What makes a good leader? Being able to listen, say young people

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Bringing people together, showing determination and being a good listener are some of the qualities younger generations look for in leaders.

That's according to Generation Z and millennial participants at the One Young World summit in Montreal, Canada.

"It's essential that, when leaders are at the forefront, they are acting upon the interests of the people, and not the interest of themselves or of a small group," according to Sue Whisky, CEO and founder of sustainability organization Environmental Network Malawi, who spoke to CNBC's Tania Bryer at the summit in September.

She also said persistence and determination were important in leaders. "People go through so much and yet their achievements are so much greater than everything that they've ever been through," she said.

While some leaders "aren't really always driven by good intentions," according to Whisky, even those with differing views can "sit in the same room." "We can all make the world that we want to make. We can all work towards achieving peace," she said.

For Northern Irish politician Cara Hunter, empathy and understanding are paramount. "The importance of listening can never be undervalued," she said. Hunter, who became a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for East Londonderry at the age of 24 in 2020, said she is keen to hear what those younger than her want from education.

"A good leader is about listening and raising the voices of people who maybe can't vote but want to be part of the political process, and ensuring they know the power that they have," she said.

Hunter is part of the Northern Irish Education Committee, in a role that she said contributes to building a peaceful society in the region.