Over the past two years, I’ve walked the streets of the world’s new impatience—from Nairobi to Kathmandu, from Lima to Casablanca. Different continents, same pulse: young people—Gen Z—are done waiting. They are not just protesting against inflation, corruption, or broken systems. They are reacting to something deeper: a collapse of trust in leadership and the absence of any credible dream that makes sacrifice worthwhile.
The storm was coming. Anyone watching closely could see it forming: stagnant wages, social inequality, digital frustration, corruption, and a crisis of belonging—all while political elites still play by 20th century rules in a 21st century world. From the Gen Z protests in Morocco to the youth revolts in Nepal, Peru, Kenya, or Indonesia, the message is consistent: if the system won’t evolve, it will be rejected.
The warning signs we ignored
Economic stagnation is wrapped in optimism theatre: governments boast of growth, but young people count the bills—and the math doesn’t add up. Social fatigue deepens as millions who did ‘everything right’ find that merit no longer guarantees dignity, while corruption and nepotism still pay faster. Politics feels irrelevant; parties no longer speak the language of purpose, and the algorithm now outperforms the politician in persuasion. We are watching the slow erosion of legitimacy—a silent decay—as the promise of progress loses credibility.
If we want stability, we must give Gen Z more than slogans. We must give them a dream and a deal. The dream is a new social contract that connects prosperity with purpose; growth must be measured not only by GDP, but by access, dignity, and fairness, and leaders must craft a vision that feels personal, not abstract—a world where talent and integrity truly matter.
The deal is real development opportunities: not internships without a future, but an integrated agenda of good jobs, digital education, transparent governance, and incentives for innovation. It is time to shift from paternalism—’wait your turn’—to partnership—’lead with us’.
Every protest I’ve witnessed shared one unspoken truth: the problem is not rebellion, it’s abandonment. Youths are not rebelling because they hate society, but because they see no place for themselves within it.
A new global task
Governments, investors, and CEOs must act together. The private sector, especially in emerging markets, should be part of this new deal; training, mentorship, and venture capital for young innovators are not charity—they are insurance against social and democratic collapse. The international community must also rethink development aid: less bureaucracy, more youth capacity-building. The energy of a billion young people can still power progress—but only if someone provides direction.
Ignore this moment, and we will face a cycle of economic paralysis and social fragmentation. Without a dream and a deal, Gen Z will either disengage or destroy—through mass apathy, migration, or revolt. Democracies will weaken; populism will rise; hope will migrate faster than talent. The lesson from the streets of Nairobi, Casablanca, and Lima is clear: you cannot govern the 21st century with 20th century promises. The world needs an update—and Gen Z is pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete.
The restoring trust recipe
A leadership model to empower youth for evolution, not revolution rests on five pillars. Credibility means leading by example; trust is earned, not declared, and leaders must deliver what they promise, admit mistakes, and make transparency the new prestige. Clarity means giving direction, not confusion; Gen Z does not follow noise, and purpose and priorities must be communicated so young people know where they fit and why their contribution matters.
Co-creation means including youth at the table; policies should be designed with youth, not for them, because shared authorship builds ownership and turns frustration into participation. Capability means equipping, not lecturing; investment in education, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship creates the bridge from aspiration to achievement.
Compassion means humanising leadership; economic data guides budgets, but empathy sustains communities, and leaders should listen actively, protect mental health, and reward purpose alongside performance. Together, these five pillars can rebuild the architecture of trust, turn rebellion into responsibility, and prepare a generation for evolution — the sustainable path forward.
We have all seen both the anger and the brilliance of this generation. They are idealistic realists—impatient, connected, capable. What they lack is not courage, but a coherent invitation to build. To leaders everywhere: give Gen Z a Dream they can believe in and a Deal they can work for. Otherwise, prepare to witness decay—not of a generation, but of the systems that refused to listen.
Photo: Dreamstime.
