Rabia Turnbull, 27, was born in Buffalo Flats, East London, where she was raised by a single mother and grounded in the values of dignity, service and justice. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and public administration from the University of Konstanz and graduated cum laude with an Erasmus Mundus joint master’s degree in security, intelligence and strategic studies, awarded by universities in Glasgow, Trento and Prague. Her academic work focused on conflict and development in Africa and the Middle East. Rabia’s achievements include co-organising the first International Youth Conference and Nobel Symposium held outside Europe. As a youth fellow at the International Youth Think Tank, she facilitates dialogue and policy work with young Africans. As research lead at the African Youth Security Network, she supports youth-led responses to security issues. She also serves as South Africa’s Erasmus Mundus representative, promoting global education opportunities. Her activism spans continents — from Sudan to Palestine — grounded in ubuntu and a belief in youth empowerment. “My grandmother taught me that real leadership is rooted in empathy,” she says.
My greatest inspiration will always be my grandmother. While there are countless influential and extraordinary figures in the world, I have yet to meet someone as warm, selfless and profoundly kind. Her presence could soften even the coldest of hearts because her spirit was so pure. Despite growing up under incredibly harsh and difficult circumstances, she never wavered in her compassion or commitment to others. She was a nurse by profession, but her care extended far beyond her job. In what little free time she had, she gave back — tending to those in need, supporting her community and offering comfort to those navigating their most difficult moments. From caring for the sick, to civic work, to psychosocial support of prisoners, to volunteering at shelters and providing care to the abused, she showed up consistently and selflessly. Her sense of justice and morality left a mark on me that no international platform or high-level encounter has ever matched. Even after meeting diplomats, changemakers, world leaders, activists and Nobel Peace laureates, I have yet to encounter a moral compass as grounded and unshakable as hers. In a world so often marked by conflict, inequality and detachment, what we need more than ever are people — and especially leaders — who genuinely care and understand others. Leadership, particularly in governance, requires more than intelligence or strategic thinking. It demands empathy: an understanding of human experience, and the ability to recognise that no two people face the same challenges. She taught me that empathy can build systems of care and security where people feel seen, heard and valued. When individuals and leaders act with empathy, they inspire others to do the same. It creates a ripple effect, building stronger, more compassionate communities. My grandmother lived that kind of leadership. She did not just speak about justice or kindness — she embodied it in every act. Her legacy lives on in me, and I strive every day to lead with compassion at the forefront, just as she did.