The 2025 One Young World summit returns to Munich Nov. 3-6 with renewed purpose at the historic Olympiahalle. The gathering signals Germany’s commitment to encouraging youth leadership while tackling pressing global issues through cross-border collaboration.
Ella Robertson McKay, One Young World’s managing director, outlines an ambitious agenda centered on Munich’s core strengths. “We are working on polling our global community about summit themes. Munich’s expertise in responsible technology, peace, and security will feature prominently,” she says.
The summit’s choice of Munich reflects strategic considerations beyond logistics. The city’s position as a technology hub, combined with its role hosting the Munich Security Conference, creates unique opportunities for delegates to engage with experts in multiple fields.
Corporate partnerships with Siemens and BMW underscore the summit’s connection to Munich’s industrial heritage and technological future. These relationships, forged during the original 2020 bid process, provide delegates with direct access to industry leaders and technical expertise.
“The delegates will get to experience the incredible hospitality in the city of Munich, which is really a hub of innovation,” Ella Robertson McKay remarks.
The main proceedings at Messe München facilitate both large-scale gatherings and intimate working sessions.
The 2025 gathering represents a full return to form following COVID-19 pandemic restrictions experienced the last time the gathering took place in Munich. “We had a wonderful summit in 2021, which was the first conference to take place in Germany post-pandemic. But clearly, with 2 meters apart, and testing, and social distancing, and masks, it was not a true One Young World summit,” Robertson McKay notes.
Delegate selection emphasizes both achievement and potential. “Our scholarships remove barriers, ensuring access for talented individuals who might otherwise miss out. If you’re a young leader making a difference in your community, this is your opportunity to shine on the world stage,” Ella Robertson McKay states.
A Look Back at Last Year’s One Young World Summit
During One Young World’s 2024 summit in Montreal, youth ambassadors pulled their chairs up to a global table to discuss tough topics that will essentially shape the future for all.
As a young Generation Z advocate for ocean and climate action, Bodhi Patil — an ambassador at the Montreal event — has earned recognition from the United Nations and received multiple awards for his environmental work. When he was only in eighth grade, he established InnerLight, an initiative focused on helping his generation develop internal strength to address climate challenges.
His efforts to enhance both ocean sustainability and human well-being have garnered attention from major media platforms, including CNN, TEDx, UN Web TV, Forbes, and Apple.
“We can’t wait for global leaders to take action,” Patil told HuffPost UK. “It falls to grassroots movements, Indigenous leaders, and local communities to drive change and hold the world accountable for climate finance commitments.”
In addition to emerging trailblazers, seasoned executives have also expressed appreciation for the unique synergy One Young World delivers through its partnerships.
“That’s what’s great about this event,” said Marie-Krystine Longpré, a Montreal business leader. “We realize that the world’s youth have the same concerns.”
The summit structure promotes substantive engagement over passive attendance. Working sessions focus on developing practical implementation strategies while building connections that support post-summit collaboration. Previous gatherings demonstrated how these relationships often catalyze new initiatives and cross-border projects.
Ella Robertson McKay Reveals What’s To Come for Next Summit
Cultural programming complements formal summit activities, allowing delegates to experience Munich’s heritage while building informal networks. These connections often prove as valuable as official proceedings, leading to lasting partnerships and collaborative projects.
The summit timing aligns with several major international development milestones, positioning delegates to contribute meaningfully to global policy discussions. Previous gatherings showed how young leaders bring fresh perspectives to persistent challenges.
“The One Young World Summit in Munich will be a launchpad for the solutions our world so desperately needs,” Ella Robertson McKay says. “We can’t wait to welcome this year’s scholars and watch their journeys unfold.”
The Olympiahalle’s architectural significance provides a fitting backdrop for launching ambitious initiatives. Its history of hosting international gatherings adds gravitas to the summit’s mission of uniting diverse perspectives in pursuit of common goals.
“The global stage at One Young World… this gives me excitement as an innovator and a tech enthusiast,” stated Abideen Olasupo, a One Young World delegate speaker.
