Early childhood is the moment in which our deepest inner “operating system” to interact with and function in and as part of the wider environment is set. As a direct consequence, unless we understand and explore the foundations this operating system is built on and its inherent boundaries, it will be difficult to develop our capability to truly imagine new ways of thinking, being, acting – not only as children, but as adults.

It is in this context that the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority has launched an ambitious research program, Exploring new perspectives for the future of Early Childhood and Future Communities. Using futures literacy as a central framework and methodological approach, the initiative is built around a series of 3 futures literacy labs, aiming to gain as large a perspective as possible. The themes of were the future of parenting, the future of learning and the future of community.

This is an ongoing research initiative. To date, the first 2 labs have taken place in Abu Dhabi in September and October bringing to light initial insights we hope to share and build on in this interactive session.