Projects
PMFCFS developed a new course in association with the World Futures Studies Federation (WFSF). This course will allow students to get an international exposure; participating in activities with the UNESCO and WFSF. The course will include guest speakers from around the world on a virtual platform to assist to bringing a real-life connection to the application of future thinking.
The study of the future and its uses has become a global interest and a necessity for all majors. Students will be introduced to top global futurist as well as Future Studies in multiple industries such as the future of education, environment and the resources, businesses, public policies, design and technologies or future of medicine.
PMFCFS is hosting a virtual exhibition booth at the UNESCO High-Level Futures Literacy Summit titled “Futures Literacy in Inter-Generational Learning” from December 8th through December 12th, 2020. Visitors to the booth will be able to explore how the center engages with the future through its various set of anticipation activities. A virtual laboratory experience will be present, allowing visitors to learn and interact on the components of the Futures Literacy course while retracting on Futures Literacy topics lively with experts from the field.
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd Center for Futuristic Studies (PMFCFS) conducted its first round table series titled “Roundtable in Interdisciplinary Research Related to Future Studies” and was held last November 7, 2019 at PMU.
Keynote speakers:
Dr. Erik Øverland, President of the World Futures Studies Federation
- President of the World Futures Studies Federation (WFSF)
- PhD in Future Studies at the Free University of Berlin
- Expert on innovation and research policy issues at the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research since 2006
- Founder and co-editor of the European Journal of Futures Research (EJFR)
- Guest lecturer at the University in Stavanger on Foresight Management issues
- Former Project Manager of Norway 2030 by the Norwegian Government (1998-2001)
- Author of several books and articles in the field of science, futures research, theory of science and work life research
Dr. Andreas Ligtvoet, Netherlands
- Dr. Andreas Ligtvoet is a Principal Consultant with expertise in the green and blue economy, particularly evaluations of sustainable energy systems and (industrial) cooperation policy
- He is based in Technopolis Group’s Amsterdam office and currently works as project manager for the Blue Bioeconomy Forum of DG Maritime Affairs and as framework manager on an energy research framework for DG Research & Innovation
- He has led large, multi-partner assignments and likes to employ a range of qualitative and quantitative methods, such as serious games and simulation models
- He is also board member of the World Futures Studies Federation, a network of researchers promoting foresight and foresight methodology
Victor V. Motti, M, Director of the World Futures Studies Federation (WFSF)
- Appointed to a vacancy on the Executive Board in March 2012, and elected to the Board in 2013 for a four-year term
- Director of the WFSF
- His new book published in the UK, is titled: "A Transformation Journey to Creative and Alternative Planetary Futures"
- He is the recipient of the World Futures Studies Federation President's Outstanding Young Futurist Award in 2013
- In July 2016 and May 2017 he joined a select International panel of futurists from developed and developing countries at the Royal Institute for Strategic Studies (IRES) in Morocco to explore key transitions at global and regional levels for 2030 and 2050 horizons
- In May 2016 he gave a seminar at the University of Trento in Italy on futures studies in the Middle East and North Africa, based on a recent paper he wrote for the World Future Review
The second round table lecture series was held on April 14, 2020 entitled, “Future Studies as Mechanism for Decision Making”, a series of lectures and webinars discussing the status of the world and the foreseen scenarios after the coronavirus crisis.
Dr. Nisreen Al Lahham, Chairman of the forum for the Studies of the Future for Africa and the Middle East, explained the following:
- The purpose of future studies
- Future studies foundations
- Future studies as a mechanism for decision making
- Role of futures studies in the light of crises and distress.
The third round table lecture series was held on April 16, 2020 entitled, “Our Future After Corona”. Prof. Saeed Al-Siddiqi, professor and expert, international Relations & International Law, University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah FES, Morocco, provided details on the topics of globalization, international relations and international cooperation.
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) has developed a proposal for a UNESCO Chair in Transitional and Inter-Generational Anticipation whose focus is the quality of education, one of the key UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Guillermina Baena Paz, Vice-President of Latin America World Futures Studies Federation and Executive Committee Chair for WFSF Conference 2019 Mexico City invited Dr. Muamar Salameh and Dr. Maura Pilotti for an international prospective training videoconference on May 29, 2020. The said training was held in different sub-offices in Medellín, Colombia, and Mendoza, Argentina, as well as Mexico City and was simultaneously broadcasted via YouTube with participants from convening cities such as Lima, Peru and Alajuela, Costa Rica, Catamarca, Argentina and Mexico City.
The Center for Futuristic Studies with its establishment and anticipation was the main focus of the talk given by Dr. Salameh.