Geneva Switzerland, 11 January 2005 - Klaus Schwab, Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, today released the names of the first 237 young leaders who have been selected and have accepted to take part in The Forum of Young Global Leaders. Jack Ma, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Alibaba.com has been named as one of the Young Global Leaders.

This new global undertaking, The Forum of Young Global Leaders, brings together outstanding leaders, aged 40 years or younger, who have committed to devote part of their knowledge and energy over the next five years to the 2020 Initiative, a comprehensive effort at addressing together the complex challenges of today to shape a better future for our world.

"Rising leaders of today need to forge viable partnerships to spearhead a process of change," said Her Majesty Queen Rania of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Chairman of the Nomination Committee for The Forum of Young Global Leaders. "The Forum of Young Global Leaders will activate a network of insightful, innovative and energetic young people whose vision and dynamism can usher a future of hope, progress and positive change."

The Young Global Leaders nominated in 2005 form an exciting, powerful network of leaders from 69 different countries: 72 are from Europe, 62 from North America, 49 from Asia, 19 from the Middle East and North Africa, 18 from sub-Saharan Africa and 17 from Latin America.

Reflecting the diversity of stakeholders, the Young Global Leaders nominated in 2005 comprise 57 political leaders, including heads of state, ministers and parliamentarians. From the business sector there are 97 Young Global Leaders, mostly chief executive officers and successful entrepreneurs. The other stakeholders consist of 28 intellectual leaders, 27 societal leaders, 23 active opinion leaders and 5 cultural leaders. Women make up 30% of the entire group.

For more information and a detailed list of all Young Global Leaders, please visit www.weforum.org/ygl