Global Shapers

The Global Shapers Community is a worldwide network of young leaders, all under the age of 30, who work together to address pressing local and global challenges. Founded in 2011 by the World Economic Forum, the initiative connects more than 10,000 innovators, activists, and entrepreneurs through over 500 city-based hubs across more than 150 countries and territories. The community’s guiding principle is that young people should be at the center of solution-building and decision-making for a sustainable and equitable future. Each hub operates independently, designing projects that respond to the unique needs of its local community. These initiatives range from climate action and upskilling youth to social inclusion, disaster relief, and public health campaigns. The network encourages collaboration, with hubs frequently working together across borders, sharing resources, and scaling impactful projects. Global Shapers benefit from hands-on learning, leadership development, and support from global partners, including businesses and institutions affiliated with the World Economic Forum. This decentralized yet highly coordinated structure allows rapid response to emerging issues and fosters a vibrant exchange of ideas. By empowering young Europeans and their peers worldwide, the Global Shapers Community aims to create lasting change and champion youth voices in shaping society.