Application Deadline: March 11, 2026 11:59 PM EST (Washington, DC)
Applications are now open for the 2026 World Bank Group Youth Summit. The World Bank Group Youth Summit returns for its 13th edition, inviting young people to engage with the most urgent issues their generation faces, while bringing together thousands of participants from across the globe. Under the theme #FutureWorks: Designing Jobs for the Digital Age, this year’s Summit will center on education and skills, entrepreneurship, and agriculture.
The Youth Summit is the World Bank Group’s largest annual event for youth (ages 18-35) worldwide. It will be held on June 11-12, 2026, featuring activities and engagements both at the World Bank Group headquarters in Washington DC and across various regions.
The mission of the Summit is to:
- Foster dialogue between youth, the World Bank Group, and other key global stakeholders.
- Empower youth to explore innovative solutions to development challenges;
- Equip youth with the tools to create and participate in impactful projects; and
The 2026 World Bank Group Youth Summit invites young changemakers, innovators, and leaders to shape a sustainable and inclusive future through bold, youth-driven solutions. Under the theme « FutureWorks: Designing Jobs for the Digital Age » this year’s summit focuses on three transformative areas:
- Education and Skills
- Entrepreneurship
- Agriculture
When discussing these subthemes, the Summit will focus on three fresh perspectives on innovation: technology innovation, development financing, and fragile settings. By spotlighting these areas, the event aims to amplify diverse voices, foster innovation for sustainable development, and build collaborative networks to scale impact globally.
Delegates
- The WBG Youth Summit is the World Bank Group’s premier event for young leaders worldwide.
- As a delegate, you will have the opportunity to engage with global development leaders, participate in high-level discussions, and contribute to shaping solutions to pressing global challenges.
- Delegates are emerging changemakers who are passionate about development issues and eager to collaborate with like-minded peers.
- WBG is looking for students, young professionals, and entrepreneurs with a passion for technology, development policy, youth employment and inclusive economic growth.
Components of the Delegate Track:
Delegates will actively participate in various components of the WBG Youth Summit, which include:
- Keynote Addresses and Panel Discussions: Engage with world-renowned speakers, policymakers, and development experts on global challenges and innovative solutions.
- Innovation Lab: Take part in hands-on, interactive workshops to co-create innovative solutions for real World Bank Group Projects (for in-person delegates only).
- Interactive Q&A and Polling: Engage with speakers and panelists through live Q&A sessions and polls.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals, World Bank Group representatives, private-sector partners and fellow young leaders from around the world.
- Career Development Session: Get an opportunity to learn about different internships and programs that can launch your career in international development. Past presenters include colleagues from WBG, WB Treasury, IMF, UN, IDB, etc.
- Pitch Competition Final: Watch the Pitch Competition final live, where the top finalists showcase their groundbreaking youth-led initiatives and projects in a Shark Tank-style competition. Vote for the solution you think should win the Audience Choice Award.
Benefits of being a Delegate
- Be part of a prestigious global platform for youth-driven impact and innovation.
- Gain insights from industry leaders, policymakers, and development professionals.
- Expand your global network with like-minded individuals and experts.
- Join a network of 10,000+ alumni coming from 170+ countries. All delegates receive an official certificate of participation.
- Enhance your leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in a dynamic and engaging environment.
By becoming a delegate, you will not only contribute to meaningful discussions but also gain valuable knowledge and connections to further your impact in the development space
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the World Bank Group Youth Summit
