As the World Economic Forum (WEF) convenes this week (Jan 15-19, 2024), we reflect on a powerful quote from last year's session, shared by a prominent figure in global leadership and sustainable development, Achim Steiner.
Achim Steiner: A Global Leader's Journey
Steiner's career trajectory is marked by his diverse educational background, including an MA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Oxford and an MA from the University of London. His early career involved roles in various international and grassroots organizations, focusing on environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic development across India, Pakistan, Germany, Zimbabwe, USA, Vietnam, South Africa, Switzerland, and Kenya. As the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (2006-2016), Steiner played a pivotal role in championing clean technologies and renewable energy. Before assuming his current role as the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (succeeding Helen Clark), he directed the Oxford Martin School, contributing significantly to the discourse on global challenges. He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his work, including the Tallberg Foundation’s Award for Principled Pragmatism and the Steiger Award for Environmental Protection.
Steiner’s leadership journey underscores the importance of empathy in leadership. His ethos demonstrates how understanding and valuing diverse perspectives is crucial in addressing complex global issues.
As we navigate the complexities of our world, let's embrace Steiner's focus on empathetic leadership. This week and beyond, let's practice understanding and incorporating diverse viewpoints in our interactions.