Applications are now open for the 2026 World Bank Group Youth Summit for young people worldwide in Washington DC
Closing Date: 11 March 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 World Bank Group Youth Summit for young people worldwide in Washington DC
Are you a passionate changemaker looking for opportunities to connect with global youth leaders, engage in inspiring conversations, and help drive the future of development? Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of 2026 World Bank Group Youth Summit (WBGYS26) on 11-12 June 2026!
2026 WBG Youth Summit
The World Bank Group Youth Summit returns for its 13th edition, inviting young people to engage with the most urgent issues their generation faces, while bringing together thousands of participants from across the globe. Under the theme #FutureWorks: Designing Jobs for the Digital Age, this year’s Summit will center on education and skills, entrepreneurship, and agriculture.
The Youth Summit is the World Bank Group’s largest annual event for youth (ages 18-35) worldwide. It will be held on June 11-12, 2026, featuring activities and engagements both at the World Bank Group headquarters in Washington DC and across various regions.
The mission of the 2026 World Bank Group Youth Summit is to:
- Empower youth to explore innovative solutions to development challenges;
- Equip youth with the tools to create and participate in impactful projects; and
- Foster dialogue between youth, the World Bank Group, and other key global stakeholders.
This event will be in a hybrid format.
Overview
Under the theme “FutureWorks: Designing Jobs for the Digital Age,” WBG is seeking driven young changemakers from around the world who are actively shaping new jobs, skills, and opportunities in a rapidly changing digital economy to join us in Washington, D.C. on June 11 and 12, or virtually.
This year, the Summit will explore education and skills, entrepreneurship, and agriculture through the lenses of technology, development finance, and fragile settings. This application is your opportunity to bring forward ideas, initiatives, or perspectives that can help redefine these themes.
WBG invites you to apply, and join them to share your ideas, work, lived experiences and to contribute to a global dialogue on building inclusive, resilient economic pathways in the digital age.
Applications are now open for two of the Summit’s engagement tracks: Delegate and Pitch Competition. More ways to get involved coming soon!
Track 1: Apply to be a Delegate!
The WBG Youth Summit Delegates will actively participate in sessions featuring keynote speakers and expert panels, interactive Q&A sessions and live polling, hands-on Innovation Lab workshops (for in-person delegates), networking with World Bank Group leaders and partners, career development sessions with major international organizations, and live audience voting in the Pitch Competition finals. Furthermore, you’ll gain global exposure, practical insights, valuable connections, and an official certificate of participation while strengthening your leadership and problem-solving skills. Participants are youth (ages 18-35) worldwide.
Track 2: Apply to join the Pitch Competition!
The WBG Youth Summit Pitch Competition is a global opportunity for young innovators and entrepreneurs to showcase bold, scalable solutions to today’s most pressing development challenges. This flagship initiative highlights youth-led ideas driving job creation, inclusive growth, and sustainable development across areas like education, agriculture, technology and innovation.
Selected finalists will receive coaching and present their ideas during the Youth Summit at the World Bank Group headquarters in Washington, DC. Winners will receive mentorship from WBG experts. Solutions must demonstrate innovation, impact potential, and scalability
Eligibility
- 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
Click Here To Apply
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