Why global leaders should advocate for a re-globalized world

The trend towards globalization has faced significant challenges in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of protectionist policies in various parts of the world have led to a slowdown in international trade, supply chain bottlenecks and a retreat from global cooperation.

But as we look towards the future, there are compelling reasons for leaders to consider the importance of re-globalization. It is a powerful idea that renews focus on interconnectedness, cooperation and trade between nations.

While it may seem counterintuitive in the face of recent trends, re-globalization has the potential to unlock significant benefits for countries and their citizens. From increased economic growth to improved social and environmental outcomes, it can be a catalyst for positive change, and leaders who embrace it will be better positioned to navigate the complex challenges of the 21st century.

At the core of re-globalization lies an unyielding dedication to sustainability and equity, driving every effort and ambition. Nevertheless, there is a risk of diluting reglobalization's deeper meaning as it is applied to a multitude of concepts. To circumvent this, we must refocus on the overarching objective: re-globalization is the epitome of an optimistic mindset and a harbinger of growth.

Thirty-five of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders (YGLs) recently met in Singapore at the Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) Institute of Science and Technology for Humanity (NISTH) for a programme to explore the importance of technology in building a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Singapore provided an ideal opportunity to witness this mindset across private industry and public institutions; and, in many cases, synergistic collaboration between both.

The YGLs observed how re-globalization starkly contrasts the pessimistic voices advocating for de-globalization, reshoring or describing a future in which the world is divided and more polarized.

Here's what some of them had to say:

Alanoud Bint Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), Qatar

Re-globalization is not just a buzzword, but a necessary mindset shift for leaders in our interconnected world. By adopting a re-globalization mindset, leaders can help create a more sustainable and interconnected world that benefits people, the planet and the economy.

In our NTU education module, we have learnt how Singapore’s leadership in sustainability and innovative use of technology serves as a powerful example of how it can drive progress.

With significant investments in sustainable technologies, initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, and green finance, Singapore has positioned itself as a model for other countries to follow in creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Juan Jose Pocaterra, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, ViKua, Venezuela

The COVID pandemic has brought the interconnectedness and interdependence of our world into sharp focus for everyone. As leaders, it is crucial that we prioritize the re-globalization agenda in order to create a sustainable future for generations to come.

To strengthen our global community and ensure the survival of the human species, we must work together to find solutions to the challenges that face us.

These challenges include repurposing human value creation due to the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, adapting supply chains to deal with natural and human-made disasters, and generating environmentally-friendly economic growth that can reduce poverty without endangering future generations.

Re-globalization can play a vital role in facilitating this cooperation, enabling us to find efficient solutions and, most importantly, rebuild the trust, goodwill and collaborative spirit that seems to have waned in recent years.

Leaders who embrace the need to rebuild this trust can become a powerful force for good, contributing to the achievement of a model that promotes equitable and sustainable growth for everyone, with no-one left behind.

Priyanka Bakaya, Commercialization Advisor, US Department of Energy, United States

As Young Global Leaders, we are living through the proverbial “best of times and worst of times”.

In Singapore, through site visits and group exercises we grappled with many dualities the world faces in the fight for a new world order: globalization vs localization, environmental, social and governance (ESG) vs anti-ESG, information vs misinformation, equity vs inequity, the future of AI’s role vs human’s role.

A key takeaway of this module was that as leaders we should hold space in our lives for listening, accepting and embracing the dichotomies we individually and collectively encounter in today’s interconnected and fractured world.

The module ended with the quote, “The best thinkers can hold two opposing views at once” – an eloquent reminder that as leaders we should spend less time pushing one-sided agendas and more time reconciling our differences.

James Mnyupe, Presidential Economic Adviser and Green Hydrogen Commissioner, Office of the President of Namibia, Namibia

Re-globalization provides an opportunity for us all to craft an industrial space that is more resilient, inclusive and equitable than the one we inherited.

I believe we have the responsibility to learn from the efforts of those who came before us, and an opportunity to create a robust foundation to leap from for those who are to come.

This privilege is profound and precious yet needs to be seized assertively.

As re-globalization harmonizes with our goals as Young Global Leaders, we must integrate this mindset into our personal and professional lives.

In doing so, we fulfil our mission to propel a future marked by equity, sustainability, and interconnectedness, ensuring that every individual benefits and no-one is left behind.