Deadline:
April 30, 2025
Location(s)
Online Switzerland Worldwide
Geneva
Overview
Every year, we select a remarkable group of exceptional leaders under the age of 40 who have the tenacity, foresight, and track record to better the world. We seek individuals who reflect global diversity, innovate to advance the public interest, and place a premium on genuine public-private cooperation exchanges. These individuals will be invited to join the community and embark on a three-year transformational journey.
Details
The Forum
The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation.
The Forum engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.
It was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit foundation and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It is independent, impartial and not tied to any special interests. The Forum strives in all its efforts to demonstrate entrepreneurship in the global public interest while upholding the highest standards of governance. Moral and intellectual integrity is at the heart of everything it does.
Our activities are shaped by a unique institutional culture founded on the stakeholder theory, which asserts that an organization is accountable to all parts of society. The institution carefully blends and balances the best of many kinds of organizations, from both the public and private sectors, international organizations and academic institutions.
We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.
Who we are
The Young Global Leaders ® Community is an accelerator for a dynamic community of exceptional people with the vision, courage, and influence to drive positive change in the world.
Our growing membership of more than 1,400 members and alumni of 120 nationalities includes civic and business innovators, entrepreneurs, technology pioneers, educators, activists, artists, journalists, and more.
Aligned with the World Economic Forum’s mission, we seek to drive public-private co-operation in the global public interest. We are united by the belief that today’s pressing problems present an opportunity to build a better future across sectors and boundaries.
Why nominate?
Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, created the Forum of Young Global Leaders in 2004 as a way to help the world meet increasingly complex and interdependent challenges.
His vision was to create a multistakeholder community of the world’s next-generation leaders to help inform and influence decision-making through the contribution of new ideas, perspectives and energy.
Vision & Mission
The mission of the Forum of Young Global Leaders is to create a dynamic global community of exceptional people with the vision, courage and influence to drive positive change in the world.
- Inspire: YGLs are motivated to use their talent and influence to be a force for good. We cultivate collective and individual leadership to help develop informed, visionary global change-makers.
- Connect: YGLs believe that by pooling their diverse skills, experiences and networks they can achieve more together. We foster collaboration in the global public interest.
- Transform: YGLs are pioneering and bold. We identify and champion ways to scale-up, amplify and accelerate their impact, to make more of a difference in their communities and beyond.
The Journey
Becoming a YGL is an opportunity and a commitment. Each new class embarks on a five-year leadership journey that mobilizes their collective talents and accelerates action aimed at tackling societal, political and environmental challenges. Our goal is to create transformative experiences for next-generation leaders that enhance their skills, broaden their world view, and lead to groundbreaking initiatives.
The journey continues
When YGLs have completed the five-year programme, they are invited to join the Alumni Community, where they can continue their leadership journey and maintain their engagement with the World Economic Forum as well as YGL activities and events
Alumni serve as stewards of the Forum of Young Global Leaders, supporting the selection process and acting as valuable mentors to new members. Our alumni are crucial to our ongoing success, often providing support and guidance to new collaborations and helping to promote the impact-oriented mindset of the community.
About us
Our growing membership of more than 1,300 members and alumni includes public officials, business innovators, artists, educators, technology developers, journalists and activists. Aligned with the World Economic Forum’s mission, we seek to spur public-private cooperation amongst these unique actors to demonstrate entrepreneurship in the global public interest. Representing more than 100 nationalities, Young Global Leaders are united by the belief that the urgent problems of today present an opportunity to forge a better future across sectors, generations and borders.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Selection Criteria
Each year, we select 100 exceptional Young Global Leaders from thousands of candidates. These established leaders are not just skilled in their fields— aligned with the World Economic Forum’s mission, they are committed to improving the state of the world.
To be considered for the YGL Class of 2025, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Age: Applicants must be born between January 1, 1986, and December 31, 1996.
A proven track-record of improving the state of the world: The world is confronted with a range of unprecedented challenges, and it's crucial for businesses, governments, and civil society to work together to find common solutions and take decisive action. See examples below of how the Forum is driving impact with its partners. While it is not a criterion that the applicant is working on these exact topics, these topics can serve as inspiration.
https://www.weforum.org/centres/
https://www.weforum.org/impact/
Corporate Sector: C-suite executives such as President, Board Chair, Managing Director, or Managing Partner.
Startups: CEOs and Board Chairs of advanced-stage startups, especially those in Series C funding or recognized as unicorns.
Public Sector: High-ranking officials such as Heads of State, Ministers, Ambassadors, or Mayors of significant cities. Leaders from international organizations should hold positions at or above a D-1 level.
Civil Society: Founders, CEOs, Executive Directors, or Senior Executives of major non-governmental or community organizations.
Social Enterprise: Founders or CEOs, preferably of late-stage or venture-funded social enterprises.
Academia: Deans, Department Chairs, or Professors at leading universities.
Arts, Sports, and Culture: Artists, athletes, and cultural leaders with national and international acclaim.
Media: Editors-in-chief, Publishers, Anchors, or Journalists with national or international acclaim.
Dates
Deadline: April 30, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
All costs fully covered.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
