The World Bank Group Youth Summit 2025 kicked off with energy, vision, and purpose, drawing over 300 dynamic young leaders from across the globe. Under the theme “New Horizons: Youth-Led Innovation for a Livable Planet,” Day 1 set the tone for a transformative two-day gathering aimed at tackling some of the world’s most pressing development challenges through youth-driven ideas.

Opening Remarks: Rallying the Next Generation

The day opened with remarks from Raaga Akkineni, Youth Summit Manager, who welcomed delegates with a powerful message on youth agency and global responsibility. She was joined by Marco Fayet, Deputy Manager, who emphasized the behind-the-scenes efforts that brought the summit to life a volunteer-led feat driven by the World Bank’s own young professionals.

Keynote Speech with Axel van Trotsenburg

In a landmark keynote, Axel van Trotsenburg, Senior Managing Director of the World Bank, delivered an inspiring message on inclusive development, multilateralism, and the crucial role of youth in building peace and resilience. His Q&A with delegates brought the message home: the next generation must not only be heard they must lead.

Civil Society Organization Roundtable From Awareness to Action

This session spotlighted global partnerships that empower youth:

• Robin Mearns – Global Director, Social Development, World Bank
• Pauline Deneufbourg – Youth Specialist, UNDP
• Benjamin Lutz – Youth Summits Director, YPFP
• Anoushka Sinha – Founder & Director, Anupam Foundation
• Alla Ivanov – 2025 Summit Pitch Competition Co-Lead

Together, they explored the bridge between civic awareness and sustainable action through youth inclusion in development.

Plenary

Data-Driven & Digital Solutions for Development: Youth Innovating for Peace and Resilience

A deep dive into how digital tools are reshaping global development featured:

• Johan Bjurman Bergman – Digital Development Specialist, World Bank
• Sinead Bovell – Founder, WAYE
• Beverly Hatcher-Mbu – Director of Policy, Development Gateway
• Carola Krainz – Associate Operations Officer, IFC
• Cynthia Mene – Consultant, IFC

The panel emphasized data equity, responsible innovation, and the urgent need for youth to shape digital futures.

Plenary

Seeds of Change: Youth-Led Solutions for Resilient Agriculture & Food Security

Climate and agriculture were front and center with a global panel tackling food systems and innovation:

• Anna Bjerde – Managing Director of Operations, World Bank
• Valerie Hickey – Global Director, Climate Change, World Bank
• Phillip Zimmer – Data Science Consultant, World Bank
• Nathan Hulley – Chief of Party, Feed the Future, DAI
• Guadaluna Chaer – Founder, LEED Robotics & 2024 Pitch Competition Winner

Together, they shared how AI, climate innovation, and community-led projects are transforming agricultural resilience.

Innovation Labs: Hands-on Problem Solving Begins

After lunch, delegates transitioned into the Innovation Lab, a signature component of the Summit where small teams worked intensively on real case studies provided by World Bank Group units. With topics spanning agriculture, climate resilience, and digital transformation, participants were guided by expert facilitators and prepped to present their solutions to a panel of judges on Day 2.

Key features of the Innovation Lab included:

• Case challenges grounded in real development projects
• Cross-regional collaboration in diverse delegate teams
• Support from World Bank staff and global experts
• Presentation prep with feedback loops and design coaching

As the room buzzed with ideas, whiteboards, Post-its, and animated debates, the message was clear: youth are not waiting they’re building.

Partners Expo: Tech, Networking & a Robot Dog

As the day closed, the Partners Expo and Happy Hour gave delegates a chance to explore tech demos, connect with development partners, and even interact with a robotic dog a clear nod to the summit’s embrace of futuristic, youth-led solutions.

Closing Note for Day 1

A special thanks was extended to the Youth Summit Steering Committee, whose months of planning and coordination made Day 1 seamless and inspiring. Their vision, hard work, and global coordination proved that youth leadership is not just the future it’s already shaping the present.

Coming Up: Day 2 Highlights

• Innovation Lab presentations before juries
• Live pitches from top teams
• Career development workshops
• Awards ceremony and the Summit Soirée

Stay tuned as the energy continues to rise Day 2 promises even more inspiration, innovation, and impact.

 

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