Young urges urgent global action to combat global warming at Global Shapers Summit

At a time illuminated by spectacular technological breakthroughs and challenged by unprecedented global problems, today’s young generation is taking action on issues that not only reflect their immediate concerns but also express the universal aspiration for a more just, sustainable and fair future.

This week, 500 young innovators, activists and local changemakers from over 150 countries and regions will attend the Global Shapers Annual Summit 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland, to develop shared insights and actionable solutions to support young people around the world.

At the top of the youth agenda is the fight against climate change. As the planet literally boils after the hottest year on record and suffers devastating natural disasters, young people are demanding urgent and comprehensive action. Almost 90 percent of young people surveyed in the Global Shapers community consider climate change to be a top concern.

Most young people understand that the future depends on the actions we take now to fight global warming and protect the environment. Last year, young changemakers from the Global Shapers community launched over 100 grassroots projects and solutions to reduce emissions, protect nature and promote sustainability.”

At the summit, young innovators from Morelia, Mexico, will present a satellite monitoring tool they developed to track deforestation. Meanwhile, activists from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will expand their work to increase agricultural capacity by building urban greenhouses and gardens. Additionally, changemakers from Malmö, Sweden, will present their youth employment action plan, which aims to promote green jobs and local sustainability champions.

Access to quality education and fair employment opportunities is crucial for young people in a rapidly evolving labor market. The International Labor Organization reports that more than 25 percent, or 75 million young people worldwide, are currently neither in employment nor in education or vocational training. The rate is significantly higher in emerging economies and among women.

As automation and digital transformation reshape industry, young people are demanding education reforms and skills development programs to prepare them for the world of work of the future.

Within the Global Shapers network, young changemakers are testing new models for collective action to provide better education, skills and economic opportunities for one million people by 2030, contributing to the Forum’s Reskilling Revolution.

Young people are also demanding policies that ensure fair wages, economic justice and support for marginalized groups to bridge inequalities of opportunity. At the summit, activists from London will present their model to help young people from diverse backgrounds enter and succeed in the cybersecurity industry.

Global Shapers from Prague will present new curricula on urban innovation, design and advocacy, while leaders from Phnom Penh will share ways youth can better budget and save as part of their financial literacy hackathon, which has so far helped 4,000 young people in Cambodia to better manage their budgets and save, overcoming historical and cultural barriers.

In a world increasingly driven by technology, equitable access to digital resources and improving digital literacy are crucial. The Global Risks Report 2024 highlights that misinformation and disinformation generated by artificial intelligence are becoming an increasingly serious problem among younger age groups.

According to the International Telecommunication Union, nearly 2.9 billion people still do not have access to the Internet, particularly affecting young people in developing regions. Closing this gap is critical to ensure equal opportunities in education, employment and civic engagement, and to build societal capacity and resilience.

At the summit, innovators from Dar es Salaam will present their model for expanding internet access and mobile learning centers across Tanzania, while Global Shapers in Amsterdam will pilot a new navigation app to help people with reduced mobility find accessible walking routes in their city.

Activists from Karachi will also demonstrate the power of their replicable AI-powered chatbot that educates women on their legal protections against harassment. Global Shapers from Nairobi will present a 12-week program that teaches girls how to code and build mobile apps to solve real-world problems. In three years, their program has reached 170 girls in Kenya, growing from 17 to 55 students per cohort.

By addressing critical issues and advocating for equality and justice for all, young people are laying the foundation for a future that is not only more hopeful, but also more inclusive, sustainable and resilient. Now is the time to support their vision and make their voices heard.