Applications are now open for the 2026 World Bank Group Youth Summit, a premier global platform that convenes young leaders, innovators, and development practitioners to shape solutions for the future of work.

Under the 2026 theme “FutureWorks: Designing Jobs for the Digital Age,” the Summit will take place on June 11–12, 2026, at the World Bank Group headquarters in Washington, D.C., with virtual participation options available.

If you are a young changemaker working at the intersection of jobs, digital transformation, innovation, and inclusive development, this is your opportunity to contribute to a global dialogue and connect with leaders driving economic change.

About the 2026 Theme: FutureWorks – Designing Jobs for the Digital Age

The 2026 Youth Summit will explore how young people can shape the future of employment and economic inclusion in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

Key focus areas include:

• Education and skills development

• Entrepreneurship and innovation

• Agriculture and food systems

• Technology and digital transformation

• Development finance

• Fragile and conflict-affected settings

Participants are encouraged to bring forward ideas, initiatives, and lived experiences that redefine how jobs are created, accessed, and sustained in the digital age.

Track 1: Apply to Be a Delegate

The Delegate Track offers young leaders the opportunity to engage directly in high-level discussions, innovation workshops, and networking sessions.

What Delegates Can Expect

Selected delegates will:

• Participate in keynote sessions and expert panel discussions

• Engage in interactive Q&A sessions and live polling

• Join hands-on Innovation Lab workshops (for in-person participants)

• Network with World Bank Group leaders and global development partners

• Attend career development sessions with major international organizations

• Take part in live audience voting during the Pitch Competition finals

• Receive an official certificate of participation

Delegates gain global exposure, practical insights, professional connections, and strengthened leadership and problem-solving skills.

Delegate Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be born between 13 June 1990 and 11 June 2008 (inclusive)

• Be at least 18 years old as of June 11, 2026

• Not have reached their 36th birthday by June 12, 2026

This corresponds to an age range of 18–35 years throughout the event.

Delegate Application Deadline

All applications must be submitted by:

March 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET

Track 2: WBG Youth Summit Pitch Competition

The Pitch Competition is a flagship initiative of the Youth Summit, designed for young innovators and entrepreneurs developing scalable solutions to global development challenges.

This track highlights youth-led ideas advancing:

• Job creation

• Inclusive economic growth

• Sustainable development

• Education reform

• Agricultural innovation

• Technology-driven solutions

What Finalists Receive

Selected finalists will:

• Receive coaching and preparation support

• Present their solutions at the World Bank Group headquarters in Washington, D.C.

• Gain exposure to global development leaders and investors

• Receive mentorship from World Bank Group experts

This is a unique opportunity to elevate your solution on a global stage and connect with institutions shaping international development policy and financing.

Pitch Competition Eligibility

Applicants must be:

• Participants must be 18–35 years old throughout the event (born on or after 13 June 1990, and on or before 13 June 2008)

• Open to individuals or teams of up to five members

• All participants must be nationals of World Bank Group member countries

• Solutions must demonstrate innovation, impact potential, and scalability

Deadline: March 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET

Why Apply to the 2026 WBG Youth Summit?

The World Bank Group Youth Summit is more than a conference. It is a global platform where youth leadership meets development finance, digital transformation, and policy innovation.

By participating, you will:

• Contribute to shaping global conversations on the future of work

• Connect with changemakers from around the world

• Engage directly with World Bank Group professionals

• Strengthen your leadership and innovation capacity

• Position yourself within a global network of youth development leaders

Why Participate in the Pitch Competition ?

The Pitch Competition is designed to provide young innovators with a structured, high-quality pitching experience on a global stage. Beyond the competition itself, participants gain valuable exposure to an international audience and the opportunity to sharpen how they present their ideas.

Finalists will receive pitching coaching and project feedback from World Bank and partner technical advisors, and will present their projects during the World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 hosted at World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Winners will receive tailored mentoring from IFC experts, covering areas such as business modeling, market analysis, and context-specific feedback. Travel support may be provided for one representative per finalist team, subject to eligibility and visa requirements.

How to Apply

Applications for both the Delegate Track and the Pitch Competition are now open. Interested applicants should carefully review eligibility requirements and submit their applications before the deadline.

For full details and application links, visit the official Youth Summit page.

Key Dates

• Applications Open: February 13, 2026
• Application Deadline: March 11, 2026
• Submissions review and interviews: March-April 2026
• Final Pitch at the Youth Summit: June 11–12, 2026

Questions?

For additional details on eligibility, evaluation criteria, and the selection process, find out more in the FAQ here.

If you still have questions, please fill in this form here.

You can also contact us at youthsummit@worldbank.org with the subject line “WBG YS26 Pitch Competition”. Please note that we will not address project specific questions.

 

[Download] World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 – Pitch Deck Template

[Download]World Bank Group Youth Summit Pitch Competition 2026 FAQ’s

Join the Global Conversation

The 2026 World Bank Group Youth Summit invites young leaders to help design inclusive, resilient economic pathways in a digitally transformed world. Whether you are building a startup, researching digital skills, innovating in agriculture, or advancing policy solutions in fragile contexts, your voice matters.

Apply before March 11, 2026, and be part of a global movement shaping the future of jobs in the digital age.

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY NOW