This keynote will open the conference with a call to action for responsible leadership. Based on the recently updated version of “Impactful Five (i5)” Learning in Leadership Education,  which is a collaboration between the United Nations and over 800 signatory institutions of higher learning.

• Make learning Meaningful
• Facilitate Active Engagement
• Design for Iteration
• Develop supportive Social Interaction
• Foster Joy and Well-being

These principles were developed for global business schools but apply equally well to the world of schools. 

Educational leaders are undeniably one of the most important agents to create sustainable positive development for the world. In the wake of a global pandemic, rising inequalities and environmental disasters, it has become increasingly clear that leaders with a holistic skillset are in scarce supply. These humanitarian catastrophes have surfaced ‘wicked problems’ where no predefined methods exist to solve these transnational challenges and where the call for novel innovative solutions, and ‘minds-on/hands-on’ multi-disciplinary approaches are critically in demand. Today, there is an urgent need for leaders who can leverage interconnected, dynamic and holistic skills to tackle the global challenges society faces. 

In order to develop effective leaders with the relevant skills to address today’s challenges, leadership education needs to be focused on different approaches that aim for holistic skill and mindset development.