In a world shaped by uncertainty, strengthening strategic foresight is more important than ever. On 11 and 12 March, the Academy for International Relations in collaboration with the Strategic Policy Unit (ESA) hosted a two-day strategic foresight workshop for colleagues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Dutch missions abroad in The Hague. Strategic foresight helps organisations to explore different futures and use those insights to make better decisions in the present.
Image: © Academy
Group photo of participants of the Strategic Foresight Workshop 11 and 12 March 2026
How to remain effective across multiple plausible futures?
During the workshop, participants explored how the operating environment for diplomacy may evolve towards 2040 and what knowledge, skills, mindsets and institutional capabilities are needed to remain effective across multiple plausible futures. Through horizon scanning, scenario development and collaborative sensemaking, participants examined major shifts shaping diplomacy and translated these into practical reflections on today’s diplomatic practice. The workshop reinforced that foresight is not a standalone exercise, but a strategic capability that can support decision-making, learning and coordination across the organisation.
Building a foresight community of practice within Dutch diplomacy
A key outcome of these two days was the shared ambition to continue building a foresight community of practice within Dutch diplomacy. Participants identified several concrete opportunities for follow-up, including integrated horizon scanning, futures lunches, peer learning sessions and a visible pipeline of foresight activities, for instance in relation to crises in the Middle East. By strengthening connections between colleagues in The Hague and at our missions, we can continue to build foresight capacity together and better prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Many thanks to all participants for their openness, energy and valuable contributions, and to Tiina Neuvonen of Good Storm Consulting for guiding us through these inspiring two days. We look forward to the next steps in strengthening strategic foresight in Dutch diplomacy.