Youth Summit 2024: Powering Progress: Youth Leading the Digital Transformation

The WBG Youth Summit 2024’s theme is Powering Progress: Youth Leading the Digital Transformation, spotlighting youth using technology to solve development challenges. In alignment with the World Bank’s Digital Development Practice, the summit will focus on three subthemes:

1) Digital Access and Inclusion

2) Artificial Intelligence

3) Sustainable Technology for a Livable Planet

When discussing these subthemes, the summit will focus on three fresh perspectives on technology: Youth in areas affected by Fragility, Conflict and Violence (FCV), Women in Tech and Rural Youth. By giving recognition to these groups, pioneering ideas will be presented on the world stage that tackle the digital divide, promote inclusive and sustainable development, and explore the opportunities and challenges associated with emerging technologies. With the aim of empowering youth to harness the potential of technology, the summit will bring together young minds, experts, and stakeholders to shape the digital future and drive progress towards a more inclusive and sustainable world.

Why is relevant?

In today's fast-paced world, young people are confronted with a multitude of complex challenges, ranging from the threat of climate change to unemployment and violent conflicts. These challenges demand innovative solutions, and that's where digital technologies come into play.​ 

Digital tools not only help us tackle global challenges and respond to unexpected shocks, but they also open new avenues for job creation, market expansion, and improved efficiency. Technology allows for urban planning in smart cities, digital financial services for previously unbanked populations, disease surveillance data platforms to stop the spread, and unlimited other possibilities. ​ 

However, a glaring digital divide is hindering progress and limiting opportunities, with 2.6 billion people offline globally. The World Bank Youth Summit 2024 will be dedicated to addressing this divide by discussing digital access and the development solutions that can follow using AI and sustainable and green technology. 

The Summit will bring together young people, the World Bank Group, and the international community to discuss the impact of digital transformation. Historically marginalized voices, including women in technology, FCV-affected youth, and rural youth will be showcased as we explore ways to bridge the digital gap by providing skills, infrastructure, and promoting technological literacy.

NEW DEADLINE: March 5^th, 2024, 11:59 pm EST

The WBG Youth Summit 2024 Pitch Competition is an exciting opportunity for young change-makers to showcase their innovative solutions addressing global challenges. Open to individuals aged 18-35 worldwide, this competition provides a dynamic platform for presenting your ideas to an international audience through compelling pitch decks.

The Pitch Competition will focus on impactful technology addressing challenges relating to youth in FCV-affected areas, women in the tech space and the digital inclusion of rural youth. The transition to a technology-enabled world accentuates the need to reduce vulnerabilities and socio-economic disparities in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.   

We encourage submissions from diverse backgrounds and focus areas with a special interest in addressing the following themes:

• Bridging the Digital Divide: Solutions that promote digital inclusion and establish reliable connectivity, overcoming barriers to ensure universal digital access.
• Intelligence for Good: Explore the potential of artificial intelligence to combat socioeconomic inequalities, drive meaningful change, and address issues related to equality and inclusion.
• Sustainable Technology: Showcase digital innovations that advance sustainable living and resource preservation. Incorporate green technology to promote eco-friendly practices and contribute to the transition towards a low-carbon economy.

We invite you to submit your groundbreaking ideas that have the power to make a real difference in the world. This global competition seeks to reward the most innovative projects, so get ready to shape the future with your solutions.

Calendar of Events

Registration opens on February 1^st, 2024

Information Session on February 14th, 2024
Watch the replay here to learn more about this year’s competition theme and participation details.

Submit your proposal (Deadline: March 5^th, 2024, 11:59 pm EST) - APPLY HERE
Pitch decks will be evaluated by an expert committee. Shortlisted individuals/teams will be announced by early April and will proceed to the next stage. Applications can be submitted using in Arabic, English, French or Spanish, and you can use the template (English, French, Spanish, Arabic) for guidance.

Refine your idea and prepare your pitch (April 2024)

Individuals/teams shortlisted in Stage 2 will receive feedback on their pitch deck. They may be asked to submit further information or refine their pitch deck. Shortlisted candidates will also be invited for a virtual interview with a panel of technical experts from the World Bank.

Pitch your idea at the Youth Summit (May 30^th – 31^st, 2024)

Finalists will join the 2024 World Bank Youth Summit hosted at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Travel expenses, including lodging and a nominal stipend for up to three nights, will be covered for one representative per team. The representative is required to obtain a valid U.S. visa for their travel. Other team members can participate in the event through the virtual platform.

Still have questions? Explore our FAQ (English, French, Spanish, Arabic) or reach out to us at youthsummit@worldbank.org with the subject "PITCH COMPETITION".

Once again, this year, the World Bank Group (WBG) Youth Summit will feature an action-based learning component through the Case Challenge competition on the theme "Powering Progress: Youth Leading the Digital Transformation" (the “Case Challenge”). The Case Challenge is an integrated part of the WBG Youth Summit taking place on May 30-31, 2024.

The Case Challenge collaborative element is an essential part of the 2024 WBG Youth Summit  on the promotion of efficient local solutions contributing to global development, with a vision for fostering an environment of belonging and increasing engagement between all delegates, the WBG and the facilitators.

