Why Youth Voices Matter: What I Learned at the 2026 World Economic Forum

I arrived in Davos, Switzerland, for the 2026 World Economic Forum not as a seasoned politician or diplomat, but as a high school junior, nonprofit founder, and a young leader eager to have a seat at the table. Over the course of a week every year, heads of state, Fortune 500 CEOs and other innovators meet in Davos to discuss pressing global concerns shaping the global agenda and produce ideas that shape policies, institutions, and markets.

Through my work as the founder and president of The Helping Heroes Fund, a nonprofit I launched to support veterans through community fundraising and partnerships, along with my youth advocacy work as executive director of KidzLaunch, a youth-driven entrepreneurship initiative designed to introduce students to foundational business concepts through hands-on learning, I was invited to speak on a panel with the Women Inspiring Network, attend the Open Forum sessions, and participate in conversations about the world’s most pressing issues. I witnessed conversations about the future of artificial intelligence, climate, international relations, and global risk unfold in real time, and I gained a completely new perspective on global leadership, collaboration, technology, and what it truly means to build systems that last.

Still, my experience at Davos revealed an important tension. Several of the discussions were centered on decisions that will ultimately shape my generation’s future, yet those conversations still happened in rooms where young voices were mostly absent. I noticed that Davos operates through layers of access: Badges determine which spaces you can enter, who you know defines which conversations you actively participate in, and the overall dollar amount you can pay shapes your experiences and expectations. This structure is understandable in a global event of this scale, but it also emphasizes the subtle elitism that shapes who participates in conversations and decision-making.

Observing that tension allowed me to reflect on the need for youth spaces that mirror the same spirit of dialogue Davos is known for. Gen Z needs platforms where young leaders can convene, debate, and influence decisions with legitimacy.

There were moments at the event where the next generation was present, and those occurrences emphasized how important it is to include our voices. Youth leaders, including Kyle Matthys, CEO of TRIBE, a nonprofit built to scale inspiring youth leaders and their networks, and Anish Iyer, co-founder of Recycle4Rewards, a nonprofit designed to educate the community on plastic recycling and repurposing, were present at the conference. Their inclusion proved that our generation already has influence and that we are building organizations, impacting communities, and inspiring the next generation long before they are formally invited to sit at the table.

And I was fortunate enough to join the Women Inspiring Network panel and answer the central question: “What systems are needed to ensure philanthropy delivers consistent and measurable impact?” My argument was that systems designed to scale while still maintaining impact will outlast the individuals who create them. The most durable institutions are not monuments to their founders, but rather evolving institutions that are strengthened by those who come after. This principle reinforces the idea that if systems are meant to last, then the youth are not subsidiary participants but essential contributors to their success and improvement. Too often, young people are given symbolic visibility rather than meaningful authority, yet progress depends on new perspectives challenging traditional ideals. If global leaders are serious about sustainability – whether that’s technological, social, or economic sustainability – then youth participation must move beyond conversations and into action. A seat at the table should not be framed as an invitation but as an investment in institutional longevity.

Being able to attend Davos this early in my professional journey reminded me that the most resilient systems are the ones grounded in empathy, transparency, and community. They are the systems that are built to evolve beyond their creators. I left Davos grateful for the perspective, conversations, and opportunities to contribute, but also convinced that the future of our world is dependent on accessibility. The next generation should not simply inherit the outcomes of today’s conversations but be trusted as collaborators in shaping them now.