It’s hard to achieve outsized results by copying what has worked before. For market-beating, positive-sum outcomes, the advantage goes to those who learn from what’s working elsewhere and leverage it to leapfrog the status quo.
What’s one of the most underused sources of that leverage? Youth.
In most parts of the world, those under 20 have grown up in a digitally connected world. They are, in effect, born global.
This term has been used for companies designed to operate internationally from day one - businesses that skip the slow climb through local dominance before expanding into international markets.
Born-global youth think the same way. They’re fluent in cross-border culture, unconcerned by the borders that slow down older generations, and are quick to adopt tools and technologies that open doors.
Celebrating Youth-Led Leadership
On the 12th August, it’s UN International Youth Day. The 2025 focus is on “Local Youth Action for the SDGs and Beyond.” More than 65% of SDG targets hinge on local action, and, while it’s been reported that SDG targets won’t be met by their 2030 target, youth have the ability to zoom-out for a global perspective, identify strategic leverage points, and zero-in for local impact.
Around the world, born-global youth are driving change and breaking down barriers, often in ways that go further, faster than traditional models.
Zoom-Out to Zero-In
Youth see the bigger picture.They play a smarter game.And if we want to achieve outsized results and impact, so should we.
