The Global Shapers Colombo Hub begins

The Global Shapers Colombo Hub has nominated 10 outstanding Sri Lankan youngsters to represent the World Economic Forum as Global Shapers.

Some of the members of the Global Shapers Colombo Hub

The Global Shapers is a group of individuals between the ages of 20 and 30 who have demonstrated potential for future leadership roles in society. They are from all walks of life and share a spirit of entrepreneurship to improve the communities they live in and further the global public interest. About 50 percent of the world's population is under the age of 27, the majority of whom live in urban areas. The Forum believes solutions to global challenges must purposefully engage youths at all levels - locally, regionally, nationally and globally.

There are many global shaper hubs around the world including four in India, Nepal, Singapore, China, Philippines, Moscow, Ottawa, London, South Africa, Mexico and many more.

The young, talented and passionate individuals from different fields are selected to represent and share experiences in their respective fields to make the world a better place and to channel their vision to respond to national as well as global challenges.

The Global Shapers Colombo Hub was setup by Asanga Abeyagoonasekera, a young global leader of the World Economic Forum and who will be the founding curator.

The initial group includes singer Umaria Sinhawansa, journalist Mahina Bongso, dancer Priyadharshan Ramasamy, entrepreneur Arjun Aloysius, researcher Udesh Fernando, banker Ymara Fernando, social activist Stephanie Siriwardena, environmentalist Anoka Abeyrathne, social worker Fadhil Bakeer Marker and equity analyst Nishika Aponso.

The initial hub meeting was held on August 3 and the Colombo Hub is ready to move ahead.