USA (Commonwealth Union)_ Two young and dynamic Indians, Devyani Pawar and Avi Aggarwal, have been selected as surprise delegates to represent the Global Shapers Community at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, Switzerland. They are part of a select group of 50 global delegates who will converge in Davos from January 20 to 24 to discuss and collaborate on solutions for some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The WEF Annual Meeting brings together leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society to engage in discussions that aim to shape the global agenda. In 2025, topics will range from addressing geopolitical instability to advancing inclusive energy transitions, with a significant focus on stimulating economic growth and improving global living standards.
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Devyani Pawar: A Champion for Grassroots Change
Devyani Pawar’s journey to Davos began in her hometown of Baramati, Maharashtra, where she co-founded India’s first rural Global Shapers Hub, the Baramati Hub. Through this initiative, she has led transformative projects addressing climate resilience, the application of artificial intelligence in agriculture, healthcare accessibility, education, and women’s empowerment. Pawar’s work has empowered local communities and fostered sustainable practices, while creating numerous opportunities for youth in rural areas. Pawar’s passion for change has also earned her a place at prestigious global platforms like the WEF Headquarters in Geneva and the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
At the WEF Annual Meeting 2025, she will advocate for grassroots changemakers and highlight local solutions to global challenges, aligning with the theme “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age.” In addition to her role within the Global Shapers Community, Pawar is the co-founder of ForSapio, a storytelling-driven marketing firm, and DP House of Media, a design-led marketing solutions company. Her innovative approach to marketing, which blends minimalism with strategy, has led to over 500 successful projects in India, the UK, and Europe. Reflecting on her selection as a delegate, Pawar expressed her gratitude on LinkedIn, noting, “This is not just my achievement, it’s the collective achievement of everyone who believed in me, worked alongside me, and pushed me to grow.”
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Avi Aggarwal: Bridging Communities Through Innovation
Alongside Pawar, Avi Aggarwal is also making his mark at the WEF. Aggarwal is a creator, community leader, and climate advocate, known for founding Back to Letters, an initiative that seeks to revive the art of letter writing and foster deeper human connections in an increasingly digital world. As a Global Shaper, Aggarwal collaborates with fellow young leaders to address global issues, particularly climate change, through initiatives that promote sustainability. Aggarwal is also a leader with The Climate Reality Project, where he works on climate education and awareness programs.
In addition, he serves as a fellow with beVisioneers, an organization that empowers young innovators to turn planet-positive ideas into reality. His work focuses on sustainability and creating meaningful connections among individuals to encourage positive global change. Sharing his excitement on LinkedIn, Aggarwal said, “I am extremely elated and excited to represent the Global Shapers Ahmedabad and IFP at the WEF25, and I look forward to meeting inspirational people from around the world.”
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India’s Rising Influence at Davos
The participation of Pawar and Aggarwal at the World Economic Forum 2025 reflects the growing influence of India’s youth in global affairs. Their work exemplifies a new generation of leaders who are not only passionate about solving global challenges but are also actively creating and implementing solutions at the grassroots level. As the world faces complex challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and the ongoing quest for peace and stability, the voices of young leaders like Devyani Pawar and Avi Aggarwal will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of global collaboration. Their inclusion in Davos 2025 highlights the increasing recognition of youth-driven initiatives as essential to addressing these global issues.
