An insightful conversation with Miryan Vieira about youth, multipolarity, and international cooperation 

According to this year’s Voices of the Leaders of Tomorrow study, young and senior leaders differ significantly in their perceptions of global power shifts. How would you describe the biggest changes in global power relations from your point of view? 

In recent years, the world witnessed rapid disruptions which lead us to face challenging times with a lot of uncertainties. Global power relations are changing, and there is a trend for a different balance of power that involves new stakeholders emerging. The world faces diverse paths erupting new political alliances, new emerging players, inter alia, non-state actors. Additionally, multilateralism is under giant pressure, and we need to reinforce it so global power shifts cannot cause harmful disruptions or constitute a setback on substantial commitments.   

In our survey, the Leaders of Tomorrow tend to be more pessimistic than senior executives about how current global power disruptions will shape the world. Does this finding surprise you?  

I am not surprised at all considering the dimension of the global challenges we need to overcome short- and long-term. Needless to say, that one of the biggest challenges for the present is climate change, with policies and political will addressing its adverse consequences being diverted. The current disruptions are testing the multilateral system in all its dimensions, shedding light on the necessity to reinvigorate, revitalize the very fundamental international principles and to strengthen the institutional mechanisms in order to reshape the world in a more positive manner. 

Amid shifting alliances and increased global competition, which values do you believe should anchor the next phase of global leadership? 

There is a pressing need to comply with international law and commit to principles and universal values. Furthermore, a key principle is international cooperation. We need to strengthen measures to foster it. Although conflict escalation and tensions seem to be the new normal, I still believe that the principle of solidarity is a must for international peace and security. 

Many Leaders of Tomorrow argue that growing multipolarity creates space for new rising powers such as those in Asia, South America, and Africa. How do you see the role of the Global South evolving in global governance?  

There are clear signals that the Global South is making its path. Developing countries have been requesting for several decades and continue doing so for fairer and more democratic international systems to effectively address concerns from the South. Therefore, we need outstanding policies so countries with different status of development can be on equal footing to set rules and international participation. The re-calibration of global governance is difficult but not impossible to achieve. New players can strengthen multilateral systems and counter their fragmentation. One of the main axes of the Pact for the Future is transforming global governance. To that end, member states of the United Nations have agreed to reform the international financial architecture to strengthen developing countries’ voices, finance SDGs, and ensure fairer and more affordable investment terms. I should highlight the importance of South-South cooperation (SSC) within the dynamics of the Global South developing countries that are experiencing positive impacts of SSC and must do more to boost their sustained economic growth. 

Your career symbolizes effective intergenerational leadership. What unique contributions do younger generations bring to intergenerational cooperation and policymaking from your experience? 

Indeed, youth are game-changers, bring innovative solutions, have the desire to create value, and offer different perspectives in doing business. From my experience, young generations add value to development and are agents of positive change, e.g., driving climate action. In Africa, youth are strongly engaged in entrepreneurship in key areas of development. But we need to create more opportunities for active participation in decisionmaking. To this end, programs and policies involving youth must be upheld and extended. 

Given current geopolitical uncertainties, what leadership qualities are most urgently needed, especially by policymakers in emerging regions? 

People and countries aren’t sufficiently prepared for disruptions. Our recent past proves this. I think that an outstanding leader has to have the ability to be prepared for different scenarios and overcome challenges with resilience. Geopolitical uncertainties must be faced with a stronger political will to bring relevant actors to the table, and multilateral avenues must be explored. Nowadays, having global knowledge and vision, in particular global emerging issues, is crucial for qualified leadership. 

When you consider today’s global leadership landscape, what key changes are needed to ensure the next generation inherits not only power but purpose? 

The first is the will to change for a better world, bearing in mind that our actions shape future generations. Promoting intergenerational solidarity is of paramount importance. Therefore, assertive decisions are key. Secondly, policies must reflect the common good. Lastly, abiding by universal values. Complying with these principles, the younger generation will be guided rather by purpose than power.

About: Miryan Vieira 

Miryan Vieira is Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Cabo Verde. She brings a Global South perspective to diplomacy, emphasizing fairness, youth leadership, and inclusive multilateralism. Miryan Vieira sees today’s power shift as an opportunity to rethink cooperation and promote equity in a multipolar world. Her focus is on elevating new voices, strengthening regional ties, and shaping a resilient global order through shared responsibility.