Applications for the World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026 are open. Youth from around the world are welcome to apply to the World Bank Group Youth Summit 13th edition to attend the program in Washington, USA, or online. This global event brings together young changemakers, innovators, and leaders to explore solutions to today’s most pressing challenges.

Taking place on June 11-12, 2026, the Summit will be hosted both in-person at the World Bank Group headquarters in Washington, D.C., and across various regional hubs worldwide. The event is open to young individuals aged 18-35 who are eager to engage with global development leaders and drive meaningful impact.

theme #FutureWorks: Designing Jobs for the Digital Age, this year’s Summit will center on education and skills, entrepreneurship, and agriculture.

The 2026 World Bank Group Youth Summit, themed “FutureWorks: Designing Jobs for the Digital Age,” convenes to address a critical global urgency: bridging the projected employment gap where 1.2 billion young people in emerging markets will soon compete for only 400 million jobs. Focusing on the transformative pillars of Education, Entrepreneurship, and Agriculture, the Summit leverages the cross-cutting lenses of technology innovation, development financing, and resilience in fragile settings to empower scalable, youth-driven solutions. By serving as a catalyst for collaboration among young leaders, the private sector, and policymakers, the event aims to move beyond dialogue to action, ensuring the next generation is equipped to close the labor market divide and architect a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future of work.

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.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: March 11, 2026 (11:59 pm EST)
• Result Announcement Dates: Early April 2026
• Funding Type: Partially Funded
• Organizer: The World Bank Group
• Program date: June 11-12, 2026
• Eligible Countries: Worldwide
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Youth aged 18-35
• Focus Area: Digital Access and Inclusion, Artificial Intelligence, Sustainable Technology for a Livable Planet
• Host Country: Hybrid event – Online and Washington, DC

Benefits and Financial Aids

• Opportunity to pitch innovative ideas on a global platform.
• Engagement with experts, stakeholders, and young minds to shape the digital future.
• Be part of a prestigious global platform for youth-driven impact and innovation.
• Gain insights from industry leaders, policymakers, and development professionals.
• Expand your global network with like-minded individuals and experts.
  Join a network of 10,000+ alumni coming from 170+ countries. All delegates receive an official certificate of participation.
• Enhance your leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in a dynamic and engaging environment.

By becoming a delegate, you will not only contribute to meaningful discussions but also gain valuable knowledge and connections to further your impact in the development space. Apply to be part of this transformative experience!

Participation in various components of the WBG Youth Summit, which include:

• Keynote Addresses and Panel Discussions: Engage with world-renowned speakers, policymakers, and development experts on global challenges and innovative solutions.
• Innovation Lab: Take part in hands-on, interactive workshops to co-create innovative solutions for real World Bank Group Projects (for in-person delegates only).
• Interactive Q&A and Polling: Engage with speakers and panelists through live Q&A sessions and polls.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals, World Bank Group representatives, private-sector partners and fellow young leaders from around the world.
• Career Development Session: Get an opportunity to learn about different internships and programs that can launch your career in international development. Past presenters include colleagues from WBG, WB Treasury, IMF, UN, IDB, etc.
• Pitch Competition Final: Watch the Pitch Competition final live, where the top finalists showcase their groundbreaking youth-led initiatives and projects in a Shark Tank-style competition. Vote for the solution you think should win the Audience Choice Award.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Open to individuals aged 18-35 worldwide.
• There is no specific study level requirement.
• Submissions from diverse backgrounds and focus areas are encouraged.

Required Documents

The following are the main materials to submit for the World Bank Group Youth Summit.

As a delegate candidate, you need to have a passport to apply.

If you want to apply for the World Bank Youth Summit Pitch Challenge, you can submit the following :

• Proposal submission by March 11, 2026, in English, French, Spanish, or Arabic
• An expert committee evaluates pitch decks.

Selection Process

The following is the selection process for this opportunity:

• An expert committee evaluates applications.
• Shortlisted individuals/teams announced in early April.
• Feedback and refinement stage in April 2026.
• Virtual interview with a panel of technical experts.
• Finalists pitch their ideas at the Youth Summit on June 11-12, 2026.

How to Apply?

Please complete the application form in full and submit it by the deadline.

Apply Now

For further inquiries, visit the  World Bank website.

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