Global Shapers is a network of hubs across the world led and developed by young people driving dialogue, action and change. Hubs are city-based teams of shapers, united by common values, inclusion, collaboration and shared decision-making. Together, shapers create projects and positive change for their communities.
The annual meeting brings together the curators globally in order to equip them with new skills for impact. Ngwenya is one of the five South African curators that attended the meeting in Switzerland. This event is aimed at uniting some of the smartest, innovative and most dynamic young people in the world.
Founder of the World Economic Forum, Professor Klaus Schwab, opened the event, which is committed to improving the state of the world, as an international organisation for public-private co-operation.
Ngwenya says that the highlight of his trip was meeting young, driven individuals from different parts of the world and hearing about similar challenges that South Africa faces. He found that the Nigerian hub was the most inspirational hub, as it recruits global shapers according to what is needed. He also found it interesting that the Denmark hub raises money in order to organise outings and camps for children. “Some families cannot afford to take their children on holiday so this is a wonderful initiative – something that South Africa needs to start investing in,” says Ngwenya.
He believes that being part of the Global Shapers Community is important for the youth because they are given an opportunity to offer youth led initiatives and solutions for change in their communities. “This is a platform where the young people are central to responding to issues such as poverty, climate change and building inclusive communities. The youth are our future leaders and it is vital for them to become involved in making the world a better place,” concludes Ngwenya.
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