Partner Update

Justice Albie Sachs

Albie Sachs, an activist, writer, and human rights lawyer, helped shape South Africa’s democracy. After decades in exile and surviving an attack, he became a Constitutional Court judge in 1994, contributing to rulings abolishing capital punishment and legalising same-sex marriage.

Forest Whitaker

An Academy Award winner, away from the screen he works in peace-building; A UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation, and founder of the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative.

Gillian Anderson

Emmy, SAG, and Golden Globe winner, and co-founder of SAYes (South African Youth Education for Sustainability) in Cape Town which has now deleivered over 50,000 hours of mentorship across South Africa.

A published author and outspoken women's rights activist, Gillian is joining us virtually for the Summit in Cape Town

John Kani

One of South Africa's most revered cultural figures with a career spanning over five decades. Internationally recognised for roles in The Lion King and Black Panther.

Co-creator of seminal anti-apartheid plays Sizwe Banzi Is Dead and The Island. Tony Award and Obie Award winner.

Tendai Mtawarira

Rugby World Cup champion and Springbok legend Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira now empowers African youth through sport, education and his Beast Foundation.

Dia Mirza

Award-winning actor, Founder of One India Stories, and UN Secretary-General's Advocate for Sustainable Development Goals.

Champion of environmental causes. BBC 100 Women honouree. A trailblazer building bridges between storytelling, advocacy, and sustainable solutions.

Evgenia Kara-Murza

Evgenia Kara-Murza is a Russian human rights advocate and democracy campaigner. She led a global effort for her husband’s release and supports political prisoners’ families as President of the 30 October Foundation, earning major international human rights awards.

Vladimir Kara-Murza

Vladimir Kara-Murza is a Russian opposition politician and journalist, twice poisoned and jailed in 2022 for condemning the Ukraine war. Freed in 2024, he’s a Pulitzer Prize winner and human rights advocate campaigning for democracy and political prisoners.

Graça Machel

Graça was a key figure in Mozambique’s independence, becoming its first female Education Minister. She later led major universities and, through UNICEF work and co-founding The Elders with Mandela, championed peace, equality, and ethical leadership globally.

Lord Peter Hain

Anti-apartheid activist turned UK politician, Lord Peter Hain led campaigns against apartheid, served as MP and Cabinet minister, and is now a House of Lords member and author.

Justice Edwin Cameron

Edwin Cameron, appointed judge in 1994, served 25 years, later became Inspecting Judge of prisons (2020-25). He advanced human rights and authored prize-winning memoirs.

Geordin Hill-Lewis

Cape Town’s youngest mayor, Hill-Lewis is a former MP and finance shadow minister, DA leader and early activist with strong economics background.

Agriculture and the Global Food Crisis

What will it take to achieve food security for all?

Intelligent Jobs

How can AI power opportunity for the next generation?

Gender-Based Violence

How do we prevent the physical, sexual, and mental abuse of women and girls?

Future of Africa

How do we make this the 'African Century'?

Peace and Security

How can young leaders restore diplomacy to end the cycle of violence?

Session One - How to be an effective and ethical leader

28 May 2026

The series begins here. This is the main pre-Summit launch touchpoint and sets the tone for the rest of the learning journey before Cape Town. Delegates will explore:

What is the Global Leadership Charter?
How to build leadership principles with the One Young World Ambassador Community

Two live options are available so delegates can join at the time that works best for them.

Session Two - How to tackle the world's most pressing challenges

24 June 2026

Momentum builds after launch and keeps delegates engaged once the first session has landed. Delegates will look at:

What are the plenary challenges
Understanding One Young World with Kate Robertson
Explore intersectionality in social impact with our Ambassadors

Session Three - How to maximise your skills and strengths

30 July 2026

This interactive session will explore how building meaningful connections can become a powerful leadership skill. Through self-reflection and peer discussions, Delegates will:

Identify their communication strengths
Learn how to build authentic and trusting relationships across cultures
Develop practical tools to communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and kindness

Session Four - How to create impactful collaborations

26 August 2026

A useful check-in once logistics and internal planning start to feel more real.

Session Five - How to be a One Young World Ambassador

15 to 24 September 2026

The critical-month session as registration pressure begins to peak.

Session Six - How to prepare for Cape Town

15 October 2026

Final session before Cape Town

The last structured touchpoint before the Summit itself.

Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony in 2026 will take place at an iconic venue in Cape Town, the Green Point Athletic Stadium. It will serve as the perfect stage to showcase the talent and diversity of the One Young World Community.

Closing Ceremony

The Closing Ceremony will be at the Castle of Good Hope, the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa and a key landmark in Cape Town’s early history.

Core Summit Venue

Our Delegates, VIPS, and attendees will spend a transformative three days at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Africa’s leading convention centre located in the heart of Cape Town, playing host to a series of presentations, panels, workshops and networking events.

Evening Social Programmes

The evening social programmes will take place at Cabo Beach Club on 4 November and Oranjezicht Market on 5 November, showcasing the best of Cape Town.

Workshop Facilitator Applications

Applications are now open

Deadline: 31 July 2026

Visa Guidance

Official guidance for entry requirements, invitation support, and the main visa planning steps ahead of travel to South Africa.

Branding Opportunities

Decks for exhibition, stages, and sponsorable items

Sales close: 28 August 2026

Exhibition Deck

Interactive Stage Deck

Sponsorable Items Deck

Delegate Speaker Applications

Open: 6 July 2026

Close: 28 August 2026