Some people are born to change the world — like Kate Robertson. When Robertson co-founded One Young World with David Jones in 2010, the progressive businesswoman — who grew up in apartheid South Africa — understood the power of good leadership. Driven by a passion for the Olympics and the priceless values of Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Robertson viewed One Young World as a game changer for aspiring leaders.
Drawing from her vast experience in marketing and communication, Robertson, alongside Jones, laid the foundation of what would grow to be more than just a conference. They imagined a summit that would gather fresh-faced go-getters from across the globe, providing them with the opportunity to engage with peers, share insights, and learn from established mentors.
The aim was clear from the start: to bridge gaps between generations of leaders and foster a collaborative environment where actionable solutions to global challenges could emerge. “I’ve always been hung up on leadership,” Robertson reveals. “And it started really from that.”
Jones and Robertson became stewards of social change. One Young World started from humble beginnings to unite youth, inform current leadership, and inspire future generations.
“Did the world really have to wait for Nelson Mandela to be incarcerated for 27 years, or Malala Yousafzai to get shot in the head for a leader to emerge? It can’t be the case that exceptional leaders are only born from despair. But I also feel with this generation that we would call young, being the most informed, most educated, most connected generation in human history, is different.”
One Young World’s Inaugural Summit
The first One Young World Summit took place in London in 2010, marking the beginning of an annual event that would eventually traverse cities around the world. It was a bold move at a time when platforms for genuine global youth dialogue were scarce. Robertson and Jones’s commitment to creating a space where up-and-comers could openly discuss and collaborate on global issues paid off, attracting delegates from over 190 countries.
Grammy Award-winning Haitian musician Wyclef Jean engaged with the audience at the inaugural summit. The event drew close to 1,000 participants and tackled critical issues including climate change, health, global business, the future of media and politics, and interfaith dialogue.
Jean shared the platform with global figures such as Kofi Annan, Sir Bob Geldof, and Tutu, discussing his leadership journey and imparting valuable lessons. Following his talk, Jean took the time to listen to the perspectives and inquiries of the attendees and discussed the earthquake that had devastated Haiti earlier that year.
The summit has continued to grow ever since. While globe-trotting to locations such as Munich, Manchester, England, Belfast, Northern Ireland, Zurich, Bangkok, Bogota, Colombia, and other places, it has picked up a galaxy of notables along the way to endorse it including Cher, Dame Jane Goodall, the Duchess of Sussex, and other icons.
But getting the nod from such famous faces didn’t happen overnight, according to Robertson. There was an initial struggle to gain traction and support for a concept that many were skeptical about. It was a challenge to convince stakeholders of the value of investing in youth leadership on such a large scale.
Nevertheless, their perseverance and belief in the cause helped the movement gather momentum, drawing attention from global figures and organizations recognizing the importance of empowering the next generation of leaders.
“Once I managed to create some sort of narrative, we were able to captivate people. Initially, we were faced with a steel ring around these most famous people in the world — I’ve dealt with more gatekeepers than most!” Robertson describes.
She was able to shatter those barriers and get heroes like Tutu and Annan to work with One Young World.
Through Robertson’s leadership, One Young World has flourished, hosting summits that feature speeches, panels, and workshops led by influential figures across various fields. These events are designed to inspire and catalyze action. Robertson emphasizes the importance of moving beyond dialogue to implement tangible solutions that address planetary issues such as climate change, inequality, and peace and security.
One Young World Celebrates All People
Another distinctive feature of One Young World is its commitment to ensuring diversity and inclusivity among its delegates. The organization goes to great lengths to include participants from all corners of the globe, especially those from marginalized communities who might not otherwise have the platform to share their perspectives. This inclusivity is a core principle for Robertson, who believes that real change happens when all voices are heard and valued.
The impact of One Young World is evident in the stories of its alums. Many have gone on to launch initiatives, lead social movements, and influence policy at national and international levels. These outcomes highlight the summit’s role not only as a platform for dialogue, but also as motivation for real-world change.
Robertson’s vision for One Young World extends beyond the annual summits. She sees it as a continuously growing community committed to driving positive change. This vision includes fostering ongoing support and networking opportunities for alums, ensuring that the momentum generated at the summits is sustained and translated into action.
The possibilities are endless when the world listens to its youngest voices, says Robertson.
“One Young World’s mission is to create the next generation of more effective and responsible leadership,” Robertson added.
