LONDON: In these challenging times, the world needs effective leaders, with high moral integrity and a commitment to action.
In recognition of this, the World Economic Forum (WEF) established the Forum of Young Global Leaders to foster leaders in public-private cooperation and forge a new model of global governance.
Every year, the Forum honors 100 outstanding and uniquely accomplished individuals who are committed to building a peaceful and prosperous shared global future. In return for the honor, the Forum enlists these diverse technologists, teachers, entrepreneurs and innovators in a process of discovery, to achieve more collectively than they could on their own.
Through a five-year journey underpinned by principles of generosity, respect, authenticity and impact, this select group is exposed to opportunities that build their expertise and extend their influence. The journey focuses on cultivating public leadership skills and scaling impact. More than 80% of Young Global Leaders say that their interest in public service stems from a desire to improve or transform society. More than half cited the opportunity to serve as a driving force.
This year’s cohort of 100 comprises an equal number of business and not-for-profit leaders, more than half of whom are from emerging economies. Not for the first time, the majority are women. They include the world’s most accomplished under-40-year-olds, including a Formula One champion and a decorated human rights lawyer.
In the public sector, pioneering leaders from around the world have been identified such as Jagmeet Singh, a Canadian lawyer and politician serving as Leader of the New Democratic Party since 2017.
Alberto Carlos Rivera Díaz, a Spanish lawyer and politician, who has been the leader of Citizens since July 2006. He is a member of the Congress of Deputies and a former member of the Parliament of Catalonia.
Heba Aly has been acknowledged for advancing human rights issues, humanitarian crises and international development on the global agenda.
On the entrepreneurial front, Vivy Yusof is the co-founder of FashionValet and The dUCk Group. She is a blogging veteran of 10 years who has been sharing insights about her life and entrepreneurial journey.
Iyinoluwa Aboyejio co-founded a digital payments platform that is addressing the issue of money transfer across Africa, empowering pan-African merchants to execute business on a global scale.
Bringing style and glamor to the leaders is Priyanka Chopra, Indian actress, singer, film producer, philanthropist, and the winner of the Miss World 2000 pageant.
Representing the media world is Faisal J. Abbas, journalist, author and Editor-in-Chief of the leading Middle East English-language daily, Arab News.
From the world of sport comes Nico Erik Rosberg, the German–Finnish former Formula One racing driver and 2016 Formula One World Champion. And Joy Dunn is senior manager of Spacecraft Solar Production at SpaceX.
The WEF said it is proud to invest in the continued and significant successes of these young global leaders - hoping that they galvanize unity and inspire integrity within a fractured global landscape.
