Here is everything you need to know this month!
Community Updates
1. Monthly Show: Women in Leadership
The March episode of the Global Shapers Show marked International Women's Day, celebrating the progress towards gender equality while underscoring the work ahead. The episode features Sunita Dangol, Acting Mayor of Kathmandu and former Global Shaper, alongside Derby Chukwudi (Hong Kong Hub) and Natalie Edwards (Santiago Hub), who are advancing careers in traditionally male-dominated fields including finance and STEM.
2. Curatorship Elections 2026-2027
Congratulations to all Hubs that have successfully completed their elections! Over the next three months, you will focus on ensuring a smooth curatorship transition while strengthening institutional, governance and leadership continuity. Incoming and outgoing Curatorship teams, you are invited to attend one of two transition sessions (Americas / Asia) hosted by former Curators to learn best practices, connect with peers, form support circles, and access a comprehensive transition toolkit.
3. Regional Retreats
Hosting a retreat for Hubs in your area is a transformative experience that builds credibility for your Hub, connects you to inspiring stakeholders in your city and strengthens the bonds you have with fellow Hub members and Global Shapers. If your Hub wants to host a retreat in 2026, read our retreats guide and submit a request to your Community Champion.
World Economic Forum Events
4. Annual Meeting of the New Champions
The Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions will explore how innovation and emerging technologies can unlock new growth models and drive positive economic momentum. The 2026 meeting will take place from 23 - 25 June in Dalian, People’s Republic of China. Each year, a select number of Global Shapers are invited to amplify diverse youth voices and represent the Global Shapers Community. We invite you to apply to attend by Sunday 15 March 2026 at 23:59 CET.
Impact Opportunities
5. A new cohort for Intergenerational Foresight
The Future50 cohort will graduate in the coming weeks after completing a successful journey with the Intergenerational Foresight Initiative. Their final publication will be released on 30 March — we encourage all Shapers to read it. The next cohort, Future26, will focus on applying foresight methodologies to industry decision-making. We are seeking committed Shapers with industry experience who are ready to take on this challenge and join the initiative. Apply by 31 March to be considered.
6. Shapers for Plastic Action - #GenerationCircular
Plastic pollution is a critical environmental crisis, with 11 million tonnes entering the ocean each year. Young people are on the frontlines, and their leadership is essential to drive solutions. In partnership with the World Economic Forum’s Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), we are launching Shapers for Plastic Action. We invite Hubs to participate in the #GenerationCircular challenge, and turn global commitments into locally grounded action. Participating Hubs will receive GPAP certification and have the opportunity to be promoted through the Forum’s media platforms. Register your Hub’s interest by 22 March.
6. Open Letter to the Next UN Secretary-General
The selection process for the next UN Secretary-General is underway — a critical moment for young people to shape the priorities and expectations for the UN’s future leadership. Join a virtual consultation by the UN Foundation on 6 April at 9:00 AM EST to contribute to a youth-led open letter to the next Secretary-General. Ahead of the session, please complete the global survey to share your ideas and priorities. Your input will directly inform the letter.
7. Mandela Rhodes Scholarship
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation offers exceptional young African graduates a fully funded postgraduate scholarship at a recognised South African university—covering tuition, study costs, accommodation, living expenses, and return travel—alongside a distinctive leadership development programme delivered through immersive, week-long workshops. Join this session on 9 March at 12:00 (South African time) to know more.
Community Spotlight
8. Shaping MX Retreat
Shaping MX took place from 27 February to 1 March in San Luis Potosí, convening nearly 60 participants from across the country. The gathering fostered collaboration, leadership development, and strategic alignment among Mexico’s Global Shapers Hubs.
9. Forum Stories
- The lack of leadership infrastructure for women is an expensive inefficiency, Murchana Roychoudhury
- What carbon markets can teach us about governing frontier AI, Joel N. Christoph
- Breathing in the digital age: How AI can revolutionize air quality monitoring, Moattar Samim
- Capitalizing on India's demographic dividend starts in the classroom, Shivam Parashar
- Do young people choose careers the economy can’t sustain? Zane Čulkstēna
Shapers, please connect with your Community Manager before submitting a pitch.
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)