Global shapers community: Group involves youth in developing societies

CEBU, Philippines - Believing on the ability of the young people to contribute to economic development, promoting change and answering to the global issues is a critical challenge for the society.

In matters of improving the state of the world, Global Shapers Community anchors on the youth's passion, drive and entrepreneurial will to shape the future of their communities.

GSC Cebu Hub, the group's newest community, has joined the World Economic Forum to make projects for the betterment of the society.

GSC, a worldwide network of local hubs, aims to give young citizens a voice at WEF events, allowing them to make their way into building a more inclusive world.

"We are mandated to form a multi-sectoral membership," said Jay Aldeguer, GSC Cebu Hub founding curator. "So, I had to get people from the creative field, business sector, NGOs and it was a challenge."

WEF is looking at places or cities where it sees a strategic factor to have a hub that will be developed and led by youth who are motivated and driven to make a contribution.

According to the organization, people under the age of 27 make up 50 percent of the world's population and majority of them live in the urban areas.

This is mainly the reason why GSC wants to involve the youth in facing global challenges.

"We know the youth are capable of changing and influencing the world," Aldeguer said. "We want young people who have dreams for the world."

Since the formation of the Cebu Hub early this year, its first major project is the Volunteer Hub which is designed to give people an avenue to help in various volunteering activities especially during emergency events.

One of the hub's shapers, Mel Yan said "We need citizens who are actively engaged. You know a lot of people want to volunteer so we create this in order to gather these people to help." He is also co-developer of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.'s Young Minds Academy.

The hub, launched on Thursday, currently has eight shapers who possess great potential for leadership in the society and hold positions in various civic groups and companies.

Aldequer said he hopes the organization can make more projects and identify Cebu's priorities that need attention from the people: "It really depends on what the group feels are the pressing issues and relevant for Cebu."

These programs may focus on a broad range of local issues such as economic development, environmental sustainability, businesses and community empowerment.

The curator added that if supported, these projects can also be adopted by other communities.

The WEF is a global association that wants to improve the world's condition through cooperation between the private and public sectors.

It has several multi-stakeholder communities--GSC is one--that include the Global Agenda Councils, Young Global Leaders and the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs. (FREEMAN)