Shape South Asia kicks off in Colombo

By Supun Dias
Global Shapers from across South Asia are currently in Colombo for ‘Shape South Asia 2016’, a three-day meeting from September 22 to 25.

The Shapers will use Colombo as a platform to explore themes of urbanisation, inclusion, physical and digital empowerment, regional cities, and the role of millennials.

 
The regional meeting gathered members of the Global Shapers community in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Afghanistan. This year, the event is held under the theme ‘Shaping Identities’, is hosted by the Global Shapers Colombo Hub that won the bid competing with several other cities across the region. 

The opening reception was held on Thursday (September 22) at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel with Minister of Finance Ravi Karunanayake and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr.Harsha De Silva gracing the occasion.

Speaking at the event Minister Ravi Karunanayake said that the Global Shapers Community is an initiative of the World Economic Forum. “It is a network of hubs developed and led by young people between the age of 20 and 30; that are exceptional in their potential, their achievements and their drive to make a contribution to their communities,” he said.

“We want to make the country a financial hub. With talented people like you we can this dream come true and as the government we are willing to assist you at any level,” he added.
Alongside the Global Shapers, members of the private sector, civil society, youth leaders and Government representatives were also present at the event. There are currently over 400 Hubs in over 150 countries with over 4,500 Shapers globally who are a part of the community. 
Wijeya Newspapers is the print and online media partners for the event