What kind of world can we leave for future generations? While much attention has been given to the butterfly effect of how the past influences the present, people living today remain largely unaware of the extent to which they can impact the future. From a long-term perspective grounded in intergenerational ethics, it is essential that young people who will live in the future stand up on their own, envision the future they desire, act to realize it, and form solidarity that transcends disciplines and sectors.

In response to this challenge and with the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai as a key opportunity, Hiroshi Sakuma (Specially Appointed Researcher at The University of Osaka’s Social Solution Initiative) launched the Shape New World Initiative. This initiative began as a collaboration between the Japan Association for the 2025 World Expo and members of the Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, and has driven a wide range of efforts over the years.

Future generations will shape their own futures.

Specifically, the initiative has promoted two central projects: the Shape New World Project, a research program focused on social design, and the Shape New World Committee,aimed at designing visions for the society of 2050. In both projects, the central philosophy is that young people who will lead future generations should actively choose the direction of the future. Themes addressed include cultural co-creation for the future, communities and mobility, food and lifestyles, health and well-being, learning and play, peace and human rights, the planet and biodiversity, and SDGs+Beyond— a future society in which every Inochi unleashes its radiant light. Through these activities, young people have taken responsibility for envisioning and realizing their own futures. Backcasting from this vision, they have identified major global gaps and proposed solutions through technological, medical, political, and economic innovations. They also presented concrete, cross-sectoral guidelines to make these roadmaps a reality.

The Social Solution Initiative, co-led by Mr. Sakuma, has collaborated with the Japan Science and Technology Agency to produce research reports by convening leading figures from academia and industry. In addition, the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and the Japan Association for the 2025 World Expo jointly supported the Shape New World Initiative, furthering efforts to empower the next generation to tackle global challenges. The initiative’s results have been shared through Theme Weeks and symposiums at the 2025 Osaka–Kansai Expo.

A key principle running through these efforts is the belief that future generations have the will and the right to choose and create their own future. The visions developed through research and dialogue are no longer abstract dreams—they are within reach through concrete action. Over the next 25 years, these visions will be brought to life by the continued efforts of those involved. As a general incorporated association, the Shape New World Initiative will publish annual research reports and implement a tracking program to follow the activities of symposium speakers. The initiative is also exploring educational collaboration, including future society design through inquiry-based learning in partnership with institutions such as University of Tsukuba Senior High School.

The Inochi Forum will collaborate with next-generation-led organizations, including the Shape New World Initiative, leveraging diverse visions and networks to promote activities that empower the next generation to choose and shape their own future.

[References]

・Shape New World Initiative
https://www.shapenewworld.com/

・Multifaceted Investigation for Future Society Design “Shape New World Project”

https://www.ssi.osaka-u.ac.jp/activity/joint/future-society-design-by-shape-new-world-initiative/

・Global Shapers Community

https://www.globalshapers.org/home

[Action Platform]
SDGs+Beyond

[SDGs]