“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— from where will my help come?” – Psalm 121:1

In my September 5 column, I raised the question: “Do we need a Braintrust — a collective of sharp independent thinkers who can offer fresh perspectives to chart the nation’s path forward?”

A response from fellow columnist Ralph Jemmott on September 9 echoed the challenge of where we might find such thinkers. In light of these ongoing conversations, I’ve come to a sobering realization: much of the future rests on how we invest in the upcoming generation — Gen Z; my grandchildren fall into that generation, age 13-28.

Gen Z have lived through unprecedented challenges — the COVID-19 pandemic, economic upheavals, the accelerating climate crisis, and the dominance of social media. They’ve also witnessed global political chaos and the erosion of social safety nets. Yet, despite these difficulties, they have the potential to lead us into a new era of innovation and global cooperation.

But for that to happen, we must shepherd them.

Kamala Harris, in her new book 107 Days, highlights the urgent need for forward-thinking governance that adapts education systems to meet the complexities of a rapidly changing world. She argues that Gen Z needs an education flexible enough to prepare them for the constant evolution of industries driven by AI and robotics. They deserve not only access to traditional educational pathways but also programs that emphasize trade skills, sustainability and technological mastery.

In contrast, a contemporary member of my extended family, who lives in the Indian subcontinent, sent me a video clip which highlights the amazing things Chinese children are doing at Kinderkarten.

Yet, as we look to the future, we face a reality where critical investments in education have dwindled.
Globally, including small states, the stakes are high. Gen Z’s influence will shape the future of our societies, and their choices carry the power to determine our shared trajectory. It’s time to act.

This generation’s challenges are immense, but so are the opportunities. If we are to ensure a prosperous, equitable future, we must shepherd them, guide them, and give them the tools they need to succeed. As I reflect on my own experiences across generations, I am reminded that wisdom comes with age. Let’s use that wisdom to shape a future that allows Gen Z to thrive.

This is not just a responsibility — it’s an investment in the world they will lead.

(Dr. Basil Springer GCM is a corporate governance adviser. His email address is basilgf@marketplaceexcellence.com. His columns may be found at https://www.nothingbeatsbusiness.com.)