Here is everything you need to know this month!
Community Updates
1. Global Shapers Annual Summit 2026
The Global Shapers Annual Summit will take place from 30 June - 2 July 2026 in Geneva. bringing together newly elected Curators from around the world for an immersive three-day leadership programme. We are also excited to unveil the programme for Next Generation Now: Youth Dialogues, our virtual youth event taking place on LinkedIn from 1-2 July. Register for the sessions on leadership, environment, entrepreneurship and foresight, and share your ideas in the comments section of the event pages.
2. Monthly Show: The Forum of Young Global Leaders
The May episode of the Global Shapers Show, on Monday, 18 May at 15:00 CEST will celebrate the induction of over 15 members of the Global Shapers Community into the Young Global Leaders Class of 2026 and highlight the Forum of Young Global Leaders’ leadership model.
Host Natalie Pierce, will be joined by Dana Shukirbayeva (Global Shaper, Astana Hub) and Taha Bawa (Alumnus, Geneva Hub), both members of the YGL Class of 2026, along with Ida Jeng Christensen, Head of the Forum of Young Global Leaders. Watch the April episode on the role of youth in expert networks using the example of the Global Future Council on Clean Air.
3. Call for Applications: Youth Pulse 2027 Taskforce
We are inviting applications for Sub-regional Stewards as part of the Youth Pulse 2027 Taskforce, to help shape the next edition of the World Economic Forum’s flagship youth report. This year, Youth Pulse is expanding beyond the Global Shapers Community by opening the survey to young people worldwide in early June, creating an opportunity to capture a broader and more inclusive range of perspectives. Working closely with Community Champions, Sub-regional Stewards will play a key role in driving outreach, engaging underrepresented communities and collaborating with Global Shaper Hubs to strengthen the report's local relevance and impact. The deadline to apply is Friday, 22 May.
4. Global Shaper Highlights Submission
We invite Global Shapers to use this form to share any impactful moments, events, or recognitions related to your hub or personal achievements. Whether it's participating in high-level events, hosting influential meetings, receiving prestigious awards, or showcasing your hub's influence—your story could be featured in our social media, newsletter, or reports. Submissions are welcome year-round!
5. Introducing the Global Shapers Assistant
We’re excited to launch a new tool designed to support you in your journey as a Global Shaper. The Global Shapers chatbot can help answer your questions about the community based on the Global Shapers Community Guides. It’s fast, easy to use, and available whenever you need it. You can find it in the bottom right corner when you log in to your Forum Spaces account.
World Economic Forum Events
6. 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. Congratulations to the Global Shapers selected to represent youth perspectives at the meeting!
Impact Opportunities
7. Call for Applications: Beyond Tourism Impact Stars
Beyond Tourism Impact Stars by the World Economic Forum, seeks to identify, recognize and replicate scalable, business-led solutions for a resilient tourism economy. The platform is designed to identify and scale high-impact, private-sector-led initiatives that address critical travel and tourism challenges. If your organization is working in travel and tourism or related industries, this is an opportunity to gain global visibility and recognition for impactful economic, social and environmental initiatives, while connecting with a growing network of organizations shaping the future of the sector. Applications are open until 15 July 2026.
Community Spotlight
8. Regional Retreats
April and May marked a vibrant retreat season across the Global Shapers Community, with gatherings spanning the Andes, Kazakh Steppe, the streets of Naples, Toulouse and Karachi. Hundreds of Shapers came together across regions for connection, reflection, and meaningful exchange, while our Alumni community also reunited for a special gathering in the Galápagos. If your Hub is considering hosting a regional retreat, explore this guide and connect with your Champion to get started. And if you’re interested in organizing an Alumni retreat, reach out to us in advance at globalshapers@weforum.org, we’d be happy to help amplify your event.
9. The Future50 Cohort Makes Itself Heard
The Europe and Eurasia Team of the Future50 Cohort recently presented in the European Futures Forum Expert Briefing held by the Coalition for the UN We Need (C4UN). Moving forward, they hope to contribute to a People’s Framework for the Future of Multilateralism, feeding into the Global Futures Forum in Baku, subsequent regional consultations, and the 2028 Summit-level review of the Pact for the Future.
10. Imagining the Future of Europe in 2040
On 7 May, in celebration of Europe Day, EU Shapers launched the new edition of EUnite with a co-creation foresight workshop to imagine Europe in 2040. Participants explored future scenarios, identified forces shaping the continent and reflected on pathways towards a more resilient and inclusive Europe. The insights gathered will contribute to a white paper to be shared with EU institutions and Member States. EU Shapers can still take part by completing the short survey. Reach out to letsunite@gmail.com to join this cross-hub legacy initiative for Europe’s future.
11. Forum Stories
- How to think about ‘safe’ withdrawal rates in a changing global economy, Pranidhi Sawhney & Arpaan G Begdai
- What Puri reveals about safer urban water systems in India, Shivam Parashar
- Why the ocean economy is a macroeconomic foundation that requires strategic investment, Alfredo Giron & Yuito Yamada
- South Asia's women are an economic boom in waiting. Here's how to unlock it, Sukanya Biswas & Antara Choudhury
- Why closing the women’s health gap starts with how care is delivered, Gaurav Ghewade
- How Oman is preparing to lead on hydrogen exports, Rumaitha Al Busaidi & Akram Azerbayev
- Earth Day 2026: A moment for a new generation to reimagine climate action, Pedro David Espinoza
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)