One young Motswana has been invited to join the World Economic Forum on Africa Conference in Durban, South Africa commencing 3-5 May, 2017. Lesego Barona Otlhabanye, a member of the Global Shapers Community Gaborone Hub, succeeded in being accepted to join this prestigious conference, under the theme “Achieving Inclusive Growth”.
The 27th World Economic Forum on Africa will convene regional and global leaders from business, government and civil society to explore solutions to create economic opportunities for all. Key areas of discussion will be connecting markets, revitalizing manufacturing and integrating innovation.
Early in 2016, the World Economic Forum sent a call to all the Global Shapers Hubs around Africa asking interested members to submit a 2-minute video addressing the question: How are you working to shape your community? From those many, 50 have been selected to join in the festivities in Durban.
Otlhabanye said she is “thrilled and proud to represent young Batswana at such a forum and looking forward to gain new insights on socio-economic growth” adding that “Botswana’s development is Africa’s prosperity.”
Chairperson for the Gaborone Hub, Tsholofelo Mokgoabone, said she is “hopeful that this example of excellence and commitment to service will inspire our peers to be Global Shapers and change agents in their communities” adding, “especially since we are open, always looking for new talent and dynamic, diverse people”
The Global Shapers Community is a worldwide network of Hubs developed and led by promising young leaders who want to build on their achievements and entrepreneurial drive to make a positive contribution to their communities. Nominated under the age of 30, Shapers form a multi stakeholder community and come from a variety of backgrounds including business, government, civil society, journalism, social entrepreneurialism, arts and culture. The Global Shapers Community is an initiative of the World Economic Forum and is independent, neutral, non-political and not for profit.
A World Economic Forum initiative, the Global Shapers Community is a global network of local communities led by young people who are exceptional in their potential, achievements and drive to make a positive contribution to their communities. We call these local communities “Hubs”. Each Hub is required to work together and to undertake at least 1 project a year that has positive local impact.
Gaborone Hub is one of more than450 Hubs worldwide that carry out grassroots initiatives to tackle some of the most pressing problems in their communities.