Overview
The complexities of today's development challenges necessitate clarity in response. One-point solutions or one-time initiatives are unable to address the magnitude and nature of the current development difficulties. We are living in uncertain times, and as we are changing the way we do development, we have to constantly keep abreast and likewise empower our stakeholders.

The South Sudan Accelerator Lab is introducing innovative thinking into public service, by fostering strategic foresight in public policy design. Foresight and futures thinking is a new practice for UNDP and in line with its strategy to collaborate across the revitalized UN system and beyond for stronger collective results, and in the application of integrated approaches such as foresight, aims at transformative change in the development sphere.

In the ever-evolving landscape of public policy, the ability to anticipate, adapt, and innovate is paramount. And for South Sudan, a nation grappling with multifaceted challenges, the recent National Public Policy Experts workshop that brought together the nation's undersecretaries, executive directors of commissions, and director generals is a beacon of hope that will eclipse the fear and anxiety in uncertain times in the future.

Unpacking Strategic Foresight:
Strategic Foresight is a structured, forward-looking approach to policymaking. It challenges policymakers to transcend short-term thinking and delve into the complexities of the future. By analyzing trends, uncertainties, and potential disruptions. Furthermore, Strategic Foresight equips decision-makers with the insights and strategies they need to build policies that are resilient and agile in the face of change. Delivered by Demos Helsinki, this transformative workshop, shed light on the powerful tools of adopting Strategic Foresight.

Does South Sudan need Strategic Foresight?
"Foresight" is quickly becoming an essential alternative to traditional strategic thinking. It enables public planners to utilize innovative approaches to thinking, discussing, and carrying out strategic plans that are in line with the patterns of events. And to respond to whether the country needs strategic foresight in governance.

Complexity of Challenges: South Sudan's challenges span from political instability and conflict resolution to economic development and climate change adaptation. Strategic Foresight provides a holistic lens to addressing these interwoven societal issues.

Sustainable Development: Sustainable economic growth is the cornerstone of South Sudan's future. Strategic Foresight can unearth emerging opportunities, optimize resource allocation, and navigate potential obstacles on the path to development. Embracing foresight to identify early warning signs, explore scenarios, and develop proactive conflict prevention strategies.

Resource Management: South Sudan's vast natural resources, including oil, hold great potential for equitable development. Strategic Foresight can guide resource policies to promote transparency, sustainability, and fair distribution. 

The workshop also enabled the National policy experts to hone into the future using their horizon scanning lenses to paint future scenarios identifying trends, uncertainties and weak signals on PESTE (Political, Economical, Social, Technological and Environment) aspects of development.