One Young World (OYW), the global community of over 12,000 young leaders, has announced its host city locations for its 2023 and 2024 summits.

One Young World – mission and aims

Backed by well-known social-justice figures like Live Aid Founder Bob Geldof and the UN’s Women Goodwill Ambassador actress, Emma Watson, One Young World welcomes “young talent from every country and sector.” Currently, it is the largest global forum for young leaders where the aim is “to identify, promote and connect young leaders to create a better world, with more responsible, more effective leadership.”

Each year, around 2,000 people from over 190 countries attend the Summit and discuss ways to generate global social impact. The delegates are joined by many well-known business, political and humanitarian leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The organisation aims for “action rather than debate” and “partners with businesses, NGOs and educational institutions that are working to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.”

During COVID-19, it started programmes such as the COVID-19 Young Leaders Fund, which provides medical, educational, and mental health support services for young leaders at the frontline of the pandemic.

There’s also Lead2030, a prize fund for young leaders making an impact in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and the new One Young World Academy, an online lecture series where young people can hear from experts and global leaders about the world’s most pressing challenges.

The organisation promises real impact over discourse, where “more than 26 million people have been positively impacted by initiatives led by the One Young World community of Ambassadors.” Last year, “for every $1 invested, the One Young World community delivered a social return of $15.”

The Summit locations for 2023 and 2024

As the chosen location for the 2023 Summit, Belfast’s “long-standing history and major developments towards the peace process over the years” made it a fitting choice, said a recent statement on the news.

A One Young World spokesperon added: “The 2023 Summit will be an opportunity to celebrate the city’s youthful dynamism, talent, and history, as well as help create opportunities for its young people who are driving positive, peaceful, and impactful change in the years to come.”

Montréal was chosen as the 2024 Summit location due to its “diversity, pluralism and energy,” including its “strong youth representation,” according to a shared statement.

“It is for this reason that in 2024, the One Young World Summit will be hosted in Montréal, celebrating the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, job opportunities, sustainability, and innovation,” it continued.

David Jones, Co-Founder, One Young World, said: “Belfast and Montréal are vibrant, youthful cities, and we’re really looking forward to hosting our next Summits in these important cultural hubs. The world has faced more than a year of incredible disruption, yet we have also seen inspirational moments of activism, strength, and commitment. The young leaders of the world are well-placed to help lead us out of the crisis and into a brighter future.

“Similarly, our next host cities Belfast and Montréal share a passion for attracting global talent and being committed to the acceleration of the kind of ambitious, innovative ideas that we will need. As we look to the future of One Young World, we are thrilled to announce that Belfast and Montréal will be our next host cities.”

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alderman Frank McCoubrey, added: “We are delighted to welcome the prestigious One Young World to Belfast in 2023. The timing is significant as it will coincide with our city’s ambitious new cultural strategy and an unparalleled programme of immersive cultural activity during the year 2023.

“We will proudly showcase to over 2,000 young people from more than 190 countries around the world that Belfast is brimming with talent, potential and youthful optimism – an energy that is driving our city’s resurgence and regeneration. The fact that these young people will take such hugely positive experiences of Belfast home with them will create a long-lasting, global legacy for our amazing city.

“We’re confident that One Young World Belfast 2023 will inspire and generate opportunities for our young people, both now and for future generations.”

Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montréal, said: “Montréal is thrilled to host the young leaders of tomorrow as part of One Young World 2024. Whether it is to attain sustainable development objectives, address issues related to migration, human rights, climate change, or biodiversity, today’s youth must already be at the forefront of the great global challenges. It is imperative for young citizens to participate in the discussions. We need their voice and their ideas.”

To find out more about One Young World, click here.