Global Shapers Community May 2025 Newsletter

Here is everything you need to know this month!

  1. Community Updates
  2. World Economic Forum Events
  3. Impact Opportunities
  4. Community Spotlight

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.

In addition to our in-person event for Curators, we’re excited to announce a virtual event open to young people everywhere, no matter where you are in the world. Stay tuned for news about inspiring sessions, master classes, and a chance to be featured on a global broadcast!

2. Monthly Show

Our May show streams live to TopLink and LinkedIn on 15 May at 10:00 CEST. We'll be joined by Bryonie Guthrie, Practice Lead of Foresight and Organizational Transformation at the World Economic Forum. Bryonie leads the Global Foresight Network - a community of practice advancing the practice of foresight across sectors and generations.

What is foresight, and how can it prepare us for the future? Taylor Hawkins (Sydney Hub) and Fatima-Zahra Ma-el-ainin (Rabat Hub) will help us answer this question for young and future generations. We'll discuss intergenerational foresight and Future50, an initiative co-developed by a passionate team of Global Shapers and the Global Foresight Network. See you there!

3. SHAPE Highlights

In April, Buenos Aires Hub hosted SHAPE Latin America! The hub welcomed 200 Shapers and alumni from 70 hubs and 28 countries under the theme "Where resilience, innovation and passion shape a thriving global community." The event was enriched by leaders Ana Ciuti (Subsecretary of International Relations) and Jorge Macri (Head of the Government of Buenos Aires), along with partners Huawei, Girl Up, Amnesty International, ILO and TECHO.

Credit: SHAPE LATAM 2025

World Economic Forum Events

4. 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 - 26 June in Tianjin, People’s Republic of China under the theme Entrepreneurship for a New Era.

Congratulations to the 60 Global Shapers selected to bring their thematic expertise to AMNC, amplifying young people's insights on one of the world’s most influential stages.

Impact Opportunities

5. The Forum of Young Global Leaders Class of 2025

Congratulations to the 17 Global Shapers and Alumni selected for the Forum of Young Global Leaders Class of 2025! This prestigious and highly competitive program celebrates your remarkable achievements and the lasting impact you’ve created as young changemakers across sectors. We look forward to follow your leadership journey and be inspired.

6. Future50

Strategic foresight has a major role to play in navigating global complexity. Future50 offers the opportunity to embed intergenerational foresight into global decision-making, future-fit systems and grow as a leader. Congratulations to the 50 Global Shapers selected for the pilot!

This opportunity, backed by the Global Shapers Community and Global Foresight Network, is driven by an incredible and dedicated team of Global Shapers who designed and will deliver it for their peers. Kudos to the organizers and participants as you embark together on a year of learning and shaping policies for present and future generations!

7. State of Social Enterprise Africa Survey

Are you running a social enterprise in Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, or South Africa? Contribute to the first State of Social Enterprise Africa Report by completing a short survey (available in English or French) by 16 May. This report is developed in partnership with the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship at the World Economic Forum, the African Union Commission, and other key partners. Bonus: The first 100 respondents will receive one year of free People and Planet First verification—a globally recognised badge.

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.

8. The Air We Breathe

Led by the Yerevan Hub, The Air We Breath project is pioneering a community-led air quality monitoring initiative in Yerevan, integrating low-cost sensors with an AI-powered platform. It provides real-time and historical pollution data in Armenian, enabling residents, policymakers, and researchers to raise awareness and promote evidence-based clean air policies. The long-term goal is to expand the initiative to other cities in Armenia, increasing access to reliable air quality data nationwide.

9. Forum Stories

We believe in a world where young people are central to solution-building, policy-making and lasting change.

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