The news from Zurich is that Joburg will host One Young World in 2013. “We’re thrilled, delighted, ecstatic!”says Lindiwe Kwele CEO of the Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTC), who attended the final event of the 2011 Summit in Zurich, where the announcement was made on Saturday evening.
“JTC’s Conference and Events Bureau team has put in so much effort over the past few months, bidding for OWY and we are so excited to be bringing this high profile event to Joburg in two years’ time.”
One Young World (OYW)* is a dynamic global platform for young leaders making a substantial difference and tangible impact in their communities.
Its purpose is to connect and bring together the youngest, brightest and best minds the world over, to ensure that their concerns, opinions and solutions are heard.
While the first OYW Summit was held in London in 2010, this year more than 1200 young leaders from over 170 counties attended the event in Zurich from 1 – 4 September 2011.
“Clinching the event for Johannesburg and Africa is important on so many levels,” says Kwele.
“Africa is the continent which has the largest proportion (20%) of youth - as a demographic component of population – and it would be significant to host this event on a continent which so many young people call home and which offers so many opportunities and challenges."
"As the African continent’s most accessible hub and vibrant business locations, Joburg makes sense as an appropriate destination to inspire youthful leadership, networking and brainstorming solutions to issues across the spectrum – from healthcare, development, finance and business – to social issues and politics.”
