​The summit brings together young leaders and ambassadors to discuss and find solutions to local, regional and global challenges, with special emphasis on education, business, healthcare, sustainable development, human rights, transparency and good governance.
 
Speaking at the launch of the 2013 summit on Monday, Johannesburg Executive Mayor Clr Parks Tau said the City was exceptionally proud to be associated with "a dynamic global organisation such as One Young World which, in its short existence, has become a tremendous force for good and a great catalyst to communicate the aspirations of the younger generation to international leaders".
 
Said Kate Robertson, One Young World founder and UK Group Chairman of Havas Worldwide: “The summit will collectively give a voice to the younger generation as well as establish a platform from which they can act.”
 
She added that the summit provided the youth and young leaders with a unique platform to change perceptions and reach key decision-makers.
 
“Johannesburg exhibits the passion and conviction to inspire and motivate young leaders, and to welcome the world. It’s amazing to see the One Young World Summit coming to Africa, where there is a great need to develop young leaders and address pressing socio-economic issues.
 
“The combination of inspired and passionate youth, a City committed to developing them and addressing their concerns, and sponsors committed to promoting change will all contribute to making One Young World 2013 a spectacular event with the power to bring about real change in the world,” said Robertson.
 
The 2012 edition will be held in Pittsburgh in the United States from October 19-21, with more than 40 South Africans expected to attend. Councillors for One Young World 2012 include Bill Clinton, Jos Stone, Arianna Huffington, Imran Khan and Sir Bob Geldof. At the closing of the summit, delegates will graduate to become One Young World Ambassadors and join a global network of young leaders who aim and work towards creating positive change in their communities and in the world.
 
Tau concluded: “As a dynamic and forward-looking City, Johannesburg supports these initiatives and we are confident that the 2013 One Young World Summit will have a lasting impact on critical choices that need to be made to ensure a safe and prosperous future for the next generations.”
For more information on One Young World, log on to www.oneyoungworld.com.
 
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