This is the title of an initiative launched by members of the Forum of Young Global Leaders of the World Economic Forum, a multistakeholder community of more than 700 exceptional young leaders, all younger than 40, who share a commitment to shaping the global future.
“Wake Up Europe!” was launched last September in Dalian, China, during the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2011 of the World Economic Forum, the foremost global business gathering in Asia.
The initiative is a call for a strong and unified European leadership to overcome the current crisis. Against divided leaders, unable to make the difficult decisions necessary to keep Europe together, a vision of the future and immediate decisive actions are needed.
Europe has incredible strengths to build on. It has values and capabilities that are essential for human and economic progress. Europe is crucial to environmental, social, scientific and technological development in the 21st century and a major catalyst for global stability, growth and progress.
Europe generates the largest GDP in the world and is a wealthy continent with the best social inclusiveness index of all major economic blocks. It has highly-developed continent-wide infrastructure and world-leading research institutions. Europe has strong educational systems and a literacy rate of 97%. Diversity and gender equality in politics and business is still insufficient but already world-leading. These are decisive strengths Europeans can and must build upon.
There are many areas in which Europe can excel: education, creativity and innovation, social inclusiveness, environmental protection, sustainable and quality growth, freedom of movement, peace and rule of law. European leaders now need to move forward in these areas.
The Young Global Leaders call for a five year plan, for a new European project bringing a clear, precise, long term perspective to its citizens and particularly to its youth.
Young generations should be listened to, should be involved and placed at the foundation of Europe. Building on their strengths will trigger the creativity of millions.
“Build on our brains, our energy, and our sense of solidarity. Show leadership. And act now”.
The initiative was conceived by a group of Young Global Leaders: Francesca Colombo, Marco Fiorese, Lily Lapenna e André Loesekrug-Pietri, on behalf of “Wake Up Europe!”.
To get behind the initiative please email: contact@wakeupeurope.org.
Read attached the press release of “Wake Up Europe!”
