Planning for multiple futures was a central theme of the Emerging ChangeMaker (ECM) Retreat. Participants explored how the built environment is shaped by shifting social, technological, economic, environmental, political, and legal forces, recognizing that these dynamics do not point toward a single predictable outcome but to a spectrum of possible trajectories. Rather than searching for a definitive forecast, the program encouraged participants to understand the future as plural—an evolving landscape that requires flexible thinking and adaptive strategies.

Through scenario exploration and futures-thinking exercises, Fellows examined how different combinations of drivers could produce markedly different future conditions. They analyzed the interactions between long-term trends and emerging signals, and developed narratives describing alternative futures for cities, institutions, and the construction sector. This approach allowed them to test decisions and strategies against a range of plausible worlds, strengthening their ability to design responses that remain effective even as circumstances change.

The retreat held in Zurich in December 2025 also emphasized the collaborative nature of planning for multiple futures. Because the built environment is shaped through interdependent actions across public, private, and community sectors, participants considered how different stakeholders interpret future possibilities and how shared visions can be built despite differing priorities. By integrating foresight tools with systems thinking and leadership frameworks, Fellows learned how to craft strategies that embrace uncertainty, respond to change, and open pathways for long-term transformation.

In essence, the retreat framed multiple futures not as abstractions but as practical tools for shaping decisions today. Planning for diverse future conditions required curiosity, strategic imagination, and the ability to examine assumptions—skills that will continue to be essential as the built environment evolves.

• Cultivate a holistic approach to leadership for lasting impact, empowering participants to drive meaningful change in their professional and personal lives.
• Foster a deep understanding of interdependencies across the built environment, enabling participants to approach challenges with integrated solutions.
• Expose participants to foresight thinking, equipping them with tools to anticipate changes in the industry and how they are influenced by external factors.
• Strengthen a purpose-driven network, encouraging collaboration and a shared vision among ECM participants.

The ECM Retreat was supported by a group of leading international organizations whose expertise spans foresight, urban development, economic analysis, sustainability, and collaborative design. These contributors brought diverse perspectives on the forces shaping the built environment and shared practical frameworks drawn from research, policy, industry practice, and strategic consultancy.