Visioning is a strategic foresight tool that helps teams articulate a desired future and imagine what success looks like in addressing a development challenge. In the context of the UNDP CPD process, visioning is a critical step in moving from problem identification (through tools like Causal Layered Analysis) to solution design by defining a future state that UNDP wants to achieve.

In the Programme Priorities and Partnerships section of the CPD, visioning helps the country office (CO) clearly define the future outcomes it aims to achieve through its interventions. This makes the CPD forward-looking and impact-driven, demonstrating a clear pathway to sustainable development goals (SDGs). 

By imagining the desired future state of a country or community, visioning helps anchor the CPD's programmes in long-term impact rather than short-term fixes.

The Importance of Visioning

 

Overview of the Visioning Methodology

The visioning process starts by asking participants to imagine a future where the development challenge has been successfully addressed. It involves answering key questions such as:

• What does success look like? 
• What positive changes can we observe? 
• What are the key outcomes of UNDP's interventions?

The process typically involves four steps:

  1. Define the Vision Scope: Clarify the specific development challenge or area of focus for the visioning exercise.
  2. Articulate the Vision: Participants describe the desired future state in detail, considering social, economic, political, and environmental factors.
  3. Identify Key Changes and Impacts: Highlight the key changes that would need to happen to achieve the vision.
  4. Consider Partnerships and Stakeholders: Identify partners and stakeholders required to achieve the vision.

 

Visioning Tools

There are many engaging tools that enable creativity and help participants articulate future outcomes in a way that feels tangible and relatable. These methods also encourage participants to step out of the present constraints and imagine bold, transformative possibilities.

One such tool we recommend is the 'Future Cover Page'. This tool uses visual storytelling to articulate a vision. Participants design a magazine or report cover page depicting a desired future state.

How It Works:
  1. In a workshop setting, provide participants with templates for a magazine or report cover (real or digital). Include placeholders for: A title (e.g., "The Future of Youth Employment"); Cover images or illustrations that represent the vision; Headlines or key features that highlight milestones or achievements
  2. Ask participants to design their cover page, representing the future they want to see.
  3. Share the cover pages in plenary and use them to discuss key elements of the vision.
Why It Works:
  • Allows participants to visualize success
  • Combines creative expression with strategic thinking
  • Produces artifacts that can inspire discussions and next steps

Facilitation of a Visioning Workshop 

To get the most out of the visioning workshop, we suggest tackling one development challenge per workshop instead of trying to work on multiple challenges to save time. Visioning can be an extremely engaging exercise that creates buy-in and excitement in the team for the work they will embark on for the next programme cycle. It merits rich discussion and careful consideration of multiple perspectives, which requires time.

Download workshop guidelines and example agendas for visioning

Download an example of a visioning exercise output

While visioning articulates where you want to go, backcasting helps you determine how to get there and who you can work with to get there.

 

Read more about backcasting next