GLOBAL FUTURES EDUCATION

Face Challenges. Find Solutions.

Creating Your Futures Readiness

ABOUT image
Global Futures Education offers high-level online education for entrepreneurs, professionals and executives wanting to confront and manage the intensifying global challenges of the 21st Century and to find solutions.

Global Futures Education was founded by Professor Jennifer Gidley, PhD as an extension of her international futures consultancy and almost decade-long leadership of the world’s foremost futures organisation, a UNESCO partner.

Jennifer's leading-edge insights that inform and enrich the programs were developed over decades of research and are introduced in her highly successful Oxford University Press book The Future: A Very Short Introduction.

Each online course draws together over 100 learning resources including videos, articles, reports and other digital assets from a vast trove of authoritative sources. The courses are curated into a coherent, accessible matrix within a highly professional, and easy-to-use LMS Learning Platform, which can be white-labelled for organisations wanting to use their own branding. Courses are regularly updated so you can gain key knowledge and understanding to fast-track your career opportunities in a rapidly changing and risky world.

The Global Futures Education program comprises three comprehensive online courses:
1. Global Futures of Climate. 
2. Global Socio-Cultural Futures.
3. Global Geo-Political Futures. 

Each course includes 12 lessons. To develop critical and integrated thinking, the paradox modality is used with 50% of the lessons demonstrating the challenges and 50% introducing the counter-trends and emerging innovative solutions.

The solutions offered align with ALL the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

TO ENROL.

"In a Nutshell"

Welcome to Global Futures Education!

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JENNIFER M GIDLEY, PHD
Author, Educator, Futures Researcher, Psychologist, Adjunct Professor: Institute for Sustainable Futures (UTS)

Welcome to “Global Geo-Political Futures”, the third Course in our series on Global Systems designed for individuals and organisations committed to facing global challenges and finding solutions. Course Content includes 12 Lessons across 3 Modules: 1. Transforming Economics 2. War and Peace 3. Technology Futures. There are two lessons in each, examining the challenges, and addressing the alternatives. This self-paced, web-based Course is incredibly well researched to give you a deep understanding of our emerging world and provides a solid basis for you to build your personal, professional, and family futures. WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE: * Learn about the growing global challenge of economic disparity, which exacerbates the increase in wars, conflicts and terrorism, and the links between these challenges and exponential technology development. * Be empowered to appreciate and implement geo-political solutions such as the circular and sharing economy; collaboration, diplomacy and education as pathways to active peace; and to contribute to the human-centred, ethical turn in technology. * Learn how solutions offered align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). * Receive a Certificate of Completion (Global Geo-Political Futures). * Continuing Professional Development (CPD) - 30 Points. This Full Course incorporates Modules 1, 2 & 3, at a discounted fee. Or you can buy the Modules individually. Allow 3-4 hours to complete each Lesson. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Enrol by clicking on 'Add to Cart'. At next page click "Make an Order". Complete your personal details and payment. Within 24 hours you will receive an access email. Follow the link shown on the email to access your Course. Register with email and a password, for 6 months access. EMAIL: ask(a)globalfutureseducation.com

Welcome to "Global Socio-Cultural Futures”, the second Course in our series on Global Systems designed for individuals and organisations committed to facing global challenges and finding solutions. Course Content includes 12 Lessons across 3 Modules: 1. City Futures 2. Human Futures 3. Educational Futures There are two lessons in each, examining the challenges, and addressing the alternatives. This self-paced, web-based Course is incredibly well researched to give you a deep understanding of our emerging world and provides a solid basis for you to build your personal, professional, and family futures. WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE: * Learn about rapid urbanisation and its social, cultural and environmental stresses; entrenched socio-cultural issues such as racism, gender inequality, and loss of meaning; and why the factory model of schooling is obsolete. * Be empowered to imagine, design and create social and cultural innovations such as ecological and smart cities; social and cultural practices that are empowering, equitable, inclusive, and meaningful; and educational approaches that are creative, evolutionary, integral, and transformative. * Learn how solutions offered align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) * Receive a Certificate of Completion (Global Socio-Cultural Futures). * Continuing Professional Development (CPD) - 30 Points. This Full Course incorporates Modules 1, 2 & 3, at a discounted fee. Or you can buy the Modules individually. Allow 3-4 hours to complete each Lesson. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Enrol by clicking on 'Add to Cart'. At next page click "Make an Order". Complete your personal details and payment. Within 24 hours you will receive an access email. Follow the link shown on the email to access your Course. Register with your email and password for 6 months access. EMAIL: ask(a)globalfutureseducation.com

