In August 2019, the Global Shapers Ulaanbaatar Hub hosted and successfully organized the regional Global Shapers meeting in the Asia Pacific region. The event Shape Asia Pacific 2019 focused on the central theme of “Shaping Happiness.” It involved discussions around the pursuit of happiness in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, mental health, and stress management in creating wellbeing at life, work, and community. Additional sessions focused on the future of finance, education, and humanity, and the Climate Reality Project organized a timely workshop on climate change. It was one of the most significant international events of 2019 in Mongolia, with representation from 17 different nationalities and over one hundred attendees. 

The central theme of SHAPE APAC 2019 was “Shaping Happiness.” It involved discussions around the pursuit of happiness in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, mental health, and stress management in creating wellbeing at life, work, and community. 

Additional sessions focused on the future of finance, education, and humanity, and the Climate Reality Project organized a timely workshop on climate change. Finally, to foster greater regional cooperation and boost cross-hub collaboration, the Ulaanbaatar Hub organized a “Shape-a-thon” – a challenge to pitch new cross hub projects for a chance to win seed funding provided by the host Hub. 

SHAPE APAC 2019 took place in the unparalleled Mongolian steppe and successfully incorporated its unique nomadic culture and rich history into the event. The participants did not only learn about Mongolia but also at the same time, experience it first hand. During the first two days, Global Shapers from all around the world stayed in traditional yurts and partook in nomadic activities that bestowed them the honorary title of “Good Nomads” upon completion. The venue situated outside the capital city allowed the participants to unplug from their everyday stressors, mentally recharge, and ultimately reflect on their mental wellbeing. In parallel, community trips around the capital city Ulaanbaatar provided a better understanding of modern Mongolia. The tours highlighted the potentials and challenges the city faces and how the local Global Shapers are working to address them. 

A critical factor that ensured the success of SHAPE APAC 2019 was that it was an event for Shapers by Shapers. Only the Ulaanbaatar Hub members, alumni, the Young Global Leaders Community, and their networks made the event a reality. Every single Global Shaper from the Ulaanbaatar Hub understood the challenges of hosting the event and answered the call of duty. The warm Mongolian hospitality provided a great atmosphere to create new friendships and a chance for the 

participants to enrich one another. SHAPE APAC 2019 was a small but meaningful advancement for each Global Shaper’s commitment to improving the state of theworld.

SHAPE APAC 2019 successfully provided a platform for the Global Shapers Community to have meaningful conversations about mental wellbeing and shaping happiness in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The Mongolian nomadic lifestyle and detached venue site from 

modern-day stressors created a safe space for each Global Shaper. It allowed them to be vulnerable and share their personal and professional challenges and triumphs. It was an event full of inspiration and joy. The discussions were not only focused on the individual but also encompassed to align the values of happiness in a variety of sectors such as education, finance, and the communities each Shaper represented. The Ulaanbaatar Hub further strived to create a lasting impact from the SHAPE APAC 2019 by launching and funding a cross-hub project focusing on mental wellbeing. The project “Nurture Notes” led by the Iloilo Hub received the award and is in its inception.