This weekend I reflected on last week’s #wef25. Ultimately, everything boils down to a simple goal: building bridges forward for the next generation. This is best achieved when those most affected have a seat at the table - in this case, the next generation.
Young people are often underrepresented in global decision-making and solution-building, despite representing 50% of the world's population.
The good news is this is changing.
Last week, together with other leaders of the Global Alliance for YOUth, I joined over 50 Global Shapers to discuss the challenges youth face, the role of corporations in fostering youth-led innovation, and strategies for effective engagement. The discussions were enlightening, showcasing the incredible impact young people are making.
Some takeaways:
➖ Corporate engagement must create tangible opportunities for youth participation in leadership, decision-making, and innovation ecosystems. The Global Alliance for Youth is committed to this goal; over the past five years, more than 40 million opportunities were created for young people globally through partner collaboration.
➖ Youth-led innovation is a must: The winners of the Global Shapers Innovation Prize are evidence of this. Each year, Global Shapers Community hubs apply for support to accelerate their local solutions. We celebrated the 15 projects that progressed through 2024. Collectively, they provided young adults mental health support in Morocco, career acceleration in Ghana, financial literacy education in Cambodia, and so much more. Now, the 2025 Innovation Prize is open for submissions, and I have high hopes for the caliber of proposed projects.
➖ Trust and authentic collaboration will define corporate success in youth engagement, underlining that organizations that empower youth today will lead tomorrow.
There was no better way to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Global Alliance for YOUth and one year partnership with the Global Shapers. Thank you to all those who came together in #Davos and return to their home countries continuing to drive change in their communities. #NestléNeedsYOUth
Arthur Sadoun (Publicis Groupe), Julie Teigland (EY), Manish Sharma (Accenture), Christophe Catoir (The Adecco Group), Jolanda Grob (Zurich Insurance)