PUTRAJAYA – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on emerging leaders to embrace innovation while remaining firmly grounded in values and integrity.
His remarks came during a meeting with 22 young leaders representing 12 nations at the AZM Global Leaders Kuala Lumpur Summit 2026, held in Putrajaya.
The summit, part of the prestigious Azm Global Leaders Fellowship programme, brings together promising individuals aged between 22 and 29 for intensive leadership training.
The fellowship, running from 2026 to 2028, is fully funded and combines international workshops, mentorship, and online learning.
Each participant receives a scholarship grant and access to a global network designed to foster collaboration across borders.
During the gathering, Anwar underscored the challenges of leading in multicultural environments. He stressed that leadership must be guided by wisdom, sound judgement, and patience.
“I shared my views that the challenges of leadership in diverse cultures and backgrounds must be guided by wisdom, sound judgement and patience,” he said.
He added that leaders should continue to learn and assimilate new approaches without neglecting fundamental principles such as trust, values, and moral integrity.
The Prime Minister also expressed his hopes for the success of the initiative’s founder, Muna AbuSulayman, a Saudi businesswoman and activist recognised internationally for her work in philanthropy, education, and women’s empowerment.
AbuSulayman has been a prominent figure in global forums, including the World Economic Forum, and has served as a United Nations Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador.
Her leadership style is widely praised for bridging cultures and advancing dialogue between East and West.
Anwar conveyed his prayers that AbuSulayman and the selected youth leaders would be given the strength to continue building networks across nations and backgrounds, laying the foundation for future cooperation.
He emphasised that such initiatives are vital in preparing the next generation to tackle global challenges while fostering mutual understanding.
The AZM Global Leaders Kuala Lumpur Summit 2026 marks the beginning of a two-year fellowship that will see participants engage in workshops across different international locations.
The programme is designed to equip young leaders with skills in conflict resolution, cultural competency, and management, ensuring they are prepared to drive positive change in their communities and beyond.
This engagement reflects Malaysia’s broader commitment to nurturing youth leadership and promoting values-based governance.
Anwar’s message reinforces the importance of balancing modernisation with ethical foundations, a principle he has consistently highlighted in his public addresses.
The summit in Putrajaya serves not only as a platform for dialogue but also as a stepping stone for building resilient leadership networks across the globe.
