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World Bank Youth Summit 2026 and World Bank, Washington D.C. (June 11, 2026)
The World Bank Youth Summit 2026 stands as the premier global gathering for young leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs committed to solving international development challenges. Specifically themed “#FutureWorks: Designing Jobs for the Digital Age,” this summit invites visionaries to tackle the projected 800 million job gap in emerging markets. Consequently, the event serves as a critical incubator for innovation, bringing together thousands of participants to engage with the World Bank Group’s leadership.
Program Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Program Title | World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 |
| Organizing Institution | World Bank Group (WBG) |
| Summit Dates | June 11 – 12, 2026 |
| Mode of Delivery | Hybrid (Washington, D.C. and Online) |
| Location | World Bank Headquarters, Washington, D.C., USA |
| Core Theme | FutureWorks: Designing Jobs for the Digital Age |
Program Overview
The World Bank Youth Summit 2026 is the 13th edition of the institution’s largest annual youth event. It is designed to empower young people aged 18–35 to explore bold solutions for global employment and productivity. Furthermore, the summit addresses the urgent need to bridge the employment gap where 1.2 billion youth will soon compete for only 400 million available jobs.
The mission of the summit is threefold: to empower youth innovation, to equip participants with impactful tools, and to foster a global dialogue between the next generation and key international stakeholders. Specifically, the summit emphasizes how digital technologies can foster inclusive growth in fragile and conflict-affected settings.
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure a high standard of impact and diversity, the World Bank Youth Summit 2026 follows strict eligibility guidelines:
- Age Limit: Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old (born between June 13, 1990, and June 13, 2008).
- Nationality: Open to nationals of all World Bank Group member countries.
- Team Composition: For the Pitch Competition, teams may consist of 1 to 5 members.
- Diverse Backgrounds: Applications are encouraged from students, young professionals, and social entrepreneurs.
- Proposal Focus: Solutions must leverage technology, entrepreneurship, or sustainable agriculture to create decent work opportunities.
Curriculum & Topics Covered
The 2026 summit focuses on three transformative pillars that are essential for the future of work:
- Education and Skills: Reimagining vocational training and skill-building for the digital economy.
- Entrepreneurship: Scaling youth-led ventures that drive job creation and productivity.
- Agriculture: Integrating digital innovation and sustainable practices into food systems.
In addition to these pillars, the summit integrates cross-cutting lenses such as development financing and resilience in fragile settings to ensure that solutions are scalable and sustainable.
Learning Outcomes
Participants in the World Bank Youth Summit 2026 will achieve several key professional milestones:
- Expert Mentorship: Finalists receive tailored coaching from International Finance Corporation (IFC) specialists.
- Global Networking: Build collaborative networks with over 10,000 Youth Summit alumni and global policy leaders.
- Hands-on Training: Engagement in Innovation Lab workshops (for in-person delegates) to solve real-world development cases.
- Certification: All participants receive an official certificate from the World Bank Group.
Registration Details
| Detail | Information |
| Registration Link | Apply |
| Application Deadline | March 11, 2026 (11:59 PM EST) |
| Registration Fee | Free |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded for Selected Pitch Finalists |
| Selection Announcement | Early April 2026 |
Key Highlights
The summit is renowned for its Pitch Competition, a global stage where finalists present their projects to international investors and experts. Additionally, the event features career development sessions that offer insights into internships and professional pathways within major international organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the World Bank Youth Summit 2026 fully funded?
Yes, for selected Pitch Competition finalists, the World Bank covers travel, accommodation, and a stipend for living expenses. General online participation is also free of charge.
Who is eligible to apply for the summit?
Any individual aged 18 to 35 who is a national of a World Bank member country is eligible. This includes students, researchers, and early-stage entrepreneurs.
What is the theme for the 2026 edition?
The theme is “FutureWorks: Designing Jobs for the Digital Age,” focusing on how digital transformation influences education, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
Can I apply as an individual or do I need a team?
You may apply for the World Bank Youth Summit 2026 as an individual or as part of a team consisting of up to five members for the Pitch Competition.
When will the finalists be announced?
Shortlisted candidates and finalists are typically notified by early April 2026, following a rigorous evaluation by an expert committee.