Htut, 21, IT student – Burmese

Contents :

1. Global Challenges and Solutions 2. Wars and Armed Conflicts 3. Addiction to Social Networks and the Loss of Human Contact 4. Lack of Empathy and Growing Individualism 5. Global Warming and Plastic Pollution 2. Myanmar’s Challenges and Solutions 1. Civil War and Political Crisis 3. If Htut Were President of the World 4. Htut’s Dream World in 2050

Htut is originally from Yangon, the economic capital of Myanmar. He has been living in Bangkok, Thailand, for just over a year now, where he is studying computer science at university, specialising in front-end development – a field that both pleases and worries him: “I love computer science, but the market is really saturated at the moment, especially for novice developers”. He has mastered several languages, including JavaScript and Python, as well as back-end tools such as PHP.

Htut initially arrived in Thailand for a short three-month stay, but the political situation in his home country disrupted his plans. During his third month abroad, a conscription law was introduced in Myanmar. He therefore decided to stay in Bangkok to avoid being forcibly conscripted into the army, which led him to extend his stay indefinitely. He now lives with his aunts and uncles and finds strong support in the local Christian community. Htut is involved in voluntary work, including teaching the Bible. “I am both a learner and a teacher,” he says, stressing the importance to him of sharing hope and comfort with those going through difficulties, particularly members of the Burmese community in Bangkok.

Passionate about music, Htut has been playing the piano for eight years. Among his favourites is Merry-Go-Round of Life by Studio Ghibli.

1. Global challenges and solutions

1. Wars and armed conflicts

For Htut, one of the greatest challenges facing the world in 2050 is the persistence of war and armed conflict. He cites in particular the conflicts in Israel-Palestine and Ukraine, as well as the civil war in his own country, Myanmar. For him, these conflicts are above all caused by “the greed and hunger for power of certain individuals”. Htut believes that this quest for domination leads to situations where innocent citizens are held hostage by destructive personal or ideological ambitions. He considers that these wars have major economic, social and human consequences, and that they are one of the main obstacles to world peace.

Proposed solutions:

For Htut, the hope of resolving wars rests above all on faith and divine intervention: “On our own, we can’t really defeat Satan. We need God’s help, the hope he gives us. He believes that a return to faith and biblical hope could calm hearts and limit destructive ambitions. He believes that conflicts could be reduced if humanity showed more empathy and less self-centredness: “People are very self-centred. They want to focus on their goals and succeed in life, but they forget about their families and friends. Raising awareness of empathy, faith and cooperation among the world’s population would, he believes, be an essential way of reducing war.

Another major global issue that Htut identifies is the impact of social networks on human relationships. He deplores the fact that people “spend their days on social networks” to the detriment of “direct links with our friends and families”. For him, this addiction has serious consequences: it creates emotional isolation and prevents the development of authentic relationships. Htut believes that by invading human relationships, technology pushes people to withdraw into themselves and lose their ability to listen and understand.

Proposed solutions:Htut runs awareness campaigns to warn of the dangers of social networking. His aim is not to ban networks, but to encourage moderate use that is aware of their effects. For him, it is also necessary to reinvest time in close relationships: “People need to understand that we also need to spend time with those closest to us, those around us”. He envisages these campaigns being run by religious leaders, educators and institutions who could pass on this message of balance. In his view, developing self-awareness and the ability to have deep relationships is an essential antidote to digital isolation.

3. Lack of empathy and growing individualism

Htut is concerned about a general weakening of empathy in global society, accompanied by a rise in individualism. In his view, the world is pushing us to focus on personal success, to the detriment of human relationships: “Everything around us pushes us to think that we have to succeed in life, which is a good thing, but we forget to spend time with our loved ones.” He believes that this lack of empathy contributes to conflict, loneliness and the breakdown of the world’s social fabric.

Proposed solutions:Htut sees faith as a remedy for this loss of empathy. Through his voluntary work, he teaches the Bible and helps people to reflect on their difficulties: “Before teaching the Bible, we first try to understand what people are going through. Then we look for the scriptures that can help them. He believes that religious education, if it is caring and appropriate, can help people develop compassion and solidarity. He also calls for an education focused on emotions, relationships and cooperation from childhood onwards, to bring about a more empathetic generation: “I think we need to focus on children, bring them up properly, not just on studies, but on human emotions.” Training in respect, listening and sharing could thus become an educational pillar for the future.

4. Global warming and plastic pollution

Htut also mentions global warming as a major issue, which he links directly to the use of plastics and the over-exploitation of resources: “I think global warming is also a problem. It’s because of plastics, and also because of the way we use resources. In his view, these practices are degrading the planet, and their persistence threatens environmental stability and the global quality of life. He believes it is urgent to reduce carbon emissions and find sustainable alternatives.

Proposed solutions:Htut advocates the massive expansion of renewable energies: “We need to use more solar energy, biogas and water energy. He believes that if these sources are developed on a large scale, they could solve the problem of global warming. He also believes in ecological education and collective responsibility, particularly by reducing the use of plastic. Investing in clean technologies and redirecting global energy policies towards sustainable models would, in his view, be major levers for preserving the planet.

2. Myanmar’s challenges and solutions

1. Civil war and political crisis

For Htut, the civil war in Burma is “the cause of all the country’s other ills”: it is behind the stagnation in wages and the explosion in prices, making survival difficult. The lack of prospects for young people – who are particularly vulnerable to job insecurity – is fuelling a mass exodus and a widespread feeling of despair.

Proposed solutions:

Htut believes that the only viable future for Burma is democracy – “the best system that imperfect humans can have”. He envisages external support, particularly from the UN, to facilitate a political transition. However, he is clear about how long it will take: “it will take time, 10 or 20 years… it’s going to be a very long time. He calls for gradual reform, supported by the international community, to install a representative and peaceful government.

3. If Htut were President of the World

If Htut were President of the World, he would implement the following measures as a matter of priority:

He would focus first and foremost on children, investing massively in their all-round education, well beyond traditional school-based learning. He insists on the need to train young people in emotional intelligence, empathy and respect for others, from an early age: “I would focus on children to bring them up really well. Not just on studies, but also on human emotions. In his view, educating children in a balanced way, with strong human values, would help to build a more responsible generation, and reduce future conflicts: “If we are brought up with a good emotional education, we can live together better.”
Launching a global campaign to limit the use of social networks would also be one of his first concrete measures. He wants to alert the public to the negative effects of excessive use. He wants to make people aware of the impact of these tools on their personal relationships, while promoting balanced use that does not harm real human interaction.
Htut would also focus teaching and spreading the messages of the Bible, which he sees as a source of hope and personal transformation: “I would use the Bible to help people, to show them scriptures that can help them”. He envisages faith playing a unifying and calming role, restoring a spiritual sense to collective life.
Finally, Htut would take care to deploy its actions in the most troubled countries, first targeting the populations most affected by conflict and inequality. “I would look for the country with the most problems, and try to solve them as a priority.” Although he does not go into detail about the technical solutions, he believes in targeting crisis areas as a priority, as a lever for global change.

4. Htut’s dream world in 2050

The turn of the 2050s marks the transition to a new era of peace and cooperation. Wars were no longer a painful memory taught in schools as a warning. People have learned to see each other as equals, to understand each other and to engage in dialogue. A new generation has emerged, shaped from childhood by an education in which emotional intelligence, faith, empathy and respect for others are at the heart of learning. All over the world, children have grown up in a healthier environment, free from hatred and fear.

The development of renewable energies has enabled us to achieve an ecological balance. The plastics that choked the land and seas have disappeared, replaced by biodegradable materials. Humanity now draws its energy from the sun, water and the earth, without pollution or depletion of resources. From Bangkok to New York, the major metropolises have become breathable cities, where parks, urban forests and green transport provide a soothing living environment. Social networks are no longer a source of addiction. Extensive awareness campaigns have changed usage: people are spending more time together, in the real world, rediscovering the human warmth that had been lost.

Myanmar is unrecognisable. The war has come to an end, not through the victory of one side over the other, but through a collective effort for peace, supported by a vast international coalition led by the UN. The military regime fell. Genuine democracy was established, with a new constitution guaranteeing freedom for all. The country has been rebuilt, slowly but surely. Wages have risen, prices have stabilised and schools have become accessible to all. Buddhist temples, churches and mosques coexist in mutual respect. Hope has replaced fear.

Htut is 47 years old. He has left the hustle and bustle of Bangkok to live in a small village nestling in the Swiss Alps. Every morning, he opens his shutters to a peaceful landscape: sparkling mountain peaks, flower-filled meadows, and the distant sound of cowbells in the alpine pastures

His daily life is punctuated by simple pleasures. He continues to work in IT, a field that has evolved but remains essential. Thanks to technological advances, repetitive tasks are being taken over by artificial intelligence, allowing him to concentrate on creating immersive web interfaces, combining design and interactivity. His work allows him to travel while staying connected: six months in Switzerland, six months elsewhere, as the mood takes him. He spent several winters in New Zealand, roaming the fjords and mountains. Then he often returns to Australia, to the Blue Mountains or Melbourne, a city he loves for its artistic atmosphere.

Htut has not given up music. He has become an accomplished pianist and teaches music to children at a small school in the valley. His faith remains at the heart of his life. He participates in a local Christian community that is open and international, where he rediscovers the spirit of fellowship that he had so appreciated in his church in Bangkok. He continues to teach the Bible to those seeking comfort or simply a listening ear. The discussions are deep and respectful, without proselytising.