During the 2024 Summit, all attending delegates will engage in this Case Challenge designed to provide hands-on experience. This team-based, simulated scenario will allow participants to actively identify pivotal challenges and opportunities in fostering local solutions for equitable growth. Through facilitated working sessions led by leading development practitioners, the participants will work with their peers to develop and present their solutions. The Case Challenge will provide a unique opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, problem-solving skills, and creativity while co-creating and networking with peers and experts in the field.

Participants are divided into random groups to form high-performing case teams. Teams are tasked with devising a proposed solution to the given case prompt within an allotted time and presenting their solutions to a panel comprised of WBG senior leads and external partners. With such an eclectic array of experiences and skills within every group, individuals will enhance their own communication and teamwork skills.

Read through the FAQ below to get more information.

FAQ

1. What is the “Youth Leading the Digital Transformation” Case Challenge?
The Case Challenge is a guided workshop for all the in-person participants of the Youth Summit, where teams propose solutions to cases based on real World Bank Group projects. 

The Case Challenge provides delegates with a unique opportunity to craft solutions aimed at addressing primary challenges encountered by regional communities. These solutions not only address local issues but also have the potential to yield global impact upon implementation. During the Case Challenge, the teams will focus on one of the three salient sub-themes: (i) digital access and inclusion; (ii) artificial intelligence; and (iii) sustainable tech for a livable planet, applied to a specific region. Under these themes, the following development challenges will be taken into consideration: women in tech, rural youth and youth in areas affected by fragility, conflict, and violence.

2. What is the difference between the Case Challenge and the Youth Summit Pitch Competition?
The Case Challenge is a guided workshop for all the in-person participants of the Youth Summit, where teams propose solutions to cases based on real World Bank Group projects. It is a foundational action-based learning component of the Youth Summit, seamlessly integrated into the two-day event.

The Pitch Competition is an annual competition that runs concurrent with the Youth Summit and culminates during the two-day event. Ahead of the Summit, young professionals from all over the world are invited to propose innovative, action-oriented business-level or policy-level solutions that illustrate how technology can address challenges relating to youth in FCV-affected areas, women in the tech space and the digital inclusion of rural youth. A jury of experts will pre-select the most compelling proposals based on three pillars and invite their authors (individuals or teams) to pitch them during the live competition. Winners will be designated by votes from the jury and members of the audience. For more information on the WBG Youth Summit Competition, please consult the Pitch Competition section of our website.

3. What kind of work is done on the cases?
The proposed cases are rooted in actual WBG and Deloitte initiatives, strategically chosen to prompt Delegates to delve deeply into the core development issues of the Youth Summit subthemes. Through this process, they will tailor solutions to the unique context of each region. Delegates will hone their research, teamwork, and consulting skills by engaging in problem-solving exercises modelled after real-world scenarios. Facilitators and frameworks will provide guidance throughout, aiding Delegates in effectively addressing the challenges presented.

4. Who will take part in the Case Challenge?
All 200-300 delegates selected to attend the 2024 World Bank Group Summit in Washington DC at the WBG headquarters will be required to participate in the Case Challenge. The delegates will be randomly split into 7 regional groups and will work in teams of approximately 8-10 people to solve the challenge.

5. Do participants have to apply individually or as part of a team?
By applying to attend the 2024 edition in person, participants are automatically required to take part in the Case Challenge. All teams are formed randomly during the actual event, to test the effectiveness of the delegates’ communication and teamwork skills when teamed up with people they have not known previously.

6. Is any previous case experience required?
This is meant to be a fun and learning experience, so no previous experience is required.

7. Is there a participation fee?
No.

8. Who designs/gives the case?
The cases are provided by the WBG Youth Summit organizers and have been designed with the help of a group of young and experienced World Bank Group volunteers.

9. Who is facilitating the Case Challenge?
Facilitators are young, skilled professionals who possess substantial expertise in digital access and inclusion, artificial intelligence, and sustainable technology. Their role is to lead participants through each stage of the Case Challenge, fostering engaging discussions, ensuring seamless interaction, and addressing any queries that may arise, thus enhancing the overall experience.

10. When and where is the Case Challenge going to be held?
The Case Challenge is fully integrated into the Youth Summit so that participants can be inspired by the discussions they attend during the panel sessions on the global impact of local development strategies and apply their learnings to the Case Challenge. This year’s Case Challenge section will be 100% in-person at the WBG HQ in Washington D.C.

11. How is the winning team of the Case Challenge determined?
On the event's second day, all teams will present their solutions within their respective regional groups, with a jury comprised of WBG senior leaders and external partners selecting a winning team for each region. Following a final round of presentations by the seven winning regional teams, the audience will vote to elect the global winning team.

12. What do participants get out of this?

• Participants will have the opportunity to get a hands-on experience of the work conducted at the WBG by working on cases based on real WBG projects.
• Participants will have the opportunity to experience the challenges of tackling a development case under the mentorship of professionals in this area.
• Participants will have the opportunity to apply knowledge gained during the plenary sessions and apply them directly, to learn more interactively on the global impact of localized solutions to development challenges across communities and regions.
• Participants will have the opportunity to network with professionals and team members and to learn more about opportunities for future collaboration.
• Following deliberations of the panel of experts, the global winning team will receive a symbolic prize and the chance to write a blog to be published on a WBG page (all prizes to be confirmed). 

This year's Youth Summit Steering Committee members are: