Geneva, Switzerland - The Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum Professor Klaus Schwab today announced a new programme to draw on the combined talent of some of the world's emerging leaders. It came as he was awarded the Dan David Prize for his achievements in developing the World Economic Forum into an organization that works for peace and brings corporate leaders together to foster social responsibility. The prize comes with an award of one million dollars, which will support this Forum of New Global Leaders.

The new group will bring together 1,111 men and women from all walks of life - from politics, business, academia and all other areas of civil society - who have demonstrated their commitment to improving the state of the world. This unique Forum of New Global Leaders will serve as a proactive and moral force to provide examples of positive collaborative action.

Accepting the prize and announcing the setting up of the Forum of New Global Leaders, Professor Schwab said, "We are living in times of enormous complexity and fragility in a truly interdependent world. Old recipes and traditional ways to deal with global challenges no longer suffice. Prevailing leadership and governance structures have thus far been unable to adequately respond and address the grave dangers that threaten the future of the world. The hope for the future lies in emerging young leaders who are committed to improving the state of the world. This Forum of New Global Leaders has the biggest stake and responsibility in ensuring that our world becomes a more peaceful and a more prosperous place."

The plan is to choose upcoming leaders who have the creativity and insight to pursue innovative and far-sighted approaches to solutions. They have the drive, the daring and the determination to seek positive changes. Equally importantly, they also have the energy, the vigour and the persistence necessary to make these changes happen. This new network will develop and articulate proposals to deal with critical issues of global, regional and national significance; implement a number of initiatives that address crucial international issues; act as a resource for international organizations and governments wishing to engage the perspectives and talents of New Global Leaders; build an international network of people who share an interest in public service and civic engagement; provide exciting opportunities for New Global Leaders to become familiar with global issues and develop civic leadership skills; and provide special opportunities for community building.

The New Global Leaders will:

• Be under 40 years of age (at the time of nomination);
  
• Be in a leadership position;
  
• Have a track record in public service-oriented activities or have shown a commitment to public good;
  
• Be ready to invest time and energy into the organization's purpose and activities.

The Foundation for the Forum of New Global Leaders will be incorporated originally with a foundation capital of SFr 2,500,000, provided by the US$ 1,000,000 Dan David Prize donated by Klaus Schwab.

Talking about the Forum of New Global Leaders, Mr. Dan David, founder of the Prize, said: "The Dan David Prize was awarded to Professor Schwab for his role in encouraging peace and social responsibility - it is typical of this man and his institution that he should create such a special project to make use of the prize money. Combining the energy and intellectual powers of up-and-coming leaders from around the world to solve global and regional problems is truly impressive."

Each year the Dan David Prize annually awards three prizes to persons or institutions that cultivate the past, influence the present or prepare for the future. Each brings with it a prize of one million dollars. Professor Schwab received the prize for his accomplishments with the World Economic Forum over the past 34 years.

Note to Editors:
The Dan David Prize is named after the Romanian-born inventor who developed and marketed photographic technologies including automatic photo booths commonly found in malls and arcades. The three one million dollar prizes come from the 100 million dollar endowment of the Dan David Foundation which is administered by Tel Aviv University.

For more information please go to the following site, http://www.dandavidprize.com
or contact Christopher Van Mossevelde
christopher.van.mossevelde@consultants.publicis.fr
Tel: +33 1 44 43 79 79 / Fax: +33 1 44 43 79 86

The World Economic Forum is the foremost global community of business, political, intellectual and other leaders of society committed to improving the state of the world.

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