Even after all this time, I’m still trying to wrap my head around the experience I had back in January 2023. Being one of 50+ selected delegates to the Annual Meeting 2023 in Davos, imposter syndrome crept into almost everyone of us. But overall, I feel incredibly blessed and grateful to be chosen to represent not only the voices of youth but also the decentralised space; a place where I’ve been an advocate since joining the space back in 2021. The whole journey was surreal, to be honest. To be surrounded by true decision-makers in this world order, to sit among giants in the industries, and to even interact with celebrities and world leaders is simply awe-inspiring.

Reflecting on this experience took me a while because of a few things. First, one of my main goals for the summit was to seek opportunities to work in the industry I’m in. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Among all the connections I made with different stakeholders, there wasn’t really any meaningful one that I managed to secure even after over two years out. Sometimes, I struggle to write this because, despite what others might think, there aren’t any tangible insights from the experience I had there.

Secondly, it seems like Davos truly is the Mecca of world order. Even during the five-day summit, most of it seemed surface-level, echo chambers based on their collective world views. There’s definitely an undercurrent that everyone seems to understand and accept but chooses not to address the elephant in the room. It’s definitely not the case when youth voices are present in certain conversations or where youth representation was felt. Bringing a different perspective into the discourse and pushing the youth agenda does move the needle forward.

Lastly, the universe works in mysterious ways. Deep down, all I ever wanted was to feel a sense of belonging and companionship. I never thought that this experience would result in having a group of companions who went through the same journey and managed to have meaningful connections after the summit. I wouldn’t have thought for a moment that this would be one of the key takeaways before I embarked on this journey. I guess I’m proven wrong, and even after all this time, this holds true. And I’m so grateful to be connected with five souls that I truly believe will be lifelong friends/companions.

While this post is about the summit I went to, this goes further than that, given it transpired my involvement and contribution in the community for the last two years. It started with a conversation I had on the third day of the summit over dinner, with someone I looked up to. As I was contemplating being involved more actively with the community through becoming an advisory council member. It was this instant and the push made by her that I decided to apply and join the council. Also, the fact that I also convinced two of five companions to also submit the application, which oddly enough, all three of us got inducted as part of the advisory council.

These last two years have, in short, been a fulfilling experience. Giving back to the community that has paid it forward tenfold is the least I could do. Being involved in the global election committee, helping out other hubs across regions with elections, and helping facilitate restorative justice in leadership workshops during the annual summit in Geneva was another highlight. Getting recognised and appreciated for creating a WhatsApp community for the summit during my second year term was the icing on the cake. But above all, having a conversation with the head of the community and being told that I am heard and seen was heartwarming.

While all of the above did make me want to give more towards the community, last year I realised that “we are where we’re meant to be”, and that looking forward, I am drawing blanks (this was prior to me being attached with the startup I am with), but I’m excited for what’s to come. It’s been a long time coming, that all good things will always come to an end. And if I’m being honest, I do feel that this journey is on its last leg. It’s definitely not easy to let go of fond memories made and meaningful connections nurtured. It is a blessing that I had the time and space to be surrounded by people who pull out the best version of you. As the saying goes, “it’s never about the achievement you left behind, but how you made them feel”, I do believe that it’s about time to turn my page and write another chapter in my life.

To summarise this last 28 months, it has been constant growth, a shift of perspective on how the world works, and lastly grateful to be surrounded by others who strive for excellence and kindness. I will remember fondly moments created together. I take this opportunity to give thanks to those who have been part of this journey with me. Looking forward, while I do not know where my path leads in the mid to long term, one thing for sure is that should it benefit us, we will cross paths again. And to those I have wronged, it is through my shortsightedness and shortcomings.