We asked some of the boldest thinkers what the world will be like in 50 years. Here’s what their answers tell us about the future.
Wendy Kopp
Co-founder and CEO, Teach For AllWendy Kopp is CEO and co-founder of Teach For All, a global network of independent organizations that are developing collective leadership to ensure all children fulfill their potential. Kopp founded Teach For America in 1989 to marshal the energy of her generation toward expanding educational opportunity in the US. Today, she remains an active member of Teach For America’s board.
Who will run the world?
The kids in school today will be running the world. That’s why one of the most important things we can be doing—to meet any of our aspirations—is ensure today’s students are growing as leaders who can shape a better future for themselves and all of us. Within communities and at national and global levels, we should be considering how to ensure that all of our children are growing with the proficiencies, values, mindsets, agency, and awareness that will be critical for our collective welfare.
More responses to Who will run the world?Which country will have the most powerful economy?
The one that unleashes its young people. Think about it: Africa has the youngest population in the world, and it’s growing. If its countries can unleash the potential of their youth, they will be unstoppable. But this will take channeling significant financial and human resources towards ensuring children in these growing countries have the education, support, and opportunity to fulfill their potential.
More responses to Which country will have the most powerful economy?What will cause the biggest conflicts?
Not ensuring all of today’s children develop empathy and learn how to work across lines of difference.
More responses to What will cause the biggest conflicts?How will people earn a living?
Educating others will become an increasingly-valued pursuit, no matter what happens with technology. Learning and developing will always require human relationships, and our society will become more aware that how children develop from birth predicts the future of countries and our global society.
More responses to How will people earn a living?What will we eat?
We’ll continue enjoying each other’s cuisines! I’ve never found one I don’t love.
More responses to What will we eat?How will we find love?
I met my husband because his mother cut out a newspaper clip for him about how I was starting Teach For America. I can assure you that won’t be how we find love in the future.
More responses to How will we find love?What kinds of stories will we tell?
We will always be telling stories about relationships, because relationships are the most crucial factor in everything. We’ve learned this is true even in classrooms, and I’ve learned it’s true in organizations and in networks.
More responses to What kinds of stories will we tell?What will our borders be like?
While political forces may seem to be moving towards isolationism, what we see at Teach For All is that young people around the world are very inspired to build relationships and learn from each other across borders. I have confidence that the trajectory will be towards an open society.
More responses to What will our borders be like?What will our most valuable resource be?
Our most valuable resource will be people and communities that have come together to exert collective leadership for a better future. Our number one priority should be investing in developing those human and relationship resources.
More responses to What will our most valuable resource be?Will our world be more equal or less equal?
It’s ours to decide. If we embrace the challenge of enabling all children to fulfill their potential, it will be better. If we don’t, it will be much worse.
More responses to Will our world be more equal or less equal?
