Global Shapers have access to memorable and engaging activities and events to learn, connect and collaborate.
Each year, both online and in person, Global Shapers come together to participate in shaping a better future. World-class events, solution-driven workshops, creative content and collaborative experiences are at the heart of the Global Shapers experience. Our members benefit from deep learning, inspiring ideas, global networking and a greater sense of self and community.
Connections to the World Economic Forum and its network of experts and leaders, expand our members influence and desire to take action. Access to events and opportunities, is earned not guaranteed. We run open application and selection processes for all big events.
World Economic Forum Meetings
The World Economic Forum convenes two annual meetings. Thanks to the Forum's strong commitment to youth representation, we’re able to invite youth delegations to both summits. For more information on how to apply and selection criteria, review our Forum Meetings FAQs.
- Annual Meeting in Switzerland: Convenes leaders from government, business, and civil society to address the state of the world and discuss priorities for the year ahead.
- Annual Meeting of New Champions in China: Global gathering on science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, convening next generation leaders and executives.
Global Shapers Annual Summit
Each year, hub leaders are invited to participate in the Global Shapers Annual Summit – the World Economic Forum's foremost event for young innovators, activists and changemakers. One representative per hub is invited for a three-day programme focused on accelerating youth leadership and collective action. Members build relationships and year-long support.
Review highlights from the 2023 Global Shapers Annual Summit on Box and LinkedIn.
Virtual Sessions and Shows
We promote diverse virtual session formats to organize and mobilize our members:
- Monthly Live Shows: We use Live Show sessions to engage our members, connect on projects and share solutions that are relevant to our global network. We present clear calls to action and provide strategic updates (when needed) to all Global Shapers and Alumni.
- Meet the Leaders: Meet the Leader sessions connect our Global Shapers to world leaders who are working across business, government, international organizations and civil society through interactive dialogue focused on responsible leadership. Past sessions have included Christine Lagarde, Al Gore, Jane Goodall, Fabiola Gianotti and more.
SHAPE Events
SHAPEs are regional events created by Shapers for Shapers. Each year, hubs are invited to submit proposals to host their regional SHAPE event. Host hubs define the theme and objectives. SHAPEs strengthen the capacity of Shapers and relationships across the network.
- SHAPE South Asia: 19 - 21 May 2023, Kathmandu (Nepal)
- SHAPE Africa: 28 - 30 July 2023, Tshwane (South Africa)
- SHAPE Latin America: 1 - 3 September 2023, Manaus (Brazil)
- SHAPE Asia Pacific: 22 - 24 September 2023, Bangkok (Thailand)
- SHAPE North America & Caribbean: 20- 22 October 2023, Washington, D.C. (USA)
- SHAPE MENA: 26-28 October 2023, Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates)
- SHAPE Europe & Eurasia: 3 - 5 November 2023, Bilbao (Spain)
Shapers should participate in their regions SHAPE, but are also invited to participate in other events around the world. See what it takes to host an event in our SHAPE Guide.
Hosting a SHAPE event is by application only. Unless otherwise approved by Global Shapers HQ, regional events are only organized by hubs that have won the bid to host their regional SHAPE. Sticking to this standard keeps the process fair and transparent. SHAPE hosts work closely with Global Shapers HQ to avoid calendar conflicts and maximize participation.
National/Sub-Regional Retreats
National/Sub-Regional retreats provide opportunities for Shapers to exchange expertise, share best practices, have impact on a national scale and join forces with other hubs in their country. Reach out to your Community Champion if you’d like to host a national retreat in your country.
Hub Activities
Hubs develop their own activities and programming to facilitate interactions between members and their local community. Activities include workshops, retreats, learning journeys, debates and discussions. Speak to your Curator about upcoming hub activities, or propose a new one.
Annual Calendar
The Global Shapers Calendar Year begins on 1 July and ends on 30 June. While each year our Community Calendar changes, many milestones stay the same. For example, the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting happens each year in January, elections run each year in February, and new Curators and Vice-Curators begin their leadership mandate on 1 July.
Review our community's yearly milestones and key processes below.
JULY
- 01 July Curatorship Transition: Curators and Vice-Curators begin their new mandate.
- 01 July Governing Bodies Transition: Governing Bodies begin their new mandate.
- Global Shapers Annual Summit welcomes hub leaders to Geneva, Switzerland.
- Global Shapers Foundation Board convenes in Geneva, Switzerland.
AUGUST
- Hubs host retreats (either locally or sub-regionally) to set goals for the year ahead.
- Hubs conduct membership audits before the Annual Meeting application opens.
SEPTEMBER
- Sustainable Development Impact Summit convenes stakeholders in New York, USA.
- Launch of Application and Selection Process for Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
- Launch of SHAPE Event Application and Selection Process for the following year.
OCTOBER
- Hub Incubator kicks-off a 100-day onboarding programme for new Founding Curators.
NOVEMBER
- Open Doors Day welcomes all members and alumni to the Forum in Geneva, Switzerland.
- The Annual Meeting #Davos50 representatives are announced in our newsletter.
DECEMBER
- End-of-Year Celebrations showcase accomplishments and recognize members.
- Project Showcases spotlight leading projects and initiatives per region worldwide.
JANUARY
- Annual Meeting welcomes 50 Global Shapers and 2,000 World Economic Forum members to Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, to build problem-solving initiatives.
- All Global Shapers are invited to follow the Annual Meeting and watch live sessions.
- Global Shapers Board Meeting convenes in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.
FEBRUARY
- All hubs hold fair and transparent elections for the role of Curator and Vice-Curator.
- All hubs nominate one member to serve in the twelve-month role of Impact Officer.
MARCH
- 01 March: Deadline to submit elections results to Global Shapers Headquarters.
- SHAPE Events often begin worldwide. Be sure to attend your regional SHAPE!
- Incoming Curators are invited to register for the Global Shapers Annual Summit.
- Hub Audit closes hubs that fail to uphold the standards outlined in our Charter.
APRIL
- 18 April Alumni Day: Hubs are encouraged to celebrate and engage Alumni members.
MAY
- May is our Month of Impact! Impact Officers share projects and progress on TopLink.
- Hub leaders have 1 month left in their roles. This is the final push to achieve annual goals!
JUNE
- 30 June Hub Leadership Ends: Curator and Vice-Curator mandates come to an end.
- Curators and Vice-Curators complete the end-of-year Annual Review to share feedback.
- All Global Shapers complete the end-of-year Annual Review to shape our future strategy.