Kate Robertson’s vision for One Young World has transformed the company into a global hub for emerging leaders and social influence.

The organization’s annual summit brings together changemakers from over 190 countries and provides a platform to network, exchange ideas and drive positive change.

“It is clear that One Young World has become a really important global movement and certainly one of the most important youth leadership forums in the world,” said Robertson, who co-founded One Young World with David Jones in 2009.

“They represent the most informed, connected and educated generation in human history and they are well worth our time and efforts to ensure their voices are heard.”

Kate Robertson’s own career had an unusual beginning. She was chair of the British Havas group of companies in 2007 when someone challenged her to organize a conference for executives.

Kate Robertson was initially opposed to the idea, but soon realized that perhaps the world needed something like this.

“Imagine if I had these young people from all over the world. I’ve always been fascinated by leadership,” she reveals. “And that’s exactly how it all started.”

She began reaching out to influential people and secured the support of celebrities such as Sir Bob Geldof, the late human rights activist Desmond Tutu and former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan. Their invaluable support provided the impetus needed to launch One Young World over 14 years ago.

According to Robertson, the organization’s mission is clear: “To inspire, build and nurture young leaders because we believe that at the core of every global threat, every major problem we face – be it violence, peace, strife, climate change, nuclear war, etc. – lies a lack of leadership.”

The nonprofit’s annual summit is the heart of its efforts. The event brings together emerging leaders and creates a truly global community. Robertson emphasizes the transformative power of this gathering.

The diverse representation of One Young World

Through diverse representation, One Young World is always one step ahead of emerging global issues.

Last year’s impact report showed that the initiative has impacted over 8.86 million lives through projects in a wide range of areas, from education and healthcare to political engagement and environmental protection.

So how does One Young World identify potential changemakers?

Kate Robertson said: “It is most evident when a person develops a passion for something.

“When very young people ask themselves, ‘Am I a leader? How do I become a leader?’, that’s definitely a subject they’re passionate about,” she said in a YouTube interview with Danny Bartlett. “If you watch Steve Jobs’ amazing commencement speech, he talks about finding happiness. You know you have to have passion.”

Kate Robertson emphasizes that her formative years in apartheid South Africa significantly influenced her views on leadership and its importance.

“Coming from the country I came from, I know very well where leadership emerges. It was amazing leadership and how important it is. I’m afraid of situations where there is no leadership,” she said. “All human situations come to a point where leadership is needed, where change needs to happen. I think for a young person, leadership emerges where there is passion. The really difficult thing is that leadership emerges from terrible situations.”

Robertson cites examples like Malala Yousafzai and Nelson Mandela, who became leaders in horrific circumstances. She admits that she looks to younger generations and hopes that they don’t have to go through such intense struggles to emerge as leaders.

“It’s OK to have strong opinions about something and believe you can make a difference,” she added.

How Kate Robertson and One Young World are influencing the global narrative

While One Young World runs programs and initiatives throughout the year to train and develop leaders, its annual summits are the lifeblood of the organization. This year’s gathering will take place in Montreal from September 18-21. Speakers include Nobel Peace Prize winner Professor Muhammad Yunus, author of “The Handmaid’s Tale” Margaret Atwood, and Kimberly Bryant, founder and CEO of the Black Innovation Lab.

Another goal is to make these summits as inclusive as possible. About a third of One Young World’s participants receive fully funded scholarships that cover costs such as flights and visas. The organization announced that it aims to support 50% of participants with scholarships by 2030.

This focus on accessibility ensures that One Young World draws on a diverse pool of talent and perspectives.

Robertson’s passion for One Young World’s mission is evident. The incredible young leaders she meets continue to motivate her, and she warmly shares how gratifying – and inspiring – it is when an ambassador comes to her London office: “I see these young leaders and how much they care about their people and what they’re trying to do, and in circumstances that are unimaginable to me.”

As One Young World continues to grow and evolve under Robertson’s leadership, his impact on global youth leadership is undeniable. The organization has created a powerful platform for changemakers to connect, learn from each other, and drive positive change on a global scale. Robertson’s vision of establishing better leadership for a better world is becoming a reality with each and every leader.

“One Young World’s mission to empower young leaders becomes more urgent every day as the world faces multiple crises and leadership failures at the highest levels,” said Kate Robertson in One Young World’s 2023 Impact Report. “Every year, One Young World Ambassadors create meaningful social impact at scale around the world.”