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To my 16-year-old self: dream big and believe in the future 

 

 

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Sometimes, unexpected turns bring the most valuable insights. While preparing for a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum in Davos I came across an intriguing question: What advice would you give your 16-year-old self? That question stuck with me. It took me back to the mid-1980s, a time defined by the Cold War, high unemployment, and global challenges like the ozone hole and the AIDS crisis. Optimism? Back then, you’d be called either foolish or completely out of touch. 

 

Just like in the 80s, global changes today bring uncertainty, and while it’s easy to fall into a mindset of pessimism, we must resist becoming prophets of doom. Instead of dwelling on what Europe may perceive as irrational or immoral decisions by certain world leaders, our focus should be on how we respond and adapt. The real challenge lies not in lamenting the shifts happening around us, but in actively shaping our path forward. By channeling our energy into strategic action, innovation, and resilience, we can navigate these changes in a way that strengthens our position rather than weakens it. 

 

So, my advice to my younger self would be exactly that: stay positive, keep believing in progress, look for solutions that lie in cooperating on a European or global scale, and don’t let skeptics discourage you. The world is changing constantly – and yes, often for the better. It’s easy to overlook progress, but it’s all around us, hiding in both revolutionary breakthroughs and the seemingly mundane: from life-saving technologies that rewrite medical history to something as simple as personalized digital learning which empowers individuals. 

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    Frank Hamerlinck: "The world has changed tremendously since the mid 1980s – and yes, often for the better."

The power of progress 

I’m a firm believer in the philosophy of progress. Humanity is at its best when we challenge the norm, ask bold 'what if' questions, and refuse to settle. By embracing reason, science, and moral growth, we can transform the world – a world where innovation fights poverty, creates opportunities, and drives sustainable living. That’s the future I dream of. 

 

But let’s not sugarcoat it – progress isn’t handed to us on a silver platter. It comes with challenges, and they’re as daunting as they are urgent. Innovation not only brings solutions but also raises new questions. Think about biased AI – algorithms that amplify prejudices instead of breaking them down. Ethical dilemmas: how do we balance privacy and innovation without losing either? How do we ensure automation creates jobs instead of leaving people behind? 

 

Should we, faced with these challenges, shy away from unlocking data or harnessing AI to its full potential? Absolutely not. AI is a powerful companion in our lives and businesses. The focus should not be on fearing technology but on ensuring its wise and ethical use. AI has immense potential, but it’s not something we can simply unleash without oversight. With the right guardrails, we can harness its power responsibly, ensuring it helps us solve problems rather than create new ones. 

 

Optimism is an active choice 

Optimism isn’t about ignoring hard facts. It’s about seeing possibilities even amidst obstacles. That mindset is the driving force behind progress, rooted in the belief that better solutions are always within reach, even when the world doesn’t always cooperate. Every step forward proves that dreaming isn’t naïve – it’s a catalyst for change. 

 

To my younger self, I would say: take that shot. Push boundaries, even when they push back. Trust in your ability to make a difference. Optimism isn’t a weakness; it’s an act of courage. And as I reflect on this, I realize that this advice isn’t just for my 16-year-old self. It’s a message for all of us: dare to dream and dare to act – that’s how real progress is made.