Kate Robertson’s One Young World stands out as a positive channel for making a true difference in a world hungry for positive change. This global forum for young leaders is reshaping how activism and social impact unfold on the world stage.
One Young World has attracted an impressive roster of speakers over the years to unite with its mission of empowering future generations. Some of those names include icons such as the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Duchess of Sussex, and Cher.
The Power of Connection
One Young World’s annual summit is the cornerstone of its mission. These gatherings are far more than just conferences — they’re catalysts for transformation. “It’s growing faster than we could have ever expected; so far this year we have had more than 70,000 applications — an all-time record,” says Robertson. “The value and excitement they put on being there with some incredibly famous world leaders, but also what they derive from seeing the whole world physically in one place is really … It’s a magic thing.”
One Young World’s 2024 summit is set to take place Sept. 18-21 in Montreal. The Bell Centre, home to the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens and the world’s second-largest ice hockey arena, will host the opening ceremony in 2024. This event marks the official start of the proceedings, welcoming delegates with hospitality from the host city and distinguished One Young World counselors.
And this magic is contagious. Young leaders from diverse backgrounds converge, sharing ideas and forging connections that span continents. The result is a network of empowered individuals ready to drive real change in their communities and beyond.
Always thinking ahead, Kate Robertson and One Young World are also gearing up for its 2025 summit in Munich. More than 2,000 young leaders from more than 190 countries will congregate in the German city known for its flourishing tech culture.
“One Young World 2021 Munich was one of the first conferences to take place in Munich toward the end of the pandemic,” Kate Robertson said in a video. “It meant a lot for One Young World to be able to be there, and we were honored that the city of Munich invited us to come back to stage a full-scale One Young World summit. We’re really looking forward to it.”
Kate Robertson Reflects on the Rise of One Young World
Robertson’s vision for One Young World was born from her experiences in apartheid South Africa. She witnessed firsthand the transformative power of leaders like the late Nelson Mandela and Tutu. This inspired her, along with her co-founder David Jones, to create a platform that could harness the potential of young leaders on a global scale.
One Young World’s impact extends far beyond its annual summits. The organization has cultivated a community of ambassadors — alumni who continue to drive change long after their initial participation. Robertson shares, “When they are on their own free will and trajectory, get back in touch with us, come back here to the office to see us, tell us what they’ve done, write us and say publicly how much being part of the community has meant to them, how it’s changed their lives, what happened to their trajectory, is when you just go, ‘Oh my God, it’s so much more than you ever thought it was going to be.'”
One Young World doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations. The organization has a track record of addressing critical issues long before they enter mainstream discourse. Robertson recounts how One Young World facilitated dialogue between Israeli and Palestinian youth at its very first summit in 2010, bringing together those affected by conflict to share their stories and work toward understanding.
This commitment to tackling complex global challenges continues today. The topics discussed at One Young World summits are chosen by the community itself, ensuring that the most pressing issues for young people are at the forefront of the conversation.
Scholarship Programs: Widening Access
One Young World’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its robust scholarship programs. These initiatives ensure that exceptional young leaders from all backgrounds have the opportunity to participate in the summit and join the global network. The demand for these programs is staggering. Robertson notes, “Just 10 of those programs had 48,000 applicants. And then the applications were closed.”
This overwhelming interest speaks to both the value young people place on One Young World and the vast untapped potential of youth leadership worldwide.
This focus on concrete outcomes sets One Young World apart from other youth-focused initiatives. Participants are encouraged to develop and implement real-world solutions.
The impact of One Young World extends far beyond its immediate participants. As Ambassadors return to their communities and spheres of influence, they bring with them new ideas, connections, and the motivation to drive change. This creates a ripple effect, with each young leader inspiring others and amplifying the organization’s impact.
As One Young World continues to grow, its potential for global impact only increases. The organization’s ability to bring together diverse voices, foster meaningful dialogue, and inspire action positions it as a key player in shaping the future of global activism and leadership.
As Robertson herself puts it, “Don’t judge, deliver.”
And Kate Robertson prefers to live and lead by example.
“The best thing is to be able to say, ‘Look, that is done,” she concludes. “That’s when you’re leading.”
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