Our Vision
Create a platform for youth to identify desired futures and chart a course to realize them,
expand their own horizons and skills, and make contributions to space, society and a sustainable Earth.
Why Space? Space provides wonder, aspiration and a sense of new possibilities. Space educational activities touch on multiple aspects of science, technology and innovation (STI) with a present and future orientation. And as we think about space exploration and footholds on other planets, it provides a platform for not only investigating STI, but also imagining and exploring what a better version of society might look like, who decides, what assumptions we need to break down, and what we value in humanity and community. Today’s space sector also offers lessons on international cooperation and its STI spinoffs provide more immediate and near-term solutions for improving life on Earth, from Earth observation data for climate issues, to closed loop systems for building circular economies, to new technologies for health, nutrition and education.
Why Futurism and Science Fiction? Futurism allows for identifying possible and plausible future scenarios, the signals that show us where we might be heading, and helps guide how to direct our choices and efforts behind a preferred path. Indigenous and Afrofuturism go even further in redefining our staring points, imagining a different hiostory and therefore a different present and offering alternative models of society. The world-building of science fiction (and the role playing that comes with related games) is another pathway to increasing imagination (a critical asset), working through potential future scenarios, articulating desires and questioning our world and resolving challenges. The UN is even starting to turn to science fiction writers and thinkers to help envisage the future.
Why Model UN? The Model United Nations is an over 90 year old youth program that puts students into decision-making positions as they represent the world’s countries, different perspectives and needs, and work toward establishing and implementing global frameworks and goals. Through simulation- based learning, it engages young people in cross-cultural dialogue, negotiation and global cooperation around pressing issues for the planet, people, prosperity, peace and partnerships, including achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. It also asks questions about how we can create better societies and work together more effectively to get there. Model UN has reached millions of young people across the globe.
Our aim is to build on the best of these learning opportunities, combining elements and introducing new ones in order to create a truly inter-disciplinary, creative and cutting-edge learning ecosystem.
OUR GOALS
stimulate change
Changing mindsets about what is possible to achieve and increasing young people's agency and ingenuity in forging their desired futures. Envisaging models for greater international cooperation and generating solutions for more equitable and sustainable societies on Earth. Moving the perspectives of underrepresented groups to the center of decision making.
Develop skills
Building STEAM skills, including those related to future of work and emerging technologies. Broadening STEM identity through linkages to society and inter—disciplinary approaches. Building other 21st century skills (e.g. cooperation and collaboration, problem solving, communication), as well as exploring human centered design, future foresight, systems thinking and ethics. Creating pathways to future learning and careers.
democratize space
Forming a new and inclusive narrative of space for all and expanding participation in space exploration and use of spinoff applications for life on earth. Actively engaging underrepresented groups, including youth from developing countries, girls and women. Creating next generation engagement in meaningful ways.
