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Day 2 of the 2025 World Bank Group Youth Summit brought a powerful conclusion to an inspiring two-day event that amplified youth voices, spotlighted innovative solutions, and fostered bold new collaborations for a livable planet. From delegate lightning talks and high-level panels to live pitch competitions and a celebratory soirée, the summit proved that the energy, talent, and urgency of youth are transforming the future of global development.
Morning Buzz Lightning Talks: Voices That Sparked the Day
The day kicked off with the Morning Buzz Lightning Talks, where delegates were given one minute to share their boldest ideas, most urgent challenges, or powerful testimonies around unlocking economic empowerment for young people.
Among the many compelling voices, Nigerian delegate Arinze Okigbo stood out as he declared, “Africa has so much talent. We don’t lack ideas—we lack platforms. Let this summit be one.” His words resonated across the room and set the tone for a day of bold dialogue and action.
Artistic Performance: The Power of Spoken Word
Next came a deeply moving artistic performance from Maryam Bukar Hassan, also known as Alhanislam, Founder of True My Voice. Through poetic verses, she reflected on inequality, displacement, and hope. “I’ve been told the world is full of opportunities—but only if your passport is stamped by peace, privilege, and proximity,” she recited to a captivated audience. The performance was a highlight of the summit, blending art with activism and leaving many visibly moved.
Creative Industries as a Driver of Economic Resilience
The morning plenary centered on how creative industries—media, fashion, arts, and culture—are fueling youth employment, innovation, and social change. The session spotlighted how creative sectors intersect with entrepreneurship, technology, and economic resilience, especially in fragile and underserved communities.
Speakers:
- Lucía Chain – Fashion and Textile Designer, LUCIA CHAIN
- Ayesha Barenblat – Founder & CEO, Remake
- Mayada Adil – Fashion Designer; UN Young Leader; Founder, La Loupe Creative
- Shwetha Eapen – Partnerships Lead, WBG Youth Summit 2025
- Simone Cipriani – Dean, Milano Fashion Institute; Senior Fellow, Re-Tech Center, École des Ponts
Fireside Chat: Treasury Transformed
In a key moment of the day, Marco Fayet, Deputy Manager of the Youth Summit, sat down with Jorge Familiar, Vice President & Treasurer of the World Bank, for a fireside chat titled “Treasury Transformed: The Future of Development Finance.”
Their conversation tackled the evolution of sustainable finance, and the importance of financial access in the development space. “We are designing new tools for the new economy,” Jorge said. “Because youth shouldn’t inherit outdated systems—they should help build the next ones.”
Innovation Lab Session 4: Case Solution Presentations
Delegates regrouped for Innovation Lab Session 4, where they presented their innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. Finalists were selected by panels of expert judges across breakout rooms, focusing on themes like youth employment, environmental sustainability, and digital inclusion.
This wasn’t just about ideas—it was about implementation. These youth-led presentations demonstrated feasibility, scalability, and a passion for impact.
Blockchain in Action: Development Impact in the Digital Age
A specialized session titled “Blockchain in Action” explored how decentralized technologies are transforming transparency, access, and accountability in global development.
Speakers:
- Burcu Mavis – Blockchain Academy & Acceler, UNDP
- Patrick Cheng – Lead Financial Officer, World Bank Treasury
- Anna Whitson-Diaz – Senior Partnerships Manager, Stellar Development Foundation
- Ani Popiashvili – Technology Lead, WBG Youth Summit 2025
- Kwadwo Owusu-Agyeman – Co-Founder, Akuna Wallet
Pitch Presentations and Live Final
After months of intense preparation, the six Pitch Competition Finalists presented their solutions live on stage. Selected from more than 2,100 applicants from 120 countries, the finalists delivered compelling pitches that addressed youth unemployment, climate innovation, financial access, and more.
Finalists:
- Shahd Noon
- Yuting JIANG
- Uynghiem Ngo
- Gloria Cherono
- Tom Kinyanjui Njoroge
- Karina Yamamoto
Awardees:
- Audience Choice Winner – Gloria Cherono
- PC Jury Winner – Yuting Jiang
- PC Jury Runner Up – Karina Yamamoto
These presentations were followed by a Q&A session with a jury panel featuring leaders from the UN, IMF, IDB, World Bank Treasury, and the IFC.
Career Development Sessions and Networking Café
The afternoon transitioned into practical opportunity-building through Career Development Sessions with institutions such as the UN, IMF, IDB, IFC, and World Bank Group. These sessions allowed delegates to gain insights into summer internships, junior analyst programs, and graduate pathways.
At the Networking Café, the energy was electric as delegates exchanged contacts, built future partnerships, and followed up on conversations from earlier sessions. It was more than networking—it was the start of lifelong collaborations.
Innovation Lab Finals & Awards Ceremony
In Innovation Lab Session 5, finalists presented their case solutions in front of a full audience of delegates. Following these, the Pitch Competition and Innovation Lab Awards Ceremony recognized outstanding projects and teams.
Presenters Included:
- Diyora Sodmonova
- Stefani Seminario
- Priya Kothari
- Samantha Duran
- Ana Nicolle Javier
- Misha Nicholas
- Hao Wang
- Lillian Smith
The excitement was tangible as winners were announced, not only validating their hard work but also launching many of them into new global opportunities.
Keynote & Closing Remarks
The day also featured a keynote video from Anna Bjerde, Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank, who emphasized the critical role of youth in achieving the goals of the World Bank and its partners.
The Summit then closed with heartfelt remarks by the Youth Summit Steering Committee, who reflected on the two-day journey and emphasized that the Summit is not the end—but a launchpad.
Group Photo & Summit Soirée
Before heading to the evening celebration, all in-person delegates gathered for a symbolic group photo—a portrait of global unity and youthful determination.
Later, the Summit Soirée brought energy, color, and cultural flair as delegates danced, connected, and celebrated the end of a transformative experience. Delegates were encouraged to wear traditional or cultural attire from their home countries, and the atmosphere was filled with pride, music, and joy.
The 2025 World Bank Group Youth Summit may have concluded—but the global youth movement it championed is only gaining momentum. Armed with ideas, networks, and new confidence, these young leaders are returning to their countries with one clear message: the future is not waiting to be shaped—it’s already in our hands.
