The next generation of leaders and what they have to say

Our young people are leading the way and it’s time we started listening. 

Just over a year ago a 17 year old on the other side of the world started a movement. 

School-girl-turned-activist, Greta Thunburg, posted a simple sign to social media and set the world on fire (figuratively speaking, of course). 

That one post galvanised an army - millions of youth in every corner of the world marching for change - calling on global leaders to stop the irreversible damage being done to our planet. 

And it worked. People were listening, momentum was gaining. But then came the pandemic. No one had the mental space to care about the planet now, right? Wrong. 

Because as the world shut down, our youth fired up. And they have continued to fire up ever since.

Adapting to change is nothing revolutionary - environmentalists have been doing so for decades - but the speed and breadth at which our next generation activists have not only surpassed the obstacles of the past year, but actually emerged with a larger, more engaged following is astonishing. 

And this sentiment is one that is particularly true for New Zealand, where our youth really are leading the way.

In Aotearoa there are more young people advocating for change than any other demographic. Our young kiwis are informed, educated and passionate about shaping the future. Next month at the annual Wao Summit they’ll take centre stage, presenting on topics such as plastic waste and pollution, the circular economy, ethical procurement, money mindset, climate action and more. 

But although our youth might have lend of the earth for longer, it’s still our future too. So the question remains, hadn't we better start listening to what they have to say? 

Want to find out more?

• To hear some of New Zealand’s most passionate young people, come along to our Wao Summit and be inspired. It’s your future.