The World Economic Forum (WEF) has announced its Young Global Leaders (YGL) Class of 2026, identifying 118 promising leaders from 55 countries. The new cohort includes 10 influential Indians recognized for their significant contributions across business, social impact, health, and sports. These individuals will now participate in a prestigious five-year leadership development programme designed to foster cross-sector collaboration and address pressing global challenges.
Overview of the YGL Class of 2026
The Class of 2026 represents a diverse mix of innovators, activists, and decision-makers who are all under the age of 40. This year’s selection process emphasized individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to societal impact. The cohort is split across several key sectors, including public service, corporate business, science, technology, and the arts.
Geographically, the class is highly representative, with members coming from both emerging and developed economies. The Fellowship aims to equip these leaders with the tools and networks necessary to navigate complex global systems. Over the course of the next five years, the members will engage in executive education courses, group expeditions, and meetings with world leaders to refine their leadership skills.
Distinctive Indian Leaders Selected
India has a strong presence in the 2026 cohort, with 10 individuals being recognized for their leadership in various sectors. These leaders represent a mix of second-generation business leaders, self-made entrepreneurs, and social activists.
| Name | Organization / Domain | Key Role |
|---|---|---|
| Jay Shah | BCCI / Asian Cricket Council | Sports Administration |
| Isha Ambani | Reliance Retail Ventures | Business Leadership |
| Sumit Gupta | CoinDCX | Blockchain and Web3 |
| Abhishek Bansal | Abans Group | Financial Services |
| Ameve Sharma | Kapiva | Ayurveda and Wellness |
| Suhani Jalota | Myna Mahila Foundation | Women’s Health |
| Aniket Doegar | Haqdarshak | Social Tech |
| Supriya Paul | Josh Talks | Media and Education |
| Dr. Edmond Clint Fernandes | CHD Group | Public Health |
| Natsuki Sugai | UNLEASH Capital Partners | Financial Inclusion |
Profiles of Notable Indian Appointees
The selection of these individuals reflects the growing influence of Indian leadership on the global stage. Several members of the 2026 class have made significant impacts in their respective fields.
Jay Shah
As the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), Jay Shah has been a central figure in global sports administration. He played a pivotal role in the successful bid to include cricket in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, a move that is expected to significantly expand the sport’s global footprint.
Isha Ambani
Isha Ambani serves as a Director on the boards of Reliance Retail Ventures and Reliance Jio Infocomm. She has been instrumental in leading the digital and retail expansion of the Reliance Group. Her leadership has focused on integrating technology with retail experiences, helping to modernize India’s consumer landscape.
Social Impact Leaders
The list also features dedicated social entrepreneurs like Suhani Jalota, the founder of the Myna Mahila Foundation, which works to improve menstrual hygiene and female employment in India. Similarly, Aniket Doegar has been recognized for his work with Haqdarshak, a social enterprise that helps citizens access government welfare schemes through a tech-enabled platform.
The Forum of Young Global Leaders: Mission and Programme
The Forum of Young Global Leaders was established in 2004 by Klaus Schwab, the founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum. It was created as an independent, non-profit foundation to identify and connect the world’s most promising next-generation leaders. The mission of the forum is to cultivate a community of responsible leaders who can collectively contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future.
The fellowship is a five-year leadership journey that provides members with unique opportunities for growth. Fellows gain access to high-level meetings, executive education modules at leading universities like Harvard and Oxford, and a global network of peers. The programme is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, where the foundation manages its global operations and coordinates with the wider World Economic Forum ecosystem.
Understanding the World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum (WEF) is an international non-governmental organization based in Cologny, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland. It was founded on January 24, 1971, by German engineer and economist Klaus Schwab. The organization is best known for its annual meeting held in Davos, Switzerland, which brings together political and business leaders to discuss global economic issues.
The WEF is also a research powerhouse, publishing several influential reports that serve as benchmarks for global policy. Some of its flagship publications include:
- Global Risks Report: Explores the most significant risks facing the world over the next decade.
- Global Gender Gap Report: Measures the progress toward gender parity across economy, education, health, and politics.
- Energy Transition Index: Tracks the performance and readiness of countries in shifting toward sustainable energy systems.
- Global Competitiveness Report: Analyzes the drivers of productivity and economic growth in various countries.
Key Takeaways
- The World Economic Forum (WEF) announced the Young Global Leaders (YGL) Class of 2026 featuring 118 members from 55 countries.
- 10 Indians have been selected for the class, including Jay Shah, Isha Ambani, and social entrepreneur Suhani Jalota.
- The YGL initiative was established in 2004 by WEF founder Klaus Schwab to support leaders under the age of 40.
- Selected members participate in a five-year leadership fellowship programme focused on global systems and collective impact.
- The World Economic Forum was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Cologny, Switzerland.
- Notable Indian appointee Jay Shah serves as the Secretary of the BCCI and played a major role in cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics.
