The morning sun bathes the Berlin skyline in a golden light. I open the windows of my energy self-sufficient apartment - built from recycled materials, climate-neutral and fully connected. My personal AI assistant suggests sustainable options for the day: An appointment with an international team in a virtual conference environment, followed by a visit to the urban garden on the roof of our apartment complex. Europe has changed fundamentally since 2025. The transition to a circular economy has been accelerated by political decisions and fossil fuels have long been a thing of the past. Thanks to new technologies and AI-supported automation, society is more flexible and fairer. Education is digital, individualized and available throughout life. Social security systems guarantee a decent life for all. Vehicles drive silently and autonomously on the roads. Public transportation is free, financed by a Europe-wide digital tax. The air is clean, green parks dot the cities. I meet up with friends in a café where food waste no longer exists - everything is used sustainably. As I enjoy the view, I think about the challenges that Europe has overcome: Climate change, social inequality and economic disruption. But by acting together, we have created a future that is more sustainable, fairer and more liveable - for all Europeans.

In 2040, I'd like to see a world where education is truly inclusive and values all pathways, especially vocational education. A system where every student finds his or her place and develops his or her talents, with no hierarchy between streams. Inequalities in access to culture and healthcare would be reduced thanks to ambitious policies. Preventive health care would be a priority, with fair treatment for all. Finally, society would be more ecological, with responsible consumer choices and technological advances serving the common good. A fairer, more united and more respectful world.

There is an artificial protective shell in the atmosphere, high above the earth. This protects living creatures from harmful conditions and keeps the climate at a constant 22 degrees Celsius. Movement is ensured by magnetic levitation trains and vehicles. Cars and motorcycles no longer exist. Everywhere there are vertical gardens that feed people. Farm animals no longer exist either. Most people work in research or in the gardens. All payment transactions are digital. People live in communities that correspond to their interests, i.e. family communities, sports communities, and a lot of value is placed on social interaction. I imagine a peaceful world without wars and without class differences. What counts is us, togetherness and life.

I hope that there will be no more wars and that all people can live together in peace. I wish for the environment to be better protected and for there to be no more pollution. I wish for animal welfare so that endangered species do not become extinct.