With threats to the global order piling up, significant work needs to be done to ensure that the future is one built upon democratic values and freedoms. At the Atlantic Council’s inaugural Global Future Forum in New York City on Tuesday, influential and innovative leaders gathered on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly to discuss the type of work that needs to be done to address today’s most pressing challenges, from a rise in authoritarianism to the rapid advancement of technology. “We aren’t bystanders; we’re actors trying to contribute to a better global future,” Atlantic Council President and CEO Frederick Kempe said in kicking off the event.

“At moments like these . . .

individuals make a difference.” The dynamic leaders at the event also spotlighted the people, forces, and ideas they believe are most shaping the global future. “It’s going to take all of us to confront this really complex and dynamic global future,” noted Atlantic Council Executive Vice President Jenna Ben-Yehuda.

Below are more highlights from the conference, which included discussions that touched upon the future of regions such as the Middle East and Latin America and also of issues such as sustainable development and health. Jump to a recap Anwar Mohammed Gargash: The UAE doesn’t want to be ‘left behind’ on the technology shaping the future How innovative African diasporas are changing the continent’s future Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: The fight for freed.