Here is everything you need to know this month!
Community Updates
1. Global Shapers Annual Summit 2025
Save the date! The Global Shapers Annual Summit will take place from 9 - 11 July 2025 at the World Economic Forum headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Summit brings together over 500 Curators who are united in their commitment to accelerate values-based leadership.
Curators who start their mandate in July 2025 have received their invitation to the Summit. We can't wait to see you soon! In addition to our in-person event for Curators, save the date for a full virtual programme for all community members.
2. Monthly Show
Our April show streams live to TopLink and LinkedIn on 10 April at 15:00 CEST. Natalie Pierce is back in action and will be joined by Akshay Joshi, Head of the Centre for Cybersecurity at the World Economic Forum. Akshay works to reinforce the importance of cybersecurity and drive public-private action to address systemic cyber challenges. Join us to share insights, ask Akshay questions, and learn about a new training to help Shapers break into the field!
3. Alumni Celebration Day
The Global Shapers Alumni Celebration Day will take place at 15:00 CEST on 24 April! Join us to honour and welcome Shapers who have recently transitioned to our alumni community, learn more about the role of alumni, explore ways to stay engaged as alumni and hear testimonials from remarkable alumni around the world.
4. SHAPE Highlights
In March, Adelaide Hub hosted SHAPE Asia-Pacific! The SHAPE convened 120 Shapers from 42 hubs in 18 countries under the theme "Acknowledging Our Past, Shaping Our Future." The event featured partner-led sessions by The Climate Reality Project, ENGIE, and YouthInc., a conversation with Young Global Leader Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, and immersive excursions to a regenerative farming initiative, Adelaide Zoo and the Chihuly Art Exhibit.
World Economic Forum Events
5. Annual Meeting of the New Champions
The Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions is the foremost global summit on innovation, science and technology, promoting entrepreneurship in the global public interest. The 2025 meeting will take place from 24 - 25 June in Tianjin, People’s Republic of China under the theme Entrepreneurship for a New Era. We are reviewing applications and look forward to announcing our Global Shapers delegation next month!
Impact Opportunities
6. Global Future Councils
We are thrilled to share that 13 Global Shapers were appointed to Global Future Councils, covering critical issues like GovTech, Digital Infrastructure, Faith in Action and Soil Security. Congratulations to those selected, including Mohamed Okash, Confidence Staveley, Nyifamu Manzo, Taylor Hawkins, Dominique Souris, Valeria Tafoya, Humberto Rumbos, Rumaitha Al Busaidi, Tariq Al-Olaimy, Anis Kallel, Daniel Kleinman, Enkhuun Byambadorj, and Alok Medikepura Anil. You are leading the way on some of the most pressing challenges of our time, and inspiring Shapers worldwide to aim higher and take on greater leadership roles.
7. Global Shapers Longevity Economy Taskforce
A new white paper by the World Economic Forum and Mercer, with Global Shaper Lin Shi as lead author, explores key trends, innovations, and solutions to build resilient public retirement systems, adaptable health infrastructure, and sustainable financial models. We’re proud to spotlight the contributions of the Global Shapers Longevity Economy Taskforce, comprised of 25 young changemakers from around the world, who shared their hopes and fears for the decades ahead.
8. Cyber Shift: Breaking Stereotypes in Cyber Career
Say goodbye to what you think you know about cybersecurity and discover your role in this critical field! On 24 April at 16:00, Standard Chartered and the World Economic Forum's Centre for Cybersecurity will offer a dynamic workshop for Global Shapers to demystify complex cyber concepts and break down cyber stereotypes. You'll gain insight into the essential soft and hard skills needed for a cybersecurity career, and be empowered with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in the industry. Sign up today!
9. International Conference on Financing for Development
The International Conferences on Financing for Development will bring together leaders from government, international and regional organizations, financial and trade institutions, businesses, civil society and the UN System to strengthen international cooperation and reform the financial architecture needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
If you are a young leader (18 - 35 years old) and a citizen of Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, State of Palestine, Syrian Arab Republic, or Tunisia, you can apply for sponsorship to attend the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain from 30 June - 3 July. The UN Youth Office will accept applications until 10 April by midnight ET.
Community Spotlight
Did you know that 88% of young people consult local stakeholders during the design phase of their projects, and 82% seek feedback after project implementation to ensure their initiatives are impactful and aligned with community needs? Find out more in the Global Shapers Impact Report.
10. Emociona Tu Barrio
Through Emociona Tu Barrio, the Barranquilla Hub is promoting community mental health by combining participatory strategies and innovative tools to foster emotional expression, conflict resolution, and the creation of healthy urban environments. The project aims to transform urban spaces into healthy recreational areas and promote the emotional wellbeing of 10 - 24 year-olds in vulnerable communities in Barranquilla at the same time!
10. Forum Stories
- Aid to Africa is being cut – but promoting women can make the continent self-sufficient, Solape Sonuga
- Why we must take urgent action on youth brain health for the sake of the global economy, Faissal Sharif
- 4 ways to prevent and manage climate migration, Eric Shahzar
- Health sovereignty builds resilience in a volatile world. Here are 3 countries working towards it, Daniel Mahadzir and Natasha Tai
- AI know-how is the final piece of the adoption puzzle. Here's why, Bozhanka Vitanova
- Young people worldwide face a perfect storm for their mental health. Here's how to help them, Roberta Bosurgi and Ruma Bhargava
We believe in a world where young people are central to solution-building, policy-making and lasting change.
- Access all Global Shapers resources, guides and tools at wef.ch/gsc-guides
- Read our newsletter in your preferred language using a translation extension
- Pitch your ideas for the World Economic Forum's Agenda (English)
- ¡Propone tu artículo para Agenda (en español)
- Share your feedback with us at communications@globalshapers.org