Fifty per cent of the world’s population is under the age of 27, but
the voice of youth has been largely absent from global decision-making
platforms and processes
The World Economic Forum will bring its 41-year experience of building
multistakeholder communities to a global platform for this dynamic
generation
Global Shapers are 20 to 30 years of age, with great potential for
future leadership roles in all sectors of society. For more
information about the Global Shapers community:
www.weforum.org/globalshapers
Switzerland, 8 December 2011 – The World Economic Forum is launching
the Global Shapers Community in Switzerland. The aim is to tap into
the potential of the youth generation; the community will provide
talented 20 to 30 year olds with a global platform to shape the future
and develop their leadership potential to serve society.
The Global Shapers Community is a worldwide network of hubs led by 20
to 30 year olds who are exceptional in their achievements and drive to
make a positive contribution to their communities. They represent all
walks of life and share a spirit of entrepreneurship in the public
interest. As individuals they are selected and mentored by the Young
Global Leaders, another community of the World Economic Forum, and
stand out as people who have already delivered major projects, founded
companies or organizations or have contributed to serving society.
“With 50% of the world’s population under the age of 27, the majority
of who live in urban areas, a new global dynamic is emerging,” said
Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic
Forum. “We are becoming increasingly aware that solutions to our
global challenges must purposefully engage youth at all levels –
locally, regionally, nationally and globally. This generation has the
passion, dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit to shape the future.”
There are two hubs in Switzerland: Zurich and Geneva. The Geneva
Shapers have been operating for several months and the Zurich Shapers
have recently held their inaugural meeting.
The Zurich hub is mentored by Georges Kern, philanthropist and Chief
Executive Officer of IWC Schaffhausen, a branch of Richemont
International. Alongside his corporate objectives, he supports several
charities that help disadvantaged young people and is also a trustee
of the London-based organization, The Climate Group.
The Geneva hub is mentored by Scott Weber, Director-General of
Interpeace, a peace-building NGO which aims to address the shortfalls
of peace interventions and the challenges that societies face in
post-conflict situations.
The Global Shapers in these hubs will be tasked with using their
talents to foster fresh ideas and entrepreneurial solutions to some of
the most pressing problems within their local communities. They will
also collaborate with other hubs worldwide to share ideas on tackling
global problems. The community includes:
Vanessa Wood, a Zurich Shaper, and Professor in the Department of
Information Technology and Electrical Engineering at ETH Zurich and
head of the Laboratory for Nanoelectronics. She holds six patents and
has been active in several start-up companies in the US.
Adrian Locher, a Zurich Shaper, and serial Internet entrepreneur.
Earlier this year he sold group buying platform, DeinDein.ch, to the
media company, Ringier. The company has a projected turnover of CHF 50
million and 150 employees.
Michael Senn, a Geneva Shaper is the co-founder of Cusmic, a
recruitment and staffing agency specialising in recent graduates and
young professionals in Switzerland. The company has a database of
15,000 members and aims to help employers and young talent to connect
through new solutions.
Florian Irminger, a Geneva Shaper, is a human rights activist and head
of International Advocacy of the Human Rights House Foundation. He
co-founded Stop Suicide, an NGO aimed at preventing suicide among
Swiss youth.
“The Global Shapers Community recognizes the role that young people
have in shaping our world,” said Sarah Noble, a Geneva Shaper, and an
aspiring leader in the field of peace and security for Interpeace.
“Too often young people are not seen as future decision-makers. But
leadership is everywhere, at every level of society and at every age.
What is unique about the Global Shapers is that it harnesses the
energy, insights and talents across different sectors such as
business, entrepreneurship and civil society to work collectively to
solve problems,” added Noble.
The thinking behind the creation of the Global Shapers Community is to
provide this unique group with access to the Forum’s Members and
constituents, including top leaders from politics, business, civil
society, media, science, arts and culture, faith and academia, with
the objective of providing maximum possibilities for interaction and
cross-mentoring.