Global Leadership Forum: Global Governance and Leadership Talent Development for 2050

Esteemed Chair Zhang Donggang,

Honorable Representatives from the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC) and the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA),

Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am honored to join you at the inaugural Global Leadership Forum, and I thank Renmin University for inviting me to speak at this important gathering. The launch of this forum—and the establishment of the School of Global Leadership—is both timely and visionary. It reflects our shared commitment to cultivating the next generation of leaders: individuals who can navigate complexity, foster cooperation, and serve the global good. 

We convene at a moment of profound transformation. The world is facing what many now call a “polycrisis”—a convergence of interlinked challenges: climate change, food insecurity, public health threats, economic fragmentation, eroding trust in institutions, and intensifying geopolitical competition. 

According to the United Nations’ latest Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Progress Report, fewer than 15% of targets are on track, while nearly half are moderately or severely off track. The costs of inaction are rising—and so too is the demand for leadership that is inclusive, innovative, and effective.

By 2050, the global population will exceed 9.7 billion, with the majority living in urban areas, many in Asia and Africa. Emerging markets already account for 58% of global GDP (in PPP terms), and this share is growing. Meanwhile, technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping economies and decision-making. Climate impacts are already displacing millions, and if current trends continue, over 1.2 people could be forced from their homes.

Leadership must adapt to this changing landscape. Technological disruption, digitalization, and shifting demographics demand a new kind of leader – one who does not merely exercise authority, but builds bridges, connects across cultures, and leads with empathy and purpose. 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a “new social contract” between governments and people, and between generations. This call places leadership at the heart of not only diplomacy but also community empowerment and intergenerational justice. 

He also reminds us: “We need to rethink our approach to global governance. We need to ensure that the voices of all people are heard and that the benefits of globalization are shared more equitably.” This is a powerful call to action, and one that must guide our efforts.

To meet today’s challenges, we need leadership grounded in equity, inclusion and justice. Inclusive leadership means engaging diverse perspectives, uplifting marginalized voices, and fostering collaboration across sectors and borders. Diversity is not a liability; it is a wellspring of innovation, resilience and relevance.

The World Economic Forum reports that by 2027, the most in-demand skills will include analytical thinking, resilience, and systems thinking. Yet too often, leadership training remains fragmented and outdated. We must reform education systems to bridge the gap between technical expertise and moral judgment, between global ambition and local context.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Education remains our most powerful tool for transformation. And yet, the global learning crisis persists. Over 250 million children remain out of school, and many who are in school struggle to meet minimum proficiency requirements in reading and mathematics. These statistics point to a deeper leadership gap.

President Xi Jinping has rightly emphasized that “to realize modernization, a country must prioritize education, strengthen the foundation of science and technology, and consolidate the talent base.” This vision aligns closely with the UN’s call to invest in inclusive quality education. Without empowered learners, we cannot cultivate empowered leaders. 

Leadership for 2050 requires urgent and sustained investment in education, civic engagement, and intercultural competence. This is especially true in developing countries, where talent abounds, but opportunities remain scarce. Bridging the $148 billion annual education financing gap could yield returns of up to $30 for every $1 invested.

In this context, the founding of the School of Global Leadership at Renmin University is both commendable and catalytic. This institution is poised to become a center of excellence, equipping leaders who are not only skilled, but agile and grounded in values. 

The School’s vision aligns with China’s strategic priorities and global needs. It aims to cultivate high-caliber talent, develop innovative education models, and foster global and future-oriented global leaders. But education must extend beyond the classroom. Mentorship, experiential learning, and access to public service pathways are essential.

Leadership does not emerge in isolation. It is forged in partnerships. Governments alone cannot solve the complex issues we face. We need robust collaboration between academia, the public sector, and private industry. Such cross-sector partnerships can mobilize innovation, bridge research and policy, and scale impact. The United Nations has long championed such partnerships through platforms like the UN Global Compact, the South-South Cooperation Office, and the UN Innovation Network.

Consider the UNDP-supported Climate Promise Initiative, now active in over 120 countries. It helps governments develop more ambitious climate commitments, drawing on both global expertise and local solutions. As of 2024, it has engaged over 2,000 youth and civil society organizations – proof that inclusive leadership can drive bold climate action.

The United Nations continues to serve as a convenor, connector, and catalyst. As we enter the final five years of the 2030 Agenda, our focus must be on accelerating progress, reducing inequality, and amplifying local voices in global decision-making.

The Summit of the Future, held last year, marked a turning point in rethinking multilateralism. Among its key proposals are a Global Digital Compact, to ensure that digital technologies serve humanity, and a Declaration on Future Generations, committing us to long-term thinking.

Here in China, the UN Country Team is working hand-in-hand with national institutions to localize the SDGs, foster innovation, and empower youth. We are working with institutions across China to advance sustainable finance, green technology, and knowledge sharing, always with the principle of “leaving no one behind” at the center of our efforts.

As we reflect on the forum’s theme—Global Governance and Leadership Talent Development for 2050—let us remember: leadership is not just about individual status. It is about creating systems that enable others to lead. It is about building a culture of accountability, solidarity, and shared progress.

The road ahead is not easy – but it is filled with possibility. If we are to build a more inclusive, sustainable and just world, we must begin by investing in people—their education, their values, and their potential. And we must do it together.

To the students and young leaders here today: The world needs your vision, your energy, and your courage. Leadership is not born fully formed—it is shaped through service, tested by experience, and strengthened by those we serve. Let this forum be a starting point—not an endpoint—for deeper engagement and bold action.

Together, let us shape the future of leadership, and with it, a future that works for all.

Thank you.