Social foresight relates to the diverse, complex, and changing web of sentiments, bonds, and processes by which we relate to each other. It questions how these social functions could change in the future, how these could combine to disrupt the social system, what future social systems might look like, and what those changes mean in terms of policy implications, opportunities, and challenges.

A broad consensus on citizenship – who deserves it and the rights and responsibilities it entails – is a mainstay of democracy. This shared status promotes a point of identification that transcends regional and/or cultural distinctions and therefore promotes social cohesion. However, should this consensus unravel or transform, significant disruptions to Canada’s social solidarity and democratic institutions might follow.

On October 15, 2019, Policy Horizons’ Director General Kristel Van der Elst summarized the insights and takeaways regarding global challenges that could impact the future, capturing the points made by various speakers during the ESPAS Annual Conference 2019.