Htut is not alone. After hesitating for a long time, he has started a family. Today, he’s happy to have taken the plunge. He lives with his partner, also a musician, and their two children. The evenings are warm: sometimes they play together, sometimes they read, sometimes they look at the stars. For Htut has never lost his fascination for space. He passionately follows scientific advances in the exploration of the universe, and spends time studying cosmology

His link with Myanmar remains strong. He returns regularly, now without fear. He takes part in educational programmes, helps rebuild schools and organises peace concerts. He also finds friends and family there, and the solidarity that has survived all the hardships.

Nattapas, 25, artistic creator and game master – Thai

Nattapas is 25 years old and currently lives in Thonburi. Born into a family of Chinese origin - he considers himself a third-generation immigrant - Nattapas grew up with his grandmother in a home steeped in demanding cultural values - "You always had to be the best".

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Nattapas, 25, artistic creator and game master – Thai

Contents :

1. Global Challenges and Solutions 2. The Spread of Extreme Poverty and Hunger in the World 3. The Rise of Armed Conflict and Fear of Change 2. Thailand’s Challenges and Solutions 1. The Absence of Real Democracy and Political Repression 2. Lack of Economic Opportunities in Creative Fields 3. Cost of Living and Transport Accessibility 3. If Nattapas Were President of the World 4. Nattapas’ Dream World in 2050

Nattapas is 25 years old and currently lives in Thonburi. Born into a family of Chinese origin – he considers himself a third-generation immigrant – Nattapas grew up with his grandmother in a home steeped in demanding cultural values – “You always had to be the best”. After living in Chinatown as a child, he moved to Thonburi at the age of 12, where he still resides. An all-rounder, Nattapas describes himself as a “freelancer” and has a wide range of activities: acting, playwriting, video editing, content creation and, above all, game mastering for tabletop role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons or Roar and Roll, a Thai version. “It started out as a hobby, but after two years I decided I wanted to become a professional game master”. He runs paid sessions at events such as the Thailand Board Game Show.

Trained at Rangsit University in the fields of facilitation and learning, he uses these skills in his games to get players to explore deep, sometimes political, themes. “I put my players in the shoes of people living through a historic massacre in Thailand, so that they can feel the cruelty, and see that even afterwards, there can still be hope”. Attached to his culture and to Thai cuisine – “in Thailand, you can find extraordinary food everywhere, which is one of the main reasons why I don’t want to live anywhere else” – Nattapas is driven by a desire to create and an acute awareness of social issues.

1. Global challenges and solutions

1. The spread of extreme poverty and hunger in the world

One of the major challenges identified by Nattapas for the coming decades is the persistence of extreme poverty and hunger in the world, particularly in unstable areas. He underlines the distress of those who live “day by day” without the possibility of thinking in the long term. He believes that hunger is an obstacle to human dignity, and that it cannot be dissociated from contexts of war, instability and political neglect. In his view, poverty is a vicious circle: “Poor people don’t even have time to think, because they have to survive. They can’t afford to make plans to get out of their situation, let alone dream”.

Proposed solutions:

For Nattapas, it is necessary to develop a system of solidarity contracts between rich nations and regions affected by extreme poverty. These agreements would guarantee access to food, water, healthcare and housing, and in exchange would include vocational training objectives for the local populations, in order build lasting autonomy for the populations assisted, enabling them to integrate fully into society, while avoiding the logic of assistance.

2. The rise of armed conflict and fear of change

Nattapas is deeply concerned about the increase in armed conflicts around the world, which he sees as a symptom of the gradual collapse of democracy. He refers to the situation in Ukraine, the Middle East and South-East Asia, and sees a common dynamic: “It’s as if democracy is collapsing. This could be the era when democracy disappears”. He links this situation to the widespread fear of change: “People want to change, but they’re afraid. Because we don’t know what will come next”. He identifies fear as a major brake on any collective transformation, particularly in authoritarian societies where freedom of expression is stifled. “When you say you want to change things, you feel alone, because others are afraid to speak out. Fear prevents change”.

Proposed solutions:

In response, Nattapas advocates global action to restore democracy and guarantee fundamental freedoms, in particular freedom of expression and the right to protest. He insists on education as the key to transformation, to enable citizens to identify their rights and dare to claim them: “We need to educate people to know that they have rights. That they can protest, that they can call for change”. He also campaigns for the abolition of laws that imprison people for their political opinions and the release of political prisoners around the world: “I want to free people who are locked up for nothing, because of unjust laws. And those who have had to flee their country, I want them to be able to return home”. Reducing fear means guaranteeing a safe space to speak out, and recognising the political dignity of every individual.

2. Thailand’s challenges and solutions

1. The absence of real democracy and political repression

For Nattapas, the main challenge facing Thailand in 2050 is the lack of genuine democracy and the political repression of dissenting voices. He describes a regime that presents itself as democratic but in reality controls power through biased laws and institutions. He looks back at the election of the Move Forward party, which had the support of a majority of young people, but was ousted from power despite its victory. He also denounces the fear of speaking out that affects the population: “I told my mother I’d been to a demonstration, and she cried. She said ‘I don’t want you to die'”. He believes that this fear is passed down from generation to generation, because of the repressive events of the past.

Proposed solutions:

To remedy this situation, Nattapas is campaigning for recognition of the right to protest and an end to the impunity enjoyed by the forces of law and order during demonstrations. He also wants civic education to enable citizens to know their rights, and a collective memory of tragic events such as the massacres of October 1976 and May 1992: “If we don’t know what happened, we can’t understand fear. It has to be taught”. Restoring democracy requires a society that is informed, not terrorised, and capable of governing itself.

2. Lack of economic opportunities in creative fields

Nattapas deplores the lack of economic opportunities for young people, particularly in the artistic and creative sectors. He himself is struggling to make a living from his passion for role-playing games, a sector that is still very much in its infancy in Thailand: “TTRPGs [editor’s note: tabletop role-playing games] are brand new here. Not many people know about them. There’s a small niche. But it’s starting to become pop culture”. He points to the lack of structures and recognition for creative professions, which forces artists to combine several activities with no guarantee of a stable income. “I do theatre, role-playing, editing and writing. But you can’t really make a living from it. You do what you can”. He also regrets the lack of institutional support for independent projects, and the lack of recognition for alternative careers.

Proposed solutions:

He imagines a public policy dedicated to developing the creative economy, with accessible funding for artists and places of expression open to the public. “I dream of having my own theatre, a place to create and show what we do”. He advocates the inclusion of culture and play in education as vectors for personal development, and the professionalisation of the creative sectors, notably through national events supported by the State. For him, encouraging the emergence of a vibrant, free and accessible culture is a means of economic and social emancipation for young people.

3. Cost of living and transport accessibility

Finally, Nattapas points to the high cost of daily living, particularly in Bangkok, and the lack of free or affordable public transport: “For many people, getting around is too expensive. It prevents them from enjoying the city, going to events, living life”. He sees access to transport as a right, not a luxury. He dreams of a transport system that is free for everyone, enabling a better quality of urban life and greater access to culture: “If you can move around freely, you can see people, go to shows, feel free”.

Proposed solutions:

He proposed free public transport for citizens, financed by a progressive tax and a reduction in military spending. He also insists on regional planning outside Bangkok, to decentralise wealth and opportunities. “If we develop other cities, if life is easier there, people will have more choice”. He sees better urban accessibility as a lever for social justice and equal access to resources.

3. If Nattapas were President of the World

If Nattapas were President of the World, he would immediately implement the following measures:

Release of all those imprisoned for political or unjustified reasons: Nattapas’ first concrete measure would be to free political prisoners throughout the world, and to allow exiles to return to their country of origin in complete safety. For him, this situation is not specific to his country: “It’s not just Thailand, it’s the same in Burma, Laos, the Philippines… there are people who have to go into exile because they’ve just spoken out. They live elsewhere but they dream of going home”. His priority would therefore be to release all those detained for exercising their freedom of expression, and to guarantee their return to their homes, “so that they can return to their families, their homes, their lives”.

Universal right to freedom of expression and historical memory: Nattapas also wants to abolish laws that punish opinion, in order to restore freedom of speech as a universal fundamental right: “If you want to change things, you have to be able to speak out. But today, even speaking out is dangerous. So fear grows, and everything is blocked”. He believes that fear prevents progress and is the main obstacle to global change. To remedy this, he proposes an international civil rights education campaign and an acknowledgement of past historical violence, so that everyone can understand where fear comes from: “If you don’t know what happened, you don’t understand why you’re afraid. You have to know in order to move forward”.

Creating homes of dignity for the destitute: Finally, Nattapas would “homes of dignity” in the poorest regions, where people deprived of food, water and care could be housed, fed and trained. “I want houses to be built in places where there is nothing. And I want the people who live there to be able to become doctors, teachers, caretakers, whatever they want. It’s not a question of one-off assistance, but a development strategy based on exchange and human enhancement: “If you help someone, you can ask them to help you in turn, not out of obligation, but because they will naturally do so and have the means to do so”.

4. Nattapas’ dream world in 2050

In 2050, the fear that once paralysed people has gradually given way to hope and action; democracy has become a concrete, living, universal reality; speech is free, everywhere. The laws that gagged people have been abolished, and prisons emptied of those who should never have been there in the first place. Political refugees, once forced into exile, have returned to their homeland. Education has played a central role in this transformation: from the earliest age, every child learns to know his or her rights, to remember the struggles of the past and never to relive them. The great wounds of history, long buried, have been recognised, recounted and taught.

