The 5th Global Foresight4Food Workshop was scheduled to take place from June 15 to 19, 2025, in Jordan. Preparations were in full swing, with the Foresight4Food team and partner organizations working diligently to create a seamless and impactful gathering.
However, on June 13, just as our team was preparing to travel to Jordan, a sudden escalation in the regional conflict—marked by an Israeli strike on Iran—led to the closure of Jordanian airspace. Within hours, the months of planning came to a screeching halt, and the difficult but necessary decision was made to cancel the workshop in the interest of participant safety.
The 5th Global Foresight4Food Workshop had drawn robust international interest, with confirmed delegates from 33 countries across different continents. The agenda promised rich discussions on foresight tools, collaborative learning, and systemic approaches to building resilient and equitable food systems worldwide. Moreover, many participants were preparing to share interesting cases from their respective projects/ regions, which were to be presented at the workshop. Had the workshop unfolded as intended, it would have provided an invaluable platform for in-depth dialogue and collaboration among global experts.
The Importance of Foresight in Times of Uncertainty
This situation is a powerful reminder of why foresight is essential—not only as an approach for future preparedness but as a mindset. Food systems today are increasingly influenced by global disruptions, from geopolitical instability to climate shocks. The abrupt cancellation of this event, due to an unforeseen military escalation, illustrates the fragility of international coordination and the importance of preparing for uncertainty. Foresight helps us map out plausible futures, stress-test strategies, and design systems that can adapt—not just react—to change. In moments like this, its value becomes especially clear.
Gratitude to Our Partners and Participants
We extend our deep gratitude to our Jordanian partners, whose dedication and hospitality have been extraordinary. Our thoughts are with them and with all those affected by the ongoing regional crisis. We also thank our global participants for their understanding, flexibility, and continued commitment to this shared mission.
Looking Ahead: Alternative Plans to Keep the Momentum Going
While the in-person workshop cannot proceed as planned, our work continues. The Foresight4Food team is actively exploring alternative formats to carry forward the goals of the workshop, including virtual sessions and co-creation trajectory, and hybrid brainstorming sessions. We remain committed to maintaining the momentum and fostering the global collaboration that this initiative represents.
We are preparing a range of new and exciting events:
- Radical food systems futures co-creation trajectory, including
- Inspiring case presentations
- Radical futures exploration
- Co-creation of radical food system futures
- Regional foresight hub brainstorming sessions
- Hybrid engagement on foresight, institutional embedding and food systems
- Hybrid conference in Oxford in September 2025
In addition, we are exploring options to hold a hybrid session in Jordan to support regional food systems transformation through foresight.
Watch our website and LinkedIn page for updates on future plans and opportunities to engage. Foresight4Food’s mission to support better-informed, inclusive, and strategic decisions for the future of food systems continues—stronger than ever.