The Road To Davos

The British Council-backed Road to Davos program fosters youth activism on global issues such as climate change, intercultural conflict and poverty. By expressing both the local and global influences that shape their views and action, these young people, ranging in age from 16 to 19, serve as a shining example of how to be the change the world needs now. So moved by their activism, Emma Thompson shared her thoughts on meeting the Davos 6 below. Check back here over the next week to read the next generation's thoughts on their journey. It's a road well-traveled and I wish them continued success. --Susan Sawyers

Being in Davos is a multi-layered experience -- depressing and inspiring, exhausting and invigorating, frustrating and fulfilling all at once.

It's rare that the joyful feelings I've listed above are ever combined, but such was my experience with the Davos 6.

I met these incredible young people the day before our session. I was done in, running about in my snow-boots and basically looking as if I'd just been released into the community -- the last thing I wanted, quite frankly, was a meeting with a group of strangers who were definitely going to be a) younger b) cleverer and c) prettier than me.

However, after five minutes with Whitney, Gillion, Yunan, Rhadeena, Juan and Nick, I was a new woman. Charged up with hope and optimism, I danced through the rest of the day.

Their articulacy, confidence and intelligence were overwhelming and I know that all who encountered them were similarly impressed.

The next day our session took place in a packed auditorium (called the Santana or something - not sure why). There were lots of press including the CNN presenter Becky Anderson and Mme Ogata from Japan. Actually, I think it was Juan who pointed out later that it was the only session to have more women than men on it.

We all knew that the Davos 6 were going to do most of the talking and they did. They spoke movingly of their own achievements on the ground, inspiringly about their goals and intelligently about the nature of the problems they most wanted to tackle.

Everyone at the session was bowled over.

Several people, especially members of the social entrepreneurs group, came up to see if they could engage more practically with the schemes they'd heard.

It was by far the most hopeful session of my time in Davos. I am exceedingly eager to hear what comes of the connections they all made.

I am here and willing to act as advisor to them all -- and I hope everyone out there keeps an eye out for what they're doing in case there's a way you can join in.

Thanks you guys, you made my trip more worthwhile. Good luck and we'll keep in touch.

See more on www.roadtodavos.net.

Comments

[klondiker]

Emma Thompson, you are a genius.

Your performance in Wit was absolutely spectacular, and I still watch Sense and Sensibility when I'm feeling blue.

[Woggles]

Thank you Emma, well written! It's refreshing to see articulate modern actress
with their heart in the right place. I'm trying to picture that Nicole 'simple life' Richey,
even being able to read and comprehend this, let alone write it.

[Ajita]

The world economic forum is a PR strategy to continue the TOP DOWN business models that have ravaged the working classes around the world. The business models of the future are BOTTOM UP. Screw davos.

Government is the shadow cast by big business over society; attenuation of the shadow will not change the substance - John Dewey

[RoseMerry]

Oh, posh, posh, Ms Thompson! While there may be many younger than you, there are few cleverer and prettier and a damn few that are both and even less that are as talented than you!. Welcome to the fray and you have just raise the level of intelligence here at Huffington Post and increased the class of this site!

Having played Ms. Clinton, I know that you have done much research and I would be dying to your thoughts on who is the better candidate for President!

[EspritDeVoltaire]

Great work! It's inspiring to see and certainly necessary for us all to progress into a true world community.

[stellanoir]

I work in part, counseling young people at colleges and high schools and I'll tell you a little secret.

The kids unwittingly reinforce my inherently youthful spirit.

I'd guess I'm a contemporary of yours in terms of age.

I find our youth to be so inspiring, talented, clever, and thoroughly amusing.

Thank goodness they are, given the messes we are bequeathing them.

Thanks for sharing.