This emancipatory movement has been accompanied by a worldwide surge of solidarity and fraternity. World hunger has been largely eliminated thanks to new forms of cooperation between rich and developing countries, offering the most deprived populations the means to live, but above all the means to learn, to train and to make themselves useful to their community. The global economy is now based on human development, not exploitation.

Nattapas is now 51 and still lives in Thailand, in the peaceful hills of Chiang Mai, with his partner and two adopted children. His house, built into the side of a mountain, is surrounded by a garden in which he grows aromatic herbs and flowers, and shares the space with his cats – he has two of them, both rescued from the streets.

He has become a leading figure in the performing arts and role-playing. He now runs a multidisciplinary arts centre offering workshops in theatre, role-playing, writing and singing, and organises an annual narrative game festival. His favourite game is Roar and Roll, a Thai creation that he has helped to make known beyond the country’s borders.

Every year, he sets off on a road trip with his partner in a converted van, enabling them to discover the beauties of Asia and beyond.

Nittiporn, 38, architect – Thai

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Nittiporn, 38, architect – Thai

Contents :

1. Global Challenges and Solutions 2. Overpopulation and Natural Resource Management 3. Environmental Degradation and Pollution 4. An Ageing Population and a Break Between Generations 5. Technological Acceleration and Disinformation 2. Thailand’s Challenges and Solutions 1. Air Pollution and Quality of Life 2. Rising Sea Levels and Climate Change 3. If Nittiporn Were President of the World 4. Nittiporn’s Dream World in 2050

Nittiporn is originally from Thailand and currently lives in Bangkok with her Austrian husband and their two-and-a-half-year-old child. She trained in architecture and management, and has worked in several areas of design. She now works as a project manager in design in the broadest sense – including exhibitions, graphic design and interior design. In the past, she has also been involved in landscape architecture and urban design. Nittiporn has lived abroad for around seven years, notably in Singapore, New Zealand, Spain (Barcelona) and briefly in France, where she took part in a two-month university workshop in Paris. She describes herself as privileged: “I’m lucky to have the opportunity to choose where I want to live”, which she is actively considering, as her family is planning to leave Thailand for Europe, not least because of the pollution: “the fact that we have good air, clean water, pleasant public spaces, it’s a game changer”. Her passions are simple and rooted in everyday life: she enjoys exercising, walking in nature and embroidery.

1. Global challenges and solutions

1. Overpopulation and natural resource management

The first major challenge that Nittiporn identifies for the world by 2050 is overpopulation, not so much in terms of the sheer number of people, but in terms of their concentration in certain areas and the pressure exerted on natural resources. This overpopulation threatens the ability of local ecosystems to regenerate.

Proposed solutions:

To tackle this problem, Nittiporn does not propose strict control of the birth rate, but insists on the management of resources and the moral education of citizens. “I don’t think we should restrict reproduction, except perhaps in cases where families are not at all ready to bring up a child. She insists on the need to educate people to develop an awareness of the impact of their consumption choices, rather than resorting to coercive policies. Changing social values to promote sobriety and individual responsibility seems to her to be essential. She also proposes strengthening the capacity to recycle and reuse materials, anticipating an era when “waste will become a resource” and technology will make it possible to recycle everything, down to “every little object”. Technological innovation and collective awareness must go hand in hand, with the State playing a supporting role: “The State and the individual must go hand in hand, but it must start with the individual.

2. Environmental degradation and pollution

Another crucial challenge, according to Nittiporn, is environmental degradation, exacerbated by demographic pressure and consumerist lifestyles. She notes that “the food we eat today has fewer nutrients than it used to”, revealing intensive soil exploitation and harmful agricultural practices. The environment is under increasing stress, with a rapid loss of biodiversity and declining soil, air and water quality.

Proposed solutions:

Nittiporn suggests that “the State should control the prices of certain key agricultural commodities, so that people can afford to eat quality food”. She also calls for strict standards on agricultural cultivation: limits on fertilisers, seed quality, soil quality: “The State must regulate the way we farm to ensure food security and the quality of nutrients”. Equitable access to healthy food and transparency in the food chain are becoming priorities for him: “Quality food is expensive. Those who have to feed themselves opt for the lower end of the market… if we could do something about prices, that would help.

3. An ageing population and a break between generations

Nittiporn is concerned about the acceleration of demographic ageing, particularly in Asia. She anticipates social and economic tensions: “In Asia, there will soon be more old people than young people, and that’s going to have a big impact on the economy. She also points out that the slow adaptation of older people to technological developments is a source of isolation: “Even I’m not always up to date with technology… so imagine for the elderly”. She foresees a growing social divide between generations, fuelled by technology and economic tensions.

Proposed solutions:

To remedy this, she stresses the need to invent lifestyles that are adapted to seniors. She points to emerging initiatives in Thailand: “There are already communities for the elderly, a bit like kindergartens but for seniors”. The creation of convivial living spaces, adapted activity centres and maintaining a sense of usefulness for senior citizens are essential. “We can’t just tax young people to fund pensions. Seniors need to be able to contribute to the economy in an appropriate way. She even imagines collaboration between older people and AI to create new forms of adapted work. “States need to find ways to combine technology and work for seniors… a win-win solution.”

4. Technological acceleration and disinformation

The breakneck pace of technological progress is another challenge, with major social risks. Nittiporn is concerned about the abuses and scams associated with the use of technology, particularly for the most vulnerable: “In Thailand, there are a lot of scams. The elderly can’t even tell the difference between an AI-generated image and the real thing. This lack of technological knowledge generates confusion and mistrust. She also notes that access to reliable information is becoming a challenge, with the flood of digital content.

Proposed solutions:

Nittiporn offers lifelong education on technology, accessible to all. “There needs to be something like a newspaper, but to explain technology, its uses, its impacts.” Mass awareness of the uses, benefits and dangers of technology is crucial, she believes, in order to restore a confidence that is currently crumbling: “It’s not enough to know that AI exists, we have to understand what we can do with it, and how it impacts our lives.” She is calling for reliable sources of information that are easy to understand, to support everyone through this technological transition.

2. Thailand’s challenges and solutions

1. Air pollution and quality of life

In Thailand, and particularly in Bangkok, air pollution has become a major concern on a daily basis, affecting quality of life and even driving some residents to consider exile. She emphasises the direct impact of pollution on her family’s lifestyle choices: “Without the pollution, we might have stayed in Thailand, but being afraid to open the window of your flat without wearing a mask is really hard on your physical and emotional well-being”.

Proposed solutions:

For Nittiporn, Thailand is “on the verge of hitting rock bottom, and then will necessarily find a way out. She is counting on human resilience and the need to survive to drive change. It is betting on the development of anti-pollution technologies, the energy transition, but above all on an overhaul of the urban way of life, with better access to natural areas, less polluting transport, and the regulation of industrial emissions.

2. Rising sea levels and climate change

Climate change is already having an impact on Thailand, and the country is vulnerable to rising sea levels, especially in its coastal areas. “Sea level rise is clearly a challenge for the next few decades. She also notes “abrupt and unpredictable” climate change, with “sudden downpours in winter leading to more and more flooding”. She also notes that traditional knowledge is no longer sufficient to protect against these hazards: “People used to use local knowledge to protect themselves from floods, but now they have become so powerful that it no longer works.

Proposed solutions:

In the face of this, she insists on the need to adapt governance: “The government has failed to manage floods, to anticipate the amount of water and to warn the population”. It is imperative that warning systems be modernised , that weather forecasting capacity be strengthened, and that communication with the public be improved. She also advocates education in resilience and disaster management, which is currently lacking in Thailand: “We don’t have a disaster management manual, because it’s a peaceful country, but now we need one.

3. If Nittiporn were President of the World

If Nittiporn were to become President of the World, she would implement the following measures as a matter of priority:

Emphasising moral and human education rather than academic content alone: Nittiporn attaches crucial importance to the way in which human beings are shaped from childhood. “Education is the most important thing. And I’m not just talking about academic content, but how people are brought up. Her approach to education would go far beyond traditional subjects: it would aim to instil values of benevolence, responsibility and social awareness. In her view, the key to a more peaceful world, respectful of people and the environment, lies in building the individual from the earliest age.

Giving everyone a sense of security and belonging to foster kindness and solidarity: Her first concrete action would be to create a climate of emotional and social security for everyone. She says: “People act better when they feel safe and accepted”. She wants everyone to feel they belong in the world, with policies that reinforce this sense of belonging and reduce divisions. “It’s not about giving money and saying it’s a kindness. It’s about making people feel that they count. For her, kindness and cooperation are born of inner security, and she dreams of a world public policy promotes mutual acceptance and reduces social fear.

Encouraging a change in mentality around consumption and the pursuit of happiness: Nittiporn is also said to be implementing measures aimed at changing the perception of happiness and consumption. “We see happiness as something that will come once we’ve achieved something. But happiness has to be found now. She proposes reconciling people with the present moment and reminding them that “kindness towards others is what true happiness is all about.”

4. Nittiporn’s dream world in 2050

In 2050, humanity has learned to rediscover a sense of moderation, benevolence and shared responsibility. It has been a long road, littered with crises and realisations, but the course has been set: that of a future based on a balance between man and nature, between progress and wisdom.

