Why a ‘High Level Council for Future Planning’ is Crucial for Mauritius

Dr. Zaheer Allam

- Publicité -

 

 In the corridors of power and the pages of policy documents, the future is often the elephant in the room—massive, impactful, yet strangely ignored. In the face of today’s immediate challenges, juggling hot potatoes, while wondering about power dynamics, who is thinking about the next 50 or even 100 years? This isn’t a rhetorical question but a pressing concern, especially for a nation that – without economic resources but its human capital – has no choice but to aspire to be both dynamic and forward-looking. That’s why it’s time to seriously ponder on our impact on future policies, and consider establishing a High Level council for Future Planning; an entity dedicated to the long-term planning and strategic governance that our rapidly changing world requires.

 

It may sound like another bureaucratic layer to an already complex system of governance, but it’s not. It’s a call for a visionary and novel institution, akin to a think tank with ‘executive’ powers. The Council would have a laser-focused mandate: to think ahead, beyond the ups and downs of election seasons and hot-button issues, to lay a lasting path for lasting sustainability and prosperity.

 

It sounds good so far, but what does this mean in practical terms? This new Council would be a hub of inter -and trans- disciplinary expertise, bringing together economists, scientists, social theorists, and futurists. Via a range of advanced research methodologies and data analytics, it would evaluate long-term trends and risks. It would also include public input in its decision-making, listen to both current voters and future generations. It would essentially serve as the government’s think tank, shielded from immediate political pressures yet fully tuned into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

 

If planned right, this Council would not operate in a vacuum. It would report to the Prime Minister, as is usually the norm, and work in tandem with existing sectoral ministries, ensuring that its long-term plans are fully integrated into the government’s broader policy framework, while adhering to four core objectives: sustainable development, economic equity, technological preparedness, and social cohesion. Each of these objectives would be backed by a set of actionable initiatives, from conducting Future Impact Assessments for major policy decisions to establishing Public Foresight Forums for citizen engagement.

 

While funding is usually an issue, it shouldn’t be. Funding would come from the national budget, supplemented by grants and partnerships focused on sustainability and future studies. The latter is actually increasing in opportunity as the theme of future thinking and foresight become prevalent. Sure, critics might complain about cost, and some may even ask: “why divert resources to something as abstract as future planning?”. All good concerns, but we need to cut through the noise: the real expense isn’t in creating a body focused on our future—it’s in failing to do so. Quick wins today might feel great, but they can backfire spectacularly if they’re not part of a bigger, future-focused strategy. The Council, if planned and executed right, would serve as a firewall against this kind of short-term thinking, making sure our policies today are laid out with an eye on a resilient and prosperous tomorrow.

There are geopolitical advantages too. By pioneering this new approach to governance, Mauritius would position itself as a global leader in strategic planning and sustainability. This could attract international partnerships and investments, and inspire other nations to follow suit. This High Level Council would be more than just a national asset; it would provide an opportunity to set a worldwide standard for forward-thinking governance. In fact, this concept is not without precedent. Various nations, notably Finland and Singapore, have already instituted specialized agencies for long-term planning and foresight. Finland’s Committee for the Future and Singapore’s Centre for Strategic Futures stand as prime examples of how such entities function. Engaging in what is known as ‘anticipatory governance,’ these agencies utilize advanced methodologies such as scenario planning and systems thinking to assess long-term trends and associated risks. Importantly, they operate in concert with existing governmental bodies, ensuring that short-term imperatives do not overshadow long-term strategic objectives. In view of our challenges as a small island state, and our socio-economic challenges, the same should be done in Mauritius, providing an opportunity to change our fate, and to steer to our path to safe coasts.

The future isn’t a distant concept; it’s shaped by the decisions we’re making at this very moment. Ignoring it is risky business. But if we prepare for it, setting up the structures and guidelines that can handle today’s uncertainties and complexities, then we can actually steer where we’re headed. The High Level Council on Future Planning gives us that steering wheel. It’s a big ask, but we’re living in big-ask times. After all, the future isn’t going to wait around for us.

 

«ACCROCHE

 

Quick wins today might feel great, but they can backfire spectacularly if they’re not part of a bigger, future-focused strategy. The Council, if planned and executed right, would serve as a firewall against this kind of short-term thinking, making sure our policies today are laid out with an eye on a resilient and prosperous tomorrow.

- Publicité -
EN CONTINU

l'édition du jour