What makes a good leader? The ability to listen, according to young people.

• According to Northern Irish politician Cara Hunter, who was elected in 2020 at the age of 24, the significance of listening should never be underestimated.
• According to entrepreneur Laura Stocco, young leaders desire to be listened to.
• According to former rugby player Tendai Mtawarira, it is crucial for a leader to be able to unite diverse individuals.

Younger generations value leaders who bring people together, display determination, and are good listeners.

According to Generation Z and millennial participants at the One Young World summit in Montreal, Canada, the future of work is flexible and remote.

According to Sue Whisky, CEO and founder of sustainability organization Environmental Network Malawi, who spoke to CNBC's Tania Bryer at the summit in September, it is crucial for leaders to prioritize the interests of the people when they are in the spotlight, rather than their own or a select few's.

She emphasized the significance of persistence and determination in leaders.

Even though some leaders may not always have good intentions, as Whisky stated, it is still possible for individuals with differing views to come together and work towards a common goal of achieving peace.

Cara Hunter, a Northern Irish politician, emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding. She stated, "The significance of listening should never be underestimated." As a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for East Londonderry since 2020 at the age of 24, Hunter is eager to understand the needs of younger generations in education.

"A good leader is about empowering people who may not have a voice in the political process, and ensuring they understand their power," she stated.

Hunter is a member of the Northern Irish Education Committee and believes that promoting integrated education is crucial in creating a peaceful society. She emphasizes the importance of educating children together, regardless of their background or beliefs, and respecting cultural differences.

Bringing people together

Tendai Mtawarira, a former rugby player from South Africa, believes that bringing people from diverse backgrounds together is crucial. He named Siya Kolisi, a South African rugby star, as a "great leader" who led his team to victory in the World Cup in 2019 because of his ability to "bring out the best in everyone."

Kolisi creates a welcoming environment that embraces everyone's cultures and traditions, making them feel included.

"If we were able to upskill our young people, create a thriving workforce, then we're going to see a much better world, a much better Africa," said Mtawarira, who runs The Beast, a foundation that helps young people gain life skills via education and sport, and has launched Lead Like a Girl, a scholarship for teenage girls.

Laura Stocco, an entrepreneur, urged decision-makers to take more action against climate change, stating that her generation feels anxious about the current leadership's approach to the issue.

Openversum, founded by Stocco, offers clean water technology through a "microfranchising" model that trains women to assemble and sell water filters in countries such as Colombia and Uganda. These women, according to Stocco, can become "drivers of change" in their communities.

"If you're not listening, you will try to implement fantastic changes and solutions that you think are solutions, but that the people you're trying to lead don't need or don't want," she said.

Stocco stated that young leaders desire to be heard and empowered to act in order to shape the future they desire.