Welcome to "Global Futures of Climate”, the first Course in our series on Global Systems designed for individuals and organisations committed to facing global challenges and finding solutions. Course Content includes 12 Lessons across 3 Modules: 1. Climate Change 2. Energy Systems 3. Ecosystem There are two lessons in each, examining the challenges, and addressing the alternatives. This self-paced, web-based Course is incredibly well researched to give you a deep understanding of our emerging world and provides a solid basis for you to build your personal, professional, and family futures. WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE: * Learn from Jennifer’s valuable expertise gained from 30 years’ experience as an international futures consultant at the highest levels of global thinking into the complexity and wide impacts of Climate Crisis, Energy Systems and Ecosystem collapse. * Join an international cohort of futures-ready citizens informed about the real challenges of climate change and how to find solutions. * Be empowered to appreciate and implement the wide range of solutions available to mitigate and adapt to climate crisis; reduce emissions through new energy systems; and rebuild ecosystems through regenerative agriculture and ocean practices. * Boost your career opportunities at a time when most corporations are beginning to realise they need to be climate literate. * Learn how solutions offered align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). * Receive a Certificate of Completion (Global Futures of Climate). * Continuing Professional Development (CPD) - 30 Points. This Full Course incorporates Modules 1, 2 & 3, at a discounted fee. Or you can buy the Modules individually. Allow 3-4 hours to complete each Lesson. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Enrol by clicking on 'Add to Cart'. At next page click "Make an Order". Complete your personal details and payment. Within 24 hours you will receive an access email. Follow the link shown on the email to access your Course. Register with email and a password, for 6 months access. EMAIL: ask(a)globalfutureseducation.com

ONLINE COURSE: GLOBAL FUTURES OF CLIMATE imageONLINE COURSE: GLOBAL FUTURES OF CLIMATE image

"Record-breaking heatwaves. Devastating wildfire season. Unprecedented decline in sea ice. June 2023 has just been declared the hottest month on record, a stark reminder of the intensified impact of climate change and El Niño." - UN Environment Program (UNEP), July 2023.

Welcome to "Global Futures of Climate”, the first Course in our series on Global Systems designed for individuals and organisations committed to facing global challenges and finding solutions.

This self-paced, online Climate Education Course is scientifically-based, and well researched to give you a deep understanding of leading climate thinking, as a solid basis for you to build your personal, professional, and family futures.

To help you make sense of media biases and social media disinformation, we give you unfiltered evidence and straight answers on options, so that you can take powerful leadership at many levels, from enterprise to personal career in such roles as CEO, executive director, mentor, project manager, community leader, or professional consultant.

Course Content includes 12 Lessons across 3 Modules:
1. Climate Change
2. Energy Systems
3. Ecosystem

Each Module includes two lessons on challenges, and two on solutions. The Full Course includes the three Modules. Or you can buy individual Modules.


Why you should take the Course:
  • Learn from Jennifer’s valuable expertise from the highest levels of global thinking into the complexity and wide impacts of Climate Crisis. 
  • Join an international cohort of futures-ready citizens informed about the real challenges of climate change and how to find solutions. 
  • Acquire knowledge to make informed decisions about climate futures that will affect your enterprise, family and community. 
  • Boost your career opportunities at a time when most corporations are beginning to realise they need to be climate literate. 
  • Build your enterprise by drawing on insights from Jennifer’s 30 years’ experience as an international futures expert
The Course Content incorporates over 100 learning resources, including:
  • 12 Lessons over 3 Modules: Climate Change, Energy Systems, Ecosystem.
  • Four lessons per Module, two on the challenges, two addressing the solutions.
  • 12 Instructor videos (one per Lesson) to guide you through the Course Content and Resources .
  • Over 40 expert videos (climate and ocean scientists, EC, UN, OECD, European Parliament, Carbon Brief, WWF, World Bank, Universities)
  • Over 50 expert articles/reports (NASA, UN, IPCC, UNFCC, UNSDGs, State of the Planet, Blue Carbon Initiative, Greenpeace, Universities, UNDP, Global Commission for Adaptation, to name a few).
  • Links to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relevant to Climate Turnaround, New Energy and Ecosystem Regeneration (SDG 2, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 & 15).
  • 36 reflection questions to journal your progress.
  • 60 fun quiz Qs to test knowledge gained.
  • Continuing Professional Development (CPD) - 30 Points.
  • Certificate of Completion (Global Futures of Climate).
TO ENROL in the full Course or any of the Modules, click here.

