02.06.2025 / News
Făgăraș, June 1st, 2025 – A training session on facilitating community foresight processes took place at the @HomeinFăgăraș barn, hosted by the Făgăraș Research Institute and led by international expert Elizabeth Maloba, who brings over 20 years of experience in organizational development, international cooperation, facilitation, and leadership. The training session is a part of the FRI Sustainable Development School and the Community Foresight Network, supported by Raiffeisen Communities and the Association for Community Relations.
Participants from diverse backgrounds – from grassroots activists to policy practitioners – explored how to imagine and co-create preferred futures with local communities. The session combined theoretical insights with hands-on exercises and focused on participatory, empathetic, and adaptive facilitation practices.
Key topics included:
- Introduction to the concept of foresight and its role in inclusive processes;
- Use of backcasting as a planning approach that starts with a desired future and works backward;
- Identifying and analyzing signals of change – emerging developments with the potential to shape the future;
- Designing and testing foresight sessions developed by the participants.
A core message of the event was: “Listen before you share” – a call for meaningful engagement, where action begins with open questions rather than ready-made answers.
About Elizabeth Maloba
Elizabeth Maloba works globally in sectors such as agriculture, health, finance, and sustainable development. Her collaborations include organizations such as UN Women, IFAD, GIZ, and Syngenta. She is passionate about supporting leaders and entrepreneurs through transformative processes, working across cultural and professional boundaries.
Departments: The Educational Programs Department; Policy Analysis and Outreach Department; Center on Global Affairs and Postdevelopment; Society, Crisis and Resilience.
Regions: Țara Făgărașului; Romania.
Themes: Philanthropy and Community Development; Civic Engagement; Cities; Public Policy; Civil Society.