Driving Change: Perspectives from the Young Global Leaders Class of 2024

In today's interconnected world, collaborative efforts among emerging visionaries are essential for addressing pressing global challenges. The recent live session hosted by the Young Global Leaders (YGL) community provided a platform to showcase insightful perspectives from Angela Oduor Lungati, Executive Director of Ushahidi, alongside Birgit Skarstein and Nicolás Wertheimer from the Young Global Leaders (YGL) Class of 2024.

From left: Birgit Skarstein - Paralympic athlete, Nicolas Wertheimer - Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer of Waterplan, Angela Oduor Lungati - Executive Director of Ushahidi Inc. and Ida Jeng Christensen - Head of the Forum of Young Global Leaders. Source: Young Global Leaders

 

Journey to YGL 2024

Reflecting on their induction into the YGL Class of 2024, Angela shared a poignant moment of validation. Recalling the life-changing call received at home, Angela emphasized that Ushahidi's work transcends individual achievements—it's about making a collective impact that extends far beyond personal aspirations. For Angela, the YGL platform represents an opportunity to amplify Ushahidi's mission and collaborate with diverse leaders committed to driving positive change globally.

Birgit, known for her passionate advocacy for disability rights, expressed eagerness to leverage the YGL platform to amplify her advocacy efforts. She emphasized the importance of learning from the diverse experiences of fellow class members, acknowledging the potential to create meaningful impact through collaboration and shared knowledge within the YGL community.

Nicolás, with a background in medicine and a focus on environmental sustainability, highlighted the significance of joining a community dedicated to innovative solutions. He appreciated the YGL platform as a catalyst for driving impactful change, combining scientific expertise with community engagement to address pressing global issues, particularly in the realm of water access and sustainability.

 

Leveraging Technology for Social Impact

Angela provided profound insights into how Ushahidi harnesses technology and data to empower communities. Drawing from her family's engineering background and experiences during Kenyan elections with Ushahidi, Angela highlighted the transformative potential of technology in bridging communication gaps and empowering disenfranchised groups to make informed decisions. She shared specific examples of Ushahidi's impact, illustrating how technology can break down barriers and facilitate inclusive decision-making processes.

Source: Young Global Leaders

Nicolás Wertheimer, leveraging his background in medicine, shared his transition towards focusing on water access issues. He emphasized the critical role of data-driven solutions in addressing global water challenges. By combining scientific expertise with community engagement, Nicolás highlighted the power of innovative approaches to driving meaningful change and ensuring sustainable water access for communities worldwide.

 

Youth Engagement and Innovative Approaches

Nicolás underscored the importance of proactive and innovative approaches in addressing global problems, emphasizing the unique perspectives and energy that youth bring to driving change. He stressed the need for young leaders to spearhead preventative solutions and catalyze impactful change within their communities and beyond. Angela echoed this sentiment, highlighting the necessity of embracing diverse perspectives to effectively navigate complex global challenges.

 

Diversity as a Catalyst for Holistic Solutions

Discussing the diverse backgrounds within the YGL Class of 2024, Angela spoke about the importance of collective action, particularly in the post-COVID-19 recovery phase. She highlighted how diversity of thought enriches problem-solving processes and fosters holistic solutions through cross-sectoral and cross-cultural collaboration. She stressed the significance of breaking down silos and embracing inclusive decision-making to address systemic challenges more effectively.

Expounding on this sentiment, Birgit highlighted the importance of nurturing these connections by deliberately and proactively engaging with one another's concerns. By embracing change, daring to innovate, and embracing unconventional approaches, we can support each other's growth. Cultivating a sense of curiosity and empathy allows us to better understand one another's perspectives and experiences.

Source: Young Global Leaders

By leveraging innovative approaches and embracing inclusive collaboration, Angela, Birgit and Nicolás exemplify the YGL community's commitment to fostering meaningful change and advancing sustainable solutions on a global scale. Through collective action and diverse perspectives, these emerging leaders are paving the way for a more inclusive, resilient, and equitable future.