Impact

Cafe Arabica Initiative

Project Summary: The Global Shapers Community in the MENA region faces a lack of deep interconnection and awareness amongst its diverse hubs, leading to underutilized potential for regional collaboration and cultural exchange.

What is the project's problem statement? Despite the proximity and shared objectives within the MENA region's Global Shapers Community, there is a significant lack of interconnection and mutual understanding among the diverse hubs, leading to an untapped reservoir of collaborative potential and cultural exchange.

What is the project's target group? The primary target group is the Global Shapers and youth across the MENA region, encompassing young leaders and changemakers from various cities, each embedded within their local hubs.

What is the project's proposed solution? The proposed solution is the establishment of Cafe Arabica, a monthly virtual hangout serving as a cultural and intellectual exchange platform to foster stronger inter-hub connections and facilitate the sharing of knowledge and resources.

What are the hub activities for this project? Organizing monthly virtual hangouts with structured sessions to showcase cultural and professional insights from each hub. Facilitating breakout rooms during the hangouts for shapers to engage in themed discussions and networking. Curating content that reflects the rich diversity of the region, ranging from city histories to culinary arts and music.

What are the project short and long-term goals?


  • Short-term: Launch successful monthly hangouts with robust participation.

  • Long-term: Foster a sustainable network for collaboration and cultural exchange.

What are the project's available metrics? Participation rates in hangouts. Follow-up collaborations between hubs. Social media engagement.

Who are the project collaborators? Tripoli and Jeddah Hubs, possibly local cultural and educational institutions.