Global Shapers is a worldwide network for young people under the age of 30, established in 2011 as an initiative of the World Economic Forum and founded by Professor Klaus Schwab. The network was created in response to the global wave of youth activism following the Arab Spring, aiming to empower youth to develop solutions for pressing local and global issues. Today, the community numbers around 18,000 members and operates more than 500 city-based hubs across 154 countries.
Global Shapers hubs operate autonomously but follow central guidelines to ensure financial sustainability, neutrality, and inclusivity. The community remains non-profit, with funding coming from partnerships, grants, and in-kind support, often facilitated by the World Economic Forum. Hubs are visible at international gatherings, such as the annual summits in Geneva, where hundreds of young leaders convene to share strategies and develop practical initiatives.
Members launch projects on topics including climate action, education, social inclusion, health, and skills-building. In 2024, more than 400 local initiatives engaged over one million people globally, and 1,000 members became certified climate action leaders through partnerships with groups like The Climate Reality Project. Recent projects awarded by the Global Shapers Innovation Prize focused on leveraging digital tools for solving community challenges and advancing sustainable food systems.
While the network is decentralized, the overarching goal is to amplify youth voices in policy, promote practical solutions, and ensure young people play an active role in shaping their communities and the world. The impact is measured less by rhetoric and more by demonstrable local and cross-border activity.