Global Changemakers

I think it goes without mention how absolutely extraordinary the World Economic Forum was. First and foremost meeting all those people who oftentimes we see from a distance and getting to feel that human touch with them. I am most grateful for the life lessons they passed on. Oftentimes you hear all these sayings that have come to be clichés in many minds, “determination and hard work lead to success” or “ never give up on your dreams” or “trust your instincts” etc. it’s a whole different angle, when you hear them coming from people who have made it because that means these are tried and tested.

In terms of the more business and political side of things, there was a great deal which l’d like to acknowledge. Firstly the general consensus was that there is a need for greater regulation of the financial markets, this is an obvious one. As well as climate issues, those go without mention and also the shift of power to the East.  I was impressed by the discussion on the roadmap for sustainable recovery; there was general consensus on the need to be more inclusive of parties outside of the G8 and even the G20. This is something that even the Deputy Prime Minister of Zimbabwe touched on during the BBC World Debate, which l and a fellow Changemaker, Carmina, got to participate in. It baffles me how this state of affairs has continued for so long and why “third world” countries have not been more vocal in advocating for greater inclusion in global decision making, seeing as most of the decisions affect us the most needless to say.

Also worth mentioning is the closing session which all the global change makers participated in. The general consensus here called for more ethical leadership and respect, of which l have often said is the basis for all other human virtues as far as lm concerned.  The simple respect for the wholesome and abstract beauty of humanity.  It’s that thin, almost negligible thread which binds us all despite our mind boggling differences and number, as the human race.  In my view, ethical leadership would guide the way for the more inclusive mechanisms that l touch on above, it would be the simple recognition of the fact that everyone matters and hence everyone should be represented somehow, irrespective of any creed or their home country’s GDP per capita!

Nonetheless without becoming too political and passionate, it was an absolutely life changing experience and I want to thank the Global Changemakers for having faith in us, enough to trust us with the immense task of representing them at such a platform. It was truly an honour and l hope we made you proud!!

GCMs  Aluta Continua!

– Tshepiso Gower