Rethinking Institutions: A Path Toward Humanity’s Collective Maturity

Mika Korhonen, a long standing ebbf member, poses a bold challenge: “What if we dared to redesign institutions entirely, to have them fit with the true needs of humanity ?”

In his reflective yet action-oriented approach, he calls for a complete reimagining of institutions to align them with the needs of today’s interconnected and rapidly evolving world; to the current level of maturity of humanity.

To help us shape not just our institutions but our collective aspirations, what are the questions which compel us to reflect on foundational principles: “a good question to ask is, ‘What are we trying to achieve here, and why?’ This should be followed by, ‘If this is what we aim to advance, do all our actions, structures, and resources truly support that goal?’”.

The Need for a New Paradigm and new institutions

Humanity, much like an individual, progresses through distinct stages of development — from infancy to adulthood. Just as an adolescent must shed outdated behaviors to embrace maturity, so too must our institutions evolve to reflect humanity’s collective growth. The step that we are now collectively taking includes humanity outgrowing outdated practices, divisions, and limited worldviews, and embracing unity, justice, and spiritual principles as the foundation for building a peaceful and prosperous global civilisation.

Humanity’s movement toward maturity requires not only structural adjustments but also a profound reevaluation of the intellectual and spiritual foundations of society. The “playthings of childhood” must be set aside as we embrace the responsibilities of collective adulthood.

The world we are building is one where humanity’s potential for collective progress can be fully realised. While the steps we are taking are firm, the turbulent times we face remind us that the costs of learning are often heavy. Yet, we must never lose sight of our shared goal: a civilisation that embodies the noblest aspirations of the human spirit — one characterised by peace, justice, and a universal recognition of the interconnectedness of all life.

Today’s institutions often reflect outdated paradigms and practices rooted in a fragmented worldview. Many of institutions — companies, schools, sports clubs, government agencies and alike — operate under assumptions that are misaligned with humanity’s current understanding of its interdependence and shared destiny.

“For example,” Mika says, “if we take everything we know about education, learning, communities, difficulties, accompaniment, conversation… Do we dare to ask the question: ‘If we would invent the school today, what would it be like?’ It is at the same time scary and exciting. What if we have forgotten what was the purpose of a school?”

To create systems that serve needs of humanity, we must start by asking fundamental questions:

What is the purpose of this institution? Why it exists and why it is important that it exists?

If it were invented today, based on current knowledge and values, what would it look like?

This provocative inquiry challenges us to consider whether today’s schools truly align with humanity’s current understanding of its interdependence and shared destiny. Are these institutions fostering unity, justice, and the moral, intellectual, and spiritual growth of individuals? Or are they perpetuating fragmented worldviews and outdated practices?

These questions are not merely rhetorical. They demand inclusive, transformative conversations that bring together diverse voices — educators, students, parents, and community members — to redefine the goals and methods of education.

Transformation, Understanding and Collective Examination

Change is inevitable, but the nature of change matters. Mika reflects on this process with characteristic depth: “Can a person change gradually over time? Yes. Can life take a dramatic turn and spark sudden change? Absolutely. But which kind of change should we strive for? The first — step-by-step, gradual growth, and lifelong learning as the foundation for true transformation.”

This principle of continuous, reflective progress is vital to the redesign of education. It is not about discarding everything at once but about reimagining systems piece by piece, always guided by shared principles and a clear vision.

So the first step in this process is a collective examination of the foundational principles that guide institutions. This involves engaging in open and in-depth conversations to define a shared worldview, concept of human nature, and vision for learning and progress. Such discussions bring together diverse perspectives to uncover what is truly valuable and worth retaining, and what must be left behind.

First a conversation is created

By assembling a diverse and balanced group of participants who embody these traits, we can create the conditions for transformative conversations that lead to meaningful, actionable change. These dialogues will not only reshape institutions but also reflect the collaborative spirit needed to build a more just and unified society.

One of the most powerful tools is peer learning — a method that brings together diverse voices in a spirit of equality and mutual respect. These in-depth conversations enable participants to transcend differences, foster unity, and develop practical solutions grounded in shared values.

This approach helps ensure that we do not unconsciously adopt practices that undermine our collective purpose.

Then we decide who should join the conversation

The process of redesigning institutions is as much about the people involved as it is about the ideas they generate. To ensure these conversations are both meaningful and impactful, it’s essential to bring together individuals who represent a range of perspectives, expertise, and life experiences but also good human beings who themselves reflect the values and attitudes.

The process requires assembling participants who embody open-mindedness, a commitment to truth, and a collaborative spirit.
You would do well to pick people from the following groups :

Visionaries and Thought Leaders

Every transformative process requires individuals who can see beyond the immediate and envision what is possible. Visionaries and thought leaders bring a long-term perspective, helping to anchor the conversation in humanity’s collective journey toward unity and maturity. These participants challenge conventional thinking and inspire others to imagine systems that align with principles like justice, equity, and interconnectedness.

