Global businesses throw support behind next generation leaders

The event, a global youth forum, will enable the 1,200 young delegates to speak with a whole range of business executives and campaigners, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Muhammad Yunus, and Sir Bob Geldof. The forum will also offer the businesses that have sponsored delegates to "gain insight into the minds of an agenda-setting generation who unlike any other have power in their hands their mastery of the social media network," according to an official statement. 

 

The 2011 event is the second One Young World to take place, following a successful inaugural conference held in London at the start of 2010.

 

The event will cover a number of broad subjects, including health, business, politics, and social unity.

 

"The world is facing a number of enormous challenges over the next fifty years as it tries to evolve from a consumption-driven economy, to a new, sustainable economy,” said Paul Polman, chief executive of Unilever, and a One Young World counsellor. “The leaders of today are just starting to grapple with the challenges; it will be the leaders of tomorrow who have to deliver the solutions to overcome them. Our job is to inspire these new leaders to seize the opportunities these challenges present.” 

  

Commenting on the impact of One Young World, Antony Jenkins, chief executive of Barclays Global Retail Banking, said: "One Young World is an inspiring forum, in which I am proud to play a part. Equally inspiring are the stories and ambitions of the One Young World delegates – our leaders of the future."

 

David Jones, CEO of Havas and One Young World co-founder, added: "Much of the change we are witnessing in the world today is being driven by young people and smart businesses are recognising that they should be paying more attention to what they have to say. The level of support that One Young World has received from leading businesses from all over the world is a powerful demonstration that smart business leaders understand that fact."

 

Among the events taking place at this year's One Young World is the launch of the Small Giants initiative by former Dragons' Den judge Doug Richard. 

 

Small Giants is a programme that will be broadcast across mobile, internet and mass media to help young business owners worldwide acquire the skills and support they need to launch a sustainable enterprise.

 

The launch can be watched live online at 11:00 (CEST) on Thursday 1 September at www.oneyoungworld.com/watchlive