All eyes are on next-gen leaders

With the world at a tipping point on critical societal issues (think climate change, health equity, social justice), all eyes are on the next generation of leaders. They offer our best hope for fresh, innovative solutions.

This was the message I shared last week with nearly 2000 young leaders from over 190 countries who gathered virtually and in-person at the One Young World (OYW) Summit in Munich. It was an honor to have an audience with such a passionate group of young changemakers. These are our future leaders, our future CEOs. And they are coming to the table ready to share ideas and move the needle on big issues now – right when we need them most.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to take a staggering toll on the global economy and society — from widening the education and learning gap and exacerbating food insecurity to degrading mental health and reversing progress on gender equality. Action is not an option, it’s an imperative. But, are we, as business leaders, prepared to listen to what these young people have to say? More importantly, will we support and empower them in bringing their ideas to life? Millennials and Gen Zs aren’t so sure.

According to Deloitte Global’s annual survey of millennials and Gen Zs, which was released last month, less than half think business is having a positive impact on society, continuing a steady decline over the last five years. And more than 60% of millennials agreed that businesses have no ambition beyond wanting to make money. Knowing that their actions alone are not going to bring about a more equitable and sustainable world, they are demanding that businesses take action.

Forging the change required for society to surmount its challenges will involve taking risks, approaching problems in a new way, and being intrepid in pursuit of innovative ideas. At Deloitte, we have bold commitments across our organization to:

• impact 100 million futures by 2030 through job skills training, improving educational outcomes, and providing access to opportunities;
• achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and drive responsible climate choices within our organization and beyond;
• accelerate diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across our organization; and
• respond to the most pressing needs in our communities, such as providing relief support in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic .

And, we are committed to working with our young leaders and serving as an example in shaping a future that is sustainable, equitable, and provides opportunities for all. This is why we support initiatives such as the OYW Lead2030 challenge , which seeks to identify young innovators and accelerate solutions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The call for applications is now open , and for the third year, Deloitte is supporting a challenge on SDG4, Quality Education. New this year, we are also launching a challenge on SDG13 – Climate Action. In addition to a US$50k grant, winners receive a year’s mentorship from our people to help scale their social enterprises and impact.

We must all act boldly and inspire others to do the same in pursuit of the future we want to see.