Inaugural futurists' conference in Cape Town

At the conference, some of the top local and international futurists and scenario planners will dissect varied topics ranging from South African economic scenarios to 2030, de-globalisation, a green future and explore the top five systematic challenges facing South Africa. There is also a special segment on security.

Organisations such as Woolworths, Rio Tinto, Dimension Data, BAT, the Department of Defence, COSATU, Plascon, Santam, Old Mutual, Pioneer Foods, Engen and Exxaro have secured their participation in the conference. Over 100 delegates will participate in scenario-building exercises, share research insights and consider trends that will influence the driving forces of the country over the coming 20 years.

"This event is timeous,” says Mike Lee, World Future Society -South African chapter chairperson. “In almost all sectors of our society, we need to create sustainable pathways to secure our food, natural resources, jobs, health and environment of our nation.

“Many of the challenges we face are the unintentional consequence of decisions taken in one sector with cross-cutting socio-economic impacts. The wipeout of the entire local textile and manufacturing industry is a case in point - it affected the livelihood of millions of people.

The conference will open with a recorded address by Nobel Laureate Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu to set the tone for the two days.

For more info go to www.wfs-sa.com.