Program Mastering Futures Literacy

Since 2017 numerous professionals from various organizations and disciplines have joined our Mastering Futures Literacy program: a unique four module program focused on developing the capability futures literacy as well as its practical application.

What is Futures Literacy?

We use the future every day: we predict, we plan, we dream. In doing so, we always make assumptions. Mostly we are not aware of this, while these unconscious assumptions about the future have great influence on our thinking and actions in the present. Futures Literacy is the ability to be aware of- and experiment with our assumptions about the future and use them as a lens to think and act differently in the present.

Why is this relevant?

The world is changing rapidly and many of us experience these times as uncertain, as unconscious assumptions about the future are challenged: that which we initially thought impossible turns out to be possible after all. Futures Literacy teaches us that the future is not fixed, but open and fluid. This helps us to see uncertainty not as a threat, but as an opportunity. This strengthens our ability to respond resiliently to change. By exploring different futures, we develop mental flexibility; we learn to shift our perspective when circumstances change. In organisations and teams, Futures Literacy promotes open dialogue about values and visions, it encourages using the future as a learning environment. By experimenting with alternative futures, we discover new perspectives in the present.

How can you train it?

In a Futures Literacy Lab we explore our assumptions about the future. Through three successive phases we become aware of our blind spots and underlying beliefs. Through alternative future scenarios we stretch our imagination of the future. This then makes us look differently at the present: resulting in fundamental new questions and ideas for our actions in the here and now. The three phases form an ongoing learning process that does not end after a Lab. You can apply the subsequent phases in different contexts and challenges, gradually enhancing your perception, embracing complexity and building a new sense of agency.

Program 2025-2026

Training days are scheduled from 9.30-17.00 CET (incl. lunch) in the city of Groningen. The program consists of four consecutive modules of two days each. Participants may take individual modules, as long as the Basic Module (or a suitable equivalent) has been completed.
Modules 1 through 3 are required before enrolling in the final module.

Time investment and costs

The estimated time investment for the entire course is +/- 100 hours (8 training days incl. in between preparation and practice). Participation fee for the entire course is €3400. For individual modules, there is a flat rate of €900 per module. All amounts are exempt from VAT.

More information & questions

For more information or questions, please contact the UNESCO Chair in Futures Literacy:

• Jitske Gulmans | [email protected]
• Ramila Khafaji Zadeh | [email protected]
• Loes Damhof | [email protected]