Locations
Overview
Looking ahead to the Summit of the Future in September 2024, the question of what kind of world we leave to our descendants concerns us all. The Signals Spotlight identifies some of the areas where our legacy to future generations is in doubt – and asks what that means for development.
The themes in the Spotlight come directly from the observations of UNDP’s staff on the ground, a global network of “signal scanners” who scan the horizon for signs of change. It’s a conversation starter; the reader is encouraged to dip into chapters and ask: are the signals of change which UNDP is noticing novel, or already familiar? And what might they mean for development?
The Spotlight is divided into three chapters:
Hope for an equitable future:
Opportunities for justice between species, across geographies and time
This chapter looks at opportunities for justice between species, across geographies and time. An equitable future means leaving options open for current and future generations to flourish. To that end, some governments are adopting longer-term perspectives through legislation for the rights of nature and of future generations. There is growing interest in alternative economic models, fairer to people and planet.
Hope for responsible technological progress:
As technology changes our world, using it responsibly for a better future for everyone
We see huge opportunities for development in today’s extraordinarily rapid progress in science and technology, from AI to biotechnology to neuroscience to space exploration. Yet technologies are not neutral. To ensure their benefits are fairly shared – across geographies and generations – multilateral cooperation and responsible governance are essential.
Hope for resilient and connected communities
Increasing our chances to thrive amidst change and uncertainty
This chapter looks at some of the threats to strong communities, like the persistent trauma of conflict and disaster, digital disinformation, and the feeling of some young people that they are languishing in “waithood”. It finds signs of hope and investment in social and intergenerational connections. Multigenerational living and workplaces are making us rethink our linear model of life. Progress towards gender equality, though much slower than it should be, can improve everyone’s chances to thrive.
