Rapturous applause followed the final keynote address of The Big Hope 2 Youth Congress.
Chief Education Officer at GEMS Education Sir Christopher Stone rounded out the speakers with an interactive session that called on the audience to think about the meanings of leadership, management and followership.
In his opening address, he described the young as ‘our salvation – our one hope’. He encouraged young people to work out what they stand for and believe in, stating: “Even when you don’t know what to do, make sure you don’t stand idly by.”
Sir Christopher’s speech followed on from the Rt. Hon. Sir Vince Cable’s talk on the future of globalisation, and the growing influence and power of the emerging markets. Sir Cable explained how he identified strongly with what The Big Hope 2 aims to achieve, including encouraging young leaders to think in global terms.
Sir Vince said: “There is a tension between globalisation and integration, and national leaders who are trying to move back towards a world of nation states.
“Emerging markets are growing at a faster rate than the developed world, and I believe this trend will continue.”
The Liberal Democrat Leader also touched on those leaders who have inspired him, including former US President Barack Obama and former Paramount Leader of the People’s Republic of China Deng Xiaoping.
Starting the day was Baroness Ilora Finlay, whose keynote speech discussed Young People, Bereavement and Loss. Baroness Finlay explored what we as a society can do and should do to help limit the long-term impact of loss on children and young people.
The theme continued in a Discussion Forum featuring Baroness Finlay, while Sir Vince and Sir Christopher sat on the panel at a talk about the changing face of business. A forum focusing on Disability Gains, and Health and Well-being ran alongside these panels.
Learning Tracks continued through the afternoon, with delegates completing their work ready for a special exhibition that will showcase their creativity.