Experts call for values-based leadership as global summit opens in Nairobi

Global thought leaders have called for values-based leadership as the 2026 Global Leadership Summit opened in Nairobi, warning that the world is facing rising conflict, geopolitical tensions and economic shocks that are increasingly affecting everyday life.

The summit has drawn delegates from business, government, civil society, academia and faith communities.

Organisers said Nairobi’s selection as host city reflects East Africa’s growing influence in global leadership conversations.

President and CEO of the Global Leadership Network David Ashcraft said Kenya has emerged as a continental hub for leadership dialogue and accountability.

“Kenya’s institutions are increasingly playing a key role in shaping leadership and governance conversations across Africa,” he noted.

Opening the summit, Vice Chancellor of Pan Africa Christian University Dionysius Kiambi urged leaders to embrace credibility, authenticity and ethical responsibility in addressing today’s complex global challenges.

“The modern society is characterized by volatility that is shaking our stability, uncertainty clouding our planning, complexity challenging our reasoning, and ambiguity putting our judgment to the test,” Prof. Kiambi said.

He warned that global stability can shift rapidly, pointing to the ongoing Middle East conflict as a sign of how fragile peace can be.

“National and international peace and stability can change in the blink of an eye. Nations are under pressure, yearning for credible and trustworthy leadership,” he added.

Speakers at the summit argued that the current leadership deficit is not due to lack of expertise but a failure of ethical grounding and accountability.

Among the presenters, mathematician and data scientist Purity Ngina challenged leaders to move beyond technical competence and lead with integrity and purpose.

The summit, co-hosted by Gilbert Ang'ana and Charles Obara, also featured presentations from Elisha Bwatuti and Dan Owolabi, who shared personal experiences of resilience, faith and purposeful leadership.

The Global Leadership Summit is held annually in cities around the world. Organisers say the Nairobi edition, among the first in East Africa, signals the region’s growing role in shaping global governance and leadership discussions.