One Young World, the world’s largest global network of young leaders, announced yesterday 5 June that Cape Town will host its 2026 Summit.
The annual Summit will take place from 3rd to 6th November, 2026, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, with the Opening Ceremony to be held at the iconic DHL Stadium. It will convene more than 2,000 young leaders from over 190 countries, marking a return to Africa after more than a decade. The last One Young World Summit in Africa was held in Johannesburg in 2013.
- Each year, the Summit brings together exceptional young leaders from every sector who are looking to make positive change at a community, corporate or industry-wide level. Specifically, the Summit will focus on the themes of sustainability and youth employment.
The 2026 Summit also coincides with a significant milestone in South African history – the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Youth Uprising. A series of special programmes will be held to honour the legacy and contributions of young people in the struggle for freedom, highlighting the ongoing role of youth leadership in shaping a just and equitable future.
One Young World seeks to empower young leaders by providing them with the ideas, inspiration, network, and skills to lead and deliver tangible positive corporate, social and political change. Attending delegates will engage in keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking sessions.
Attendees will be joined by an array of influential global figures, who will address the Cape Town Summit to mentor the next generation of leaders. Previous mentors have included Nobel Peace Laureates, heads of state, and CEOs of major global corporations. Notable participants have included Professor Muhammad Yunus, Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan, Sir Richard Branson, with South African figures including Thuli Madonsela, Francois Pienaar and Tendai Mtawarira.
One Young World partners with over 250 global organisations, such as AstraZeneca, Deloitte, and Reckitt, to identify and support the most impactful young leaders across the world. Since its inception in 2009, the One Young World community has helped to deliver over $4 billion in social impact through the work of its global network.
The Summit also delivers substantial economic benefits to host cities through direct spending, global media exposure, tourism promotion, and an enhanced international reputation. The 2024 Summit in Montreal generated an estimated economic spin-off of $6 million. Beyond the immediate financial impact, the Summit also strengthens city branding, fosters international business connections, and supports youth leadership development.
Kate Robertson, Co-Founder at One Young World said: “We’re delighted to bring the One Young World Summit back to my home country. As we mark 50 years since the Soweto Uprising, it’s especially powerful to welcome the next generation of global leaders to South Africa – a country shaped by the power of youth-led movements for justice and progress.
“This is more than an event. Every One Young World delegate is selected for their proven ability to drive positive change – whether in their community, company, or country. Building responsible, effective leadership is central to One Young World’s mission, helping to shape a fairer, more sustainable future.
Kate Robertson
“There is no better place to do this than Cape Town – a city known for its creativity, resilience, and leadership in sustainability and social innovation. It continues to inspire young people around the world, and we know it will be an energising and powerful host.”
Professor Thuli Madonsela, Advocate, the High Court of South Africa and Former Public Protector said: “A key highlight of my year is the One Young World Summit, where enterprising young people who see an opportunity to serve in every challenge the world faces, converge to showcase their work and strengthen ties across the divisive walls grown-ups have built.”
Mayor & dignitaries present at the announcement
Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor of Cape Town said: “Here in South Africa, young leaders are driving economic empowerment, building businesses, creating jobs, and tackling challenges with bold innovation. They’re unlocking opportunity, forging a more inclusive, sustainable economy – embodying the very values at the heart of One Young World, and we can’t wait to welcome the world’s most impactful young leaders to Cape Town for the 2026 Summit!”
A BIG welcome to One Young World for their Cape Town 2026 Summit
WHAT: One Young World Cape Town Summit 2026
WHERE: ,Cape Town
WHEN: 3rd to 6th November, 2026
INFO: VISIT
