Forum for the Future is a charity committed to sustainable development.  We focus on the root causes and connections between big issues such as climate change, social inequality and environmental degradation.

We believe sustainable development is the big idea for the 21st century. Learning to live sustainably is not an option: it’s vital for our long-term survival.

We want to see businesses and communities thriving in a future which is environmentally sustainable and socially just. It can be done. In fact we believe it’s the only way businesses and communities will prosper in the long run.

That’s why, since 1996, we’ve been working in partnership with world-leading businesses, cities and public sector bodies to bring about change. We offer advice, research, inspiration, capacity building, support and constant challenge.

We focus on key sectors including the built environment, finance, retail, transport, tourism, the public sector and with cities, with the long-term goal of transforming each sector.

We take a practical, solutions-based approach. We believe change will come not by threatening people with ecological doom and gloom but by showing how their lives will be better, and where there are opportunities for responsible wealth creation.

We use four key strategies to achieve change.

• Futures. We develop visions and scenarios for different aspects of business and society, to help organisations understand what the future might hold and the changes they need to make.
• Leadership. We work with today’s leaders, equipping them with the skills they need to drive forward sustainability. We also educate the leaders of tomorrow, running a groundbreaking Masters in Leadership for Sustainable Development.
• Innovation. We work with organisations to help them develop more products and services which will bring environmental and social benefits, helping them keep up with customer expectations, enhance their reputation and remain competitive in a world of dwindling resources.
• Communication. We seek to share our successes and the lessons we have learnt with everyone who may benefit from them, online and in our published reports and through events and learning networks. We also publish Green Futures magazine, the leading source of information, news, opinion and debate on sustainability.

We have a team of more than 70 staff and interns led by chief executive Peter Madden. Jonathon Porritt and Sara Parkin, who founded the charity with Paul Ekins in 1996, are directors.

Click here for more information on our achievements.