Imagining 2060: A Colourful Future of Kindness and Community

“Imagine 2060. The world is fair and kind to everyone. What do people’s lives look like?”

This is the question we asked.

What we received were colourful, playful and thoughtful visions of a hopeful
and compassionate future.

Earlier this month, the Manchester Museum hosted the Meet the
Changemakers event, opening up the Top Floor to the public and welcoming
activists, community groups charities and artists. The groups shared how they
are shaping a more sustainable and fairer future. As one of the Museum’s Top
Floor partners, we were honoured to be part of such a wonderful, inspiring and
engaging day.

Spin-the-wheel activities, engaging conversations and an atmosphere buzzing
with creativity. For us, it was not just about sharing One World Together’s
vision but to learn from visitors’ visions and dreams for the future. And what can
we say? Creativity had no limits.

From “a world built out of sweets” to “defeating the darkness” and “world
peace”. Contributions from people age 4 to 76 portray a future that is green,
kind, peaceful, inventive and united.

“Kindness to all humankind”

One of the strongest threads running through the drawings and comments is kindness. Words like “be kind”, “no worries” and “kindness” appear repeatedly, showing a longing for a society where everyone treats one another with empathy. Images of hearts, families, and communal spaces reflect an emphasis on emotional wellbeing – a reminder that people don’t just want to live well; they want to live well together and in happiness: “Everyone is truly happy and content”.

From that base of compassion, another recurrent topic emerged: the care for the planet. Whether it is “Happy trees” or “clean and happy seas and happy fish” – Participants envisioned a future where preserving the environment is part of everyday life. Their visions revolve around green places, pure water, pollution-free air, and animal welfare. It is clear that many people believe that human wellbeing and happiness are inseparable from a healthy planet.

And we may not forget the futuristic technology – flying busses, futuristic cars, inventive creatures or robots – not replacing human connection but enhancing lives. Colourful and sometimes whimsical structures and technologies are portrayed as supportive, playful and integrated into a world where fairness and wellbeing come first.

A sense of joy is woven throughout all of these themes; people drew themselves swimming in clean water, playing freely, exploring, smiling, and living fearlessly. Their visions emphasise equal opportunities for everyone and a profound sense of global interconnectedness – a world that is united.

In the end, what people imagined wasn’t just about improved systems or revolutionary technology, but about greater connections, healthier environments and a stronger sense of community and solidarity.

At One World Together, we see hopeful visions not as distant dreams but as futures within reach. When we picture a world transformed by the changes we want to see, we do more than share hope – we empower ourselves to take action. The act of imagination becomes the starting point, driving us towards the world we want to live in. Most of all, we believe that together, we can make these visions reality.