Cities are now calmer, integrated into their environment. Glass and steel towers have given way to more sober architecture, often inspired by nature, covered in vegetation, designed to respect the air, water and earth. Thanks to the widespread adoption of advanced recycling technologies, waste has virtually disappeared. Each discarded material follows a clear and rigorous cycle that transforms it into a resource, giving it a second or third life. Yesterday’s plastic objects have been replaced biodegradable materials, designed to blend into nature without leaving a trace.

The major metropolises have been rethought. Humanity has learnt to spread out, to occupy land without suffocating it. Urban planning has become a science of the living, influenced by the values of sobriety, well-being and conviviality. Thanks to global regulation of food prices, everyone has access to quality basic foodstuffs.

Demographic growth has found its balance, not by force, but by a collective awareness of individual responsibilities. Everyone now understands that giving life also means offering a future, and that this requires resources, attention and love. However, there are enough young people to look after an ageing population with care, while the latter make it a point of honour to remain active in society. Thanks to technology, older people can work at their own pace, from home, sharing their experience and contributing to economic and social projects. Adapted communities enable them to live together, break the isolation, and maintain their autonomy, all while being supported

At 64, Nittiporn exudes serenity. She lives on the south coast of Thailand, in a small house nestling between the sea and the tropical forest, somewhere near Krabi. She lives “in a small house that she can easily maintain herself, with a small garden to cultivate”. She shares this daily life with her husband, who is always at her side. Their daughter, now aged 27, has taken off. Nittiporn is officially retired, but she “does something useful” every day: an association project, support for young designers, or sometimes simply embroidery that she gives to her friends and family, faithful to the passion she has retained since her youth. The community in which she lives is close-knit and caring. Everyone looks out for each other. The notion of “neighbourhood” has regained all its meaning.

Phatchayan, 32, translator – Thai

Phatchayan currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand, where she works part-time as a translator in a hospital. Her role is to facilitate communication between medical staff - doctors and nurses - and patients. Originally from Maha Sarakham, a province in the Isan region of north-east Thailand, she grew up far from the hustle and bustle of the capital.

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Phatchayan, 32, translator – Thai

Contents :

1. Global Challenges and Solutions 2. The Decline of Moral and Human Values 3. Increased Alcohol and Drug Consumption 4. Air Pollution and Its Effects on Health 2. Thailand’s Challenges and Solutions 1. Air Pollution and a Degraded Environment 2. The Rise of Addictions (Alcohol, Drugs, Gambling) 3. Lack of Regulation and Corruption 3. If Phatchayan Were President of the World 4. Phatchayan’s Dream World in 2050

Phatchayan currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand, where she works part-time as a translator in a hospital. Her role is to facilitate communication between medical staff – doctors and nurses – and patients. Originally from Maha Sarakham, a province in the Isan region of north-east Thailand, she grew up far from the hustle and bustle of the capital. She explains that she chose Bangkok for the professional opportunities it offers, but she often regrets “the pollution, the stress, the frenetic pace”, which she says “are not good for your health”.

Phatchayan lives with her boyfriend and has no children. When asked if she would like to have any one day, she answers without hesitation: “No. I never wanted children, even as a child. I never wanted children, even as a child. For me, it’s a burden, too much responsibility. I like to be free. She enjoys spending quiet time, watching Netflix and going for a walk from time to time. Very attached to her family, she often talks about her parents with affection.

Influenced by over twenty years of practice at the Dhammakaya Foundation, she meditates regularly and follows the Buddhist ‘five precepts’, which she rigorously applies to her daily life. She takes part in the temple’s monthly retreats and shares these values with those close to her: “You don’t have to be a Buddhist to follow these principles. It’s just universal goodness

1. Global challenges and solutions

1. The decline of moral and human values

For Phatchayan, the most pressing challenge facing the world in 2050 is the continuing degradation of fundamental human values. It is not the economy, technology or even the environment that are at the heart of the problem, but rather “the hearts of people” and “the way humans interact, with less and less respect and ethics“. She speaks with concern of a world where immoral behaviour – theft, betrayal, lies, violence – is becoming commonplace. “Everywhere we go, we see bad things: people are changing, it’s not like it used to be. She refers to the five Buddhist precepts, which she applies in her personal life, to illustrate the loss of ethical reference points: “Don’t kill, don’t steal, don’t betray, don’t lie, don’t drink or take mind-altering substances: if everyone respected these, the world would be at peace“. In her view, this deterioration in fundamental principles threatens social cohesion and world peace, far beyond religious or cultural divides. “We need a middle way that everyone, whatever their culture, can accept: not to harm others.

Proposed solutions:

To respond to this moral crisis, Phatchayan proposes a solution based on the dissemination of the “five universal precepts”, a secular form of basic moral values accessible to all. She wants these principles to be taught worldwide, from childhood onwards, in a non-religious but universal approach. To spread these values, she sees meditation as a central tool: “If everyone meditates for five minutes a day, they can regulate their thoughts, get to know themselves better and do good. She imagines a world where meditation is practised in schools, in companies and by managers. In her view, the solution lies in efforts to educate people about inner peace and universal respect, through simple but regular practices.

2. Increased alcohol and drug consumption

Another major issue she identifies is the uncontrolled rise in alcohol and drug consumption, which she sees as the root of many other social ills. “If you drink, you can lie, betray, steal and become violent. Alcohol leads to all the other sins. She insists on the danger of these substances, which, according to her, disinhibit, make people impulsive and encourage deviant behaviour. She is particularly concerned about the recent legalisation of cannabis in Thailand, which she believes has encouraged its use to become commonplace: “You go out into the street and you see weed shops everywhere. They say it’s for sick people, but everyone smokes. In her view, this is a worldwide phenomenon, but particularly alarming in developing countries where controls are weak and young people are vulnerable.

Proposed solutions:

Phatchayan campaigns for a strict ban on all recreational drugs, including cannabis, and strict controls on the sale of alcohol. She also wants to see the worldwide closure of casinos and gambling dens, which she sees as places of perdition: “I would close all casinos. Gambling ruins people, creates corruption”. In her view, we need strict laws, but also strong preventive education from an early age, to prevent new generations from falling into these traps. She also talks about the role of leaders: “All leaders must be exemplary. You can’t lead if you don’t follow these principles”. The solution therefore lies in regulation, prohibition and massive education against addiction.

3. Air pollution and its effects on health

Finally, she sees the deterioration in air quality as a global health threat. In particular, she cites PM2.5 – fine particles that are dangerous to the lungs – as a growing source of illness. “Air should be free. Now it’s like having to buy it, as everyone is encouraged to have expensive air purifiers at home.” She deplores the fact that in many cities, particularly in Asia, residents have to monitor air quality on a daily basis via apps: “Every day, we look at the AirWeShow app, and it’s red. That means danger.” She is alarmed that breathing has “become a risk”

Proposed solutions:

Faced with this situation, it is calling for radical and temporary measures, such as stopping industrial activity for several days to clean up the air. “In China, they shut down all the factories for a week. Then they built air purification towers a kilometre high. She also suggests a ban on vehicles that pollute too much, strict control of factories, and massive investment in clean energy. She also stresses the need for “a global, coordinated effort, because pollution knows no borders”.

2. Thailand’s challenges and solutions

1. Air pollution and a degraded environment

In Thailand, air pollution, particularly in Bangkok and the north of the country, has become a national emergency. Phatchayan insists that “the air is unbreathable, even with four or five purifiers at home, the meter stays red”. She points to the health consequences: “PM2.5 particles are so fine that our lungs can’t filter them. They enter the bloodstream directly. Pollution is linked to transport and factories, but also to agricultural fires. For her, it’s a silent health tragedy that the authorities don’t take seriously enough.

Proposed solutions:

She advocates strict regulation of polluting industries, with strict limits on emissions. “In other countries, factories have to measure what they emit. Here, we pay under the table, and we pollute without limit. She is calling for serious inspections, penalties and strong environmental taxation. She also wants the development of giant air purifiers, as in China, and massive reforestation campaigns. “Air is a right, not a luxury”. The solution lies in political will, the fight against corruption, and heavy investment.

2. The rise of addictions (alcohol, drugs, gambling)

In her view, Thailand is facing an explosion in the use of substances and the trivialisation of gambling. She describes “the legalisation of cannabis as a disaster. Young people think it’s normal to smoke”. She also points to the collusion between the state and mafia networks: “At the border, there was an illegal Chinese gambling centre. The electricity came from Thailand. And when China wanted to close it down, we gave them 10 hours’ notice so that they could erase the evidence. She is outraged by this hypocrisy and complicity.

Proposed solutions:

She demands an immediate return to cannabis prohibition, the closure of all illegal casinos, and tough laws against alcohol and gambling. “I would cut off the electricity to all casinos. And I would punish corrupt officials.” She wants tighter controls and international surveillance. She also proposes mass education of young people against addictions, and large-scale awareness campaigns. For her, the fight against addiction is essential for the future of the country.

3. Lack of regulation and corruption

Finally, she highlights the lack of serious control over industrial practices, and the endemic corruption of the authorities. “Here, factories pay someone, and they can do anything: pollute the air or the water, but nobody checks. She notes that even positive initiatives, such as free transport, fail because the real causes are not tackled.

Proposed solutions:

She is calling for a complete overhaul of the control institutions, with real, independent inspections and an end to privileges. She also proposes exemplary sanctions against corruption: “If you take money to let people pollute, you must be punished”. For her, transparency, accountability and an end to impunity are the keys to a healthy future for Thailand.

