UN Global Pulse Uganda’s Growing Futures and Foresight Footprint
UN Global Pulse Uganda and UN Global Pulse Finland joined Uganda’s Ministry of Information, Communications Technology, and National Guidance (ICT&NG) to start applying Futures and Foresight to data sharing in Uganda. From 17–19 October, we held a workshop in Jinja, bringing together over 60 participants to consider: “The Future of Data Sharing and Reuse for Uganda.”
Participants dissected Uganda’s current data landscape, examining three critical areas: data governance in cities, the picture with migration data, and data-sharing in the tourism sector. The event introduced Futures and Foresight methodologies to navigate uncertainty and suggested how UN Global Pulse Uganda and its partners might formulate innovative strategies for the country’s development.
Throughout 2023, we were working with the Ministry of ICT&NG and partners to develop an anticipatory and resilient National Data Strategy for Uganda. We saw a need for ways to engage diverse stakeholders in envisioning potential futures and this was where UN Global Pulse Finland came in, with a playful approach that used games to explore various possible scenarios.
With a tool called the Scenario Exploration System (SES), we looked at fictional scenarios for Uganda’s future. In one, Uganda develops and implements a National Data Strategy (NDS), leading to benefits for the country. In another, we omit the NDS and the result is dependency on other countries and potential control by major tech corporations!
Participants said the game helped them to make the “present-future” leap in their minds and identify the collective actions needed to achieve their shared vision for Uganda. To date, three rounds of the Scenario Exploration game have been played with stakeholders.
Simultaneously, UN Global Pulse Uganda has been promoting the growth of a Futures and Foresight community through capacity-building programs. Noteworthy was the participation of representatives from the Ministry of ICT&NG and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office for Uganda in the 2023 Dubai Futures Forum.
Dr. Aminah Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary for the ministry, appeared on a panel discussion titled “Institutionalising Foresight in Governments.” She commended UN Global Pulse’s work in Futures and Foresight, emphasising its ability to involve not only stakeholders but also the public in decision-making.
In the coming year, UN Global Pulse Uganda anticipates further partnerships and opportunities to expand the reach and impact of Futures and Foresight, reinforcing our commitment to fostering a more resilient and innovative society.