GFC Module 1: Climate Change

Climate Crisis & Climate Turnaround. CLICK "LEARN MORE" TO ENROL

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GFC Module 2: Energy Systems

Old & New Energy Systems. CLICK "LEARN MORE" TO ENROL

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GFC Module 3: Ecosystem

Ecosystem Collapse & Reboot. CLICK "LEARN MORE" TO ENROL

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ONLINE COURSE: GLOBAL SOCIO-CULTURAL FUTURES imageONLINE COURSE: GLOBAL SOCIO-CULTURAL FUTURES image
“Hundreds of millions of the world’s urban poor live in sub-standard conditions …[including] rapid sprawl, pollution, and environmental degradation, together with unsustainable production and consumption patterns.” - UN DESA in its World Urbanization Prospects: The 2018 Revision.

Welcome to “Global Socio-Cultural Futures”, the second in our online series offered by Global Futures Education designed for individuals and organisations committed to facing global challenges and finding solutions.

Global socio-cultural challenges are complex and interconnected. This self-paced, online course introduces you to rapid urbanisation and its social, cultural and environmental stresses; entrenched issues such as racism, gender inequality, loss of meaning; and why the factory model of schooling is obsolete.

The course will empower you to imagine, design and create social and cultural innovations such as ecological and smart cities; social and cultural practices that are empowering, equitable, inclusive, and meaningful; and educational approaches that are creative, evolutionary, and transformative.

Course Content includes 12 Lessons across 3 Modules:
1. City Futures
2. Human Cultural Futures
3. Educational Futures.

Each Module includes two lessons on challenges, and two on solutions. The Full Course includes the three Modules. Or you can buy individual Modules.


The Course Content incorporates over 100 learning resources, including:
  • 12 Lessons over 3 Modules: City Futures, Human Futures, Educational Futures.
  • Four lessons per Module, two on the challenges, two addressing the solutions.
  • 12 Instructor videos (one per Lesson) to guide you through the Course Content and Resources.
  • Over 40 expert videos
  • Over 50 expert articles/reports
  • Links to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relevant to City Futures, Human Futures, Educational Futures (SDG 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 15, 17).
  • Continuing Professional Development (CPD) - 30 Points.
  • Certificate of Completion (Global Socio-Cultural Futures).
TO ENROL in the full Course or any of the Modules, click here.

GS-CF Module 1 - City Futures

Rapid Urbanisation & Urban Transformation. CLICK "LEARN MORE" TO ENROL.

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GS-CF Module 2 - Human Futures

Cultural Exclusion & Cultural Diversity. CLICK "LEARN MORE" TO ENROL.

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GS-CF Module 3 - Education Futures

Factory Schooling & Evolutionary Pedagogies. CLICK "LEARN MORE" TO ENROL.

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ONLINE COURSE: GLOBAL GEO-POLITICAL FUTURES imageONLINE COURSE: GLOBAL GEO-POLITICAL FUTURES image
“There are now more billionaires than ever: 2,781 in all, 141 more than last year and 26 more than the record set in 2021. They’re richer than ever, worth $14.2 trillion in aggregate, up by $2 trillion from 2023 and $1.1 trillion above the previous record, also set in 2021. Two-thirds are worth more than a year ago.” - Forbes Richest World's Billionaires List, 2024.

Welcome to “Global Geo-Political Futures”, the third in our online series offered by Global Futures Education completing the suite of online courses designed for individuals and organisations committed to facing global challenges and finding solutions.

Global geo-political challenges are complex and seemingly intractable. This self-paced, online course will introduce you to the growing global challenge of economic disparity; the increase in wars, conflicts and terrorism; and the links between these challenges and exponential technology development.

