One Young World opens first African conference in October

The One Young World Summit 2013, scheduled for 2-5 October 2013 in Johannesburg, has announced its list of global leaders from business, politics, fashion, science and sport, who will act as counsellors. It is the first summit held in Africa, following previous events in London, Zurich and Pittsburgh.

Johannesburg executive mayor, Clr Parks Tau says the city is proud to be associated with "a dynamic global organisation such as One Young World which, in its short existence, has become a tremendous force for good and a great catalyst to communicate the aspirations of the younger generation to international leaders."

Counsellors

Counsellors play a crucial role at the summits, addressing delegates and leading plenary sessions in tackling the core issues voted for by delegates. They will work with the 1300 young leaders gathered from over 180 countries to address solutions to challenges including education, global business, human rights, sustainable development and transparency. This year includes:

• Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder and MD of soleRebels, World Economic Forum Young Global Leader
• Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General
• Boris Becker, former tennis World No 1 and youngest ever Wimbledon champion
• Fatima Bhutto, author
• Kathy Calvin, president and CEO, United Nations Foundation
• Lily Cole, model and actress
• Ron Garan, astronaut
• Bob Geldof, activist and musician, creator of Live Aid aged 33
• Arianna Huffington, founder, Huffington Post
• Antony Jenkins, global chief executive, Barclays
• Ahmed Kathrada, former political advisor to President Mandela
• Elio Leoni-Sceti, CEO, Igloo
• Trevor Ncube, publisher, South Africa Mail and Guardian
• Francois Pienaar, former South Africa rugby union captain
• Paul Polman, Global CEO, Unilever
• Hans Reitz, founder, Grameen Creative Lab
• Doug Richard, founder, School for Startups
• Carole Stone, Chairman, Advisory Board, YouGov-Cambridge
• Natalia Vodianova, model and philanthropist
• Muhammad Yunus, founder, Grameen Bank and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

In 2013, One Young World has worked with the Kofi Annan Foundation and the ITU to broadcast the Kofi Annan Dialogues, giving ambassadors the chance to engage in discussions with the former UN Secretary General on themes including leadership and youth unemployment.

Support from today's leaders

David Jones, co-founder of One Young World and Global CEO, Havas, commented, "The event has always been fortunate to have the committed support of some of the world's most inspiring, influential and generous leaders. We are both honoured that so many existing Counsellors are returning for 2013 Summit and that others will be making their debut in Johannesburg. The input, mentoring and leadership of counsellors are a key part of ensuring that One Young World achieves its core aim - helping this incredible and unique generation of young leaders achieve its ambition and potential."

Kate Robertson, co-founder of One Young World, added, "We are grateful to our prestigious counsellors for lending the brilliant young delegates their time and support. Many of this year's counsellors were at one point young leaders themselves and as such are perfectly poised to offer their support and words of wisdom to this generation's most inspiring individuals. The encouragement and motivation they can deliver will have a tremendous impact on the lives of these young leaders."

The City of Johannesburg and Brand South Africa will be supporting One Young World at this year's summit. Dublin is the host city of One Young World Summit 2014.

For more information, go to www.oneyoungworld.com.