Typically, after difficult periods of societal change, a renaissance follows; a time of growth rich in cultural, scientific and human development. My instinct is that our children will oversee this next great renaissance.
It is undeniable that we are living in dark and often deeply polarised times. Events including Brexit, the election of Donald Trump, the rise of the extreme right and left in international politics and the re-emergence of the Cold War are unsettling and causing high levels of uncertainty and major division globally.
Deplorable events such as the shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida accentuate the horror of our times.
Yet it is the reaction to this horrific event, started by the student survivors, that serves to give me hope for the future. Watching the recent rallies and marches, not only across the US but around the world, highlights the opportunity that lies ahead, for a new age of growth and development.
I have the honour, as many of you do, to meet and work with young people across the globe. This current movement among the young, undoubtedly underpins just how much potential they have, to lead us to a brighter future.
What particularly encourages me about the Never Again movement is the mature and constructive nature of the activism. It is clear they are demonstrating to other young people around the world, that by using democracy, their voice has power.
As many of you know, my first instinct is always to see the world through the eyes of an educator. Seeing young people provide such strong leadership, not only supports my optimistic view of the future but also galvanises my view that we, as educators, must encourage their ability to self-lead and encourage their self-belief so they can sustain a momentum towards social justice, cooperation and a more cohesive global tomorrow.
As educators, and equally as leaders, we should feel enthused that our ability to help develop the humanitarian culture of tomorrow is having a real impact today.
