Here is everything you need to know this month!
Community Updates
1. Monthly Show
Our September show will stream live on 10 September at 16:00 CEST on LinkedIn. We'll begin with community updates, followed by a conversation with Clemence Schmid, Director of the Global Plastic Action Partnership, a flagship initiative of the World Economic Forum. In this episode, she will dive into how GPAP is tackling plastic pollution, how young people can drive solutions, and discuss the outcomes of the latest negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty—plus what comes next.
2. Host a SHAPE in 2026-2027
SHAPEs are regional events created by Shapers for Shapers. This year, we invited you to share your initial interest in hosting your region's next SHAPE event with your Community Champion by 31 August 2025. Read the SHAPE Guide & FAQs before sharing your interest and make sure your team has the capacity to deliver an event of this scale within the next 2 years.
3. Share Your Impact Story
As we celebrate 15 years of the Global Shapers Community, we’re collecting impact stories from active Shapers and Alumni. Share your hub’s milestones or personal achievements, from high-level events and recognitions to impactful projects, using this content capture form. Your story could be featured across our social media, newsletter, or upcoming reports.
4. Feedback for GSAS25 Virtual Programme
Next Generation Now: Youth Dialogues, the open-access live programme at the Global Shapers Annual Summit 2025, has already reached over 13,000 views. To help us improve next year’s sessions and ensure a memorable experience for all hub members unable to attend in person, please share your feedback on what you enjoyed and what could be better.
- Leading with Purpose and Courage ft. opening plenary highlights (LinkedIn / YouTube)
- Youth Economy and Skills for Tomorrow ft. regional video and SI (LinkedIn / YouTube)
- Next Generation Social Innovation ft. summit highlights and UpLink (LinkedIn / YouTube)
- Intergenerational Climate Leadership ft. closing plenary (LinkedIn / YouTube)
World Economic Forum Events
7. World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026
We can't wait to welcome Global Shapers back to Davos-Klosters, Switzerland in January 2026. It's that time of year again! Applications to attend the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting 2026 are open until Sunday, 14 September 2025 at 23:59 CEST. To prepare an outstanding application, review our FAQs and video application tips!
Impact Opportunities
8. Contribute to the Global Risks Report
The Global Risks Initiative invites you to participate in the Global Risks Perception Survey, the cornerstone of the World Economic Forum’s flagship Global Risks Report 2026: 21st Edition. Your insights on issues from climate change to frontier technologies and international cooperation are critical in shaping the global narrative amid growing systemic complexity. Complete the survey by 26 September.
9. Youth and Social Innovation initiative
Congratulations to the 15 Global Shapers who have been selected to drive the Youth and Social Innovation initiative, launched in partnership with the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, SAP, and Hyundai Motor Group. Over the next three years, these young leaders will work to remove systemic barriers to youth innovation, mobilize capital and influence, and build authentic intergenerational partnerships.
10. CNN Call to Earth Day
Join CNN’s Call to Earth Day on November 6 under the theme “Guard Your Green Space” — a global movement to protect the natural sanctuaries that sustain biodiversity, boost mental health, and cool our cities. From tree planting to clean-ups, register your event for a chance to be featured across CNN channels.
Community Spotlight
11. Project 'My Sexuality, My Responsibility'
The Hub Cartagena recently celebrated the closing of the first stage of 'My Sexuality, My Responsibility' project, after delivering seven workshops on sexual health, mental health, and well-being. Together with teachers, over 50 high school students, and partners including La Red de Jóvenes de Profamilia, Fundación Niños de Papel, and the Secretariat of Participation and Social Development, this project is driving collective action to empower Cartagena’s youth.
12. Forum Stories
- How blended care, combining therapy and technology, can improve mental health support, Hannes Klöpper
- Why we need to make cultural integration a pillar of the longevity economy, David Ebube Nwachukwu & Adam Skali
- Why targeting specific industry needs can make Europe an AI powerhouse, Kai Zenner & Benedikt Gieger
- How sustainable finance can participate in Africa’s land-based carbon sequestration, Iyanuoluwa Aliu & James Balzer
- 5 ways to unlock electricity for AI without building more infrastructure, Tony Pan
- Serendipity in manufacturing: How unexpected connections drive resilience and innovation, Benedikt Gieger & Christian Busch
- How AI is powering grassroots solutions for underserved communities, Toluwani Aliu
- How to create nature-positive urbanism beyond green spaces, Anurit Kanti
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 Forum Stories (English)