We explore, cultivate and teach social practices to imagine and bring about purposeful change.

Welcome to our UNESCO chaired research and education center for the transition towards desired futures.

The Chair

Discover our path to transformation

We apply an integrative approach that combines our scientific and creative foundation with a practical, results-oriented focus on real-world challenges.

Picture displaying students and teachers at a round table, on the table lots of different small lego buildings and creatures; in the background a whiteboard full of sticky notes.
Learn
We offer learning opportunities to build capacity for anticipating desired futures and for facilitating required change.
Picture displaying pages of the Practices of Futurecasting Anthology while being turned; on the left book wrapper, neon green letters and abstract assemblage of lines on black background, on the right book's title in capital letters on white background
Explore
We produce forward-looking publications to inspire those engaged in transformation to think and act.
A large audience attentively listening to a speaker on stage at a conference, with visual presentations in the background.
Engage
We curate summits and circles to impart interdisciplinary knowledge profoundly for practical action.
Our Approach

Recent Highlights

Michael Shamiyeh, Leiter des Center for Future Design und UNESCO-Lehrstuhl für Zukunftsgestaltung, mit dem UNESCO-Direktor für Sozialpolitik Gustavo Merino Juárez bei der Generalkonferenz in Samarkand, Usbekistan. © UNESCO Chair on Anticipatory Techniques

UNESCO: Vice-President of MOST-Programme

Shamiyeh elected to the Intergovernmental Council of the Management of Social Transformations Programme.
Picture displaying audience and screen during Circle of Excellence event on May 22, 2025; on the screen speaker Yrjö Sotamaa is talking as he is participating remotely and a slide is being shown.

Event: Circle of Excellence

Insights on success factors and strategies of excellent Universities from US, EU, and CN.
An open book showing a photo of Laurent Bontoux on the left and a titled article, “How to Make Futures Plausible? Personal Experiences from EU Policymaking,” on the right.

Book: Practices of Futurecasting

A compendium on ways of sharing imagined tomorrows, gathering +40 thought leaders.
See all highlights
Take action

Call us at + 43 732 7898 - 2218

Contact us at office@c-fd.eu

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