Global co-operation and alliance building are imperative to get the world back in order from the global pandemic and in view of new shifts in geopolitical realities, the Qatar Financial Centre deputy chief executive Sheikha Alanoud Hamad al-Thani told the World Economic Forum 2022.
She was one among the six young global leaders, who gave their thoughts on what leaders should prioritise to work towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Highlighting that recent years have only confirmed the urgency of addressing these fundamental challenges, she said, "We also know that we will not achieve the resilience we need by doing more of the same."
To get the world back on course, leaders must take further action not less, she said, adding they must not only invest in the necessary technological development but also spearhead the drive to empower people.
The ravages of the pandemic and new shifts in geopolitical realities mean that it is imperative that leaders take action to remove barriers, promote diversity and embrace inclusion, according to her.
"Such global co-operation and alliance-building will future-proof our planet," she said.
The QFC participated in the WEF 2022, represented by its chief executive Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, and Sheikha Alanoud.
During the event, al-Jaida addressed one of the panels ‘Transitioning to a Green Middle East’.
Gabriel Marcolongo, founder and chief executive, incluyeme.com said there is a need to create a world without educational barriers, with economic independence and opportunities.
"The world leaders need to visualise and prioritise these issues in their countries' agendas – not just because it's the right thing to do but because it's time," he said.
Inna Modja, Land Ambassador, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, said after two years of a ravaging pandemic, its essential – now more than ever – to fight against gender and climate injustices because those who are at the intersection of them are the most vulnerable people in the world.
"By investing in community-driven projects and using innovative new decentralised technologies, we can educate and empower people to work on sustainable solutions," said Modja.
The blockchain, used in a sustainable way, could offer a huge amount of possibilities for development, disrupting the current funding system, and give larger access to economic independence, according to the official.
Faraja Kotta Nyalandu, founder and executive director, Shule Direct, said this is a time to reassess and re-strategise, unlearn and learn, and pivot towards a new present.
"Over the past three years, the world has witnessed significant shifts in its climate, geopolitics, global health, and political leadership – all of which have had a ripple effect in other sectors," Nyalandu said.
"We need to go back to our values and perhaps redefine them, together. If anything we have learnt how interconnected we are and every voice must come to the table; multi-stakeholder engagements, diversity of perspectives and equitable inclusion are vital," she added.
Michele Romanow, co-founder and chief executive, ClearCo said the road ahead is turbulent, but leaders from around the world have a responsibility to help us head in the right direction.
"Shaping our promises, reforming policies and delivering on increased prosperity for all are just the beginning," Romanow said, suggesting that revenue-based financing is for this generation.
Entrepreneurs can scale up their businesses without giving up taking on debt – a vital lifeline during a challenging economic environment, according to her.