Baku, July 27, AZERTAC
A Global Foresight Focal Points Initiative event titled "Equipping the Islamic World for the Future: Presentation and Adaptation of the Strategic Foresight Guide” was held in Baku.
The initiative, co-organized by the ICESCO Regional Office in Baku and the Center of Foresight and Artificial intelligence (CFAI), officially launched the Strategic Foresight Guide.
This institutional reference document aims to support the strengthening of national foresight capabilities in member states, as well as the integration of anticipatory approaches into public policy, strategic planning, governance, and decision-making processes.
Running until July 28, the event involves a collaborative process aimed at co-creating and inclusively enriching the regulatory framework of the Guide, based on the expertise, best practices, and priorities of ICESCO member states.
In his opening remarks, Abdulhakeem AlSenan, Director of the ICESCO Regional Office in Baku, noted that the nations shaping their future are those capable of anticipating challenges before they materialize into reality. “Strategic foresight is no longer a choice; it is an integral part of state governance and decision-making processes. As a platform where the experiences of various countries converge, Baku plays a crucial role in shaping future-oriented initiatives. By fostering a culture of foresight, ICESCO aims to enhance the adaptation of member states to evolving global challenges,” he added.
In his video message, Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, noted that while knowledge is a primary driving force of progress, foresight transforms that knowledge into adaptation and purposeful action. He highlighted that the Strategic Foresight Guide serves to develop shared future goals for ICESCO member states.
Other speakers included Nouzha Chekrouni, Senior fellow at the Policy Center for the New South; Aktoty Raimkulova, President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation; and Kaïs Hammami, Director of the Center for Foresight and Artificial Intelligence (CFAI).