🌍 World Bank Youth Summit 2026 is one of the largest global events for young leaders, innovators, and changemakers ages 18-35, hosted by the World Bank Group. The Summit will take place June 11 – 12, 2026 in Washington, D.C., USA, with hybrid (in-person + virtual) participation options.
This year’s theme is “FutureWorks: Designing Jobs for the Digital Age”—focusing on transforming the future of work through digital skills, entrepreneurship, education, and inclusive economic solutions.
Key Dates & Details
- 📅 Event Dates: June 11-12, 2026
- 📍 Location: Washington, D.C., USA + Online (Hybrid)
- ⏳ Deadline: March 11, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)
- 🎯 Eligible Ages: 18-35 years old
- 🎓 Format: Keynotes, workshops, strategy dialogues, networking, pitch competition
- 💼 Benefits: Fully funded travel for selected delegates (subject to selection), global exposure, certificates, workshops, expert sessions
Table of Contents
Overview
The World Bank Youth Summit 2026 is the World Bank Group’s flagship annual youth event, uniting thousands of young people globally to discuss economic opportunities, digital transformation, and job creation. Participants engage with global leaders, participate in interactive workshops, and share solutions that tackle key development challenges.
This edition’s theme, FutureWorks: Designing Jobs for the Digital Age, centers on how youth can lead innovation in education, skills development, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and technology-driven inclusion. The format brings together keynote speakers, panel discussions, hands-on innovation labs, networking spaces, and a pitch competition for groundbreaking ideas.
In addition, the World Bank Youth Summit 2026 provides a unique platform for meaningful dialogue between youth and senior representatives from international organizations, governments, private sector institutions, and civil society. Participants gain direct exposure to policy discussions, innovative financing models, and scalable solutions that address unemployment and digital transformation challenges worldwide. The Summit also strengthens cross-border collaboration by connecting young entrepreneurs, researchers, and development practitioners who are actively working on technology-driven impact projects. Through interactive breakout sessions and high-level networking spaces, attendees can build long-term partnerships and expand their global professional networks beyond the two-day event.
Eligibility
To apply to the World Bank Youth Summit 2026, applicants must:
- Be 18-35 years old throughout the Summit dates.
- Be a national of one of the World Bank Group member countries.
- Apply either as an individual or as part of a team (up to 5 people).
- Meet specific track requirements (delegate or pitch competition).
Tracks available:
- Delegate Track: Participate in discussions, workshops, and networking.
- Pitch Competition: Present an innovative project addressing job creation, inclusive growth, or digital-age challenges.
Application Details
🔗 How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online in English through the official platform (official link below).
👉 Before applying: review eligibility, prepare campaign/project materials (if joining the pitch competition), and ensure all documents meet criteria.
📅 Application Timeline
- Applications Open: February 2026
- Application Deadline: March 11, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)
- Review & Interviews: March-April 2026
- Summit & Finals: June 11-12, 2026
FAQ
Q1: Is the Summit fully funded?
A: Selected in-person delegates and pitch competition finalists may receive travel support, accommodation, and participation support, depending on selection and eligibility.
Q2: Can I attend virtually?
A: Yes, the Summit offers a hybrid format where many sessions are accessible online.
Q3: What should I prepare for the pitch competition?
A: A pitch deck, project proposal, and video pitch that clearly show your solution’s impact and scalability.
Q4: Do I need to pay an application fee?
A: No application fee is required to apply.
Official Link
👉 Apply & Get Full Details:
🔗 World Bank Youth Summit 2026 Official Page – World Bank
https://www.worldbank.org/
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