Navigating the Uncertain Future: Insights from Prof. Akerib's Guest Lecture at EIIET

We recently had the honour of hosting Prof. Dr Michele Akerib as a guest lecturer at EIIET, where he gave us a very captivating talk on fast-evolving challenges and changes facing the future of our world. He touched on some essential issues in the development of society, economic interdependencies, technological development, and the political order of the world facing us with the necessity of being actors for the shaping of the future in the coming decades. If you wish to study in Berlin and engage in such transformative discussions, EIIET offers a dynamic environment.

Rapid Social Shifts: A Changing Definition of Family

Prof. Akerib highlighted that while the populations of Europe were shrinking, those in Africa were growing exponentially, bringing along with them a host of different challenges. He has said that with ageing populations, there will be a severe economic strain in the future. With new technologies on assisted reproduction and designer babies, it is revisiting what constitutes a family. He asked a profound question: What does family mean today in an evolving world?

With increasing immigration and growing social isolation, such societal transformations will reshape personal identities and shared cultures. In light of these changes, Prof. Michele urged the audience to reflect on what these shifts will signify for our identities and shared culture, prompting us to contemplate our part in shaping what lies ahead. Such topics make EIIET an enriching university if you plan to study in Berlin, as students begin to understand the interface between social, economic, and technological change.

Economic Transformation: The Rise of Tech Giants and Space Economy

Prof. Akerib's lecture was a stark wake-up call regarding the urgency of climate change. He emphasised the immediate and global consequences of environmental degradation, from melting the Northern Ice Cap to shifting global weather patterns. He stressed that we are running out of time to reverse the damage, as natural resources are being depleted at alarming rates.

"Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it's a human issue," Prof. Akerib explained, urging us to reflect on our environmental footprint and take action to demand and implement more sustainable practices in our industries and communities. He stressed that each of us has a role in preserving our planet for future generations and ultimately shaping the future.

Political Unrest: A Divided World

Changes are also burrowing their way into the political world, where the rise of far-right parties is taking hold and splitting societies apart. As Prof. Akerib pointed out, wars and conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, or elsewhere are depleting human resources, weakening economies, and destroying life-sustaining infrastructure. Added to that are tensions between China and the U.S. that create global uncertainties, while new forms of warfare and missile development pose risks to international stability.

These changes spur a wave of political fragmentation and populism, especially in the West, where debates about what comes next are becoming increasingly polarised. To manage this political uncertainty, we need to thoughtfully reflect on our role in shaping the future through informed and collective efforts.

Health Threats: Pandemics and New Challenges

Prof. Akerib informed conference participants in the health sector that pandemics such as COVID-19 might recur, especially considering climate change, forcing tropical diseases to drift north. Moreover, increasing issues like drug addiction will see public health systems stretched to their limits, creating challenges that will cross borders.

He further said that the world, being increasingly interconnected, correspondingly raises the risk of global health crises and, thus, international cooperation is critical to future resilience. He emphasised that effectively, together, they can combat and prevent future health crises

The Technological Revolution: Balancing Promise with Risk

One of the most captivating parts of Prof. Akerib's lecture was his focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI). He went deep into AI's enormous potential for disrupting fields like healthcare, communication, and education while he mentioned the associated risks. Increased control over personal data and deep fakes test our belief in what we see or hear.

Prof. Akerib left us with one question: Can we control AI, or later on, will AI control us? He underlined that while we should embrace the potential of technology, we must also be vigilant. We must ensure that strict regulations and digital literacy are in place so that technology shapes the future for humanity and not vice versa.

The Role of Education: Beyond Knowledge

Quoting Yuval Noah Harari, Prof. Akerib reminded us that while humanity is excellent at accumulating information and power, we are often less successful at acquiring wisdom. He stressed that education must go beyond rote learning to focus on critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and ethical considerations.

Universal access to quality education is central to innovation and reducing global inequalities, especially in developing nations. This also addresses investment in formal and non-formal professional training to bring long-term growth and stability within nations. For those who want to study in Berlin and contribute to a more informed and empowered world, EIIET offers a robust platform.

Navigating the Future: Can We Predict It?

As the future is inherently uncertain, Prof. Akerib has insisted that we can prepare better by being in a position to know the macro-environment. The political trends, economic policies, state of employment, health initiatives, and protection of the environment will help understand certain risks and opportunities. He emphasised the need for early warning systems and urged vigil over changes affecting personal and professional lives.

Shaping the Future Together at EIIET

We feel great to be able to host forward-thinking speakers at EIIET, such as Prof. Akerib, who challenge our profound thoughts about the world's future. His lecture was a powerful reminder that although we cannot predict the future, it is within our powers to influence it by boldly making informed decisions, embracing change, and dreaming.

EIIET offers an inspiring platform to young students who would want to study in Berlin and join a generation of thinkers and doers. Enlightening insights from Prof. Michele allow us to engage an uncertain world with imagination, confidence, and a drive towards making a difference.