3. If Phatchayan were President of the World

If Phatchayan were President of the World, she would implement the following measures as a matter of priority:

Teaching meditation worldwide: Her first step would be to get everyone to meditate for at least five minutes every day. For her, this is the basis for a peaceful world: “Maybe I’d just start with this: everyone meditates for five minutes every day”. She insists that this simple practice would have profound effects. Meditation would become public policy, supported by education, the media and institutions.

Impose the five principles of “universal goodness”: It would establish a foundation of five moral rules that everyone should respect, whatever their beliefs: “don’t kill, don’t steal, don’t abuse sexuality, don’t make false statements and don’t drink alcohol? If everyone followed that, the world would be at peace. For her, this moral code would be universal, taught at school, promoted in companies and respected by all managers.

Close all casinos and gambling venues: Phatchayan would act swiftly against gambling, which she considers destructive: “I would close all casinos. Gambling is very dangerous and destroys families. She cites cases of corruption between governments and illegal gambling networks, which she wants to eradicate.

4. Phatchayan’s dream world in 2050

In 2050, the world enjoys a climate of peace and security, thanks to a moral revolution built around simple gestures and attitudes that have become the norm: meditating for a few minutes each day, getting to know ourselves, respecting universal moral principles, acting with kindness. These gestures, spread around the world, have created a society where people live without fear or violence, respecting themselves and others.

In this calmer world, the use of alcohol and drugs is on the decline. Corruption, gambling, betrayal and manipulation are no longer tolerated. Casinos and gambling dens have become community centres where people learn to garden, cook and create.

The transformation is not just taking place inside people: the appearance of cities has also changed profoundly. The massive use of non-polluting public transport, the strict regulation of industry and the construction of eco-towns integrated into nature have given humanity back the right to breathe without fear. In Bangkok, people now travel by bicycle or silent aerial tram, and the streets, shaded by vegetation, have become pleasant places to stroll

Phatchayan is 58 years old. She now lives in Maha Sarakham province, where she was born, a six-hour drive from Bangkok. She left the city around ten years ago, at her parents’ request. She lives in a traditional wooden house built on stilts on the edge of a pond. The place is surrounded by a luxuriant vegetable garden where cucumbers, watermelons and various vegetables grow that her tireless father continues to cultivate.

Phatchayan lives with her partner. She has chosen not to have children, in keeping with her youthful thoughts. Her daily life is peaceful, made up of walks, reading and daily meditation.

She has realised her professional dream: she works from home in digital marketing. She also helps her family to manage a portfolio of rented houses, which her mother administers meticulously. Together, they welcome travellers who come to discover the Thai countryside and meditate in peaceful surroundings.

Phatchayan doesn’t travel much, but she loves it. Every year, she spends a few days on holiday with her family. She dreams of discovering Japan, the temples of Kyoto and the bamboo forests. But her real pleasure is walking by her pond, listening to the birdsong, feeling the earth beneath her feet.

Simon, 32, doctoral student and freelance film-maker – Nigerian

Simon is originally from Ondo State in south-west Nigeria, where he grew up before embarking on an international career in research. Now based in Thailand, he is pursuing a PhD specialising in student mental health. He has already conducted similar research in Turkey, focusing in particular on the use of media and communication as therapeutic tools.

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Suruchi, 22, environmental science graduate – Nepalese

Suruchi lives in Kathmandu, Nepal, but was born in the mountainous district of Gorka, at the foot of the 8,163m Manaslu. She recently completed a bachelor's degree in environmental sciences in Kathmandu, and is preparing to continue her studies abroad, aiming for a master's degree in the same field. "I'm trying out the United States and the United Kingdom, and if I'm rejected there, I'll think about other options," she explains. Suruchi is not married and has no children, but she is looking forward to family life.

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Suruchi, 22, environmental science graduate – Nepalese

Contents :

1. Global Challenges and Solutions 2. Climate Change and Its Global Effects 3. Global Demographic Growth 4. Air Transport Accidents 2. Nepal’s Challenges and Solutions 1. Ineffective Governance and Corruption 2. Educational Inequalities, Particularly in Rural Areas 3. Lack of Rural Infrastructure 3. If Suruchi Were President of the World 4. Suruchi’s Dream World in 2050

Suruchi lives in Kathmandu, Nepal, but was born in the mountainous district of Gorka, at the foot of the 8,163m Manaslu. She recently completed a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences in Kathmandu, and is preparing to continue her studies abroad, aiming for a master’s degree in the same field. “I’m trying out the United States and the United Kingdom, and if I’m rejected there, I’ll think about other options,” she explains. Suruchi is not married and has no children, but she is looking forward to family life.

Suruchi has many passions, including music, reading, films and, above all, travelling. She dreams of discovering iconic places like Paris, various parts of Europe, and other natural and cultural wonders of Asia. She has already completed several treks, including the Langtang National Park, and plans to trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). She also enjoys singing and is learning to play the guitar, and hopes one day to take up the piano.

1. Global challenges and solutions

1. Climate change and its global effects

According to Suruchi, the main challenge for the coming decades is climate change, which she sees as the source of many other problems. For her, this phenomenon, although often imperceptible in its progression, is already having very visible consequences, particularly on living conditions and food security. She refers in particular to the rise in global temperatures, which is causing extreme fluctuations. This climate instability is having a direct impact on agriculture: “Harvests are shrinking. We are already seeing a drop in production in the villages. She also highlights the indirect consequences for health, quality of life and marine ecosystems: “Tonnes of plastic are being thrown into the sea, affecting marine habitats, and plastic is now being found in breast milk and human sperm.

Proposed solutions:

Suruchi advocates action on several levels to limit the effects of climate change. She insists on a drastic reduction in plastic pollution, stating that “the dumping of plastic in the sea should be completely banned”. She also calls for the abandonment of chemical pesticides in favour of natural solutions, explaining that “in the fields, we should stop using insecticides with lots of chemicals and replace them with homemade remedies”. As far as transport is concerned, she calls for rigorous regulation and public policies aimed at “replacing old and poorly maintained vehicles”. She sees the electrification of transport and the use of solar energy as viable alternatives. Suruchi advocates a systemic approach, combining targeted bans, technological innovation and raising public awareness.

2. Global demographic growth

Suruchi identifies the rapid growth of the world’s population as another major challenge for 2050: “there is only one Earth, but demand is increasing all the time”. This exponential growth is putting enormous pressure on natural resources, particularly food, and could lead to “widespread food insecurity, as demand is bound to outstrip supply.” She points out that overpopulation is particularly marked “in poorly educated areas such as India, Africa and Nepal”. She establishes a direct link between the lack of education and population growth, pointing out that “where there is little education, people are not aware of the consequences of procreation”.

Proposed solutions:

For Suruchi, the solution lies first and foremost in education and awareness-raising. She suggests organising seminars in areas where the level of education remains low, to inform people of the consequences of overpopulation. She also mentions the example of China, which introduced a one-child policy: “What China did, a rule of one child per couple, was a good idea at the time. However, she admits that this type of measure must be temporary and adapted to local contexts. Her priority remains to raise people’s awareness of the need to manage the birth rate.

3. Air transport accidents

One subject that particularly worries Suruchi is transport safety, especially air travel. She expresses a personal fear of plane crashes: “There are so many air crashes that it scares me to get on a plane. She links these accidents to a lack of technical skills, in particular “pilots’ lack of experience and poor engine management.

Proposed solutions:

Suruchi proposes that pilot training should be stepped up and that aircraft should be monitored more closely: “Pilots need to be trained and experienced pilots recruited. But they also need to fly to gain experience. She insists on regular maintenance of aircraft: “Maintenance must be carried out in good time. For land transport, she recommends encouraging the use of public transport and banning non-compliant vehicles: “Unmanaged vehicles should be eliminated.” She sees the mass adoption of electric vehicles as a way of reducing pollution and accidents.

2. Nepal’s challenges and solutions

1. Ineffective governance and corruption

For Suruchi, the main obstacle to Nepal’s development is poor governance. She describes “political instability, with old and uneducated leaders who slow down progress”. She denounces a system where “many leaders participate in corruption and embezzle funds that should go to development”. The result of this lack of competence and integrity is “underdeveloped infrastructure, particularly in the villages, and a lack of public services”. She also observes that “votes are bought by politicians, and people accept because they see an immediate advantage without understanding the long-term consequences.”

Proposed solutions:

Suruchi’s first solution is a complete overhaul of the political class. She is also calling for an end to vote-buying, and for citizens to be made aware of their civic responsibility. “People must vote with their hearts and minds to develop the country, not for money.” She wants governance to be more transparent and inclusive, with leaders drawn from local communities. But also a more participatory democratic process

2. Educational inequalities, particularly in rural areas

Suruchi identifies education as the key to Nepal’s development, but deplores “the absence of schools and teachers in rural areas, particularly in the Himalayas and Terai”. She stresses the impact of this absence on girls: “Over there, only boys go to school if they have the choice. She cites specific districts such as Dopa and Rautahat, where the situation is particularly critical.

Proposed solutions:

Suruchi advocates massive investment in rural education. “The government must build schools everywhere and guarantee teachers in the villages. She also insists on gender equality in access to education: “All children must have the same chance to go to school, whether they are boys or girls. She calls for active policies to delay early marriages and promote emancipation through education. “Education is the key: if children learn, they will have a vision and opportunities.

3. Lack of rural infrastructure

She points to the lack of infrastructure in rural areas as an obstacle to development: “There are no roads, no transport, no access to services”. This lack of infrastructure isolates people and makes economic opportunities virtually non-existent: “People suffer because of this, and remain trapped in poverty.

