World futurists and youth leaders discuss peace, nuclear weapons, climate change and Artificial Intelligence
August 13-15, 2025
kHaus, Basel, Switzerland
(main conference sessions are on August 14)
Armed conflicts, climate change and the threat of nuclear war are impacting severely on humanity and the prospect of a peaceful and sustainable future. The development of Artificial Intelligence is increasing the potential for both good and harm in these areas. Effective policies and better global governance are vital to prevent a climate or nuclear catastrophe and to ensure peace and a good life for current and future generations.
The Good Future Forum will bring world futurists, youth campaigners, experts and policy-makers to Basel to discuss these issues.
It will feature a dialogue of youth leaders with Gerd Leonhard, renowned World Futurist and host of The Future Show; as well as stories of effective policies for peace and future generations that won the 2024 World Future Policy Award on Peace and Future Generations, updates on inspiring youth projects that have been winners of the prestigious PACEY Award (three annual prizes of €5000 each for youth projects on peace, nuclear abolition and climate protection); a preview of the 1.5 Degrees of Peace film planned for release in early 2026, and a pre-launch for a new Global AI Governance Alliance.
The event is part of a series of global events commemorating the 80th anniversaries of the birth of the nuclear age (invention of nuclear weapons) and the founding of the United Nations to 'save succeding generations from the scourge of war.'
SPEAKERS:
- Gerd Leonhard. Futurist, Author of Technology vs Humanity, Film-Maker;
- Lukas Ott. Head of the Basel Cantonal and City Development;
- Hamza Chaudry. Future of Life Institute. Co-author, Artificial Intelligence and Nuclear Weapons: Problem Analysis and Policy Recommendations (online)
- Salome Adamia. Peace Institute for Progress. Director of the Bertha von Suttner Peace Prize and Program for Youth. 2025 PACEY Award winner;
- Alexiane Terrochaire-Barbançon. Vice-President, Young European Federalists;
- Bertylle Duforest. Co-organiser,World Future Policy Award on Peace and Future Generations;
- Kasha Slavner. Director and Producer, 1.5 Degrees of Peace documentary. 2025 PACEY Award winner;
- Felix Orwaka. Coordinator, Africa Youth Vanguard for Peace and Climate Action. 2025 PACEY Award winner;
- Henrieke Bünger, World Youth for Climate Justice. 2021 PACEY Award Winner.
- Robert Whitfield. Chair, Transnational Working Group on Artificial Intelligence.
- Ali Arshad, Wales Future Generations Leadership Academy.
- Camilla Braito, Co-Lead of Youth Fusion. Program Officer for Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (PNND);
-
Ayleen Roy, Co-Lead of Youth Fusion. Core team member of the Transnational Working Group on values, faith-based perspectives and global governance;
Social Media
- Event facebook page
- Event LinkedIn page
- Gerd Leonhard's video teaser for the event
PROGRAM
August 13:
5pm-7pm: Welcome reception
8:30pm: Floss concert on the Rhine River
August 14:
Session 1. Opening Plenary: The Good Future. Dialogue between youth and Gerd Leonhard, plus pre-launchof GAIGANow
Session 2. Panel on Nuclear-War-Prevention and Peace
Session 3. Panel on Climate Change and Future Generations
Session 4: Simultaneous workshops:
- Building the Global AI Governance Alliance;
- Common security, nuclear risk reduction and disarmament
- Using the groundbreaking International Court of Justice decision on climate change to advance better policy on the climate.
Closing session
Dinner
August 15:
Rheine swim with a Wickelfisch (Optional)
Workshop for PACEY Award winners and invited guests
CO-SPONSORS:
Basel Peace Office, Basel City Presidential Office, International Physicians for the Prevenition of Nuclear War Switzerland, Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament, Transnational Working Group on Artificial Intelligence, World Federalist Movement-Institute for Global Policy, World Future Council, World's Youth for Climate Change, Young European Federalists (JEF) and Youth Fusion.