anticipating the future aids decision-making, fosters understanding, and uncovers opportunities. Foresight connects the past, present, and possible futures, integrating diverse approaches for planning, strategy, and policy. Most excitingly, it discovers emerging topics, projecting into futures yet to unfold, extending beyond current understanding to shape more informed and innovative outcomes.
Regenerating Nature
Our future is undeniably focused on minimizing environmental risks, enhancing Nature’s ability to restore itself, and fostering a positive impact on vital ecosystems and habitats. This approach will not only create a more stable and healthier planet for humanity but will also elevate the importance of Nature in our world. By prioritizing sustainable practices and a harmonious relationship with the environment, we can ensure a legacy of balance and resilience for generations to come.
Transcending Collaboration
Individually we can achieve only so much. Collaboration, with a twist, is the way forward. Enhanced problem-solving, learning and innovation by redesigning collaborative structures and processes among humans, including different generations, between humans and machines, and between machines.
