One Young World (OYW) brings together the brightest young people from across the globe with the goal of accelerating social impact.

During the summit, over 2000 delegates, from 190 countries, have access to speeches, panels and workshops given by some of the most influential business, political and humanitarian leaders – including the singer and activist Bob Geldof. 

Companies sending Delegates include Accenture, Audi, BMW, BNP Paribas, Chanel, Citigroup, Coca-Cola, Deloitte, Facebook, General Electric, Google, Johnson & Johnson, KPMG, L’Oréal and Unilever, to name a few.

On the evening of day one, delegates gathered at the Royal Albert Hall to watch the opening ceremony, which set up the four-day event with live entertainment and introductions to some of the key speakers. Also in attendance was the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle.

One of the attendees was Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who was delighted to be able to welcome the summit to the city. He said: “What a privilege this is, not just for our city to be hosting this summit but to have the opportunity to impress a group of young people who are so passionate about building a better future for us all.

Khan added: “It is fitting that a global forum like One Young World is being held in a truly global city like London, the most diverse city in the world. Because London is, and always will be, outlooking, international and open.

“Open to trade, talent and partnerships; open to those of all faiths and open to people from around the world regardless of the colour of their skin, the colour of their passports or the colours of their national flag. As young leaders, but more importantly, as global citizens, you will always be welcome in London.”

The One Young World agenda is vast, covering a wide range of subjects from climate change to mental health, sexual violence and social mobility. Delegates will find it difficult to select any particular highlights given the consistency of high-quality events taking place. Still, a few are worth mentioning given their proximity to diversity and inclusion. 

D&I at One Young World 2019 

Tuesday 22nd – Kelly Lovell, entrepreneur and digital inclusion activist, speaks to the audience about the challenges of bringing about significant change as a young person. A daunting task, yes, but Young breaks it down into phases and explains the need to create a pathway for every challenge, citing a bottom-up approach in identifying influential players and eventually building up a network as key factors to her success. 

Wednesday 23rd – ‘Openness of Humanity – an Interfaith discussion’. Mohamed Amersi, founder of the Inclusive Ventures Group, moderates a panel of global leaders from various faiths. During the panel, they discuss the need for interfaith cooperation; explaining how the concept of the oneness of humanity and its significance as a key to just, peaceful and inclusive societies. 

Thursday 24th – Dame Vivian Hunt, managing partner of McKinsey & Company, will talk in Central Hall Westminster about some of the threats technological advancements pose to women; specifically, how women’s jobs are at risk due to rapid developments in automation and artificial intelligence. In explaining this phenomenon, Hunt advocates for a change in mindset; one that is willing to learn new skillsets and become adaptable in our working careers.

Friday 25th – In 2016, Sophie Howe became the first Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, a role which oversees whether all 44 public bodies in Wales are taking account of the long-term; working to improve the well-being of generations today without compromising the ability of future generations. Howe will explore how, in this current era, attitudes are beginning to change and how a focus on the future is starting to take shape today.

One Young World Summit 2019 will conclude on 25th October at its closing ceremony at Central Hall Westminster. For more details, visit the OYW site. 

https://diversityq.com/the-millennial-revolution-and-what-it-means-for-your-business-1003686/