Online seminar to ignite ideas and open perspectives on future city development that leaves no one behind, organized by FutureTales Lab by MQDC and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

Dr. Kandee Liewphairoj, Executive Director of FutureTales Lab, Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC), revealed that FutureTales Lab by MQDC, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Thailand, is hosting an online discussion via Facebook Live on the topic “Design Our City Toward Inclusive Futures – A Future City for All Groups That Leaves No One Behind.” This event aims to create a space for all groups to present ideas, policy recommendations, and urban reform designs that ensure no one is left behind, addressing the diverse needs of society, including vulnerable groups, LGBTQ+ communities, and various ethnic groups. The online seminar will feature highlights from students proposing future city development ideas, as well as insights from experts in civil society, the private sector, and leaders of vulnerable groups.

The online seminar aims to serve as a platform to spark ideas among the younger generation, who are seen as future leaders, encouraging them to share creative ideas through future forecasting processes and understanding fundamental rights. This will help visualize the desired characteristics of future cities in terms of diversity and inclusivity. The ultimate outcome will impact policymakers, planners, developers, and civil society organizations in planning better urban development that accommodates all societal groups appropriately. Additionally, selected students will share new ideas through future studies learning processes, focusing on visualizing future urban development and addressing challenges with consideration for the groups that need to be included in future urban expansion.

Mr. Wisit Malaisirirat, Chief Executive Officer of Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC), stated that MQDC has a vision to be a leader in innovation within the real estate business and other services under the strategy “For All Well-Being,” aiming to create a better quality of life for all beings on Earth through various project developments. One of the initiatives to achieve this vision is the establishment of the FutureTales Lab, which aligns with the global emphasis on unpredictable future events, enabling organizations and businesses to be as prepared as possible to adapt to ongoing changes.

“This online seminar marks the second year of our fruitful collaboration with partners like the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), reinforcing awareness of demographic changes in both social and economic aspects through data exchange and fostering participation among government, civil society, and private sectors. It highlights potential future events and prepares for demographic changes and behaviors that may impact life effectively, ensuring that no one is left behind. MQDC has developed a 40-year strategic plan to accommodate all upcoming changes, particularly in demographics, such as creating a master plan for a resilient city and digitalization, while remaining open to new ideas that will emerge in Thai society and the global community in the future,” Mr. Wisit added.

Dr. Osa Tokilson, Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Thailand, stated that the UNFPA in Thailand and FutureTales Lab by MQDC have jointly organized this significant event to drive sustainable development approaches on various agendas, particularly concerning demographic changes and related issues. This collaboration emphasizes preparing specialized components that can support and promote people of all ages to adapt to the aging society in the future, as well as supporting pathways to achieve sustainable development goals that “leave no one behind.”

“Design Our City towards Inclusive Futures” is an outstanding project that effectively promotes the participation of young people. Participants will be inspired by various scenario narratives, empirical data, and beneficial future concepts from multiple speakers, reflecting different dimensions of the quality of life of those who are still left behind. Participants will also receive support for innovative thinking to create diverse innovations that help vulnerable groups or those lacking opportunities reintegrate into society, as well as create value for the aging population, which is a key demographic in future urban society.

“The exchange of knowledge and diverse ideas among all parties in this event will help everyone recognize the importance of vulnerable groups and those who face injustice, including LGBTQ+ communities and various ethnic groups. By employing future studies analytical tools and creating desirable scenarios using the strengths and potentials of these groups effectively, we hope to contribute to building a better future where Thai society can coexist sustainably,” Dr. Kandee concluded.