Learning about modern slavery — its pervasiveness and how little is being done about it — is what first led me to become a human rights activist. I like to think the fact that I’ve been able to reach like-minded individuals from around the globe means significant change is on the horizon, but the reality is we have not even scratched the surface of what needs to be done.With human traffickingbeing one of the fastest-growing crimes worldwideand with theCOVID-19pandemic andclimate crisis seem absurd to worry about something like the coronavirus; in his mind, it will never impact him or anyone in his immediate orbit beyond perhaps acanceled conference or twoso why should he care? The 48-year-old CEO is abillionairewho owns a number ofmansions that 24.9 million of all modern slavery victims are trapped through forced labor, and 15.4 million are trapped through forced marriage. The issue exists in every region and affects people from all walks of life. But those most vulnerable are women, migrants, and people living in extreme poverty. A quarter of all victims are children. I used my knowledge and strength to become who I am today, and I encourage you to do the same and stand up for what is right. We cannot risk giving up on the fight for equality for all children and young people. We have too much to lose. The world has too much to lose. We must find and learn new ways to reach equality for all. We must learn new lessons and employ them. We must use them in our everyday lives, in our schools and communities, and in our own moment. And most urgently, we need to find our empathy again, and to use that empathy and speak up with courage. We owe it to ourselves and we owe it to the next generation.*