To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

RALEIGH – The 2012 Emerging Issues Forum kicked off Monday in Raleigh.

This year the two day event is concentrating on Generation "Z," what they need to know to make it in today's world, and what today's leaders need to learn from them.

“Each year we pick out the things we need to learn more about. things that are beginning to happen, just beginning,” said former Gov. Jim Hunt, founder of the Institute for Emerging Issues.

This year, that topic is Generation Z – a digitally savvy and globally aware group. These teens and twenty-somethings were born between 1990 and 2002 – and can out pace most of their elders when it comes to things like technology.

One look around this year's forum and you can see the Institute for Emerging Issues trying to reach out to Gen Z with things like a floor-to-ceiling Twitter feed and encouragement to use social media devices like smart phones.

“It's a brand new twist. It's the new world, but that is why we need to learn about it. And they need to learn from us,” said Hunt.

Business, political, and education leaders joined in on this conversation and said everyone needs to take part in this evolution to fundamental services.

“It's changed the way we teach. It's changed the way we interact with students, and we are trying to figure out how to get the most potential out of this generation of students,” said N.C. State Chancellor Randy Woodsen.

Members of Generation Z were also on hand to learn and share their thoughts. They said it is important for people in all generations to keep an open mind about the world around us.

For people who track what is on the horizon for the future, they said forums like this are important.

“The world is changing so fast now, and I think people who adapt to it and grab on to new technologies and see new ways of growing new businesses. That's our future,” said Bob Saifian, Fast Company Magazine editor.