TCW Defending Freedom has spoken to Ethan Schelenburgher, the CEO of DigitCitiGo, a social enterprise devoted to enabling digital connectivity in smart cities. Ethan, who has homes in Malibu, St Lucia and Kensington, is a Foundation Board member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community.
Ethan talked candidly about the role of the board. He began by describing its composition and the aims and objectives of the Shaper Community.
‘The Foundation Board prides itself on inclusivity. It is made up of a diverse selection of elitist entrepreneurs, millionaires, billionaires and others who we think will help us to make significant contributions to our mission.
‘To become a Global Shaper you must be under 30 and have the potential to further the ambitions of the World Economic Forum.
‘We believe in a world in which young people are central to solution-building, policy-making and lasting change. The board’s mission is to guide the Shapers and give them the tools to change the world in ways that fit with the objectives of the World Economic Forum.
‘We urge members of the 447 local “Hubs” to manipulate governmental, business, and cultural leaders and participate in impact-driven initiatives to subjugate their communities. They have a pivotal role to play in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. For example, through joint projects and campaigns, the Shapers have demanded carbon neutrality and Net Zero.
‘Last year 350 Global Shapers attended Climate Reality Leadership Corps training with Al Gore and his team of global experts and scientists. In total, 700 Global Shapers have been trained to lead climate action since 2018.
‘From May to June 2021, more than 100 Global Shapers also participated in the Climate Reality Project Incubator. They joined virtual sessions to design projects, identify targets and accelerate implementation of our goals.
‘Many of our Shapers have contacts with governments or political parties. For example, London Shaper Laura Round has worked in two UK government departments, and Rory Daniels is a civil service fast streamer who has worked in both Houses of Parliament.
‘Some Shapers are given the chance to represent their “Hub” at the WEF Davos meeting in May. One such is Stephanie Ifayemi.
Stephanie is the Head of Digital Standards Policy within the UK’s Department for Digital, where she leads the UK Government’s policy development related to AI technical standards, working closely with the Office for Artificial Intelligence. In her role, she is responsible for the development of central Government policy positioning across a portfolio covering areas such as AI, quantum, telecoms and smart cities. This includes working closely with key UK and international multi-stakeholders in these technological areas.’
Asked if the Global Shapers were in danger of having a conflict of interest, Ethan was dismissive. ‘No, there is no way that we would take advantage of Stephanie’s role in the United Kingdom’s impartial civil service to further the aims of the Great Reset. That is the nonsense talk of conspiracy theorists. Of course, should governmental policy align with that of the WEF our Shapers may have a role in facilitating the appropriate actions.’
Ethan batted away the idea that the Shapers were virtue-signalling cult members whose connection to the WEF gave them privileges and contacts denied to others. ‘It is true that members of the Shapers community will find empathy with their “Hub” colleagues but this does not mean that they will use their status to seek to enhance their careers. The WEF believes that even those that do not have a private jet have a role to play as we Build Back Better.’
He dismissed the notion that the Global Shapers were well-connected, wealthy young entrepreneurs obsessed with data gathering, intelligent design and social credit investment. ‘The Great Reset is nothing if it is not a way to allow the humble delivery driver in Rotherham, or the worthy cleaner in Workington, to join us as masters of the universe.’
Ethan was unapologetic about Professor Schwab’s assertion: ‘What we are very proud of is that we penetrate the global cabinets of countries with our WEF Young Global Leaders.’ Ethan asserted that the failure to embed social credit systems during the past year proved that there was much to do to ensure that global governments enacted approved policies.
When asked about the WEF’s response to the Covid ‘pandemic’ and the war in Ukraine, Ethan became quite animated. ‘Yes, the recent crises have highlighted the inadequacy of democratic societies and the need for a more enlightened, global approach to governance. The WEF is well placed to oil the wheels of such a development.’
Ethan left us with a signed copy of Klaus Schwab and Thierry Malleret’s new book, Covid-19: The Great Reset. This has been donated to the Age Concern Charity shop in Fulham.
Editor’s note:
This is the real membership of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community:
Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum
David M. Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Carlyle Group, United States of America
Ellyn Shook, Chief Leadership and Human Resources Officer, Accenture, United States of America
Adrian Monck, Managing Director; Head of Public and Social Engagement, World Economic Forum
Maria Teresa Kumar, President and Chief Executive Office, Voto Latino, United States of America
Khalid Alkhudair, Executive Vice-President, Riyad Bank, Saudi Arabia
Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, Chief Executive Officer, SOC Films, Canada
Juan Jose Pocaterra, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, ViKua, Venezuela
Basima Abdulrahman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, KESK Green Building Consulting, Iraq
Wanjuhi Njoroge, Founder of People Planet Africa
Eric Tse, Executive Director of Sino Biopharmaceutical
