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Ethical Leadership for a re-envisioned Future

Global Ethics Forum 2024

01/10/2024

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Global Ethics Forum 2024

In September 2024, Caux Initiatives of Change participated as a knowledge partner in the Global Ethics Forum, with contributions on 3 panels from Sidra Rislan, member of the Creative Leadership youth team, Sarah Noble, Head of Global Engagement, and Ignacio Packer, Executive Director at Caux Initiatives of Change.

The Global Ethics Forum, organised by Globethics, is a solution-focused, multisectoral, and multistakeholder platform for dialogue, networking, and engagement. It brings together institutions, policymakers, senior experts, and practitioners from the private sector, higher education, governments, multilateral organizations, non-governmental organizations, and faith-based groups, among others.

The Forum provided an opportunity to envision the future of the world and humanity through the lens of ethical leadership. Discussions explored themes such as peace, sustainability, the digital revolution, and higher education, all from the perspective of fostering ethical leadership for a better future.

Sarah Noble Global Ethics Forum 2024 — Sarah Noble (left) at the Global Ethics Forum 2024

“Peace begins within!”

Sarah Noble participated on a panel focused on the essential inner qualities that ethical and spiritual leaders must embody to foster reconciliation and save lives. These included honest, open dialogue; inclusion; compassion; justice; and courage. At a time where the space for dialogue is shrinking and divides are growing, the panel emphasised that political resets have proven ineffective.

Sarah emphasized that peace begins within: “Instead of looking outward, we must reflect on our own lives and ask: What stumbling block am I in my own life?” While this inward approach to peace and reconciliation may take time, she argued that if we each strive to be ethical leaders rather than expecting it solely from others, we can collectively create meaningful change. She also noted that healing and transformation come from the heart, not the head.

Ignacio Packer Global Ethics Forum 2024 — Ignacio Packer (2nd from the right) speaking during a panel discussion on ethical leadership in uncertain times

Importance of maintaining hope in uncertain times

Ignacio Packer spoke on a panel about ethical leadership in uncertain times. He underscored the importance of maintaining hope, sharing how Caux Initiatives of Change uses storytelling to convey messages of hope and inspiration. Ignacio highlighted that with 50% of the SDG targets currently off track and another 25% regressing, ethical leadership and a shared commitment to core values are crucial for shaping the future. He also pointed to the Inner Development Goals framework as a tool for developing the inner qualities essential for ethical leadership.

Sidra Raslan Global Ethics Forum 2024 — Sidra Raslan representing the young voices from the Creative Leadership team

“Happening right now!”

Sidra Rislan (Syria) from our Creative Leadership youth initiative joined a panel where participants were asked to envision the world in 2050. Sidra emphasized the urgency of addressing current issues, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets for 2030. “The issues we face are happening right now. We cannot give ourselves the false comfort of imagining our future in 2050—we cannot afford to push our deadlines further. Our focus must be on the present,” she urged.

The panel further highlighted the importance of authentic, trustworthy leadership in achieving future goals. Panel members noted that ethical leadership must embody essential values such as courage, integrity, proactive optimism, benevolence, and trust.

To address growing mistrust in leadership, the Creative Leadership youth initiative organizes programmes and events aimed at redefining leadership for young people.

When asked about the key outcomes expected from the Summit of the Future in New York (20 – 23 September 2024), panelists emphasized the need for community-driven decision-making. The perspectives of often unheard voices—youth, minorities, and others who fall outside traditional multilateralism—should be addressed through a pact for the future, guided by a clear roadmap with ethics at its core.