THE PRESENT
On my journey to enlightenment, I have taken all my four children with me, willingly or unwillingly. Any knowledge, wisdom or experience I receive or live, I share it with them. I don’t worry so much about whether they will think I have gone mad or I simply don’t make any sense; I just enjoy planting seeds that will create meaningful ripples in their lives. I entrust them with the responsibility of leadership from a young age. I already start to see the result of this practice. My eldest daughter, Alia, who is currently studying in USC is becoming of great support to her peers with simple words of wisdom, practices she has learnt, and most of all a safe harbour for a youth that still needs to find its feet. My second daughter who is studying psychology, has a sense of compassion for our flawed human nature that inspires me want to be more compassionate with myself. Vulnerability was a not a quality that people of my generation grew up with. My 15 year old daughter is on the path to becoming an environmental architect, already working on sustainable and recycling solutions to the use of paper in her school.
THE FUTURE
Building generations requires time, effort, patience, love, trust and mutual understanding and this can only be accomplished if we journey together for some time. The world is at a turning point, brimming with transformative potential. As we stand on the precipice of a new era, we must recognize the extraordinary power of the youth to shape our collective destiny.
Beyond being technologically savvy, in the hearts of the youth, beats an unwavering commitment to social justice, environmental stewardship, and a better world for all. They march to the rhythm of compassion, driven by a profound desire to heal our planet and uplift humanity. Let us stand beside them, hand in hand, as we co-create a future that honours the inherent worth of every individual and nurtures the delicate balance of our environment.
THE CHALLENGE
The main challenges between the youth and senior leaders is the difference in perspectives and experiences. The youth bring fresh ideas, boundless energy, and a deep understanding of the evolving technological landscape. They are eager to challenge the status quo, push boundaries, and pioneer new approaches. On the other hand, senior leaders possess wisdom, experience, and institutional knowledge that can guide and shape these innovative ideas into tangible actions. Their wealth of experience can help navigate complexities and avoid potential pitfalls.
However, these differences in perspectives can sometimes lead to conflicts or misunderstandings. The youth may feel their ideas are not valued or that their voices are not heard, while senior leaders may struggle to fully embrace or adapt to the rapid changes brought forth by the younger generation. It is crucial that we create spaces for open dialogue, active listening, and mutual respect. By fostering an environment that values the contributions of both generations, we can build bridges of understanding and collaboration.
Another challenge lies in effectively integrating the strengths and capabilities of both generations. The youth often excel in technology, digital literacy, and creative thinking, while senior leaders bring their strategic vision, leadership experience, and long-term perspective. By recognizing and leveraging these complementary strengths, we can create powerful partnerships that drive innovation and sustainable growth.
THE SOLUTION
Co-creation is the key to unlocking the full potential of the youth to enable a thriving world for all. By involving the youth in decision-making processes, problem-solving, and policy development, we tap into their creativity, passion, and unique insights. Their inclusion ensures that their aspirations, needs, and concerns are addressed, creating a sense of ownership and empowerment.
When the youth and senior leaders co-create the future together, we foster a sense of shared responsibility and a collective commitment to building a better world. We bestow upon them a gift of immeasurable value: empowerment. We can unlock boundless possibilities and inspire a wave of change that will ripple through generations to come. We affirm their agency, amplifying their voices and igniting the fires of their dreams. Let us nurture their aspirations, for within them lies the power to transform lives, communities, and nations. Together, we can foster a sense of ownership, instilling in the youth the belief that they hold the key to shaping their own destinies and creating a world that reflects their values and visions.
