Global leaders under 30 will convene in Munich this November to address pressing international challenges from climate action to economic inequality. The annual One Young World Summit expects to host 2,000 delegates from 190 countries, according to One Young World’s Kate Robertson, who co-founded the organization with David Jones.
“The One Young World Summit is where the brightest young minds come together to reimagine the world we live in,” Kate Robertson shares. “In Munich, we will once again see the incredible power of young leaders to inspire action, create change, and solve global challenges.”
This year’s summit will mark a historic return to the vibrant German tech city for One Young World.
In 2021, it hosted its first post-COVID large-scale event there with plenary themes focusing on the climate crisis, rights and freedoms, education, future economies, COVID-19, and the art of conflict resolution. Singer-songwriter Sir Bob Geldof spoke at the event alongside Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus and model turned humanitarian Halima Aden.
“It means a lot for One Young World to be able to be there, and we were honored that the city of Munich invited us back to stage a full-scale One Young World summit,” Kate Robertson reveals.
Summit Focus Areas Reflect Global Priorities
The 2025 summit agenda will include plenary sessions focusing on the circular economy, an economic system that aims to eliminate waste by continuously reusing and recycling resources. Additional subjects will include anti-hate, responsible tech, education, and peace and security.
Notable speakers will likely include climate scientists, AI ethics researchers, and development economists who will guide working sessions with delegates.
Delegate Selection Process Highlights Diversity
The rigorous ambassador selection process involves thousands of applicants. Candidates must demonstrate leadership experience and concrete achievements in their fields.
The 2025 summit will be “the landmark leadership event of the year,” according to oneyoungworld.com.
“One Young World is a great opportunity for anyone interested in finding innovative solutions for the pressing issues the world faces, helping shape global development,” the summit application states.
“Attending One Young World allows you to network with like-minded young leaders, committed activists, and global figureheads from more than 190 countries, attend inspirational keynote lectures from some of the world’s most powerful individuals, and debate, formulate, and share innovative solutions for the pressing issues the world faces.”
Scholarships are available for young leaders to attend One Young World’s 2025 Summit in Munich. The deadline to apply is July 7, 2025. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30, have a proven commitment to delivering positive change, demonstrate a capacity for leadership, address significant local and global issues in their work, and have a track record of developing impactful and innovative ideas.
“Our scholarships aim to ensure that no one with the passion and potential to create a better world is left behind,” Kate Robertson adds. “We urge young leaders to apply and become part of this life-changing experience.”
For more on One Young World’s scholarship opportunities, visit oneyoungworld.com/scholarships.
Beyond the Summit
While the summit generates significant attention, Robertson stressed its role as a catalyst rather than an end goal. “We’re honored to play a part in the phenomenal journeys of these motivated young leaders,” Kate Robertson says.
The summit organization tracks delegates’ progress through annual impact reports. Data from its 2023 impact report shows “91% of young leaders believed being an ambassador added legitimacy to their leadership” and “93% of young leaders believe being an ambassador has improved their understanding of how to generate impact.”
And it looks like impressive things already happened after One Young World touched down in Munich for the first time. Its 2021 feedback report found “71.9% of ambassadors have created new social impact since attending Munich 2021, a 5.9% increase on the six-month survey.” It also found that “32% of ambassadors have started new initiatives for social impact since attending Munich 2021.”
The summit will release its full agenda and speaker list in June. Robertson indicated that several major policy announcements are planned, though details remain under embargo until closer to the event.
As preparations continue for November, Kate Robertson remains focused on practical outcomes. “We’re really looking forward to it, and we’ll see you there,” she concludes.
