Track 1.3: Nurturing the Future: What do the leaders of tomorrow need to learn today?

Education leaders from diverse regions came together to explore the challenge of preparing youth to be both locally rooted and globally informed. Moderator Nikki Ng opened the session by pointing out that youths across different regions face varying challenges, but there is a common theme: the solutions to these pressing challenges must be community-driven, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and leadership development. The panellists highlighted the importance of creating adaptable, innovative approaches that can respond to local needs while benefiting from global insights and partnerships.

Danah Dajani outlined the three primary challenges in the Arab world: the skills gap, increased poverty leading to learning poverty, and the digital divide. She emphasised the need to bridge the gap between education and the private sector to tackle skills mismatch, advocating for solutions that are globally informed but tailored to local realities.

Wendy Kopp discussed the global inequities in education, where disadvantaged youths face systemic barriers that limit their educational attainment and future opportunities. She criticised the outdated educational goals that do not align with the needs of a rapidly evolving world, advocating for a reimagined education system that develops students critical thinking and problem-solving skills to ensure they are equipped to navigate and shape their future meaningfully. Kopp also emphasised the need to develop collective leadership to drive systemic change.

Laura Savage highlighted the severe learning deficits across various regions, particularly in low-income Asian countries. Common issues include low teacher capability and the socio-economic challenges that students face. She called for cross-sector collaboration to address these systemic problems by enhancing educational quality and accessibility. 

Maharshi Vaishnav discussed the barriers to education in India, particularly for girls, citing patriarchy and poverty as major obstacles. His organisation uses data to identify and support out-of-school girls through learning camps that focus on life skills such as financial literacy, health, and hygiene. Vaishnav stressed the importance of making education relevant to everyday life, advocating for hyper-local talent to drive educational initiatives and enhance community acceptance.

In conclusion, the panellists agreed that equipping youth for leadership in an unpredictable future requires educational systems that are both globally connected and locally relevant. The session highlighted the need for education to evolve from traditional teaching methods to a more holistic approach that prepares students to navigate complex global challenges, ensuring equitable opportunities for all children to achieve their potential.