When young leaders come together to solve global challenges, the real change begins. For the first time, Adelaide hosted SHAPE APAC, a UN Youth Global Shapers initiative, bringing together 200 passionate changemakers from across the Asia-Pacific region. Two remarkable students – Imanthi and Ridma – had the opportunity to attend and contribute their vision for a smarter, more sustainable, and inclusive future.
TAKING ACTION FOR A SMARTER, MORE SUSTAINABLE WORLD
At Flinders, we believe that preparing for the future means acting today. Through a holistic, cross-disciplinary approach, we are equipping the next generation with the skills, knowledge, and networks to drive meaningful change. SHAPE APAC 2025 provided the perfect platform to showcase this commitment.
A collaboration between Flinders’ Sustainability Strategy team, the Factory of the Future, and a futurist AI design-thinking workshop gave conference attendees a glimpse into how we approach the challenges of tomorrow. From advanced manufacturing to ethical AI and sustainability-driven leadership, participants saw firsthand that preparing for the future is not just about technology – it’s about people, ideas, and collective action.
ALUMNI GIVING BACK, STUDENTS STEPPING FORWARD
For Imanthi, a PhD and MBA student, the conference reinforced the need for collaboration between science, industry, and policy. Her research on the effects of environmental toxins on the human brain, combined with business acumen, positions her to drive evidence -based regulatory reforms that put human health at the forefront of decision-making. For Ridma, a finance professional in the making, the conference highlighted the role of financial decision-making in sustainability. By integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and leveraging AI-driven financial analysis, he aims to foster responsible and equitable economic growth. Both students left SHAPE APAC with a deeper understanding that change is not a solo pursuit – it thrives on interdisciplinary collaboration, shared responsibility, and the courage to think differently.
A LEGACY OF IMPACT
Members of our alumni community understand that investing in people is crucial. Sponsoring student registration costs isn’t about recognition – it is about ensuring that the right people have access to the right opportunities. The impact of that investment extends beyond a single conference; it ripples into communities, businesses, and policies that shape the world we all share. As we continue to support the next generation of changemakers, we invite our alumni to be part of this journey. If you’re interested in getting involved with Global Shapers or mentoring future leaders, we’d love to hear from you at nvi@flinders.edu.au. Because the future isn’t something we wait for—it’s something we build together.