For four days in December, 30 Young Global Leaders (YGLs) from around the world will meet in Johannesburg for a special education module organised by the Wits Business School (WBS).

The YGL Forum, a World Economic Forum (WEF) initiative, is a global community of about 800 enterprising, socially-minded men and women under the age of 40. Each year, the Forum selects 120 of the world’s most outstanding next-generation leaders based on a proven track record of extraordinary achievement and a deep commitment to positive social impact.

The ‘class of 2016’ YGLs comprises 120 pioneers, disruptors and innovators from 110 countries around the world from both business and social/or non-profit initiatives. More than half of the cohort come from emerging economies, with many of them focused on opportunities within the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’.

The YGL Forum aims to develop and nurture the world’s future leaders through knowledge-sharing and engendering a better understanding of global and industry issues, and thus provides a number of education modules each year. Some of the world’s most elite universities, including Harvard, Yale, Oxford and the International University of Singapore, host these bespoke modules every year. WBS is partner host in South Africa. On the back of a highly successful YGL WBS-hosted tour in March 2015, WBS was approached by the WEF’s YGL Forum to host another module in 2016.

Director of WBS Executive Education, Devan Naicker, says: “WBS is delighted to be entrusted by the WEF to join other top universities in hosting an education module for the YGLs of 2016. Under the theme ‘Leading for Transformation’, we have put together a rich and immersive programme which balances academic content with cultural experiences. It aims to provide an intense, personal development and learning experience with regards to African societal and leadership opportunities, and practical networks for developing vital links between Africa and the rest of the world.”

From 4-7 December 2016, young leaders from China, Pakistan, the UK, Singapore, Kenya, Turkey, Nigeria, Norway, Mongolia, Jordan, Mexico, Uganda, Saudi Arabia and South Africa will come together for a series of lectures, interactive dialogue and discussions, and opportunities for networking and reflection. They will start the tour with a visit to the Cradle of Humankind, followed by a welcome dinner hosted by Wits Vice-chancellor Professor Adam Habib. The itinerary also includes visits to the Maboneng District, the Wits Origins Centre and Kliptown.

“Our aim is for the participants to emerge from the experience with new insights into business and social variables that shape outcomes on the continent, and how to participate in shaping these outcomes as transformative leaders. They will be exposed to local policies and business culture and enjoy meaningful interaction with thought leaders in South African and African business and policy,” says Naicker.

Among the leaders and organisations who will address the YGLs are former public protector, Thuli Madonsela, outspoken business leader Sipho Pityana, former DA leader Lindiwe Mazibuko, former advocate of the Supreme Court Advocate Zwelethu Madasa, the Kathrada Foundation and founder of the Maboneng Precinct, Jonathan Liebmann.

“We are excited to present an invigorating and stimulating educational experience which we hope will provide the participants with a deeper understanding of how to anticipate and manage emerging opportunities in Africa,” Naicker concludes.