Accelerating action on sustainable development
Building consensus on proven solutions for universal benefit
What We Do
United Future is an open, informal think tank network of 100+ people and organizations from various cultural and professional backgrounds, founded by former employees of the United Nations and other international organizations, and facilitated by a foundation registered in the Netherlands. We
build consensus according to the
win-win-for-all principle, to
upscale and implement proven solutions for international sustainable development - measured i.a. through the United Nations' (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The think tank network was created in response to the May 2025 news that the UN SDGs' progress is not on track. While there are hundreds of initiatives aiming to advance sustainable development, progress is slow, coordination is inefficient, and polarization about how the goals can be achieved increases.
We believe that interconnected problems require interconnected solutions. Through an interdisciplinary method based on universal benefit, we develop solutions that foster trust, cooperation, and accelerate systemic innovation across social and political divides. Our method is rooted in
political science (social construction) and
systems theory, and branched out into many other sciences.
How We Work
International conferences
We develop theories of change to ensure effective short-term
implementation of outcomes of international conferences, in which all stakeholders’ rights and benefits are represented. Follow our work on energy transition theory of change.
People & Partnerships
We
partner with people and institutions across multiple disciplines, cultures and belief systems, to develop win-win approaches. This helps to implement proven solutions for sustainable development.
Our Five Themes
Our work in consensus-building centers on five critical themes that drive systemic change: fostering peaceful cooperation, advancing equitable energy and nature solutions, new economic models, innovating institutions and democracy, and promoting inclusive cross-cultural values.
Energy & Nature
Developing a common theory of change document that focuses on
accelerating the energy transition while providing benefit to all affected communities and industries
Peace
Developing innovative
conflict resolution methods with diplomats and mediators, and promoting inter-state cooperation with fair & free trade focused on mutual advancement of development goals
New Economics
Designing
economic frameworks that encourage win-win cooperation with fair benefit to all - people & planet - through systemic incentives and nudges
Institutions & Democracy
Enhancing democratic processes and innovating institutions through approaches including
bipartisanship
and
coalition-building.
Narratives & Culture
Popularizing cross-cultural norms and narratives, to grow
common ground across divides, environmental responsibility, and transnational solidarity
Who We Are
We are an open, informal think tank network of 100+ people and organizations from various cultural and professional backgrounds.
The network was created by former employees of the UN and other international organizations.
The Network
Anyone can join this network and contribute their ideas towards the five themes. Individuals and organizations are all welcome. We are a grassroots initiative focused on building consensus within existing institutions. Through cultural and professional variety, the network provides a place for inclusive ideas. In 2026, we are preparing infrastructure to make it easier to exchange ideas with a large network of people across countries and different languages.
Through the form below, you can connect with us about exchanging ideas and about possible partnerships for your organization.
The Foundation
United Future Foundation (official name: Stichting United Future, Dutch version of a foundation), is a non-profit foundation, registered in the Netherlands. It is the primary institution facilitating the operations of the Think Tank Network and connecting the people and organizations involved. This foundation was created for multiple reasons: to provide more resources for the Network, and to keep such resources centrally available to the network for continuity.
Stichting United Future is an independent social organization and is in no way affiliated with, recognized by, or part of any international or intergovernmental organization such as the United Nations or United Way Worldwide.
Join Our Conversation for Sustainable Change
Contribute Your Ideas
United Future invites you to take part in shaping solutions that advance sustainable development internationally. Share your insights, collaborate with a diverse group of people and organizations, and help build a network where small actions build up into an upward spiral of lasting impact.
Your feedback and ideas are essential to driving systemic progress across energy, peace, economics, institutions, and narratives.
