Linnaeus University at UNESCO’s World Futures Day
On December 2, 2025, UNESCO World Futures Day was held in Paris under the theme “Anticipation in an Era of Volatility.” The day brought together around 700 participants from across the globe to discuss future-related issues and global challenges.
UNESCO particularly highlighted its network of over 1,100 UNESCO Chairs, 35 of which focus on futures studies. Linnaeus University’s UNESCO Chair on Heritage Futures is one of these and was represented by Chairholder Cornelius Holtorf, affiliated researcher Claudio Pescatore, and Helena Rydén, assistant to the UNESCO Chair at Linnaeus University.
The day’s program featured lectures and panel discussions on how complex systems and education can help navigate a future shaped by AI while safeguarding the well-being of humanity and the planet. The event opened with a keynote by French philosopher Éric Sadin, who emphasized that generative AI represents a historic shift and urged critical reflection on its implications for learning and creativity.
In connection with the event, the digital exhibition “Good Ancestors: Art & Culture for Future Generations” was showcased, linking art and culture across time. The exhibition had been suggested for the event by Cornelius Holtorf.
A highlight of the day was the afternoon's futures workshops. One focused on “Beyond Crisis Preparedness: Creating the Future through Culture and Cultural Heritage,” where Vicky Karaiskou (UNESCO Chair on Visual Literacy) and Cornelius Holtorf (UNESCO Chair on Heritage Futures) engaged about 50 participants from around the world. Read more about the afternoon workshop here.
Header image: Vicky Karaiskou and Cornelius Holtorf – both UNESCO Chairholders – preparing for the afternoon session at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris on December 2, 2025. Photo: Helena Rydén.
