The 12th Global Baku Forum wrapped up with an engaging discussion on youth issues at its 11th panel session, “Youth Speak, We Listen.”
Moderated by Klaudia Marta Chmielowska, a research fellow at the Global Policy Institute and co-founder of Lafiya Nigeria, the session provided a platform for young leaders to voice their concerns and propose solutions to global challenges.
Empowering Young Leaders for the Future
William Wang, Harvard Business School MBA student and founder of Terran Paragon, highlighted his organization's efforts to connect young talent with developing countries. "Young people are the leaders of tomorrow, and we are committed to supporting them in every field," he stated.
Addressing economic inequality, Pascal Rathle, Chief of Staff at De Jong Capital, questioned the fairness of income distribution, pointing out that in the U.S., CEOs earn 40 times more than average employees. "This imbalance discourages young people from pursuing careers or striving for financial stability. Ethical leadership and fair pay must be priorities," he emphasized.
Milind Taneja, Associate Manager for Group Strategy at DIFC Authority, underscored the financial struggles of developing nations, noting that over 50% of their budgets go toward debt repayments. "This isn’t just an economic crisis—it’s a human crisis, depriving millions of basic services and opportunities," he warned.
As COP29 Youth Climate Champion, Leyla Hasanova called for greater youth involvement in climate action. "Young people must be at the forefront of environmental solutions. Their participation in decision-making is crucial for a sustainable future," she stressed.
The panel concluded with insights from other speakers who shared their countries' experiences, reinforcing the importance of youth engagement in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable world.
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