The World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 is set to return for its 13th edition, bringing together young leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the globe. Scheduled for June 11–12, 2026, in Washington, D.C., with virtual participation available worldwide, this flagship event continues its tradition of empowering youth to address pressing global development challenges.
Under the theme “FutureWorks: Designing Jobs for the Digital Age,” the 2026 Summit will focus on shaping the future of work through innovation, entrepreneurship, education, and sustainable development.
What Is the World Bank Group Youth Summit?
The Youth Summit is the largest annual youth-focused event organized by the World Bank Group. Designed for individuals aged 18–35, it provides a global platform for dialogue, collaboration, and solution-building.
Each year, thousands of participants engage in discussions, workshops, and competitions aimed at advancing economic opportunity and inclusive growth. The 2026 edition will adopt a hybrid format, enabling both in-person attendance at the World Bank Group headquarters in Washington, D.C., and online participation from anywhere in the world.
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Mission of the Summit
The Summit’s mission is threefold:
- Empower youth to design innovative solutions to global development challenges
- Equip participants with practical tools and knowledge to implement impactful initiatives
- Foster dialogue between young leaders, the World Bank Group, and global stakeholders
By centering youth voices, the Summit ensures that the next generation plays a critical role in shaping policies and development strategies.
Theme 2026: FutureWorks – Designing Jobs for the Digital Age
The 2026 theme highlights one of the most urgent global challenges: preparing economies and workforces for the digital era.
The Summit will explore three primary focus areas:
1. Education and Skills
As technology transforms industries, the demand for digital skills continues to grow. Discussions will examine how education systems can adapt to prepare young people for emerging job markets.
2. Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship remains a powerful engine for job creation. The Summit will spotlight youth-led startups and innovative business models that drive inclusive economic growth.
3. Agriculture
Agriculture, particularly in developing regions, is undergoing digital transformation. From agri-tech solutions to sustainable farming innovations, the Summit will explore how youth can modernize this vital sector.
Cross-cutting themes such as technology and innovation, development finance, and fragile and conflict-affected settings (FCV) will also be integrated into discussions.
World Bank Group Youth Summit Pitch Competition 2026
A major highlight of the event is the Youth Summit Pitch Competition 2026, a global platform for young entrepreneurs and innovators.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to:
- Individuals or teams of up to five members
- Participants aged 18–35 (born between June 13, 1990, and June 11, 2008)
- Nationals of World Bank Group member countries
Applicants must present solutions that demonstrate:
- Innovation
- Scalability
- Clear impact potential
All submissions must be made in English.
Key Dates
- Applications Open: February 13, 2026
- Submission Deadline: March 11, 2026 (11:59 PM EST)
- Review & Interviews: March–April 2026
- Final Pitch Event: June 11–12, 2026
Why Participate?
The Pitch Competition offers more than just exposure. Selected finalists will:
- Receive professional pitching coaching
- Gain expert feedback from the World Bank and partner advisors
- Present live at the Youth Summit in Washington, D.C.
Winners will benefit from tailored mentorship provided by IFC experts, focusing on business modeling, market strategies, and contextual insights. In some cases, travel support may be available for one team representative, subject to eligibility requirements.
Delegate Applications for Youth Summit 2026
In addition to the Pitch Competition, young changemakers can apply to attend the Summit as official delegates.
The Delegate Application invites individuals actively working on initiatives related to:
- Job creation in the digital economy
- Skills development and education reform
- Entrepreneurship and startup ecosystems
- Agricultural innovation
Applicants must meet the age requirement of 18–35 years old during the event dates.
Selected delegates will join global discussions, share experiences, and collaborate on practical solutions aimed at building inclusive and resilient economic pathways.
Why the Youth Summit Matters in 2026
The digital economy is rapidly redefining how people work, learn, and build businesses. However, access to opportunity remains uneven across regions and communities.
The World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 aims to:
- Bridge the digital skills gap
- Promote youth-led innovation
- Encourage sustainable and inclusive job creation
- Strengthen global collaboration among young leaders
By creating a space where ideas can be refined, partnerships can be formed, and solutions can be scaled, the Summit positions youth as central actors in global development.
Apply Now!
The World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 represents a powerful opportunity for young people to influence the future of work. Whether through participating as a delegate or competing in the Pitch Competition, youth worldwide are invited to contribute their ideas, passion, and innovation.
As economies evolve and digital transformation accelerates, the voices and leadership of young people have never been more essential. If you are between 18 and 35 and committed to building solutions for a more inclusive future, this Summit could be your platform to make a global impact.
For more information, visit the World Bank Group Youth Summit.
