Deadline: March 11, 2026
Applications are open for the World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026. 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.
Program Components for Delegates
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).
- Inbteractive 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.
Benefits
- 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!
Eligibility
- Open to students, young professionals, and entrepreneurs with a passion for technology, development policy, youth employment and inclusive economic growth.
- Delegates must be born between 13 June 1990 and 11 June 2008 (inclusive).
- Minimum age: at least 18 years old as of June 11, 2026
- Maximum age: must not have reached their 36th birthday by June 12, 2026
Application
They invite you to apply, and join 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 will close on March 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.
For more information, visit World Bank Group Youth Summit.
