In a world affected by climate change, inequality, and other conflicts, Kate Robertson’s One Young World is harnessing the energy and creativity of young leaders to develop innovative solutions.
Robertson and David Jones co-founded One Young World with the vision of inspiring tomorrow’s trailblazers to find the courage to make a difference today. Last year, 1,952 delegates attended its summit in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
“What’s fulfilling for me is when I see what attendance at the summits actually means to these young leaders,” Kate Robertson shares. “The value and excitement they put on being there with some incredibly famous world leaders, but also what they derive from seeing the whole world physically in one place is a magic thing.”
For emerging leaders seeking positive results, One Young World’s annual summits — which were first held in 2010 — have become an ideal launching pad for progress and hope.
While Robertson reiterated that the world has plenty of resources in terms of money and people, she stressed that a lack of leadership is creating much of the societal strife.
“Far too often the leadership, whether it’s leadership of governments or civil society or corporations, it’s not what we’d want it to be,” Robertson said during One Young World’s summit at The Hague. “My hope is to see the brilliant young leaders we’re working with today emerge in positions of power where they really are calling the shots.
“I look at the young people we know around the world, and I just imagine that they were the leaders of the G20, and then they can lay me down and carry me away and my work will be done. Because once they’re there in those positions leading companies and leading governments, the world will be at a better place and everything will get fixed.”
The organization’s approach is rooted in the belief that people possess the potential to drive meaningful change and it begins at an early age. One Young World provides a unique forum where emerging leaders can connect, share ideas, and learn from established global figures. This cross-generational exchange drives the summit’s success.
From Apartheid to Activism: Kate Robertson’s Penchant for Change
Robertson’s vision for One Young World was shaped by her experiences in South Africa during the apartheid era. “Coming from apartheid South Africa, where literally one leader made such a difference to the trajectory, changed the arc of history, I was always struck by the impact of a particular voice. Apartheid would never have been toppled but for the wider Black struggle, and the sacrifice of so many, but Mandela’s ability to speak for that struggle was profoundly valuable.” she reflects.
This observation led Robertson to question the effectiveness of traditional leadership forums and inspired her to create a platform specifically for fresh change-makers. One Young World’s mission extends beyond the annual summit, aiming to foster a global network that can drive positive change.
The impact is significant and growing. According to Robertson, One Young World’s network now includes more than 17,000 ambassadors worldwide. These individuals are actively working on projects addressing a wide range of global issues, from climate change to gender equality.
One Young World’s approach is multifaceted. The annual summit serves as a catalyst, bringing together activists from diverse backgrounds and providing them opportunities to engage with world-renowned figures.
Robertson emphasizes the importance of this interaction between established and emerging leaders. She lovingly recalls the vibrant “transfer of energy” in the room with influential individuals such as late icons Kofi Annan and Archbishop Desmond Tutu interacting with the next generation.
This dynamic creates a unique environment where young people can gain insights from experienced leaders while bringing fresh perspectives to global challenges.
Empowering Youth To Lead
Apart from its annual summit, One Young World supports its ambassadors through various initiatives. The organisation provides funding opportunities, mentorship programs, and more to help them turn their ideas into concrete actions. This comprehensive approach ensures that the momentum generated during the summit translates into tangible results throughout the year.
The nonprofit builds a global community that can support and inspire each other long after the gathering concludes. Regional meetings and events organized throughout the year help maintain this sense of community and shared purpose.
The outcome of One Young World’s approach is evident in the success stories of its ambassadors. Robertson shares an example of Crystal Asige who, after attending a One Young World summit, ran for office and did not let her blindness hinder her: She later became a member of Kenya’s Parliament. Such stories highlight the transformative potential of providing up-and-comers with the right platform and support.
One Young World’s focus on diversity and inclusivity is a key aspect of its mission. It strives to bring together budding groundbreakers from every country in the world, ensuring a truly global perspective on pressing issues. This commitment to diversity extends beyond nationality, encompassing various dimensions of identity and experience.
Robertson’s approach to leadership development emphasizes action over rhetoric. “Don’t judge, deliver,” she advises. “If you are busy delivering, you don’t have the time and energy to waste by criticizing other people. I set a lot of store by Roosevelt’s quote that the credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.”
The organization’s impact is undeniable. Its ambassadors are working on projects that address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, tackling issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. By providing a platform, One Young World contributes to global efforts to create a more sustainable and equitable environment.
Kate Robertson’s vision is ambitious, yet still grounded in a deep understanding of the power of youth leadership. As the enterprise continues to grow, it remains focused on its core mission of inspiring, building, and elevating voices who can address the world’s most pressing challenges.
As Kate Robertson stated, “One Young World ambassadors are taking a stand for a better future by actively building a fair and sustainable future for all.”