Proposed solutions:

For Suruchi, priority needs to be given to building roads, health centres and public services in these rural areas, “so that everyone has access to the same opportunities, no matter where they live”. She links this need directly to the need for political reform: “If we can get a competent government into power, it will be able to deliver these services.”

3. If Suruchi were President of the World

If Suruchi were President of the World, she would give priority to the following measures:

Eliminate all uneducated and corrupt leaders around the world: Suruchi gives top priority reforming global governance: “I would eliminate all uneducated leaders in the world and appoint in their place really competent, educated people who want to change things for real.” She envisages relying on citizens themselves to assess leaders: “I’d take advice from local people, ask them who’s corrupt, who’s doing nothing, and depending on their answers, I’d give the order to sack them.” For her, cleaning up the world’s political class is the first condition for any progress, because “if those in power are not honest, there can be no lasting change”.
Offering education to everyone, everywhere in the world: Suruchi would then seek to guarantee universal access to education “in every country, even in the most remote villages”. For her, education is the root of all solutions: “If people are educated, they themselves will know how to solve problems. They will be autonomous. She doesn’t just plan to build schools, but also to ensure real equality access: “All children, boys and girls, rich or poor, must have the same chance.
Planting trees and encouraging sustainable farming: As part of his fight against climate change, Suruchi would implement a global campaign for reforestation and responsible farming: “I would ask everyone to plant trees, to grow their own food.” This initiative aims to reconnect people with nature and reduce the environmental impact of industrial agriculture. She stresses the importance of sustainable farming methods: “We need to stop using chemical pesticides and go back to natural methods.
Reforming transport to reduce pollution: Finally, Suruchi would act on the transport sector, which she sees as a major source of pollution. She is proposing a gradual ban on old, polluting vehicles, replacing them electric means of transport

4. Suruchi’s dream world in 2050

By 2050, climate change, which had long threatened the very foundations of human life, has been contained. Humanity has collectively transformed its lifestyles, adopting environmentally-friendly technologies and returning to simplicity and nature.

Electric vehicles have replaced polluting engines everywhere, and major cities have been redesigned to give priority to public transport and green spaces. The use of plastic has been drastically reduced and, for the remaining uses, a comprehensive and efficient recycling system has been introduced. The oceans breathe.

Population growth has stabilised, thanks to massive educational programmes across the world, particularly in previously marginalised areas: people have understood, not through coercion but through a profound awareness, the importance of balancing human life with the planet’s capacity.

In Nepal, change is spectacular. A new, young and educated government has been in power for several years. It has put an end to endemic corruption, reorganised the administration and given the people back their voice. Villages that were once isolated are now linked by solid roads, and solar-powered electricity reaches even the most remote hamlets. Schools have sprung up everywhere, right up to the Himalayas.

At the age of 47, Suruchi lives in Gorkha, in the house of her dreams: a house of wood and stone in natural colours, in harmony with the surrounding mountains. Her house has two floors, a bright living room, three bedrooms overlooking the valley, a wooden kitchen, and a lush garden where vegetables and flowers grow. One room is dedicated to music, with an upright piano that she has finally learned to play, and a guitar, her faithful companion since she was twenty. In front of the terrace, a sparkling swimming pool,

Suruchi is married and the mother of twins, a boy and a girl aged 12. She is not far from her family of origin, who live an hour’s drive away – the perfect distance she had imagined.

Professionally, Suruchi has set up her own business, specialising in the production and sale of sustainable, environmentally-friendly products made from local plants and materials. She works part-time, dividing her time between running her business and gardening, an activity she particularly enjoys. Her business is increasingly successful, and she now exports to many parts of Asia.

She also travels a lot. In 2050, she will finally realise her dream of visiting Paris.

Ojaswi, 22, translator – Nepalese

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Ojaswi, 22, translator – Nepalese

Contents :1. Global Challenges and Solutions 2. Gender Confusion and Societal Tensions Linked to Identity 3. Plastic Pollution and the Degradation of the Global Ecosystem 4. Climate Change and Its Many Causes 2. Nepal’s Challenges and Solutions 1. Systemic Corruption and Institutional Collapse 2. Mass Unemployment and the Exodus of Young People 3. Urban Pollution and Public Health 3. If Ojaswi Were President of the World 4. The Dream World of Ojaswi in 2050

Ojaswi was born in Thading, a small town 72 kilometres from Kathmandu in Nepal. She lives in the capital with one of her sisters, while her parents and younger brother still live in her home village. Another of her sisters is married and lives in Australia. Ojaswi is completing a bachelor’s degree in computer science, and is taking up programming. Alongside her studies, she has been working for over a year as a translator and interpreter for a Western company, which often requires her to be available in the middle of the night.Ojaswi is passionate about many things. She loves riding her scooter, particularly to escape the city and travel, especially at night. She also loves dancing and writing poetry – in particular ghazals, a traditional genre of Persian origin that she reserves for moments of sadness or thoughts of loved ones. She is not married and feels very distant from that prospect. She expresses a deep need for inner peace and bears witness to a difficult personal journey.

1. Global challenges and solutions

1. Gender confusion and societal tensions linked to identity

For Ojaswi, one of the major challenges facing the world in 2050 is the proliferation of gender identities and the growing confusion surrounding the distinction between the sexes. She is deeply concerned about what she sees as a dangerous blurring of biological and social reference points. She insists on the need to maintain a clear distinction between men, women and LGBTQ+ people, in order to avoid conflicts and injustices, particularly in the field of sport. “There are men who play women’s sports just because they identify as women. That’s not fair. Women are naturally less strong, so it’s not fair.” She believes that this dynamic is fuelled by an abusive use of individual freedom, “People do what they want without any limits. I can identify myself as a plant or a sea, it’s not normal.” In her view, this confusion would have harmful repercussions for future generations and the global social order. “Children will grow up in a chaotic world where they won’t know who they are.

Proposed solutions:For Ojaswi, the solution lies in strict regulation of freedom of expression on gender and the establishment of distinct and recognised categories for men, women and LGBTQ+ people. “Everyone must have their own space: women have their own toilets, their own sports, men too, and LGBTQ+ people must also have their own spaces.” She advocates the introduction of international laws to prohibit the mixing of genders in certain contexts, such as sporting competitions and sensitive public places (toilets, hospitals, schools), while respecting the fundamental rights of each individual. “It’s not a question of religion, but of respecting biological limits. We have to have rules, otherwise everything becomes nonsense”. She also stresses the responsibility of governments to educate the public about these distinctions and to avoid any form of ideological extremism, one way or the other.

2. Plastic pollution and the degradation of the global ecosystem

Ojaswi identifies plastic-related pollution, particularly from polythene bags, as a global scourge threatening terrestrial and marine ecosystems. It points out that this form of pollution, which is constantly on the increase, is particularly dangerous because plastic does not biodegrade. “Polythene never disappears, even if it breaks up, it stays there forever”. She warns of the long-term consequences for the environment and human health, and deplores the delay in finding sustainable alternatives. “Plastic is everywhere, and we use it as if it were normal, but it’s a poison for the earth, the water and even the air.

Proposed solutions:In her view, there is an urgent need to promote biodegradable materials, by investing heavily in research into products that dissolve naturally in water and soil. She advocates a gradual ban on non-recyclable plastics, as well as the development of a circular economy based on recycling, reducing and reusing materials. “Companies must be forced to use these alternatives, otherwise they will continue to pollute.” She is also calling for a global mobilisation on this issue, with education campaigns and penalties for polluting industries.

3. Climate change and its many causes

For Ojaswi, climate change represents a major threat to the future of humanity, particularly in terms of disrupting natural cycles and melting snow. “Where I live, it used to snow every year, but this year there’s no snow at all. It’s because of global warming”. She links this phenomenon to a number of causes, including the excessive use of private vehicles, industrial pollution, and the intensive use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence

Proposed solutions:For her, the development of public transport and the mass adoption of electric vehicles are priorities. “Instead of everyone having a car, we should have shared buses, that would avoid a lot of pollution”. She also proposes limiting the uncontrolled development of artificial intelligence, by reducing competition between companies and promoting a single, highly efficient platform to save resources. “Why have ten different AIs that all consume water and energy? One would suffice, if it’s done well. Finally, she advocates strict regulation of industries, accompanied by tax incentives to adopt environmentally-friendly processes.

2. Nepal’s challenges and solutions

1. Systemic corruption and institutional collapse

Ojaswi describes corruption in Nepal as ubiquitous, affecting all strata of society, from central government to local administrations. “Even to get my licence, if I pay 500 rupees, I don’t have to queue. It’s everywhere.” She believes that the state is corrupted by fraudulent practices that divert public funds to the detriment of development. “There is talk of millions of dollars being stolen by officials, but nobody does anything about it. This corruption leads to a widespread loss of confidence in the authorities, and blocks any attempt at reform.

Proposed solutions:Ojaswi proposes a drastic crackdown on corruption, with tough laws and exemplary penalties. “We need to put them in prison. Create a climate of fear for those who steal public money”. She questions the choice of voters, believing that the problem also stems from the fact that citizens vote for incompetent officials. “If you sow a bad seed, you reap a bad harvest. It’s our fault too. She would like to see the emergence of a new generation of leaders with education and integrity, like Balen Shah, the mayor of Kathmandu, whom she admires. “He changed the city. If we elect the right people, everything can change.

