One Young World Ambassadors from Switzerland Reflect on an Inspiring Summit Experience in Belfast

After four transformative days at the One Young World Summit in Belfast, 40 exceptional young leaders from Switzerland have returned home, brimming with inspiration and an unwavering commitment to address global challenges. The Summit, held from October 2 to 5, 2023, brought together over 2,000 young leaders from 190+ countries.

 

The journey to this remarkable Summit began with a send-off event hosted by the British Embassy in Bern, Switzerland. This event was an opportunity to unite new Delegates with experienced One Young World Ambassadors, providing valuable preparation for the Summit's immersive experience.

 

Jessica Jones, Managing Director of the One Young World Switzerland National Board, said, “The insights they can gain from each other are key to maximising the conference's impact.”

 

Four days full of inspiration, realisations, hope and action:

 

During the Summit, the Swiss Delegates engaged in compelling speeches, enriching workshops, and invaluable networking sessions. The Summit addressed five core plenary challenges: Food Crisis, Education, Climate Emergency, Mental Health, and Peace and Reconciliation.

 

The young leaders also had the opportunity to hear from notable figures such as Bob Geldof, Rio Ferdinand, and Nobel Prize winner Professor Muhammad Yunus.

 

Simone Domenico Sorbo, representing Holcim among the Delegates, said, “One Young World was a transformative moment that supported the growth of our talents, expanded our networks, and ignited the flames of inspiration and enthusiasm for continuing to make positive change.”

 

One of the pivotal discussions at the Summit was led by Stefan Scheiver, Chair of the One Young World Switzerland National Board and CEO of Bühler Group. He led the panel, 'Rugby and The Role of Sport in Peace and Reconciliation,' discussing the profound impact of sports on young people and society.

 

Stefan added, 'It was invigorating and inspiring to witness the incredible power that sports and leadership can harness for the betterment of society, exemplified by South African Rugby Legends [Tendai Mtawarira and Francois Pienaar], who are also remarkable entrepreneurs and creators of foundations supporting young leaders in Africa and Ireland.'

 

Key Highlights Shared by One Young World Ambassadors from Switzerland:

 

Zoya Miari and George Jojo Boateng were among the exceptional leaders who joined the Summit from Switzerland.

 

Zoya Miari, a Peace Ambassador who participated in the 2022 Summit in Manchester, shared her remarkable journey of being a refugee twice, first from Palestine and then from Ukraine. She co-founded Waves to Home, a movement that underscores the significance of storytelling over mere statistics in addressing the refugee crisis.

 

George Jojo Boateng, a Forbes 30 under 30 awardee, shared his vision of shaping a world where every student across the African continent has personalised learning support through their own AI teaching assistant, even without access to computers, smartphones, and the internet. His vision is enabled by relevant, localised content, highlighting the power of innovation.

 

Following their participation at the Summit, the One Young World Switzerland National Board remains steadfast in supporting these inspired young leaders as they translate their ideas into tangible actions.

 

Livia Altmann, a dedicated National Board member, added, “The Summit provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with a remarkably diverse community of passionate and talented young leaders. However, the true impact lies in the actions taken by these young leaders upon their return, which we are committed to support.”

 

What's Next?

 

In light of this, we are planning a follow-up event in Switzerland for all Swiss Delegates. This event will serve as an opportunity to delve even deeper into the lessons and insights gained from the Summit, fostering meaningful reflection and, most crucially, translating these newfound understandings into concrete actions.

 

For further questions or inquiries, please contact the National Board and Managing Director, Jessica Jones, via her email address, [email protected].