WORLD — The World Bank Group (WBG) Youth Summit concluded its first two days with a strong focus on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, innovation, and career development, bringing together young leaders, policymakers, and development professionals from around the world.
Day One opened with a leadership session featuring Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private-sector arm of the World Bank Group, who emphasized the importance of meaningful youth engagement in decision-making processes.
"We need to move from designing solutions for young people to designing solutions with young people," Diop said, highlighting the need for greater collaboration between institutions and youth communities.
Entrepreneurship and Access to Finance
A key discussion on entrepreneurship and access to finance brought together founders and investors to explore the opportunities and challenges facing entrepreneurs today.
Participants agreed that advances in artificial intelligence are lowering barriers to entry, making it easier and more affordable than ever to launch new ventures.
The day also showcased the Summit’s global Hackathon competition, where young innovators presented solutions developed under tight deadlines.
Paschal Donohoe, Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer of the World Bank Group, underscored the importance of impact-driven leadership, noting that professional titles are less significant than the positive change individuals create.
The second day of the Summit focused on career development and resilience in the field of international development. Donohoe encouraged participants to remain optimistic despite global uncertainties, stressing that significant opportunities remain available for the next generation of leaders.
"The opportunities are gigantic," he said, emphasizing that success is often built through perseverance, kindness, and commitment rather than careful planning alone.
A panel featuring six young professionals from the World Bank Group, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), UNICEF, and other organizations offered practical career advice and shared personal experiences navigating the development sector.
Skills Over Prestige
Panelists encouraged participants to focus on skills and opportunities rather than organizational prestige. Speakers emphasized the importance of understanding the substance of a role rather than becoming attached to institutional brands, while encouraging young professionals to actively create opportunities for themselves.
They also highlighted curiosity, proactivity, adaptability, and continuous learning as essential qualities for building a successful career in international development.
The discussions reinforced a common theme throughout the Summit: young people are not waiting for change to happen, they are actively shaping the future through innovation, leadership, and collaboration.
