During my Leadership-in-Action project at The World Bank, the true meaning of global citizenship became clearer than ever. Unlike any other environment, the Bank was a microcosm of the world: experts from every continent, language, and background came together, united by the shared purpose of solving humanity’s most urgent problems. Standing around the table, I found myself working with colleagues whose life experiences and professional journeys differed profoundly from my own - it was an actual shocking moment when I realised I may be the only underage (by US standards) employee at the Bank. Yet, despite our diversity, it was precisely this richness of perspective that moved our projects forward and delivered innovative solutions for communities far beyond our own.
One of the most enriching aspects of my time at the World Bank was the constant exposure to new ideas and approaches from leading experts in the field. The Bank creates an environment where sector specialists and practitioners from every continent regularly share their insights, whether through formal seminars or informal discussions over coffee. I found immense value in the chance to learn directly from world-class leaders in development, which challenged me to refine my own thinking and consider alternative methods for tackling complex global issues. It was an intellectual atmosphere that inspired curiosity and growth at every turn.
This experience reshaped my understanding of ethical leadership. At the World Bank, ethical conduct was not just a set of internal rules; it was a living commitment to fairness, inclusion and respect for those whose lives are affected by our decisions. The impact that grounded complex policy structuring would have in the real world, especially on marginalised groups. I saw firsthand how transparency, active listening and a willingness to challenge assumptions were essential to building trust and enabling meaningful change.
Working in such a dynamic and multicultural team taught me that acting as a global citizen means recognising that every decision, whether big or small, affects people who share our planet. Being a global citizen means understanding that collaboration across boundaries is not just admirable but necessary. It means choosing to work with others, putting collective interest above individual gain, and always leading with empathy. I left the LIA with a sense of responsibility that extends beyond my immediate surroundings: to utilise my skills, networks and voice for the greater good, always striving to lead ethically and inclusively in every sphere of my life.
As I move forward, I am committed to seeking out diverse perspectives, amplifying under-represented voices, and applying the lessons of cross-cultural teamwork to every challenge I face. The World Bank showed me that progress depends not only on what we achieve, but also on how we respect, empower, and include others along the way. That, for me, is what global citizenship and ethical leadership truly mean.