As 2025 draws to a close, the world faces an increasingly interconnected set of global challenges — climate change, wars, geopolitical instability, economic inequality, and uncertainty about the future. How can societies respond to this complex landscape? What visions, values, and forms of cooperation might guide humanity toward a more just and sustainable world? This State of the World 2025 panel brings together leading experts from futures studies, economics, and political science to reflect on the defining issues of our time and to share their perspectives on the paths ahead. The conversation explores themes such as the European Union’s role in global governance, the future of peace and international relations, and the kinds of economic models that could best support human wellbeing in the coming decades.

Panelists

Sirkka Heinonen Professor Emerita of Futures Studies, University of Turku A pioneering figure in Finnish and European futures research, Heinonen’s work focuses on sustainable development, societal transformation, and the futures of peace. As a long-time member of the Club of Rome and the Millennium Project, she has contributed to global networks advancing strategic foresight and imaginative approaches to building sustainable and peaceful futures.

Johanna Vuorelma Political Theorist and Researcher, University of Helsinki Vuorelma specializes in democracy, political narratives, and the role of the European Union in global politics. Her research examines how legitimacy and power are constructed through discourse, and how ideas and narratives shape Europe’s capacity for global cooperation. She is a frequent commentator on EU affairs and democratic governance.

Sixten Korkman Economist One of Finland’s most respected economists, Korkman has served in leadership roles at the Finnish Ministry of Finance, the EU’s Economic and Financial Affairs Council, the Research Institute of the Finnish Economy (ETLA), and the Finnish Business and Policy Forum (EVA). His work focuses on economic policy, the Nordic welfare model, global interdependence, and the pursuit of economic justice and social wellbeing.

Risto Marjomaa Docent and University Lecturer, University of Helsinki A historian specializing in global history, conflicts, and colonial legacies, Marjomaa’s work spans Africa and the Middle East, with recent research on Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, modern racism, and the long-term impacts of historical power structures on today’s conflicts. Marjomaa gave the Keynote lecture of the event. To watch the lecture, visit our channel.

Connect & Follow:

YouTube: Globalvisionsry

Instagram: @globalvisionsry

YouTube: @global

LinkedIn: Global Visions

Bluesky: globalvisions.bsky.social

TikTok: @globalvisionsry

Website: www.globalvisions.fi/en

Take the Visionary Test! https://visionary.globalvisions.tech Global Visions is a non-profit association based in Helsinki, Finland with the purpose of bringing people and organisations together and developing ideas aimed at building a better world.