Youth Summit 2026: Future Works: Designing Jobs for the Digital Age

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 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.

Theme

The 2026 World Bank Group Youth Summit invites young changemakers, innovators, and leaders to shape a sustainable and inclusive future through bold, youth-driven solutions. Under the theme "FutureWorks: Designing Jobs for the Digital Age" this year’s summit focuses on three transformative areas:

1. Education and Skills 
2. Entrepreneurship 
3. Agriculture

When discussing these subthemes, the Summit will focus on three fresh perspectives on innovation: technology innovation, development financing, and fragile settings. By spotlighting these areas, the event aims to amplify diverse voices, foster innovation for sustainable development, and build collaborative networks to scale impact globally.

Join us in celebrating the creativity, technology, and entrepreneurial spirit of young leaders as they redefine possibilities, impulse new job opportunities, and lead the charge for a more inclusive and resilient world. 

Why is it relevant?

Over the next 10 to 15 years, an estimated 1.2 billion young people in emerging markets will reach working age, while these economies are projected to generate only 400 million jobs, creating a significant employment gap. As a result, nearly 800 million young people risk being excluded from the labor market, particularly those from marginalized groups facing barriers related to gender, ethnicity, disability, and other social identities.

Against this backdrop, young people are not waiting on the sidelines. They are already shaping the future of work, designing solutions that respond to today’s labor market challenges while anticipating tomorrow’s opportunities. Across education and skills, entrepreneurship, and agriculture, youth innovators are leveraging digital technologies, new financing models, and locally grounded approaches to create pathways to decent work, productivity, and resilience. From reimagining skills development for the digital economy to building enterprises that connect innovation with livelihoods, young leaders are demonstrating how bold ideas can translate into real economic opportunity, even in the most challenging contexts.

Building on this momentum, the 2026 World Bank Group Youth Summit will serve as a global platform to elevate youth-driven solutions and connect ideas to action. By centering technology innovation, development financing, and fragile and conflict-affected settings as cross-cutting lenses, the Summit will foster collaboration among youth, governments, the private sector, and civil society to scale impact. In doing so, it aims to advance inclusive job creation and equip the next generation with the tools, networks, and resources needed to shape a more resilient and sustainable future of work.

Components of the Delegate Track:

Delegates will actively participate in various components of the WBG Youth Summit, which include:

• Keynote Addresses and Panel Discussions: Engage with world-renowned speakers, policymakers, and development experts on global challenges and innovative solutions.
• Innovation Lab: Take part in hands-on, interactive workshops to co-create innovative solutions for real World Bank Group Projects (for in-person delegates only).
• Interactive Q&A and Polling: Engage with speakers and panelists through live Q&A sessions and polls.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals, World Bank Group representatives, private-sector partners and fellow young leaders from around the world.
• Career Development Session: Get an opportunity to learn about different internships and programs that can launch your career in international development. Past presenters include colleagues from WBG, WB Treasury, IMF, UN, IDB, etc. 
• Pitch Competition Final: Watch the Pitch Competition final live, where the top finalists showcase their groundbreaking youth-led initiatives and projects in a Shark Tank-style competition. Vote for the solution you think should win the Audience Choice Award. 

Perks of Being a Delegate

• Be part of a prestigious global platform for youth-driven impact and innovation.
• Gain insights from industry leaders, policymakers, and development professionals.
• Expand your global network with like-minded individuals and experts.
• Join a network of 10,000+ alumni coming from 170+ countries. All delegates receive an official certificate of participation.
• Enhance your leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in a dynamic and engaging environment.

By becoming a delegate, you will not only contribute to meaningful discussions but also gain valuable knowledge and connections to further your impact in the development space. Apply to be part of this transformative experience!