The course counters these challenges, empowering you with solutions such as the circular economy; collaboration, diplomacy and education as pathways to active peace; and the human-centred, ethical turn in technology.

Course Content includes 12 Lessons across 3 Modules:
1. Transforming Economics
2. War and Peace
3. Technology Futures.

Each Module includes two lessons on challenges, and two on solutions. The Full Course includes the three Modules. Or you can buy individual Modules.


The Course Content incorporates over 100 learning resources, including:
  • 12 Lessons over 3 Modules: Transforming Economics, War and Peace, Technology Futures.
  • Four lessons per Module, two on the challenges, two addressing the solutions.
  • 12 Instructor videos (one per Lesson) to guide you through the Course Content and Resources .
  • Over 40 expert videos
  • Over 50 expert articles/reports
  • Links to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relevant to Transforming Economics, War and Peace, Technology Futures. (SDG 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 16).
  • Continuing Professional Development (CPD) - 30 Points.
  • Certificate of Completion (Global Geo-Political Futures).
TO ENROL in the full Course or any of the Modules, click here.

GG-PF Module 1 - Transforming Economics

Neoliberal Economics & Ethical Economics. CLICK "LEARN MORE" TO ENROL.

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GG-PF Module 2 - War and Peace

Conflicts & Collaboration CLICK "LEARN MORE" TO ENROL.

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GG-PF Module 3 - Technology Futures

Exponential Tech & Humanising Tech. CLICK "LEARN MORE" TO ENROL.

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Oxford University Press

A companion volume to the Global Futures Courses.

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“Gidley has given us a stunning description of the new field of futures studies and of how we humans can help choose, and shape, the coming future.”
Wendell Bell, PhD, Emeritus Professor, Yale University.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

For over 20 years Jennifer's innovative programs have centred on creating courses in futures studies and foresight, delivered directly, or virtually, and licensed by corporations or educational institutions.

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FUTURES & FORESIGHT

"Futures Studies is the art and science of taking responsibility for the long-term future consequences of our decisions and actions today." - Jennifer M Gidley: ' The Future. A Very Short Introduction.'

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SPEAKING & CONSULTING

An international Futures Consultant & Speaker in Europe, Americas, Middle East & Asia for decades, Jennifer's inspiring human-centred insights speak to all audiences, enabling practical strategies for creating better futures.

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Grand Global Futures Challenges

Through my research and analysis, I created a synthesis of the major global futures challenges into twelve clusters of issues across three broad domains: environmental, geo-political and socio-cultural.

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Grand Global Futures Solutions

Alternative futures and solutions have the potential to mitigate, disrupt or even reverse the dominant trends and enable others to imagine and create alternatives to the disturbing trends being forecast.

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By Jennifer M. Gidley, PhD (2021). The challenges we face for near and long-term futures have been called a “crisis of crises,” “wicked problems,” and “grand global futures challenges.” This piece focuses on three grand global futures challenges: growing urbanisation, lack of (or inadequate) international education, and the accelerating climate crisis. These grand global futures challenges will have substantial impacts in the socio-cultural and environmental domains.

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By Jennifer M. Gidley, PhD, et al (2009). This paper broadens climate change futures approaches beyond the dominant predictive trends and expert scenarios. However, any participatory futures method chosen to facilitate climate change adaptation must be context-aware in design and implementation to facilitate adaptability and resilience in climate-vulnerable communities.

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By Jennifer M. Gidley, PhD (2016). This article explores the breadth of the futures studies field in dialogue with prominent scientific approaches to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and coevolution. First, I take an evolutionary perspective on the development of the futures studies field. Secondly, I apply my typology of five paradigmatic futures approaches to dialogue with climate science.

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By Jennifer M. Gidley, PhD (2021). This paper explores the current scientific research on climate change, including mitigation, adaptation, and regenerative co-evolution. It looks at where we need to go to turn things around. In this paper, I hope to have made it clear that mitigation and adaptation alone are nowhere near enough to prevent the catastrophic projected impacts. We must also build adaptive capacity.

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  • Brisbane QLD, Australia

Welcome to Global Futures Education! Offering high-level online education for entrepreneurs, professionals and executives wanting to face the intensifying global challenges of the 21st Century and to find solutions.