Our Global Futures Networks facilitate connections between people, ideas, and resources across the University of Waterloo to advance the Global Futures through initiatives spanning education, research, and service.
The Global Futures Networks advance the Global Futures through two key activities:
CONVENE and CONNECT
The Networks will identify, spark, and celebrate connections across UW and with external partners to advance collaborative, interdisciplinary, and integrated initiatives in research, education, and service that best advance the Global Futures.
SUPPORT and PROPEL
The Global Futures Office will provide expertise and shared professional support services, including seed funding through the Global Futures Fund, to propel initiatives.
In 2025, the advancement of the Global Futures Networks will be supported by Dr. Richard Florizone, Special Advisor to the President and Provost on Global Futures Networks. The development of the Global Futures Office will be led by Fayaz Noormohamed, Interim Executive Director, Global Futures Networks. The Office will drive collaboration with internal and external stakeholders across our Global Futures Networks with a focus on advancing initiatives that help the University shape our Global Futures.
Stay tuned for more communications and outreach events to engage with the Global Futures Networks.
Questions can be directed to Fayaz Noormohamed.
Governance
Deans’ Council serves as the governance body overseeing the strategic direction of Global Futures Networks. Deans' Council will also provide final approval for the funding for each cohort of Global Futures initiatives commencing with a pilot fund to be announced shortly. A Global Futures Networks Steering Committee has been struck to provide input and help finalize various aspects of the Office’s key activities in convening and connecting and supporting and propelling.
Background
In 2020, an Interdisciplinary Task Force Report identified key enablers and barriers to interdisciplinary initiatives at the University of Waterloo. More recently, the Report of the Provost’s Advisory Committee on Building a Resilient University of Waterloo underlined the importance of improving organizational efficiency, coordination, collaboration, processes, and structures if we are to be positioned to realize the strategic vision for Waterloo at 100. The notion of de-siloing and “One University” emerged among other recommendations that resonate strongly with the Global Futures.
In 2023, the strategic vision for Waterloo’s future carried with it guiding principles. These serve to guide the work of the Global Futures: Rediscover Unconventional; Lead Globally, Act Locally; and Coordinate and Collaborate. Reinforcing these principles and emerging from the needs identified above, Waterloo’s Values were endorsed earlier this year: Think Differently, Act with Purpose, and Work Together. These values help underpin the ethos of the Global Futures Networks.