Reflecting on my 6 years of Global Shapers Journey
Reflecting on my time as a member of the Global Shapers Community fills me with gratitude, pride, and a sense of accomplishment. Over the past six years, my journey has been filled with invaluable experiences, inspiring connections, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change. Joining the Global Shapers Community in Kampala and later transitioning to the Mogadishu Hub has been a transformative experience that has shaped both my personal and professional growth.
As a student leader in Uganda, I was hungry for opportunities to serve my community and make a positive impact. Discovering the Global Shapers Community through an article on the WEF Agenda was a turning point for me. The application process and subsequent selection to join the Kampala Hub felt like a momentous achievement. It was a chance to be part of a global movement of young leaders committed to addressing local and global challenges. From the moment I joined the Global Shapers Community, I was struck by the remarkable individuals I had the privilege to meet. Through collaborations within the hub, we initiated projects like the Reading of Change and opened reading chapters in primary schools. One of the highlights was organizing the East Africa Shapers meetup in Kampala, which brought together passionate change-makers from across the region. Together, we delved into critical issues facing the global south, such as reskilling for the future and protecting the planet.
The year 2020 presented unforeseen challenges, with the global pandemic disrupting our personal, professional, and communal lives. Despite the obstacles, I continued to serve the Global Shapers Community in various roles, including as an impact officer and eventually as a curator. Serving as the curator of the Mogadishu Hub for the past year was an incredible experience. Together with my dedicated colleagues, we restructured and designed the hub to be more agile, creative, and functional. We forged partnerships with local organizations, secured grants, and even had the honour of representing our hub at prestigious events like the World Economic Annual Meeting in Davos.
As I reflect on my tenure and transition into the Alumni community, I am immensely proud of the accomplishments we achieved as a team. We launched the Rays Leadership Program, empowering high schoolers and freshmen in Somalia with essential leadership and career development skills. Additionally, we implemented the Climate Reality Project, collaborating with organizations dedicated to environmental sustainability. Through these initiatives, we made a tangible impact in our community. As I bid farewell to my active membership in the Global Shapers Community, I carry with me a profound sense of gratitude and purpose. My journey with the community has been a remarkable one, filled with growth, learning, and lifelong connections. As I transition into the Alumni network and continue my engagement within the World Economic Forum community, I am confident that the torch will be carried forward by the new curatorship team. Together, we will continue making a positive difference in the world, striving for a future where young people are central to shaping lasting change.
Photo: Together with Natalie, head of Global Shapers at the annual summit in Geneva!