World Economic Forum Young Global Leaders Class of 2027: Eligibility, Nomination Process, Criteria, and Deadline

The Young Global Leaders (YGL) Class of 2027 offers a prestigious opportunity to recognize exceptional leaders from around the world who are already making a significant impact in their fields. Each year, only 100 outstanding individuals are selected from thousands of candidates globally to join this influential community.

This programme is designed for leaders who have demonstrated excellence, vision, and the ability to help shape the future across sectors and regions. Here is everything you need to know about the Young Global Leaders nomination process for the Class of 2027, including eligibility, who can be nominated, selection criteria, and the submission deadline.

What is the Young Global Leaders Community?

The Young Global Leaders community brings together high-achieving individuals from diverse sectors who combine professional success with a strong sense of purpose, global outlook, and commitment to collaboration.

The programme seeks people who have not only excelled in their industries, but who also show the insight, curiosity, and drive needed to shape what comes next in a rapidly changing world.

Only 100 candidates are selected each year, making this one of the most competitive and selective leadership communities globally.

Important Note: YGL Nominations Are Not Open to the General Public

It is important to note that Young Global Leaders nominations are not open to the public.

The nomination process is:

• By referral only
• Open only to members and partners
• Submitted through the existing YGL community and partners
• Unsolicited applications are not accepted

This means individuals cannot apply directly unless they are nominated through the official referral process.

Who Can Be Nominated for the Young Global Leaders Class of 2027?

The Young Global Leaders community welcomes nominations from a wide range of sectors. Eligible candidates are typically individuals who hold senior leadership positions or have achieved significant recognition in their fields.

Corporate Sector

Candidates may include senior corporate leaders such as:

• President
• Board Chair
• Managing Director
• Managing Partner
• Other C-suite executives

Startups

Eligible startup leaders may include:

• CEOs of advanced-stage startups
• Board Chairs of advanced-stage startups
• Founders of companies in Series C funding or beyond
• Leaders of startups recognized as unicorns

Public Sector

Potential nominees in government and public leadership may include:

• Heads of State
• Ministers
• Ambassadors
• Mayors of major cities

For international organizations, nominees should generally hold positions at or above the D-1 level.

Civil Society

Candidates from civil society may include:

• Founders
• CEOs
• Executive Directors
• Senior Executives of major non-governmental organizations
• Leaders of significant community-based organizations

Social Enterprise

Social enterprise nominees are typically:

• Founders
• CEOs
• Leaders of late-stage social enterprises
• Founders of venture-funded social enterprises

Academia

Eligible academic leaders may include:

• Deans
• Department Chairs
• Professors at leading universities

Arts, Sports, and Culture

Nominees in this category may include:

• Artists with national or international acclaim
• Athletes with significant recognition
• Cultural leaders with broad influence

Media

Media candidates may include:

• Editors-in-chief
• Publishers
• Anchors
• Journalists with national or international acclaim

Young Global Leaders Selection Criteria

The Young Global Leaders community looks for individuals who meet a high standard of leadership, excellence, and global engagement. Strong candidates typically demonstrate the following:

• A proven track record of professional excellence and meaningful achievement
• A clear sense of purpose
• The ability to contribute to cross-sector dialogue
• A commitment to continuous learning
• Strong interest in collaboration
• A global perspective
• The ability to engage with complex issues
• The capacity to think beyond silos

These qualities help identify leaders who are not only successful in their current work, but also capable of contributing meaningfully to wider global conversations and solutions.

Does a Candidate Need to Align With the World Economic Forum’s Agenda?

Alignment with the World Economic Forum’s focus areas is not a formal requirement for nomination. However, candidates who show relevance to the Forum’s global agenda may be especially compelling.

Relevant themes may be inspired by the Forum’s broader work, including its centres and impact priorities.

Age Requirement for the Young Global Leaders Class of 2027

To be eligible for the Young Global Leaders Class of 2027, the nominee must have been born between:

• January 1, 1988
• December 31, 1998

Candidates outside this age range will not be eligible for the 2027 cohort.

Nomination Deadline for the Young Global Leaders Class of 2027

All nominations for the Young Global Leaders Class of 2027 must be submitted before 10 May 2026.

Only submissions received by this date will be considered for the next cohort.

Why the Quality of the Nomination Matters

The nomination form plays a major role in the selection process. According to the guidance provided, the quality and completeness of the nomination strongly inform the evaluation of the candidate.

Referrers are therefore encouraged to submit thorough, detailed, and thoughtful responses that clearly explain why the nominee stands out and how they meet the criteria.

How to Nominate a Candidate

To nominate a new candidate for the Young Global Leaders community, eligible members and partners must use the official nomination form.

Since nominations are restricted to referrals from within the community and partner network, candidates should ensure that a qualified nominator submits their profile before the deadline.

Contact Information

For any questions related to the nomination process, the organizers encourage interested parties to contact them via email.

Final Thoughts

The Young Global Leaders Class of 2027 represents a highly selective opportunity for exceptional leaders across business, government, civil society, academia, media, culture, and innovation. With only 100 individuals selected each year, the process is competitive and designed to identify people who combine achievement with purpose, collaboration, and global thinking.

Because nominations are by referral only and not open to the public, eligible candidates should connect with members or partners who are able to submit a strong and complete nomination on their behalf before 10 May 2026.