Vyacheslav Polonski
Oxford Internet Institute graduate student Vyacheslav Polonski has been selected to participate in the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2015, to represent the voice of young people in the United Kingdom.
The Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the ‘Summer Davos’, is one of the two flagship events of the World Economic Forum. It will take place in Dalian, People’s Republic of China on 9-11 September 2015 and will be attended by over 1,500 participants from business, government, civil society, media and academia. This global conference on innovation, science and technology will convene all the Forum’s communities to explore innovative, future-oriented and entrepreneurial responses to the new growth challenge.
Each year, 30 members of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers community are chosen from among hundreds of applicants by a selection committee and invited to represent the voice of youth at official Forum events. The Global Shapers Community is a network of Hubs developed and led by young people who are exceptional in their potential, their achievement and their drive to make a contribution to their communities. Shapers are highly motivated individuals who have a great potential for future leadership roles in society. They are selected on the basis of their achievements, leadership potential, innovation capacity and commitment to make a difference.
There are over 5,200 Global Shapers worldwide and Vyacheslav has been selected as one of five people representing Europe, and the only participant from the United Kingdom, to represent the Global Shapers community and the voice of young people at the World Economic Forum.
Speaking recently about the impact of the Global Shapers community, Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum said: “More and more, we realise that only when we get young minds involved on a local, regional and global level, can we be able to face global challenges together. The younger generation has the passion, energy and entrepreneurial spirit to shape the world.”
Eric Meyer, the OII’s Director of Graduate Studies, said: “We are always proud of the ways that the amazing students at the OII have an impact on the world around them. Vyacheslav will be an excellent voice at the WEF meeting to ensure that the role of technology in shaping global change is taken seriously. I’m sure the knowledge will flow both directions, as Vyacheslav brings back the lessons from this international gathering to share with his colleagues at the OII.”
Vyacheslav Polonski said: “I am honoured and grateful to have been selected to attend the World Economic Forum’s Summer Davos in China, where I am going to meet and interact with leading scientists, entrepreneurs, business executives and policy-makers. This is an incredible opportunity and I’m so proud to share this journey with the other members and partners of the Global Shapers community. I have always tried to channel my energy toward challenges in my local community and important causes on the global scale. Receiving this recognition is a great encouragement and motivation for me to keep moving forward to help shaping a better future for the world.”
Vyacheslav is a DPhil candidate at the Oxford Internet Institute and Kellogg College. His research focuses on complex social networks, digital identities and the social dynamics of technology adoption. Including Vyacheslav, Oxford University has 35 students who are currently members of the Global Shapers community, which is a great result for the University.
