Uncertainty Dominates, but Colombians Continue Envisioning Their Future in Colombia by 2046
A study conducted by the Social Research Center on perceptions and collective imaginaries found that, despite the risks and challenges identified toward 2046, Colombians continue imagining their lives within the country.
Uncertainty predominates when Colombians think about the future of their country. Among the main perceived threats are economic problems, inequality, climate-related challenges, geopolitical conflicts, the crisis of institutional trust, and the risk of setbacks in the peace process. Nevertheless, a majority continue imagining their lives in Colombia and envision a nation that is more prosperous, secure, sustainable, and empathetic.
These are some of the conclusions of a study conducted by the Social Research Center on perceptions, expectations, and collective imaginaries about Colombia’s future, based on responses from citizens across different regions of the country. The survey explored how participants imagine Colombia in 2046, the risks they identify, the opportunities they consider priorities, and the characteristics they expect to see over the coming decades.
The responses show that perceptions about the future are not homogeneous. Alongside visions marked by uncertainty, concern, and fear, expectations associated with hope also emerge, reflecting that participants imagine Colombia’s future in different ways.
When specifically asked about the main dangers facing the future, participants identified corruption, violence associated with armed conflict and illegal groups, as well as poor governance, as some of the factors posing the greatest threat to the country’s future.
Despite this, participants imagine and aspire to a Colombia in 2046 with greater economic prosperity, stronger respect for human rights, peace, less presence of armed groups and drug trafficking, and greater ecological balance. They also identify people and education as some of the country’s most important resources for building a better future.
Consequently, a majority of respondents stated that they envision their future living in Colombia, while a much smaller proportion imagined themselves permanently living abroad. This suggests that, despite uncertainty and perceived risks, a large share of participants continues projecting their future within the country.
These are some of the conclusions of a study conducted by the Social Research Center on perceptions, expectations, and collective imaginaries about Colombia’s future, based on responses from citizens across different regions of the country. The survey explored how participants imagine Colombia in 2046, the risks they identify, the opportunities they consider priorities, and the characteristics they expect to see over the coming decades.
The responses show that perceptions about the future are not homogeneous. Alongside visions marked by uncertainty, concern, and fear, expectations associated with hope also emerge, reflecting that participants imagine Colombia’s future in different ways.
When specifically asked about the main dangers facing the future, participants identified corruption, violence associated with armed conflict and illegal groups, as well as poor governance, as some of the factors posing the greatest threat to the country’s future.
Despite this, participants imagine and aspire to a Colombia in 2046 with greater economic prosperity, stronger respect for human rights, peace, less presence of armed groups and drug trafficking, and greater ecological balance. They also identify people and education as some of the country’s most important resources for building a better future.
Consequently, a majority of respondents stated that they envision their future living in Colombia, while a much smaller proportion imagined themselves permanently living abroad. This suggests that, despite uncertainty and perceived risks, a large share of participants continues projecting their future within the country.
How Do Colombians Imagine Their Future of Work?
The results also suggest that changes in the labor market are expected by 2046. The three most frequently mentioned perspectives refer to greater automation of routine tasks through technology, increased supervision of current occupations by artificial intelligence, and more collective and community-oriented forms of work. This suggests that there is no single vision of the future of work, but rather multiple expectations about how technology, artificial intelligence, and new forms of organization could transform labor over the coming decades.
Additionally, some participants believe that their professional field could disappear or no longer be necessary by 2046, reflecting concerns about the impact of technological transformation on employment.
As shown by the findings, the survey reveals a paradox: although uncertainty, economic concerns, and questions about the country’s direction predominate, participants continue imagining a more prosperous, secure, sustainable, and empathetic Colombia. Rather than reflecting a single vision of the future, the results reveal a society that, despite perceived tensions and challenges, continues looking ahead.
Additionally, some participants believe that their professional field could disappear or no longer be necessary by 2046, reflecting concerns about the impact of technological transformation on employment.
As shown by the findings, the survey reveals a paradox: although uncertainty, economic concerns, and questions about the country’s direction predominate, participants continue imagining a more prosperous, secure, sustainable, and empathetic Colombia. Rather than reflecting a single vision of the future, the results reveal a society that, despite perceived tensions and challenges, continues looking ahead.