We all face global challenges, including climate change, the increasing pace of technologies, and geopolitical shifts; however, their impacts vary significantly across cities. While trends and risks are global, their effects manifest differently at the local level. Therefore, it is essential to conduct foresight and scenario planning at the local level to ensure informed, strategic, and effective decision-making. On an international level, the EU, NATO, UN, World Economic Forum, etc. all emphasize the importance of strategic foresight in anticipating societal changes and advancing a green, digital, and fair Europe. Raising awareness of future urban risks and gathering and exchanging issues, challenges, insights, best practices, and ideas pose a great opportunity for the whole region.
This project aims to establish local foresight on future urban risks in the Baltic region by identifying emerging and unprecedented challenges and developing strategic responses. By integrating local foresight efforts, the project seeks to create a shared approach and strengthen regional collaboration toward a more resilient and sustainable future. The aim is to provide a structured, participatory process using a recognized and well-established methodology for future studies, scenario generation, and strategy development. It aims to identify and assess future urban risks in the Baltic region while tailoring insights to local contexts.
The UBC takes the role of the project hosting partner and will provide a platform to ensure long-term knowledge-sharing and integration into policy recommendations at local, national and EU level. Strong communication and dissemination efforts will raise awareness of foresight’s role in urban planning, sharing results through partner networks and wider international engagements. By fostering a common societal security culture, the project strengthens preparedness, response, and resilience, contributing to a safer and more sustainable Baltic Sea Region.
Partners:
Cities: Gdańsk, Klaipeda, Riga, Talinn, Umeå
Project Lead: Ystad Municipality
Platform Host: Union of the Baltic Cities (UBC)
Foresight Facilitation: Nordic Urban Resilience Institute (NURI)
Financing: SI Baltic Sea Neighbourhood Programme
More information:
Silvia Haslinger Olsson – silvia.olsson@nordicresilience.com
Magnus Qvant – magnus.qvant@nordicresilience.com