Our Bureau
Geneva
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has announced its Young Global Leaders Community Class of 2024. This year’s cohort comprises nearly 90 changemakers from various fields, including politics, business, civil society, the arts and academia. These individuals are united in their drive to make a lasting impact on their communities and beyond.
According to WEF, Today, leaders who can manage uncertain times and deliver for their organization and goals are more important than ever. The Forum for Young Global Leaders brings together the next generation of changemakers, each with their own unique perspectives and experiences. From technology moguls to former Paralympians, this year’s class promises to deliver impact and make a positive difference in the world.
WEF mentions Bhumi Pednekar as an award-winning Indian actress who works in Hindi films. True leadership is purpose-driven impact, she says. “In the polarised times that we live in today, impactful purpose defines who you are, and it is what makes you distinctive. We have access to a gift called technology which means we are all thought leaders for our nation, for our communities, for our friends and families. So, it is important for us to recognise the power that we wield today and the impact that it can have on others. As a woman entrepreneur, actor and climate advocate, I have tried to keep this in mind. Through my films, I have tried to champion the rights of women in my country; as an entrepreneur, I want to work towards sustainability; as a climate advocate, I want to mobilise people and leave behind a better world for the next generations. True leadership would mean a long-term commitment, and I’m committed to living a life of purposeful impact across everything that I do.”
Featuring in the list is Priya Agarwal Hebbar, who is the Non-Executive Director at Vedanta Ltd, the world’s leading natural resources conglomerate. In 2024, she plans to prioritize respect for employees. She argues that “leaders must create a workplace environment that empowers and motivates employees, fosters a culture of innovation and adaptability, and ensures unwavering commitment to quality and safety.
Adwaita Nayar is the CEO of FSN E-Commerce Ventures (NYKAA). She is the daughter of Falguni Nayar, the founder of Nykaa. In 2018, Adwaita was appointed as the CEO of ‘Nykaa Fashion,’ an extended branch of the company that sells fashion products.
Arjun Bhartia, the Director at Jubilant Group also features on the young leaders list of WEF. He graduated from Brown University and worked as an Associate Consultant with Bain & Company. He has served as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Jubilant Pharmova Limited since May 2017.
Sharad Vivek Sagar, the Founder and CEO of Dexterity Global, is a globally renowned social entrepreneur and was enlisted in the 2016 Forbes 30 under 30 list as a social entrepreneur. He founded Dexterity Global at the age of 16.
Last but not the least, on the list is Richa Bajpai, Founder and CEO of Campus Fund, India, which pioneers India’s first Dorm Room Fund. Partnered with IIFL Wealth, HDFC Bank, and Gururaj Deshpande, this venture capital initiative invests in student-led startups. Additionally, Bajpai co-founded Goodera, a global tech firm valued at $100 million, raising over $26 million in funding. Her accolades include Forbes 30 Under 30 India and Asia lists, and MIT Innovators Under 35 India List.
