A World Discussion

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On November 18, 2015, young leaders from around the world got together in one city. Their mission was to discuss vital issues of the world, including those of their own country. For the seventh time, One Young World (OYW) organised the biggest youth summit with more than 15000 youngsters from 34 countries, from the ages of 18 to 30. Every year the summit is hosted across the globe. For the first time it was arranged in Asia. Bangkok, the city of angels, hosted this grandiose event, bringing the young world in front page discussion.

One Young World, a non-profit organisation, was founded in 2009 by David Jones and Kate Robertson.  This UK based organisation aimed to bring the brightest young minds together and empower them to make lasting connections for positive change. With this aim OYW inaugurated their first summit back in 2010 in London. The response was massive as they continued their summit with full throttle, taking it to different countries every year. In 7 years, One Young World has travelled to countries such as Ireland, South Africa, USA, Switzerland, and now Thailand.

The summit includes various segments. The four day discussion covers a range of global challenges and they are discussed by world renowned change makers. OYW has a group of councillors who attend the summit every year. These councillors are globally famous for their contribution towards the society. Councillors include Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Bob Geldof, Kofi Annan, Sir Richard Branson, Jamie Oliver, Jack Dorsey, Arianna Huffington etc. Our very own Nobel Peace Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus is also one of their councillors.  His plenary session on social business is noted to be one of the most packed sessions of the summit.  There are also guest speakers who give away their experiences to the young minds. Discussions from climate change to refugee crisis, all are vitally addressed by the speakers and councillors. The biggest take away from this summit is that the participants get to take part in these discussions with the person in charge.

Every year, a group of brilliant young minds represent Bangladesh at the One Young World summit. Dr Muhammad Yunus takes a delegation of 10 every year to represent our nation. These delegates are carefully picked by their achievements and impact on the society. This year, ten more young professionals from different sectors attended the OYW summit as the delegation from Bangladesh. Their funds are managed by the OYW organisation and in the four day experience they get to bring back connections that can be utilised for a life time.

The One Young World Summit is not only a place of discussion. It is also an experience in itself. Here, participants get to familiarise themselves with the whole world in one place. Discussing global issues with other young minds from across the globe makes one realise how we can all work together as one. The participants are given the title of ambassadors to take away this experience and make an impact. Thousands of ambassadors are currently working in bringing an impact to the society, bringing people together to become One Young World.