2. Mass unemployment and the exodus of young people

The lack of professional opportunities is pushing the majority of young Nepalese to go abroad, particularly to Japan, Australia or America. “All my friends and classmates have left. There’s nothing here. Local jobs are rare and very poorly paid: “$100 or $200 a month is not enough to survive on. She sees this as a direct consequence of the government’s inaction in developing the local economy and infrastructure.

Proposed solutions:Ojaswi emphasises the country’s untapped agricultural potential. “We have land to grow crops, but we import our vegetables. It’s absurd. She is proposing a national programme to revive agriculture, by supporting small-scale producers and creating sustainable jobs in the sector. She also advocates encouraging local entrepreneurship and reducing dependence on imports to promote economic autonomy. Finally, she envisages a forced return of expatriates, if she were President of the World, so that they can participate in national reconstruction: “Everyone should return to their country and work there. We would be proud to build our future at home.

3. Urban pollution and public health

Pollution in Kathmandu is a major problem, with high levels of dust and fine particles seriously affecting the health of local residents. “We have respiratory problems everywhere, dust is everywhere”. Pollution is exacerbated by the lack of waste management and the massive use of old vehicles.

Proposed solutions:Ojaswi wants a national plan to combat pollution, with the mass introduction of electric public transport, controls on polluting vehicles and a ban on harmful materials such as plastic. She is also calling for an improvement in the public health system, with hospitals equipped to deal with respiratory illnesses, and an environmental education campaign in schools.

3. If Ojaswi were President of the World

If Ojaswi were President of the World, she would immediately implement the following measures:

Impose a generalised return of the diasporas: she states forcefully: “If I were president, the first thing I would do would be to bring everyone back to their country of origin”. In her view, the exodus of citizens abroad impoverishes their countries of origin and harms local development. We can develop our country, work for it, and pass on to our children the pride of our national identity. In her view, this return would be the key to reviving the economies of many countries in difficulty, particularly Nepal.

Another top priority for Ojaswi would be the eradication of corruption. “I would put them all in jail, or I would put in place a very strict rule so that there is no more corruption.” She believes that the fear of punishment is essential to create a climate of integrity. For her, corruption is a direct obstacle to progress, and eliminating it would mean “that everyone has a chance to grow, that everyone is treated fairly”. She imagines universal laws against corruption, with heavy penalties, applied without exception to all levels of power.

Ojaswi also wants to establish religious peace on a global scale. She dreams of a world where “no one is killed because of their religion”. Although she recognises the complexity of the task (“I don’t know how to do it, but a solution would have to be found”), she wants to establish a dialogue between faiths and guarantee everyone the right to practise their faith freely, without fear or violence.

Finally, it would launch a relentless fight against sexual violence, paedophilia and human trafficking. “Many children disappear around the world every day, used for obscure purposes”. She strongly denounces “abuse, human trafficking, rape, paedophilia”, and promises rigorous investigations and maximum penalties for the perpetrators of these crimes. She sees this fight as a prerequisite for a safer and fairer society.

4. The dream world of Ojaswi in 2050

In 2050, human societies have learnt the lessons of the chaos at the beginning of the century and chosen the path of peace, justice and nature regained. Gender is no longer a source of discord and confusion. Societies have understood that mutual recognition is based on clarity and respect for differences. From now on, men, women and LGBTQ+ people will each have their own place, their own rights, their own spaces, without encroachment or imposed claims.Climate change has been contained. The world has turned its back on the private car and embraced shared transport. Huge networks of buses, trains and electric vehicles have been built, reducing pollution and bringing people closer together. Artificial intelligence, long developed without limits, has been rationalised: a single global platform, sober and ultra-efficient, optimises services without wasting water or energyThese developments have been made possible by a merciless fight against corruption: the citizens of the world have demanded accountability, and the laws have changed. Corrupt officials are now deposed and severely punished, and public funds are used for the common good. The result is an unprecedented improvement in public services around the world – hospitals, schools and transport are working better than ever.Nepal, once deserted by its young people who left to seek a future elsewhere, has managed to win back its diaspora – attracted in particular by unprecedented opportunities in the agri-food sector. The economy is flourishing.Ojaswi is 47 years old. She built her house with her own hands – or almost. It’s in the heart of the Dhading district, not far from where she was born, but down the hill from a clear, flowing river. She has become a freelance, a respected professional in translation, writing and design. She works at her own pace, chooses her assignments, and takes whole days off to write poems. Sometimes she hops on her scooter and sets off on an adventure to explore the roads of Nepal. The routes are simple, the roads well maintained, the journeys easy.She has a cat, the faithful companion of her peaceful days, but no children. She devotes time to her mental health, which she cultivates like a fragile and precious garden. Ojaswi still travels, sometimes far away. She has seen the pyramids of Egypt, the Seven Wonders of the World, she has been lost in the forests of Norway. But she always returns home, to the banks of the river, among her trees and hills, where her days pass in a gentle mix of work, contemplation and simple joy.

Biplop, 25, trekking guide – Nepalese

Biplop lives in Kathmandu, Nepal, but his family hails from the Dhading district to the east of Kathmandu, where he was born. The son of tourism professionals, he now works as a trekking guide in the family business. Single and without children, Biplop spends his free time hiking, camping around Kathmandu and watching films.

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Biplop, 25, trekking guide – Nepalese

Contents :

1. Global Challenges and Solutions 2. Climate Change 3. Demographic Pressure 4. The Technology Gap 5. The Obsession with Social Networks and the Loss of Reference Points 2. Nepal’s Challenges and Solutions 1. The Rural Exodus and the Decline of Agriculture 2. Political Instability and Mistrust of Government 3. An Education System Out of Touch with the Country’s Potential 3. If Biplop Were President of the World 4. Biplop’s Dream World in 2050

1. Global challenges and solutions

1. Climate change

Biplop sees climate change as the main global challenge be tackled by 2050. He stresses the differing responsibilities of countries in this crisis: “Small countries like ours emit little carbon but are sometimes very heavily impacted by the effects of climate change, which is already beginning to destabilise our entire economy and our natural spaces. It’s the developed countries that are causing the pollution, and they don’t seem to be suffering as much as we are. He takes issue with the inaction of the major powers and points the finger at the ineffectiveness of emission control policies, particularly in the transport sector.

Proposed solutions:To tackle this scourge, Biplop is calling for strict and effective regulation behaviour that is harmful to the environment, and in particular advocates the systematic application of penalties, however light, to encourage compliance with environmental standards: “If we don’t punish people, they’ll never play by the rules. A small fine can already change things. He also advocates a gradual energy transition, to avoid paralysing the economy of the poorest communities: “If we stop all the old vehicles at once, the city will no longer function. At international level, he stresses the need for polluting countries to shoulder their responsibilities and take action: “Until the rich countries are as affected as we are, they will do nothing. He sees popular pressure around the world, and the dissemination of images and testimonies on the Internet, as a way of amplifying the voices of the countries worst affected.

2. Demographic pressure

Biplop identifies demography as another crucial issue, with overpopulation in some countries such as India, and demographic decline in others such as Japan. For him, these imbalances have multiple causes: “In overpopulated countries, it’s often a lack of education. People have three or four children without thinking about the consequences. He also points to the influence of religious traditions: “In our country, we believe that you need a son to send your parents to heaven. So in many families, as long as they don’t have a son, they carry on. Conversely, in developed countries, “people know how much a well-educated child costs, so they only have one, and sometimes none at all”.

Proposed solutions:For him, education is the key to demographic regulation. “If people understand the costs and challenges of parenthood, they will make different choices”. He also cites migration as a solution for under-populated countries, and mentions incentive policies: “Japan pays couples to have children, but that’s not enough, because the money given doesn’t cover the real cost.” He therefore calls for global education policies, combined with appropriate incentives: “We can find the balance, but we need to act in a targeted, coordinated and considered way.

3. The technology gap

Biplop is also concerned about the acceleration of technology, which could widen the gap between developed and developing countries: “Countries like ours are finding it hard to keep up with technologies that are changing every day. He deplores the fact that the benefits of new technologies are inaccessible to the poorest people, not only because of their cost, but also because of poor use of digital tools: “We have the internet, but people don’t use it well. They’re not going to learn. They’re looking at something else.

Proposed solutions:For him, access to the Internet is not enough: people need to be trained to use it intelligently: “If you use the Internet well, you can learn anything you want. The problem is that nobody teaches you how to use the Internet to learn. He believes that change has to come from each individual and stresses the crucial role of parents and education at home, particularly for children: “Children copy what they see. If you show them YouTube all day, they won’t do anything else.

Biplop is also concerned about the distorting influence of social networks on young people: “These days, children want to become TikTokers or YouTubers rather than doctors or engineers, particularly because it’s the people on the Internet who earn the most money”. He sees this as a danger to society, because “unlike doctors, YouTubers aren’t really useful in any way”.

Proposed solutions:To combat this drift, he once again insists on education and parental responsibility: “Children learn at home. Parents have to be careful what they show them”. He advocates practical teaching based on real-life experience: “In China, children learn how to build a house. In the United States, they want to be on TikTok. For him, change comes by example, not coercion: “If you show children useful things, if you educate them about the relative importance of things, they will follow.

2. Nepal’s challenges and solutions

1. The rural exodus and the decline of agriculture

Biplop describes with emotion the dramatic depopulation of rural Nepal: “In my village, there used to be 90 houses. Today there are only 20 occupied. He explains that young people are leaving the countryside to go to the city or abroad, abandoning their farmland. This is leading to a fall in agricultural production, and weakening the national economy.

