WEF Young Global Leaders Summit

Organised by the World Economic Forum (WEF), the Summit brought together a diverse community of changemakers from around the world committed to shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future. This Young Global Leaders community represents a unique cross section of global talent, including civic and business innovators, entrepreneurs, tech pioneers, educators, activists, artists, and journalists, all selected for their remarkable achievements and dedication to positive change. 

During the opening plenary, Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong shared his insights on leadership and Singapore’s vision for an inclusive and sustainable future. Singapore’s Minister for Education, Chan Chun Sing, also delivered an impactful address emphasising the importance of unity in addressing global challenges. "In a world that is fracturing, we aim to be a unifying force, a beacon of connection and collaboration,” he said. “Our partnership with the World Economic Forum is a reflection of this commitment, as we nurture the leaders who will shape a better tomorrow, together."

The Summit also served as an opportunity to welcome the 2024 class of Young Global Leaders. Every year, WEF selects a new cohort of exceptional individuals under the age of 40 to join. The 2024 class welcomed nearly 90 changemakers who are accelerating change through their work to its distinguished community. As part of the three-year leadership development programme, this new cohort will have access to a range of executive education courses, learning journeys and opportunities to collaborate with trusted peers. 

Among the 2024 Young Global Leaders were: Birgit Skarstein, an accomplished Norwegian Paralympian who has broken barriers in adaptive sports; Nicolás Wertheimer, Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer of Waterplan, who champions environmental sustainability in Uruguay; and Angela Oduor Lungati, Executive Director of Ushahidi Inc. in Kenya, whose passion lies in improving the lives of marginalised groups through innovative technologies. The new cohort also included two Singaporeans — Member of Parliament Nadia Ahmad Samdin and international human rights lawyer Natasha Latiff — reflecting the global reach and diversity of the programme.

“We're convening here in Singapore for our 20th anniversary and it's an absolutely fantastic location to bring this group together,” said Olivier Schwab, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum. “Singapore embodies many of the values that are central to this community. How do you build a sustainable, inclusive city? How do you harness technology to address global challenges? These are an embodiment of Singapore, demonstrated over decades of development.” 

These pillars formed the foundation for deep discussions on pressing global challenges, from harnessing AI advancements for societal benefit to developing innovative approaches to healthcare and climate action. The thought-provoking conversations encouraged collaborative problem-solving and the sharing of diverse perspectives from different sectors and regions.

Reflecting on her first Summit experience, Indian actress and climate advocate Bhumi Pednekar found it exciting to meet other members of the Young Global Leaders community. “We are thought leaders from various generations that have come together for one sole purpose: ‘How do we make the world better?’ What makes the Young Global Leaders so important is the opportunity to collaborate, learn from each other, and just celebrate the spirit of being a purpose-led community,” she said. 

Singapore, renowned as both a premier MICE destination and a global innovation hub, provided the perfect setting for the Summit. The city-state’s year-round calendar of industry and thought leadership events fosters a dynamic environment where young professionals can engage with peers and expand their knowledge across diverse sectors. The Summit further enriched this vibrant ecosystem, bringing fresh perspectives and creating new opportunities for cross-border collaboration.

In addition to reinforcing Singapore's commitment to nurturing young talent, the event empowered the next generation to forge positive, lasting change as they address the world’s most pressing challenges. The impact of the 20th Young Global Leaders Annual Summit will continue to resonate through the partnerships formed and the strengthened commitment of these young leaders to create a better future.