Keys to the 21st Century

<p> Are we prepared for the 21st century? There is room for doubt. The future seems increasingly uncertain hard to decipher ambiguous in its very indeterminism sometime frankly illegible. If it is impossible to predict the future one can at least help to shape it. To respond in a timely manner to the challenges of the 21st century one must start by posing the right questions so as to identify possible solutions if any before it is too late. This is precisely the role of future-oriented studies and forward thinking as represented in this volume. Originating as it does in a UNESCO series of encounters and exchanges between scientists intellectuals artists decision-makers and leading personalities from public life it offers a forum for an open debate in the spirit of a new <i>ethic of discussion</i> on a wide range of problems challenges and solutions from a variety of perspectives. In short what this volume strives to achieve is to contribute to an <i>ethic of the future</i>.</p>