I often think about the future and the people who will one day lead our society. I wonder what the world will look like when the generations born in the last century are gone, and the structure of society rests solely on the shoulders of new generations. Will they fight for justice, equality, and build bridges between people?
Honestly – I’m increasingly worried that we might not have enough of them, or at least not the kind we truly need – the kind the world of tomorrow will desperately require.
Young people today, though incredibly skilled, especially when it comes to technology, often lack the confidence to take initiative or responsibility. They’d rather follow than lead, blend in rather than stand out with their opinions.
Social media offers the illusion of connection, but in many cases, it has turned us into passive observers of other people’s lives. And I don’t place the blame solely on young people – adults have largely contributed to this too.
I watch parents (myself included at times) who, with the best intentions, try to make everything easier for their children, to protect them, solve problems instead of them. In our desire to shield them from the weight of certain moments or situations, we take away their opportunity to grow as individuals. To fall, get back up, learn lessons, think critically, explore solutions – to become leaders of their own lives! If you’re able to lead your own life, you’ll be able to lead a family, and maybe one day, even a community!
We, people of the Western Balkans, lived under the illusion that democracy and equality thrive in the West – that we are the ones who need to learn how to respect one another (even though we already did, and lived that way). Yet, the time has come to realize that even in the developed West, people still judge others by their “bloodlines” and discriminate based on skin color, religion, sexual orientation, or other differences.
In such a world – what kind of leaders are we actually raising?
A true leader is not just someone who stands on a stage and gives grand speeches or has a massive online following. A leader is someone who inspires others by their positive example, who knows how to listen, empathize, take action when needed, and think independently. Someone who is willing to make mistakes, learn, and take responsibility.
You don’t learn that on TikTok or through perfectly filtered Instagram photos. You learn that in real life – through experiences, challenges, setbacks, conversations, and real human interaction.
Our responsibility today – whether we are parents, teachers, older siblings, neighbors, or simply someone who wants a better world – is to help young people recognize the potential for leadership within themselves. To teach them that it’s okay to be different. That being empathetic is not a weakness. It takes strength to ask questions, say “no,” and stand up for what you believe in.
Leaders are not born – they are made.
And if we want a society worth living in, we must not hesitate. The time to start building them was yesterday… so let’s roll up our sleeves.
Amra Agić
Administrator and PR at the Center for Education
and Socialization
