One Young World

“I was privileged to be chosen as the flag bearer for Croatia. The electrifying excitement started at the rehearsal and exploded in the full concert hall several hours later. It wasn’t the jitters of performing in front of an audience but rather the idea of having this diversity under one roof so engaged and determined to work together no matter what color is the tint in our flags.

Prior to the One Young World 2019, London hosted only one event comparable in number of different nations participating – the Olympic games in 2012.

In the Royal Albert Hall, more than 190 nations were represented by the 2000 One Young World delegates. Delegates of different cultures, languages, religions and views have joined a unique quest to create a better world.  

And there couldn’t be a more fitting, multicultural city to host such an event other than London. Over 250 languages are spoken in London, making the capital the most linguistically diverse city in the world. The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, celebrated these differences in his speech and how we can leverage them to grow, united.   

Similarly to the Olympics in the highlight of the opening ceremony, each of the nations was represented by its own flag bearer.

There may have been 190 flags but they were all moved by one soul of the new generation.

The flag is a symbol of a country’s heritage, identity and pride. The flag bearers have paid respect to their own flag by waving them, high, in front of the whole world to see. The enthusiasm and the energy with which they have cut through the heated atmosphere of the Royal Hall was only trumped by the plethora of national dresses that the flag bearers wore. 

There may have been 190 flags but they were all moved by one soul of the new generation. A generation that is the most informed, most educated, most connected generation in human history.

Let’s learn from our past and instead of fighting our differences, let’s take advantage of them to build a better tomorrow, together!

Post written by Mihael Plut.

Mihael is an EEDP alum with GE Renewables. Mihael has been involved in social impact with GE through a buildOn trek to Senegal and is passionate about education and political inclusion.

“Today’s opening ceremony was full of energy from start to finish. We opened with a beautiful spoken word poem before transitioning to our keynote speakers and various dance and musical performances. 

It’s an incredible and overwhelming feeling to be at a forum designed to bring the world’s young, educated, passionate leaders together. 

~2k delegates were selected from 50k+ applicants across 190+ countries

20M people have been impacted by connections made at OYW since 2010

A place where change happens…together. Despite any differences we may have, these are dedicated ambassadors making a positive impact on the world. 

Among all the speakers and performances (OYW Founders, Mayor of London, Flag bearers from all countries etc.) one message stood out to me the most.

“We are here to shape the future instead of letting the future shape us.”

I felt this in real time when I got to speak with Grete Kikas from Estonia – founder of Diagnostic Match. Approximately 50% of patients don’t know they have HIV and could spend years spreading it. Diagnostic Match uses an algorithm to test patients and give them a diagnosis earlier.

 It’s really mind blowing to be in a space where so many people are passionate about making global change! I’m looking forward to what’s in store for the days ahead.”

Post written by Jordan Richardson.

Jordan is a current HRLP with GE Power. Jordan has been involved in social impact with GE through a buildOn trek to Senegal and is passionate about education and gender equality.

I flew in to London today and could not be more excited for the next 4 days!

The purpose of the conference is to connect young people globally who want to make an impact in order to accelerate their potential through making connection and creating a supportive atmosphere and connected global alumni.

The schedule is packed: back to back talks and networking events with accomplished speakers ranging from Fortune 100 CEOs and global politicians to young delegates making impactful changes locally and globally, all focused on solving the world’s biggest problems centered on the Global Goals. The purpose of the conference is to connect young people globally who want to make an impact in order to accelerate their potential through making connection and creating a supportive atmosphere and connected global alumni.

A brief overview of GE’s history with One Young World

GE has organized GE delegations for the Summit for the past five years in order to inspire and recognize early career employees who have been making impact.

Over the years, 56 delegates represented a broad cross-section of our GE leadership programs (OMLP, FMP, CLP, HRLP, CAS, EEDP, DTLP), more than a dozen countries, and spanned all GE businesses. Being a delegate is a huge honor and a recognition of the work that these employees have put in and their passion towards the global goals.

Some highlights on the agenda I’m excited for!

• Professor Muhammad Yunus (Nobel Prize Laureate, Founder of Grameen Bank) on eradicating the harmful effects of capitalism
• Vismay Sharma (Managing Director for L’Oreal UK) on Can businesses solve social problems?
• Workshop hosted by the London School of Economics on ‘Partnering for Peace’
• More! (Full agenda here)

Meet our delegates!

Post written by Priya Achaibar.

Priya’s part of the core Generation Impact team, and participated in projects such as SafeSurgery2020 and a trek to Malawi to build a school with the buildOn organization. Priya is a grad of DTLP and Corporate Audit Staff.