“Leadership is not hoping for the world you want, it is delivering that world” – Kate Robertson, One Young World Founder

We have taken another step in our Courageous Leadership journey by becoming involved in One Young World. Widely known as the “The World’s biggest and most impactful youth leadership summit”, this year was no exception, with 2 100 youth leaders representing every country in the world all committed to making significant progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Thanks to the support of One Young World over 20 million people have been positively impacted in 10 years and for every $1 invested, One Young World Ambassador initiatives create $13 of Social Return on Investment.

Our ambassadors who were given the opportunity to attend this year’s summit, Matthew Rosenberg and Vandana Satgoor, have thanked us for being a socially conscious organisation, dedicated to enabling positive change that benefits the individual, the organisation and society at large.

The summit was a four day whirlwind of keynotes speeches (from legends of social change such as Muhammad Yunus, Sir Bob Geldof, Dr Jane Goodall and so many more). There were breakaway sessions with other young leaders, who are making a difference in their communities and workshops focused on enabling practical change in the world. Rosenberg expressed that it’s nearly impossible to pick a few highlights as the entire experience was one of inspiration and emotional highs and lows that connected people from every background imaginable.

The summit also highlighted a few key facts that we all need to be aware of and work on:

  • 2030 is coming… 10 years left to achieve the goals to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
  • 1% of the world’s population own 45% of the wealth. How can this be just? What can we all do improve this inequality, especially in a country such as our own?

OYW2019 provided hope and real-world inspiration that show that anything is possible, irrespective of a person’s circumstances or background. Those of us with privilege are best placed to make a change and must acknowledge the responsibility that comes with our privilege and power.