Thousands of young leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from across the globe are set to participate in the World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026, one of the world's largest youth-focused development events. Scheduled for 11–12 June 2026, the summit will take place in a hybrid format, combining in-person activities at the World Bank Group headquarters in Washington, D.C., with virtual participation from around the world.
Now in its 13th edition, the annual summit aims to provide a platform where young people can engage directly with policymakers, development experts, and global institutions while contributing innovative solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing their generation. The event is open to participants aged 18 to 35 and is expected to attract delegates from more than 170 countries.
This year's theme, “FutureWorks: Designing Jobs for the Digital Age,” reflects growing concerns about the future of employment as technological transformation, artificial intelligence, and demographic shifts reshape global labor markets. According to information released by the World Bank Group, the summit will focus on three key areas: education and skills development, entrepreneurship, and agriculture. Discussions will also examine the role of technology innovation, development financing, and fragile settings in creating sustainable employment opportunities.
The urgency of the topic is underscored by projections cited by the World Bank Group showing that approximately 1.2 billion young people in emerging markets will reach working age over the next decade, while only 400 million jobs are expected to be created, leaving a potential employment gap of nearly 800 million jobs.
In its official announcement, the World Bank Group stated that young people are already playing a crucial role in shaping the future of work through innovation, entrepreneurship, and community-driven solutions.
“Young people are not waiting on the sidelines,” the World Bank Group noted, emphasizing that youth are already designing solutions to labor market challenges and creating pathways to economic opportunity.
The summit's mission is centered on empowering young people to explore innovative solutions to development challenges, equipping them with tools to implement impactful projects, and fostering dialogue between youth and key global stakeholders. Organizers say the event will serve as a platform where ideas can move beyond discussion and into action.
Participants will have access to a range of activities, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, networking sessions, innovation labs, hackathons, and career development workshops. Selected delegates attending in person will also have the opportunity to participate in hands-on innovation projects designed to address real-world development issues.
A major highlight of the summit will be the Pitch Competition, where young innovators will present solutions addressing employment, digital inclusion, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their ideas before international experts and development leaders.
The event has already generated enthusiasm among youth leaders worldwide. John Eze, a Nigerian AI and machine learning engineer selected as a virtual delegate for the 2026 summit, described the opportunity as a chance to engage in critical global conversations.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join a global community of young leaders,” Eze said, adding that the summit provides a platform to explore how inclusive and future-ready economies can be built.
Similarly, development advocate Keith Mawanda highlighted the significance of the summit's theme in the context of global employment challenges.
“The theme—designing jobs for the digital age—could not be more urgent,” Mawanda wrote, noting the importance of involving young people in shaping the future of work and economic development.
Organizers believe that by bringing together young leaders from diverse backgrounds, the summit can help generate practical solutions that address unemployment, skills gaps, and economic inequality. The event also seeks to amplify youth voices in international development discussions and encourage collaboration between governments, the private sector, civil society, and young innovators.
As economies worldwide continue adapting to technological disruption and changing labor demands, the World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 aims to ensure that young people are not merely preparing for the future but actively helping to design it. Through dialogue, innovation, and collaboration, participants will contribute to conversations that could shape the future of work for generations to come.