Shaping the globe

World Economic Forum Regional Meeting :

For the first time, Anoka Abeyrathne, a Global Shaper from Sri Lanka will be representing the Colombo Hub at the World Economic Forum Regional Meeting which will be held until November 8 in India.

Abeyrathne is the 2010 SAARC Youth Award recipient for outstanding environmental protection and climate change mitigation and is on the 2012 list of the 25 World's Most Influential and Powerful Young People. A Global Changemaker and Climate Champion, Abeyrathne holds a LLB from the University of London and is studying Environmental Science and Biology at the Open University.

Expressing her thoughts on what she hopes to gain through the forum, Abeyrathne noted, "As a Global Shaper and eco-social entrepreneur, I am given access and the ability to actively engage in the discussions with key decision makers and stake holders and to ensure that change takes place through action taken regarding acceleration of economic growth, advancing gender parity, empowering the next generation of leaders in South Asia and most importantly on balancing the consumerist consumption's environmental impact through sustainable solutions."

Asanga Abeygoonasekera, a Young Global Leader and the Executive Director of the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies, will also be joining 49 other Shapers.

The Global Shapers Community is a network of city-based Hubs developed and led by young leaders between 20 and 30 years old who want to develop their leadership potential towards serving society. Shapers are highly motivated individuals who have a great potential for future leadership roles in society.

They are selected on the basis of their achievements, leadership potential and commitment to make a difference. Shapers are provided with opportunities to connect with the worldwide network of Global Shapers, to network with other World Economic Forum communities and to represent the voice of youth at World Economic Forum events.

They are united by a common desire to channel the members' tremendous energy and enthusiasm into building a more peaceful and inclusive world.