World Economic Forum Names 116 Trailblazers to 2025 Young Global Leaders Cohort

World Economic Forum Names 116 Trailblazers to 2025 Young Global Leaders Cohort

(IN BRIEF) The World Economic Forum has revealed its 2025 cohort of Young Global Leaders – 116 exceptional individuals under 40 making transformative impacts across industries and continents. Representing nearly 50 nations, the group includes prime ministers, business innovators, artists, scientists, and civil society champions. As part of a growing network of over 1,400 YGLs, these leaders will participate in a three-year programme that equips them to address pressing global challenges. The initiative reflects a renewed emphasis on cross-sector leadership, public-private cooperation, and long-term global progress.

(PRESS RELEASE) GENEVA, 15-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The World Economic Forum has announced the 2025 cohort of its prestigious Young Global Leaders (YGL) programme – a group of 116 trailblazing individuals under 40 who are driving transformative change across industries, governments, and civil society. Representing nearly 50 countries, the 2025 YGL class includes prime ministers, founders of unicorn companies, Nobel laureates, musicians, and academics, all united by a common goal: creating positive, lasting impact in an increasingly complex world.

Now part of a global community of over 1,400 active and alumni members, the new inductees will participate in a three-year programme designed to develop leadership capabilities through executive education, cross-sector collaboration, and exposure to real-world challenges. The programme focuses on innovation, sustainability, equity, and resilience—principles deeply embedded in the WEF’s mission.

The YGL Class of 2025 includes high-profile leaders such as Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Ireland’s Simon Harris, global business figures like OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal, and cultural icons including musician Nomzamo Mbatha and artist Von Wong. Others leading innovation include Sabrina Habib, co-founder of early childhood education nonprofit Kidogo; Cheryl Cui of Bota Biosciences; and César de la Fuente, a biotechnology professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

Nicole Schwab, Chair of the Board of the Forum of Young Global Leaders Foundation, highlighted the growing influence of this community: “These exceptional leaders are pushing boundaries and shaping the future of their fields. They represent the values of courage, collaboration and curiosity that the world urgently needs.”

With participants spanning academia, media, business, government, civil society, social enterprise, and the arts, the 2025 cohort reinforces the Forum’s commitment to equipping a new generation of leaders to solve the most pressing global issues. From public health and education to AI, sustainability, and social justice, this dynamic group embodies leadership that is both visionary and action-oriented.

For the full list of this year’s Young Global Leaders and more information, click here.

Media Contact:

email: public.affairs@weforum.org

SOURCE: World Economic Forum