22-10-2012: Joburg receives the baton to host the 2013 One Young World Summit
The One Young World summit ended much as it began – with fanfare, inspiring dialogue about critical global issues and a call to action for tomorrow’s leaders to “create the future”.
Kofi Annan, the former secretary-general of the United Nations, addressed the 1,300 young delegates in Pittsburgh, United States, referring to them as “almost another United Nations, except with stronger voices and younger”.
Annan faced hard-hitting questions from delegates, including why the United Nations does not actively try to stop the Syrian conflict. “I’m convinced that there is no military solution,” Annan said of the Syrian conflict. “What is required is a political settlement. We need to show the fighting groups that if fighting stops there is an alternative option.”
During the closing ceremony, delegates tied ribbons symbolic of their collective unity and hopes for the future. Counselor Chris Vondo, a member of the Mayoral Committee at City of Johannesburg received the host city baton from a representative of the City of Pittsburgh. Johannesburg will host the fourth annual One Young World summit in October 2013.
“Johannesburg is committed to the youth and is ready to host the One Young World summit in 2013,” said Vondo.
Highlights of One Young World 2012
• Delegates from 182 countries spoke alongside global figures such as former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Sir Bob Geldof, Professor Muhammad Yunus, Kofi Annan, Jamie Oliver, Pete Cashmore, Fatima Bhutto and Brand South Africa CEO, Miller Matola
• One Young World delegates addressed challenges focused on education, global business, health, human rights, leadership & governance, sustainable development and transparency & Integrity
• South African delegate Jon Ratcliffe urged One Young World delegates to take action in helping to open more doors for youth, particularly in countries where unemployment rates are high and access to online resources is limited. “This group here today – the most inspired, brilliant people I ever have been involved with – I think that together we can do everything we set our minds to,” he said.
More information about the Summit is available at www.OneYoungWorld.com.
