The Global Shapers Community is an inspiring initiative from the World Economic Forum across more than 500 local hubs. It empowers young people to create dialogue, action, and meaningful community change.
This community is made up of young individuals, aged 18 to 27, who are often referred to as “Shapers”. They come from diverse backgrounds and are deeply committed to addressing local challenges in areas like education, mental health, sustainability, and economic empowerment.
I’m proud to say that, last year, we established a new hub in Bethlehem, where I had the privilege of co-founding it alongside two truly remarkable young people. It was a big step for us, and the experience of starting something from the ground up in our community was incredibly rewarding.
This year, I’m serving as the curator of the hub, which means I have the responsibility of leading our amazing team as we work on projects that aim to make a real difference in our community.
One of our main focuses is on mental health, particularly for young people in Palestine who have experienced trauma. We want to create a safe space for them to express themselves, heal, and build resilience.
Through activities like storytelling, art, and play, we’re working to help them process their emotions in a healthy way. At the same time, we’re also committed to raising awareness about sustainability and environmental protection. Palestine, like many other places, is facing environmental challenges, and we believe that educating people, especially the younger generation, is key to promoting a greener future. Through local initiatives, we aim to encourage environmental responsibility and sustainable practices that will benefit our community in the long run.
After completing my BA in business administration with a minor in marketing, I knew my educational journey wasn’t over. I’ve always been passionate about learning and growing, and graduated second in my faculty. That achievement was a significant milestone for me, and motivated me to continue pursuing my academic dreams.
That’s why I chose to pursue my Master’s in International Cooperation and Development (MICAD). This wasn’t just a career choice: it was something deeply personal. From a young age, I dreamed of using my education to contribute to something bigger than myself. MICAD has been a perfect fit, because it focuses on the things that matter most to me: helping people, building sustainable communities, and making a meaningful impact, especially here in Palestine.
I will be graduating in the summer of 2025, and, as that milestone approaches, I find myself dreaming of what comes next. Pursuing a Ph.D. has been a goal of mine for as long as I can remember. I’m eager to continue learning and exploring new ideas, and, if I’m fortunate enough to receive a scholarship, I’m ready to take on the challenge. For me, education isn’t just about personal success: it’s about gaining the tools to give back to my community and make a real difference in the world around me. That’s what drives me every day.
My studies are funded largely through my earnings, but I couldn’t do it without the unwavering support of my parents. They have always been my biggest champions, working tirelessly to help cover my education costs.
That said, pursuing higher education in Palestine is not easy. The fees are high, especially given the economic conditions we live in. The cost of education is a heavy burden on many families, and it’s heart-breaking to see how these financial obstacles are impacting the younger generation.
Bethlehem University is a unique institution, not just because it’s the first university established in the West Bank, but because of its deep-rooted history and mission. Founded in 1973, with origins going back to 1893 when the De La Salle Christian Brothers began opening schools in the region, it’s a Catholic university in the Lasallian tradition. This means education here isn’t just focused on academics, but on developing the whole person intellectually, morally, and spiritually.
One of the most special things about Bethlehem University is its community. Although it’s a Catholic institution, it welcomes students from all faiths. The student body is primarily Palestinian, reflecting the local population, and there are very few, if any, international students. The majority of students come from towns and villages across the West Bank and Jerusalem, which makes Bethlehem University a key institution for higher education in the region, especially given the challenging circumstances many face in accessing education.
Growing up in Bethlehem has been a unique and magical experience. As a child, Christmas time was especially enchanting: the city would come alive with lights, decorations, and the magnificent Christmas tree.
At that age, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus. It was just a beautiful time of year filled with wonder and excitement. As I grew older, I began to appreciate how truly blessed I am to have been born and raised in such a spiritually significant place. Knowing that I attend church services every Sunday in the location where Jesus was born fills me with a profound sense of connection to my faith.
Growing up in Bethlehem hasn’t been without its challenges, however. The ongoing political situation, and the limitations, especially on movement, make it difficult at times to visit family members or enjoy life as one would hope. The complexities of living here can weigh heavily, but they have also shaped my perspective and resilience. Despite these hardships, my roots in Bethlehem are a source of pride, and I cherish the religious significance of my community and its sacred history.
In the past year, Bethlehem has faced some really tough times. The city feels heavy with sadness, as the ongoing war and economic struggles have taken a significant toll. As a place that thrives on tourism, the impact has been especially hard-hitting. First, we dealt with the fallout from Covid-19, which caused a sharp decline in visitors and affected many local businesses. Now, with the current conflict, that situation has worsened. The streets that used to buzz with life and excitement are now quieter, and it’s hard to see friends and locals struggling to make ends meet.
