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.

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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

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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.

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The WBG Youth Summit is the World Bank Group’s premier event for young leaders worldwide. As a delegate, you will have the opportunity to engage with global development leaders, participate in high-level discussions, and contribute to shaping solutions to pressing global challenges. Delegates are emerging changemakers who are passionate about development issues and eager to collaborate with like-minded peers. We are looking for students, young professionals, and entrepreneurs with a passion for technology, development policy, youth employment and inclusive economic growth.

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Under the theme "FutureWorks: Designing Jobs for the Digital Age," we are seeking driven young changemakers from around the world who are actively shaping new jobs, skills, and opportunities in a rapidly changing digital economy to join us in Washington, D.C. on June 11 and 12, or virtually.

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This year, the Summit will explore education and skills, entrepreneurship, and agriculture through the lenses of technology, development finance, and fragile settings. This application is your opportunity to bring forward ideas, initiatives, or perspectives that can help redefine these themes.

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We invite you to apply, and join us 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.

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To be considered, applicants must meet the following age criteria: Delegates must be born between 13 June 1990 and 11 June 2008 (inclusive).

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This reflects:

• 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