Proposed solutions:Biplop mentions an ambitious government measure aimed at reallocating uncultivated land: “A system should be put in place whereby, if you haven’t worked your land for five years, someone else can be authorised to cultivate it and become its owner”. He supports this idea, believing that it is the only way to avoid economic collapse: “If the country collapses, we have to act. Even if people don’t like losing their land, we have to use it

2. Political instability and mistrust of government

Biplop makes a harsh assessment of Nepal’s political situation: “In 17 years, we’ve had 16 governments”. He recounts the failed transition to democracy after the monarchy, marked by the inability to adopt a constitution: “It took them 14 years to write a constitution. As a result, people lost confidence and those who wanted democracy now want the king back.

Proposed solutions:Although he doesn’t consider himself to be a politician, Biplop believes in the rise of a more educated and aware youth: “I see around me that there are more and more informed young people, who now know what the government does or doesn’t do”. As a result, he hopes that votes will be more and more thoughtful, and will eventually allow honest people to come to power: “The right to vote is the only way we have to influence the government. We have to vote. For him, stability will come through popular empowerment, rather than regime change: “The king isn’t coming back. But we have to vote better.

3. An education system out of touch with the country’s potential

Biplop is highly critical of the Nepalese education system: “We are not taught what our country has to offer. We’re just told that everything here is bad. He describes a general lack of awareness of the country’s natural riches and local opportunities: “Nepal has a unique asset in the world: in just 70km, the altitude goes from sea level to the highest point in the world. We have every type of climate, soil and vegetation: we can produce anything. But they don’t show it to us, so nobody takes advantage of it. He deplores the ignorance of many young people about the resources of their own country, fuelled by an overly theoretical education.

Proposed solutions:He calls for an educational reform focused on the practical: “We need to be shown what we can do here, not elsewhere”. He believes that education must reconnect young people with their country, so that they believe in it once again: “If you see the potential, you stay. If you think there’s nothing there, you leave. He supports the development of practical teaching methods, rooted in the local area, to train young people to become active players in their environment. His priority is to develop agricultural potential through dedicated training.

3. If Biplop were President of the World

If Biplop were President of the World, he would implement the following measures as a matter of priority:

Free and universal education for everyone on the planet: For Biplop, the absolute priority would be free access to education for everyone. He believes that education is the foundation of all individual and collective development, and that without it, no other policy can succeed. “Even if you give someone seeds, if they don’t know how to plant, they’ll eat them. So you have to teach them first.” Biplop imagines a world where everyone, no matter where they live, can receive quality education adapted to their local context, enabling them to understand and seize the opportunities offered. For him, this education should emphasise autonomy, responsibility and the judicious use of locally available natural resources.

A global programme to ensure food security through self-reliance: The second concrete measure would be the fight against hunger, but Biplop rejects the idea of permanent assistance via NGOs or international redistribution systems. He advocates targeted, temporary aid, combined with training to ensure food self-sufficiency. “Giving free food all the time is no good. People get lazy. You have to give them something for a year, then teach them to feed themselves. Biplop therefore wants to combine emergency food aid with practical training in agriculture and resource management, so that vulnerable populations can provide for themselves in the long term. “There’s a well-known Chinese proverb that I find very true: when people are hungry, you have to teach them to fish, not give them fish.

A global energy transition to green energies: Finally, Biplop would make the energy transition a global project, but he insists on the need not to rush societies, particularly the poorest. “You have to go slowly, otherwise you’ll block everything. We can’t stop the machine all at once, but gradually move towards green. He imagines a gradual ban on polluting energies, combined with massive support for the adoption of clean and affordable energies, with the pace varying from country to country.

4. Biplop’s dream world in 2050

By 2050, climate change has been contained and brought under control. The international community, driven by pressure from the countries most affected and a growing collective awareness, has been able to impose strict rules on pollution. Developed countries have taken their share of responsibility, drastically reducing their emissions, green technologies and financially supporting developing countries in their energy transition. In Kathmandu, the skies are clear again, electric vehicles drive silently through the streets, and the valley’s forests have regained their density, thanks to major reforestation programmes

Demographic imbalances are gradually being corrected. The advent of universal, free education has transformed attitudes, putting an end to runaway birth rates in some areas while allowing families to freely choose the number of children they wish to have, with a clear conscience. In ageing countries, well-managed migration has revitalised deserted villages, and new families from previously overpopulated regions have built diverse and harmonious communities.

The technology gap has narrowed. Thanks to universal access to the Internet and systematic digital education, young people have turned away from the passive, recreational use of screens to use the Internet more as a platform for learning, exchanging knowledge and showing solidarity. Little by little, technologies have begun to serve real-life needs.

Nepal has also changed: villages, long deserted, have once again become vibrant places, where flourishing agriculture feeds not only the country, but the entire region. Land reform has borne fruit: abandoned land has been cultivated by new families, who have made it prosper. The local economy has diversified, supported by sustainable tourism that respects people and landscapes. Education connected to the land and practical knowledge has enabled young people to see their future in the village, not at the airport. Faith in the country’s future also comes from restored confidence in its institutions: a new generation of educated politicians from the grassroots has taken the reins of the country, buoyed by an enlightened and demanding electorate.

In this world, Biplop is now 50 years old. He lives in his childhood home, lovingly restored, in his native village 70km east of Kathmandu. There, in the verdant hills, his stone and wood house, extended by a veranda opening onto the mountains, is home to a blossoming family. Married with three children, Biplop divides his time between the land and hiking trails. He has become a respected farmer, raising a few cows and goats, maize, vegetables and fruit for local markets and for his community. But he has never abandoned his passion for the mountains: he also organises tailor-made treks through unspoilt trails in western Nepal, where few tourists venture

His day begins early, at sunrise, with tending the animals, followed by a walk around the village, often accompanied by his children. He takes the time to chat with his neighbours and take part in community life. At weekends, he likes to take his family camping in the valley, or watch films with them in the small community cinema.

He still dreams of travelling. One day, he’ll go to Europe, to understand how farmers in other countries live, and maybe even hike in the Swiss Alps, where he’s seen some fascinating images on the internet.

A global survey based on face-to-face interviews, to imagine desirable futures

Bénitha, 21 ans, commerciale – Kigali (Rwanda)

1. Major challenges facing the world in 2050 and related solutions

2. Major challenges for Rwanda by 2050 and associated solutions

3. If Benitha were President of the World

4. Benitha's dream world in 2050

Htut, 21, IT student – Burmese

Htut, 21, IT student – Burmese

1. Global challenges and solutions

1. Wars and armed conflicts

2. Addiction to social networks and the loss of human contact

3. Lack of empathy and growing individualism

4. Global warming and plastic pollution

2. Myanmar’s challenges and solutions

1. Civil war and political crisis

3. If Htut were President of the World

4. Htut’s dream world in 2050

Nattapas, 25, artistic creator and game master – Thai

Nattapas, 25, artistic creator and game master – Thai

1. Global challenges and solutions

1. The spread of extreme poverty and hunger in the world

2. The rise of armed conflict and fear of change

2. Thailand’s challenges and solutions

1. The absence of real democracy and political repression

2. Lack of economic opportunities in creative fields

3. Cost of living and transport accessibility

3. If Nattapas were President of the World

4. Nattapas’ dream world in 2050

Nittiporn, 38, architect – Thai

Nittiporn, 38, architect – Thai

1. Global challenges and solutions

1. Overpopulation and natural resource management

2. Environmental degradation and pollution

3. An ageing population and a break between generations

4. Technological acceleration and disinformation

2. Thailand’s challenges and solutions

1. Air pollution and quality of life

2. Rising sea levels and climate change

3. If Nittiporn were President of the World

4. Nittiporn’s dream world in 2050

Phatchayan, 32, translator – Thai

Phatchayan, 32, translator – Thai

1. Global challenges and solutions

1. The decline of moral and human values

2. Increased alcohol and drug consumption

3. Air pollution and its effects on health

2. Thailand’s challenges and solutions

1. Air pollution and a degraded environment

2. The rise of addictions (alcohol, drugs, gambling)

3. Lack of regulation and corruption

3. If Phatchayan were President of the World

4. Phatchayan’s dream world in 2050

Simon, 32, doctoral student and freelance film-maker – Nigerian

Simon, 32, doctoral student and freelance film-maker – Nigerian

1. Global challenges and solutions

1. The decline of moral and human values

2. Increased alcohol and drug consumption

3. Air pollution and its effects on health

2. Thailand’s challenges and solutions

1. Air pollution and a degraded environment

2. The rise of addictions (alcohol, drugs, gambling)

3. Lack of regulation and corruption

3. If Phatchayan were President of the World

4. Phatchayan’s dream world in 2050

1. Global challenges and solutions

1. Global inequality and economic imbalance

2. Lack of fairness and abuse of power at international level

3. Corrupt elites and weak human rights

2. Thailand’s challenges and solutions

1. Integration difficulties for foreigners and language barriers

2. Cost of living and economic insecurity

3. If Simon were President of the World

4. Simon’s dream world in 2050

Suruchi, 22, environmental science graduate – Nepalese

Suruchi, 22, environmental science graduate – Nepalese

1. Global challenges and solutions

1. Climate change and its global effects

2. Global demographic growth

3. Air transport accidents

2. Nepal’s challenges and solutions

A global survey
based on face-to-face interviews,
to imagine desirable futures