Strategic Foresight: Planning for Impact in Uncertain Times 2026

In today’s fast-paced world, strategic foresight is needed to shape more effective policy. Decision making needs to adapt for uncertain & rapidly changing contexts and incorporate approaches that are more inclusive and ultimately impactful. This course responds to this need by introducing strategic foresight: the mindset of strategic foresight, the range of methodologies, and how it is integrated in organisations, including specific case studies. You will have an opportunity to practice the application of different foresight methods (focus on qualitative methods) under expert guidance to overcome challenges and explore solutions in peace and security.

On this learning journey you will explore new resources and engage with your peers through an interactive online platform, enjoy discussion with participants and experts and take advantage of opportunities for deeper and meaningful online conversations. It means that on this journey, together we will: 

1. Discover: learn in a largely self-paced manner about what strategic foresight is and how it can be used to strengthen preparedness for uncertain futures;
2. Integrate: in the live online phase you will engage in conversation with experts & fellow participants from diverse fields (strategic foresight, peace and security) and professional contexts (government, private sector, academia) to enhance your understanding of strategic foresight and how it can strengthen planning for the future in organisations in an inclusive and impactful way; and
3. Apply: translate through expert guidance your course experience to use your enhanced skills and knowledge to make a real difference in your work and life.

By combining interactive virtual plenary sessions with opportunities for moderated small group work and guided individual reflections, the course promotes an immersive and interactive learning approach to strategic foresight that enables participants to connect learnings to their professional settings.

After successful completion of this course, participants will be invited to join the GCSP Strategic Foresight Community to further exchange on the topic of strategic foresight and to stay connected within a larger network.

Learning objectives

The participants will be able to: 

• Explore foresight methodologies and apply selected methods,
• Examine how strategic foresight is implemented in organisations, the successes and pitfalls, and
• Develop perspectives for action that can inform decision-making.

In addition, participants will leave the course with an expanded community in strategic foresight and have access, as a GCSP alumnus, to an extensive network of experts in international affairs.

All information you need to know (language, certification, technical and application process) before applying to the GCSP are available here. 

You will receive a GCSP certificate once you have completed all the course modules to the satisfaction of the course director.

The course is designed for: 

• government officials (including diplomats, military officers, intelligence analysts)
• staff from international organisations
• representatives from the non-profit sector
• private sector actors.

The GCSP reserves the right to modify the programme dates, location and fee at any time. 
15% Early-Bird Discount if you apply before 31 July 2026. GCSP Alumni qualify for a 20% discount on the standard rate of 900 CHF.