What’s particularly heart-breaking is that the number of Christians leaving Bethlehem in search of a better life is increasing. This exodus is truly sad, as it strips the city of its rich cultural and religious heritage. Everyone is living in a state of uncertainty, waiting and hoping for a brighter future.
This year, Christmas in Bethlehem will undoubtedly be different. We all hope that the situation will improve by the time the holiday arrives, but it won’t feel like the usual celebrations we’re accustomed to in our city.
As we mourn the loss of innocent lives due to the ongoing war, the festive spirit feels overshadowed by sadness. However, the light of the birth of Jesus will not be dimmed. We will gather to pray at the church, drawing strength and hope from his message. His arrival in the world symbolises hope and peace, and it reminds us that, even in the darkest times, we can find solace and strength in our faith.
My favourite things about Christmas are deeply rooted in the spirit of the season, and the sense of joy it brings to everyone. One of the things I cherish most is the time spent with family. There’s something magical about gathering together, sharing meals, and reliving memories. The warmth of being surrounded by loved ones creates a sense of belonging that is irreplaceable.
I also find immense joy in seeing the happiness that Christmas brings to children. Their excitement and wonder are contagious! Watching their eyes light up as they experience the magic of the season, whether it’s decorating the tree, singing carols, or waiting for Santa, is a beautiful reminder of the joy that simple moments can bring.
Christmas, for me, is all about love, hope, and connection. It’s a time when we come together, celebrating not just the festivities, but the relationships we hold dear.
In my role at Friends of the Holy Land, I focus on the social-media presence, which involves a variety of tasks that I enjoy. I create content, including posts, graphics, and videos, that highlight the important work being done to support the Christians in the Holy Land. This includes filming, editing, and translating materials to ensure they resonate with the audience.
What I love most about this position is the opportunity it provides to connect with people. It’s rewarding to share stories that reflect the resilience and spirit of the community, and to raise awareness about the challenges faced. The content is seen by supporters from around the world, donors, and those interested in learning more about the initiatives.
In addition to my studies at university, I have a diploma in digital marketing that has significantly helped me develop my graphic design skills. However, to be honest, my passion for the arts and creativity has always been a driving force for me. I had an interest in graphic design long before I pursued my diploma, and I started exploring it on my own.
I really enjoy using Instagram, as I think it resonates with a lot of people my age, and offers a vibrant platform for sharing visuals and connecting with others. I don’t use Facebook that much; it just doesn’t appeal to me as much as other platforms do. I prefer the more visual and engaging nature of Instagram.
I’m truly grateful to have grown up in a family that nurtured my faith, as this foundation has shaped my understanding of spirituality. Being born in Bethlehem, every time I see the Nativity Church, I feel a profound connection to God. The significance of that place makes my experience of faith all the more special. Since I was young, I’ve felt that God hears my prayers and is always with me, guiding me through life’s challenges. This sense of divine presence has been a source of comfort and strength, and I consider myself truly blessed to experience it.
What makes me angry is witnessing the evil that exists in our world. It’s heart-breaking to see so many people blindly following destructive paths that lead to suffering and devastation. The ongoing wars and conflicts result in the loss of innocent lives children, women, and men who simply want to live in peace. It fills me with frustration and sadness that, despite the pain and destruction, there often seems to be a lack of urgency to stop the violence.
What makes me happiest is the opposite of what makes me sad: the people who embody peace and the desire for true change in the world. It brings me joy to see individuals and communities coming together to support one another and work towards a brighter future.
My favourite sound is gentle Arabic music. It has a soothing quality that instantly puts me at ease. I love how it brightens my mood and makes everything feel a bit more joyful. I really recommend listening to Fairuz; her music is beautiful and uplifting.
What gives me hope for the future is my faith, the presence of good people in the world, and my conviction that there is always light after darkness. I believe that, even in challenging times, there are always individuals and communities working together to create positive change.
When I pray, I most often pray for peace and healing for myself, my loved ones, and the world around me. I ask for strength to face the challenges that come my way, and for guidance to make the right choices. I also pray for those who are suffering or in need, hoping that they find comfort and support. Ultimately, I seek a deeper connection with God and a greater understanding of my purpose, trusting that my prayers can make a difference in my life and the lives of others.
If I could choose anyone to be locked in a place of worship with for a few hours, I would choose St Charbel. His deep spirituality and commitment to a life of prayer and contemplation inspire me. Spending time with him would offer a unique opportunity to learn about his faith journey and the profound connection he had with God.
Razan Wahhab was talking to Terence Handley MacMath.
globalshapers.org/home
friendsoftheholyland.org.uk