Apply to WEF Global Shapers?—?London 2016

Applications are open now for the World Economic Forum Global Shapers?—?London Hub. Apply now?—?deadline 17 April, midnight (London).

Read on for What is Global Shapers?; Who are we?; Why apply?; How to apply; and What we’re looking for

What is Global Shapers?

The World Economic Forum (perhaps best known for running the annual Davos conference) established Global Shapers as a special community of extraordinary young people in their 20s. It’s a global community that allows young leaders to meet, build friendships and work together on the topics that matter most to them.

Shapers has no single agenda or purpose. Rather, it’s a platform that enables its members to pursue their own projects?—?and collaborate on others’?—?in a way that amplifies their impact.

There are hubs in most major cities and London is one of the most established and vibrant hubs in the network.

Who are we?

There is no one “Shapers type”. The London hub is a group of almost 50 individuals who encompass a wide range of backgrounds, careers and interests. Our members include writers, entrepreneurs, investors, doctors, lawyers, academics, activists, policy makers and many others. (You can read about some of us here)

What unites us is ambition, leadership and a desire to use our skills and opportunities to make a difference to our communities in London and the wider world.

We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.

Why apply?

When you ask London Shapers about the benefits of membership, the first answer is invariably about the other people involved. Few other organisations can boast the diversity, quality and intimacy of membership of the London hub. Whatever your passions and ambitions, there will be members of the hub who share and complement your interests. Shapers is not about superficial networking; real friendship is the foundation of what we do and why it works.

Practically, this means the ability to have more impact in the areas that you care about. Initiatives as diverse as the Forward Institute and theKopfadeyemi African Healthcare Challenge were incubated and amplified by the London hub.

Aside from projects, the extraordinary convening power of both WEF and our own members allows us access to organise and attend events with world-class speakers and other participants. Moreover, membership of the hub provides access to engage with the broader World Economic Forum community, including the opportunity to apply to attend the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos and other major events.

How to apply

We’ve tried to make applying as straightforward as possible. To apply, just fill in the form. This involves answering five brief questions and providing a CV

This year, we’ve also added a diversity survey. Please note the information you provide will be treated in the strictest confidence and protected from mis-use, and will not form part of your application. It will be used only for the purpose of monitoring our diversity

All applications will be reviewed by the London Hub, with short-listed nominees invited to interview. Interviews will be held in London on 7 May 2016.

What we’re looking for

There are two basic eligibility criteria: you must be aged 20 to 30 (inclusive) on 17 April 2016; and you must live or work in London or have sufficiently strong ties to London to be able to fully participate in the hub’s activities.

Beyond this, we assess applications on four criteria:

• Achievement: What this looks like will vary by age and sector. We’re looking for candidates who have established a track record of leadership and impact in their field.
• Potential: Again, we calibrate potential depending on age and sector. We’re seeking people who can demonstrate potential to be real leaders in their fields.
• Social motivation: A key part of the Shapers’ mission is to be a community that cares about having a positive impact in our communities and the world. We believe this can be manifested in many different ways, but we expect candidates to be able to articulate what they care about and how they make a difference (whether in their jobs or otherwise).
• Commitment: An active membership is the lifeblood of the London hub. We’re looking for individuals who want and are able to commit to engaging in the hub’s activities.

If this sounds like you, we’d love you to apply before the deadline on 17 April at midnight (London time). If you have any questions please email Matt Clifford at [email protected]