Building Inclusive Communities Requires Leadership, Connection, and Humanity.

As we leave the 20th anniversary of the Forum Young Global Leaders community hosted in Singapore to return to our various activities, I feel deeply honored and humbled to have spent time with the Young Global Leaders of the World Economic Forum. Having been a Young Global Leader for over a decade, this past week has reminded me of the extraordinary impact of community, connection, and collective action. One of the most meaningful moments was the privilege of meeting the Prime Minister of Singapore with my friend, Professor Juliana Chan, PhD , which further highlighted the importance of global leadership, inclusion, advocacy, and collaboration.

The Forum of Young Global Leaders have transcended the typical definition of a group. They have become the family I never had. Our conversations, whether in formal meetings or casual gatherings, have again deepened my understanding of the value of community. I am truly grateful to see new leaders joining this incredible community, as it ensures that the wisdom, energy, and passion we share will continue to grow and evolve. Many people in the world lack the networks or communities that we sometimes take for granted. This is a privilege we must cherish. Not everyone has the opportunity to be part of a group that supports, uplifts, and empowers them as our community does for us. As the Kakuma girls wisely said, "An opportunity is not a right or an entitlement; be grateful when it is given to you."

Communities have multiple overlapping identities—whether it be religion, language, gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, or occupation—so we must consider how to make them more inclusive from the start. The coronavirus crisis offers a unique opportunity for community-led change. As MIT associate professor Sasha Costanza-Chock suggests, COVID-19 has shown us the importance of human connection. The African concept of Ubuntu, meaning “I am because you are,” should guide us in building inclusive communities that reflect the interconnectedness of all people.

Communities matter because they provide the foundation for our collective strength. In a world often fragmented by conflict, inequality, and isolation, it is through community that we find hope, resilience, and shared purpose. No individual can tackle the challenges of today alone; it is through our networks—through the people who understand and support us—that we amplify our impact and create real change. Meeting leaders like the Prime Minister of Singapore reinforced this truth: meaningful progress is made through collaboration and learning from one another, not isolation.

Being part of a community like The Forum of Young Global Leaders also reminds us that leadership is not just about personal success. It's about creating spaces where others can thrive, where diversity is celebrated, and where the collective good and common goals are prioritized. Here, we find a place where we can be both vulnerable and visionary, knowing that our challenges will be met with shared wisdom and our dreams with encouragement.

As we leave Singapore, we carry the responsibility of being custodians of history for this community. The Griots of Senegal are an extraordinary testament to the enduring power of oral tradition. These custodians of history are not just mere storytellers; they are guardians of a people’s collective memory, preserving and passing down knowledge from generation to generation. Like the Griots, we are entrusted to protect the history, values, and wisdom of our community. As we tend to forget, we must ensure we do not let these important lessons fade into obscurity. We must nurture this community, protect it, and ensure that others who may not yet have access to such spaces can find their place here, too. There are many challenges ahead, but with a community like this—and the wisdom shared by leaders like the Prime Minister—we are equipped to face them and turn them into opportunities for growth and progress.

Thank you, everyone, and Congratulations to the post-COVID-19 Classes. I hope you will do well in your tenure as Young Global Leaders.