The World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 returns for its 13th edition, bringing together young leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the world to address pressing global development challenges.
Scheduled for June 11–12, 2026, the summit will take place in Washington, D.C., with both in-person and virtual participation options, making it accessible to a global audience of youth aged 18–35.
Key Details
- Event: World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026
- Theme: FutureWorks – Designing Jobs for the Digital Age
- Dates: June 11–12, 2026
- Location: Washington, D.C. (Hybrid: In-person and Virtual)
- Eligibility: Youth aged 18–35
- Virtual Application Deadline: June 7, 2026
About the Youth Summit
The World Bank Group Youth Summit is the organization’s largest annual youth-focused event, attracting thousands of participants from over 170 countries. It serves as a global platform to:
- Empower young people to develop innovative solutions to development challenges
- Equip participants with tools and knowledge for impactful action
- Foster dialogue between youth, global institutions, and key stakeholders
The summit continues to play a critical role in amplifying youth voices in international development and policy discussions.
Theme: FutureWorks – Designing Jobs for the Digital Age
The 2026 summit focuses on the future of work, particularly how digital transformation is reshaping employment opportunities worldwide. The discussions will center on three key areas:
- Education and skills development
- Entrepreneurship and innovation
- Agriculture and sustainable livelihoods
These themes will be explored through perspectives such as technology, development finance, and fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
Delegate Experience
Participants selected as delegates will engage in a range of high-impact activities designed to enhance knowledge, skills, and global connections.
Core Activities
- Keynote addresses and panel discussions with global leaders and experts
- Interactive Q&A sessions and live audience polling
- Networking opportunities with professionals, peers, and World Bank representatives
- Career development sessions featuring international organizations
Specialized Components
- Innovation Lab (in-person only): Hands-on workshops to co-create solutions for real World Bank projects
- Pitch Competition Final: A live showcase of top youth-led initiatives in a competitive format
Benefits of Participation
Delegates gain access to a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities:
- Participation in a globally recognized youth platform
- Insights from policymakers and development professionals
- Access to a global network of over 10,000 alumni from 170+ countries
- Official certificate of participation
- Opportunities to build leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Exposure to career pathways in international development
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be between 18 and 35 years old
- Must be born between June 13, 1990 and June 11, 2008 (inclusive)
This ensures all participants fall within the official youth age bracket at the time of the summit.
Application Process
Applications are open for both in-person and virtual participation. Candidates are encouraged to submit strong applications highlighting their ideas, experiences, and contributions to shaping the future of work.
- Virtual participation application deadline: June 7, 2026
- Application link: APPLY HERE NOW!
Why You Should Apply
The World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 offers a unique opportunity for young people to engage directly with global development processes. Participants can:
- Contribute to shaping solutions for global challenges
- Learn from leading experts and institutions
- Build meaningful global connections
- Strengthen their profile for future academic and professional opportunities
For individuals interested in international development, policy, entrepreneurship, and innovation, the summit provides a valuable platform for growth and impact.
The World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 represents a significant opportunity for young people to engage, learn, and contribute to shaping inclusive and sustainable economic futures in the digital age.
FIND OUT MORE HERE ABOUT THE SUMMIT
