The medium- and long-term existential risks of climate change to our civilisation are clear. While the rewards of swift climate action are only compelling over longer time, in the short-term the immediate risks and rewards may be less clear. The discussion will explore both, the rewards of bold climate action that supports growth, productivity, and resilience; and how to navigate the shorter-term risks associated when making capital investment, funding innovation, and deploying or marketing net-zero solutions. Where should sectors or individual businesses seek competitive advantage and where is collaboration required to deliver the crucial transformation needed? How can the significant capital requirements of the transition be met? How can the value of the net-zero transition be enhanced through approaches that maximise economic, social, and environmental co-benefits? 

With their specific characteristics such as a large population, critical infrastructure, building density and surface sealing, cities are extremely vulnerable to climate change impacts. Cities worldwide need to prepare for present and future climate crises by adaptation and resilience measures. We will utilize future foresight methodologies to explore key questions such as: What is needed to build climate resilience in cities? How can we ensure that all citizens benefit equally? And what technical and financial resources are needed to strengthen urban resilience? We aim to uncover main obstacles and explore innovative strategies, collaboration efforts and existing solutions towards climate resilient cities around the world. The session will bring together experts in climate change adaptation, urban planning, policy making, business and finance to identify potential scenarios and pathways for shaping a resilient urban future. 

This workshop addresses the critical need for inclusive, democratic governance frameworks in an era of rapid technological advancement. We utilize future foresight methodologies to explore key questions such as: • What are the implications of innovative technologies for the future of leadership? 
• What skills and attributes will leaders need to effectively manage and leverage these technological advancements to promote democratic values and inclusivity? 
• What would it mean for leadership to think about innovative technologies such as Artificial Intelligence not as just a new tool – but a new capability? We aim to uncover how future (political) leadership can shape the development and deployment of technologies in ways that reflect collective human values and aspirations.