From Tripoli to Khobar: Reflections on Shape MENA 2025
Five years ago, I joined the Global Shapers Community with a vision: to revive the Tripoli Hub and create a platform where young Libyans could connect, collaborate, and drive change. At the time, I didn’t imagine how global disruption, personal growth, and regional solidarity would define this chapter of my life. As I now look back, having participated in Shape MENA 2025 and explored the heart of the GCC, I feel deeply proud and immensely inspired.
A Hub Reborn
When I first stepped into the role of a Global Shaper, the Tripoli Hub was dormant. The civic space in Libya was tightening, and youth engagement felt increasingly disillusioned. Yet, with persistence, long-term planning, and a spark of hope, we reignited the hub's energy. We empowered new shapers, co-created impactful initiatives, and built a resilient community that championed local solutions while engaging in global dialogue. Our work—often quiet but always intentional—was a testament to what can be achieved with dedication and collective purpose.
Shape MENA 2025: A Celebration of Regional Unity
Attending Shape MENA 2025 in Saudi Arabia was a full-circle moment. Hosted in Khobar, the gathering brought together over 200 shapers from across the MENA region and beyond. From insightful panels and ideation labs to spontaneous late-night conversations about our shared futures, Shape MENA was more than just an event—it was a reminder of what connects us: purpose, resilience, and vision.
I am especially grateful to the Khobar Hub for their warmth, flawless coordination, and unmatched hospitality. They created an atmosphere where every voice was heard, and every story mattered.
A Personal Journey Across Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain
This trip was not just about one event—it was a regional pilgrimage to connect with hubs that have long inspired me. In Qatar, I witnessed how shapers are blending innovation with cultural heritage to build sustainable futures. In Bahrain, I met young leaders shaping inclusive policies and tech-forward solutions. And in Saudi Arabia, beyond Shape MENA, I saw first-hand how transformation is unfolding rapidly—with youth at the center.
Each stop reaffirmed my belief in the power of regional collaboration and the unique strength of our MENA identity. Despite our diverse contexts, we share the same drive to make our communities stronger and more inclusive.
A New Chapter Begins
As my journey with the Tripoli Hub comes to an end, I am filled with gratitude. This isn't a goodbye; it’s a transition. The seeds we planted in Libya will continue to grow, nurtured by new leaders and guided by the values we upheld.
I want to thank everyone who walked this path with me:
Kenza M'haimdat, our incredible community manager, for her constant support
Oussama Abdellah Benhmida, our former champion, for his unwavering belief
Our local partners who opened doors and offered trust
And most importantly, the Shapers of Tripoli Hub, whose passion made the impossible, possible.
The friendships I’ve made and the impact we’ve achieved will remain part of my personal and professional compass for years to come. And while this chapter closes, a new one opens—one that will carry the spirit of Tripoli, the lessons of the MENA region, and the unshakable belief that young people are not just the future—they are the present.
Until next time, with purpose and passion.
