Doha: The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has begun work on the Strategic Foresight Guide for the Islamic World to help member states build national foresight capabilities and embed anticipatory approaches in public policy, strategic planning, governance, and decision-making.

According to Qatar News Agency, the project was launched during a meeting of the Global Foresight Focal Points Initiative, held in Baku under the theme "Preparing the Islamic World for the Future: Launching the Strategic Foresight Guide and Setting Its Standards." The event brought together senior officials, policymakers, and strategic foresight experts.

In a recorded address, ICESCO Director-General Salim M. AlMalik said the guide is intended to institutionalize strategic foresight by embedding anticipatory thinking in governments, planning bodies, universities, and professional institutions. He said it would also make foresight tools and methodologies more accessible to specialists, educators, students, researchers, and young professionals.

AlMalik stated that the initiative encourages member states to shift from reactive policymaking to a more proactive and future-oriented approach, enabling them to better anticipate challenges and help shape the future.

The Global Foresight Focal Points Initiative is a collaborative mechanism that promotes the exchange of expertise through a network of national focal points across ICESCO member states. It also seeks to build a community of practice and establish strategic foresight as a permanent institutional function.