How are we changing the world?
We are a global NGO, headquartered in London, empowering the next generation of leaders to tackle humanity's biggest challenges.
Our mission: A world where ethical leaders create a fair, sustainable future for everyone.
We develop changemakers by:
Inspiring young leaders to increase their social impact
Building the skills and capacity of young leaders to act
Elevating the profiles of young leaders globally and locally
Never before has a generation been so educated and globally networked. They're now channeling that power to tackle inherited challenges.
At One Young World, we know young leaders are creating solutions. Our community is already pioneering breakthrough technologies and innovative approaches to drive real change.
By supporting ethical young leaders making tangible impact in their communities, we're proving a better future isn't just possible — it's happening.
Since 2010, Ambassador-led projects have directly influenced over 58 million lives
Values
Our Global Leadership Charter distills timeless wisdom from cultures worldwide into seven principles that define ethical, impactful leadership.
These aren't just guidelines, they're the foundation that unites our 18,000+ young leaders across every continent, ensuring our community leads with integrity while driving real change.
The One Young World Story
One Young World was founded on the belief that leadership can change the course of history. Its vision was inspired by two powerful forces: the unifying spirit of the Olympic Games and the moral courage of leaders like Nelson Mandela. Mandela proved that it's possible to grab the arc of history and bend it toward justice.
His vision, carried out by a movement of changemakers, proved that the end of apartheid was possible, and his scale of leadership became a beacon for what true leadership can achieve. Similarly, the Olympic movement embodied a radical idea for its time: no nation left behind, every country represented, the world proving that peace and excellence can coexist.
From this inspiration came the conviction that if we could bring together young leaders from every corner of the globe — the most connected, educated, and informed generation in history — and recognise them as the leaders they already are, then we could build a community capable of driving change at scale, particularly when digital natives with unparalleled reach, demanding brands and institutions that act with purpose and using technology to drive change in ways no generation before could.
This is why the One Young World Summit is unique: it unites young leaders from every country alongside global leaders who recognise and value their impact. What began as a bold idea has grown into a worldwide network of 20,500+ with the largest corporate footprint of any charity, amplifying the voices and actions of young leaders to create lasting global impact.
We are immensely proud of how One Young World has grown into a global phenomenon. The One Young World name is synonymous with action, impact and progress. We pride ourselves in nurturing the most talented young leaders who, no matter their circumstances, don’t just talk, but take action to benefit our collective future.
Our Ambition for the next five years
Scholarships
Achieving 50% scholar representation amongst our delegates (up from 30%) to maximise diversity and ensure that all outstanding young leaders can access the Summit regardless of location or socioeconomic circumstances
Fund Young Leaders
Mobilising more funding for young leaders - building on the success of Lead 2030, the world’s biggest prize fund for the Sustainable Development Goals, and the emergency funding we made available to young leaders during and immediately after the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Leadership and Governance
Integrity and purpose drive everything we do.
Our leadership team and governance structure reflect the values we champion: diverse perspectives, ethical decision-making, and unwavering commitment to our mission of empowering young changemakers worldwide.
From our Board of Directors to our executive leadership, discover the passionate advocates guiding One Young World's global impact.
Learn about our Leadership and Governance
Partners
We partner with organisations across every industry because we know that real change happens when everyone plays their part.
From Fortune 500 companies to grassroots NGOs, our collaborations deliver measurable social and business impact — proving that building a fair, action-driven world isn't just the right thing to do, it's smart business.
See real impact from real leaders
Our annual Impact Report goes beyond inspiring stories; it delivers the hard data proving that young leaders are reshaping our world. From billions raised for social causes to policy changes affecting millions of lives, discover the measurable difference our global community is making.
Careers
Ready to turn your passion for global change into your career?
At One Young World's Central London headquarters, you'll join a diverse team of changemakers who bring energy, innovation, and purpose to everything we do. If you're driven by sustainable development and meaningful impact, this is where your work becomes part of something bigger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We've got answers.
From how to join our community to what makes One Young World different, find quick answers to the questions we hear most. Whether you're a potential delegate, partner, or just curious about our mission—start here.
Fund a Scholarship
Many partners work with us to create Summit scholarships and development opportunities, ensuring we support the most impactful young leaders worldwide, regardless of their circumstances.
Send a Delegation
Top companies, NGOs, and universities across every industry make One Young World essential to their global talent strategy of attracting, developing, and retaining the next generation of leaders.