Two days ago, the World Economic Forum announced the Young Global Leaders (YGL) Class of 2013. These individuals have been recognized for their professional achievements and commitment to society.
The news release by the Senior Media Manager, Maxwell Hall stated that the 199 YGLs come from 70 countries and all sectors of society (arts and culture, academia, business, civil society, media, politics and social entrepreneurship). The honourees come from East Asia (45), Europe (49), Latin America (16), the Middle East and North Africa (12), North America (40), South Asia (18), and sub-Saharan Africa (19).
Cobhams Asuquo, a notable Nigerian song writer/music producer; Tara Fela-Durotoye, a leading Nigerian makeup artist and lawyer and Ola Orekunrin, founder of West Africa’s first emergency air ambulance service, The Flying Doctors are some of the Nigerians recognised as 2013 Young Global Leaders
Drawn from a pool of several thousand candidates, the 2013 YGLs were chosen by a committee, chaired by H.M. Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The selection was based on the proven track record of the individual, his or her leadership experience, ability to overcome adversity and commitment to society.
“The Forum of Young Global Leaders provides a unique effort to engage the younger generation into the management of global affairs, working together and being integrated into the larger Forum community. The Young Global Leaders have an exceptional opportunity to improve the state of the world,” Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum.
Eleven African YGLs from the non-business sector of the new class of 2013 will also have the opportunity to benefit from the Dangote fellowship, a programme created in collaboration with Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Group. The fellowship aims to increase the engagement of non-business African YGLs, for whom the cost of travel and accommodation prohibits their full participation, in the YGL Community of the World Economic Forum.
