Global Shapers Impact Report 2025

Foreword We stand at a defining moment in history – an era in which unprecedented challenges create extraordinary opportunities for action. From the climate crisis to rising inequalities and escalating conflicts, there has never been a more pressing need for bold leadership, innovative solutions and collective problem-solving. The World Economic Forum has long championed the stakeholder concept, bringing together business, government, international organizations and civil society to shape our shared future. Yet, meeting today’s intergenerational challenges requires more than collaboration across sectors – it demands that we elevate and empower the voices of those who will inherit this world: young innovators, activists and changemakers. With the world’s median age under 30, young people today are not bystanders. They are the crucial architects of our global future, carrying the weight of inherited systems while also bringing the energy, expertise and vision to build a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable world. Increasingly, young changemakers are leading with passion and purpose – demanding greater accountability from global systems, calling for social transformation, and seizing opportunities to drive progress. We must recognize and support their efforts. Since its inception in 2011, the Global Shapers Community has engaged over 30,000 young leaders in 500 cities across 155 countries and territories to address the world’s most pressing issues. Together, they have delivered over 3,000 social change projects, supporting more than 20 million stakeholders worldwide. Every day, they prove that young people are not only capable of leadership but are actively driving the transformations our world needs. Their resilience, ingenuity and unwavering commitment to justice infuse hope into a world often overshadowed by uncertainty. They are not the leaders of tomorrow – they are the changemakers of today. This report captures the economic, political and social outlook of a young generation worldwide and, more importantly, celebrates their ongoing work to shape a brighter, fairer, more sustainable future. It serves as a rallying cry; solving the crises of our time necessitates the leadership and engagement of young people everywhere. Their voices must not only be heard, but enabled, their actions supported, and their visions for change embraced. This is not only a matter of equity or fairness – it is key to unlocking systemic change. The Global Shapers Community is committed to providing young people with opportunities to connect, engage and lead. This report is a testament to what is possible when we do so. Together, we can build a world where young people are at the forefront of decision-making and collective action. The future is not something we wait for; it is something we create hand in hand with the next generation. Join us in this urgent mission. Natalie Pierce Head of Global Shapers Community Global Shapers Impact Report January 2025 The future belongs to those who dare to shape it. With their fresh perspectives, boundless creativity and passion, young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow – they are the changemakers of today. As we confront our greatest global challenges, we must empower young leaders to build a more inclusive and sustainable world. Together, across generations, we will build the future we need. Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum Global Shapers Impact Report 3