Executive summary In a world facing extraordinary challenges, young leaders from diverse backgrounds are emerging as essential changemakers. The Global Shapers Impact Report highlights how nearly 4,000 young people across more than 140 countries are confronting issues like climate change, unemployment, and conflict with optimism, innovation, and commitment to lasting impact. Empowering youth is critical not only for equity but for achieving transformative global progress. Chapter 1 outlines the social, economic and political landscapes young people are navigating, while Chapter 2 highlights their innovative solutions to build an equitable future. The report concludes with case studies of impactful youth-led initiatives and opportunities for collaboration to advance the youth agenda. Reason for hope Despite significant global challenges in 2024, young people remain optimistic: 83% view the world as full of opportunities, and 74% feel empowered to act on the issues they care about. A total of 50% believe they can influence decision-making, while 68% aspire to greater leadership roles. Notably, young people are eager to build inclusive societies, challenging harmful stereotypes that portray them as disengaged. Instead, they are actively addressing community needs. Persistent set of challenges Young people identify a lack of economic opportunities as the foremost challenge in their communities, alongside environmental crises and government inaction. Globally, climate change is the top concern, followed by armed conflict, involuntary migration and lack of basic welfare. Despite the scale of these issues, young people are determined to pursue comprehensive long-term solutions. Commitment to action An analysis of over 440 youth-led projects in the past year shows young people employing four social change tactics: awareness-raising, direct action, influencing power and systems change. While awareness-raising and direct action are most common, youth see the greatest impact in influencing power and driving systemic change. Among the projects, 34% focus on education and employment, 24% on environmental action, 14% on civic engagement, 13% on health, 11% on inclusion and 4% on disaster response. Protecting the most vulnerable Young people are uniquely positioned to break barriers and champion social justice. Of those reached through youth-led initiatives, 36% belonged to underrepresented groups, including women and girls, racial minorities, migrants, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Another 25% were youth themselves – underscoring that youth-led social change is often by and for young people. Opportunities for progress Young people are eager collaborators. This report reveals that 23% of young changemakers actively engage with civil society, 15% with the private sector, and 12% with academia and government alike, indicating significant potential for organizations, businesses and governments to pursue youth partnerships. The World Economic Forum is committed to empowering youth voices through the Global Shapers Community and beyond, ensuring that young people have a seat at the table where solutions are being built. Organizations, businesses and governments are called upon to: –Actively involve young people in issues they care about. –Prioritize funding for youth-led initiatives. –Ensure youth inclusion in decision-making. –Provide tools empowering young leaders. –Recognize youth as key change agents. By systematically adopting these five actions, it is possible to spark a global movement where young people take charge in creating an equitable future. Young people’s perspectives on the state of the world and opportunities to advance the youth agenda. Global Shapers Impact Report 4

Global Shapers Impact Report 2025