They are: Scholars, futurists, spiritual leaders, and policy strategists.

They bring: Big-picture thinking, insights into societal trends, and a focus on core principles.

Practitioners and Experts

While visionaries help to paint the big picture, practitioners and field experts ground the conversation in reality. These are individuals with hands-on experience in the systems being discussed, such as education, governance, or community development. Their insights help ensure that proposed ideas address real-world challenges and are feasible in practice.

They are: Teachers, social workers, NGO leaders, economists, and health professionals.

They bring: Practical knowledge, operational insights, and awareness of day-to-day realities.

Community Members

The individuals most impacted by institutions are often the ones with the clearest understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. Community members bring invaluable lived experiences, ensuring that redesign efforts remain inclusive and relevant to the people they aim to serve. Their participation also fosters a sense of ownership over the outcomes of the conversation.

They are: Parents, students and workers.

They bring: Lived experiences, diverse viewpoints, and grassroots-level insights.

Creative thinkers and innovators

Creative individuals play a crucial role in breaking out of traditional mindsets and generating fresh ideas. Their ability to think outside the box helps identify novel solutions that others might overlook. Innovators are particularly adept at imagining how technology, design, or alternative approaches can drive systemic change.

They are: Designers, entrepreneurs, technologists, and artists.

They bring: Innovation, creativity, and the ability to challenge assumptions.

Experts of collective dialogue

Effective conversations need participants who can guide discussions, bridge divides, and foster a collaborative atmosphere. These individuals ensure that diverse voices are heard and that the dialogue remains respectful, constructive, and focused on shared goals.

They are: Mediators and individuals skilled in dialogue or similar methods.

They bring: Empathy and the ability to synthesise diverse viewpoints.

By creating a shared vision and drawing on the strengths of diverse perspectives, we can avoid unconsciously replicating outdated practices. Instead, we can design systems that align with humanity’s collective progress.

From Vision to Action

The vision for education that we are sharing goes beyond an intellectual exercise — it calls for deliberate and systemic action.
This is the proposed framework that includes:

Examining Foundational Principles:

Begin by questioning the fundamental nature and purpose of the institution. Engage in conversations that explore humanity’s shared vision, values, and needs, asking essential questions like, “What should this institution achieve in today’s world?” and “What principles should guide its operation? What is the view of a human being? What is our world view? What is our view on learning?”

Facilitate open and inclusive discussions among stakeholders to define a shared worldview and concept of human nature. These dialogues should transcend personal opinions and focus on uncovering truths that align with humanity’s collective progress.

Reimagining and Designing New Models:

Based on shared principles, create operational, developmental, and governance frameworks that reflect the collective understanding. These models should ensure coherence between values, methods, and outcomes, while fostering unity and justice. When ever new idea is introduced it has always to measure against the foundational principles:

does this serve the purpose? Does it have side effects that take us away from the original purpose? Does it helps us learn and grow individually and as a collective?

Special care should be taken when an element of existing structure is carried along to the new model.

Implementing, Evaluating, and Refining:

The transformation is not a one-time event but a continuous process of reflection, dialogue, action, and learning. Our understanding limits our thinking, and understanding grows over time through experiences.
Therefore it is important to establish mechanisms to measure the alignment of activities with foundational principles. Use insights from ongoing evaluation to refine practices, ensuring that progress remains consistent with the shared vision and responds to evolving challenges

Every step must measure against the ultimate purpose: Does it serve the needs of humanity? Does it foster learning and growth, both individually and collectively?

A Call to build A Hopeful Vision for the Future

The challenge we are invited to is: let’s rethink the institutions we have inherited. Are they still fit for purpose? Do they align with humanity’s highest aspirations?

Mika shares: “The journey of transforming institutions is inherently challenging, but it is also filled with immense potential. By reimagining our systems through the lens of humanity’s collective maturity, we can create structures that are not only more effective but also deeply aligned with our highest ideals.”

This transformation is not just about fixing what is broken — it is about building something new and extraordinary. It is about creating systems that nurture the intellectual, moral, and spiritual potential of every individual, fostering a world where unity and justice prevail. And it is understanding that even small steps taken regularly and rapidly add up to a long distance travelled.

His vision is one of hope, rooted in the belief that by aligning education with the principles of unity, justice, and interconnectedness, we can create a world where every individual’s potential is fully realized.

The big question is: “What kind of world are we building together?”

We invite you to join this critical conversation.

What steps are you taking to align education with humanity’s evolving needs?

What foundational principles should guide the schools of tomorrow?

Share your thoughts below and help shape the future of education.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mika Korhonen is a member of the Ethical Business Building the Future (ebbf) community, driven by a fascination with exploring the contours of what lies ahead. With a keen eye on the evolving dynamics of society and a commitment to fostering thoughtful dialogue, Mika seeks to uncover how humanity’s collective choices today will shape the world of tomorrow. His work is rooted in a belief that meaningful progress emerges from aligning principles with action and engaging in honest conversations about the kind of future we wish to build.