In today’s business world, the push towards a regenerative economy is urgent. Our high-level panel, co-organised by the St. Gallen Symposium, The Club of Rome and InTent stressed the importance of using insights from various generations to address long-term challenges for businesses aiming for a sustainable future.

Engaging Youth in Decision-Making

It’s crucial to involve young people in leadership and strategic decisions. Often, young professionals and leaders are left out of such discussions in business and policy-making. This is a problem because the average age of corporate and political leaders is rising. Yet, the younger generation is eager to drive sustainability.

Pathways for Working Together Across Generations

Letting younger voices into leadership is not just the right thing to do. It’s also smart for business. Studies highlight three key ways to mix younger and older leaders successfully: First, combining experience with new ideas can lead to more sustainable business models. Second, projects led by young people can bring more attention to environmental responsibility worldwide. Third, having leaders of different ages can rebuild trust with stakeholders and promote action towards sustainability. These strategies show why it’s good for businesses to welcome generational diversity for both economic and environmental strength.

Co-Leadership for Systemic Change

Our high-level panel at the SDG Tent in Davos on 16 January 2024 highlighted the need to shift from advisory roles to true co-leadership that blends the energy of the youth with the knowledge of the experienced. Our speakers Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, Aya Chebbi, Founder of Nalafem and fmr. African Union Special Envoy on Youth, Christopher Davis, fmr. International Sustainability, Activism and Communications Director, The Body Shop and Till Fust, Head of Finance, Solarify and Member of the Board, StarragTornos, emphasised that adopting intergenerational leadership is key to accelerate the shift towasrds a regenerative economy.

Watch the recording of the event below: