MUMBAI: The World Economic Forum today announced the creation of the Global Shapers Community in India at its annual India Economic Summit, which is being held for the first time in Mumbai, from 12 to 14 November. In an effort 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 with the opportunity to develop their leadership potential to serve society. The Summit is held in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and has gathered over 800 participants from 40 countries under the working theme “Linking Leadership with Livelihood”.
The Global Shapers Community is a worldwide network of Hubs led by select 20- to 30-year-olds who are exceptional in their potential, 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. They are chosen and mentored by Young Global Leaders, and stand out as individuals who have already delivered major projects, founded companies or organizations, or contributed to serving society.
“We are becoming increasingly aware that solutions to our global challenges must purposefully engage youth at all levels – locally, nationally, regionally and globally. This generation has the passion, dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit to shape the future,” said Klaus Schwab, Executive Chairman and Founder, World Economic Forum.
There are three Hubs in India – Bangalore, Mumbai and New Delhi. All were formed in the last month.
The Bangalore hub is mentored by Sargeeth Varghese, Chairman and Founder of LeadCap, the world’s largest leadership movement with a vision to build India as a nation of leaders.
The Mumbai hub is mentored by Sandeep Parekh, Founder of the boutique financial sector law firm Finsec Law Advisors.
The New Delhi hub is mentored by Neeraj Bharadwaj, Managing Director of Accel India Growth Management Company.
The Global Shapers of these Hubs will use their talents to foster fresh ideas and entrepreneurial solutions to some of the most pressing problems within their communities. They will also collaborate with other Hubs worldwide to share ideas on tackling global problems.
The following Global Shapers are participating in the Summit: Ankit Fadia, Author, Ethical Hacker and Founder of eSecure Solutions, from the New Delhi Hub; Manju George, Co-Founder and Vice-President of Intellecap, an investor network that brings together high net-worth individuals seeking investments in enterprises with a social impact, from the Mumbai Hub; and Yashveer Singh, Founder and Director of the National Social Entrepreneurship Forum, a non-profit organization that fosters talent in the social sector, from the Bangalore Hub.
“One in two Indians is under the age of 25,” said Yashveer Singh. “They shouldn’t be considered as passive actors waiting for society to absorb them or hand them opportunities on a platter. They could be powerful change-agents in their own right with the ability to shape and reshape the world around them. The Global Shapers Community provides a chance to such restless young individuals from diverse fields to come together and galvanize collective efforts.”
The active participation of the Global Shapers in the Summit is part of the World Economic Forum’s goal 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.
