Redefining leadership: Why we need dialogue more than ever in a changing world

As we approach 2026, one global challenge that stands out is how humanity can embrace artificial intelligence (AI) while finding its place amid rapid technological change. At the same time, geopolitical volatility and climate pressures are transforming the very nature of leadership, creating a rare convergence of risk and possibility.

Yet this moment is also defined by opportunity, fuelled by a rising generation of leaders and the momentum of 1.8 billion young people worldwide demanding more responsible and imaginative solutions.

In such an environment, dialogue is not a soft skill but a strategic necessity. Progress now depends on the ability to bridge divides: between nations and sectors, technology and humanity, speed and responsibility, experience and new perspectives.

Dialogue creates the conditions for trust, shared understanding and collective action in a world where no actor, institution or technology can succeed alone. This conviction sits at the heart of the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland and underpins the work of the Forum of Young Global Leaders community.

Comprising more than 1,400 young leaders and alumni across government, business, academia, civil society and innovation, this global network is a living example of what dialogue can unlock: collaboration across borders, disciplines and generations in service of long-term impact.

The two reflections that follow offer distinct yet complementary perspectives on the leadership required in an era of technological change. One Young Global Leader reframes the global AI debate through Africa’s emphasis on cooperation, equity and people-centred innovation.

The other draws lessons from chess, showing how human insight and machine intelligence achieve more together than apart.

Together, they point to a hopeful conclusion: the future will be shaped by leaders who choose collaboration and dialogue over competition and possibility over fear.

Angela Oduor Lungati

In many ways, the world has framed AI as a race for global dominance – a contest for data, talent, compute, natural resources and regulatory control. Africa is still in its early stages of this “race,” with only 16 out of 54 countries having launched national AI strategies; none have enacted binding laws.

Recent assessments suggest that the continent contributes less than 1% of AI research output and development, despite representing 18% of the world’s population.

Yet, Africa offers an alternative approach that could guide us to a shared AI-powered future. Emerging national AI strategies in Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa emphasise digital sovereignty, equity and inclusion, ethical innovation, and a deliberate grounding in African values and lived realities.

Across the continent, a striking harmony is evident: many African countries are prioritizing development over dominance, cooperation over competition and responsible innovation over unchecked acceleration.

These priorities may seem misplaced in a world driven by speed and scale. However, they offer something that the global AI ecosystem is in dire need of: a model centred on people, not power. If the world were to adopt Africa’s orientation toward collaborative governance and development-focused strategies, it could move closer to a global AI future that is genuinely shared, inclusive and safe.

Africa may lag behind in infrastructure but it can lead in re-imagining the status quo.

Yifan Hou

AI has revolutionized the game of chess, transforming how we play and think. Once a feared rival, AI is now an indispensable collaborator.

I believe the most powerful force in chess today isn’t a human grandmaster or a supercomputer but the partnership between the two. Pairing human creativity and intuition with AI’s precision and analytical power can achieve results neither could accomplish alone.

I’ve experienced the power of this partnership firsthand. During tournament preparation, AI tools often uncover patterns and possibilities I hadn’t considered.

Yet, it’s my strategic intuition and understanding of the game’s psychology and nuance that determine which paths to pursue. This collaboration is about complementing each other’s strengths as much as it is about competition.

The lessons from chess extend far beyond the board. Whether it’s addressing climate change, combating public health crises or reducing economic inequality, humanity faces challenges too complex for humans or machines to solve alone.

By combining AI’s computational power with human empathy, adaptability and creativity, we can unlock solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.

I see a future where humans and machines work together to solve challenges, not against each other. Partnerships that combine human ingenuity with AI’s capabilities could help to create a sustainable, inclusive future.