One Young World Summit Cape Town, 2026

Welcome to One Young World: Nomzamo Mbatha

CTICC

Actress, Executive Producer, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and TIME100 Next honouree Nomzamo Mbatha opens the Summit, reflecting on what it means to gather in South Africa at this moment in history and preparing delegates for three days of dialogue, accountability and action that lie ahead.

Nomzamo Mbatha

08:40 — 09:00

OYW Award

The Pankaj Award to End Conflict - Presented by Regent Global

CTICC

Founded by Professor Selva Pankaj & Dr Tharshiny Pankaj, who fled civil war in Sri Lanka, Regent Global's $250,000 Award to End Conflict is the biggest single prize ever presented at One Young World created to recognise and resource young leaders tackling conflict at its roots. From ten global finalists - each selected by a panel of expert judges for their work bridging divided communities and building sustainable peace - the inaugural winner is announced on stage alongside the runners-up whose work is equally deserving of the world's attention.

Professor Selva Pankaj
Dr Tharshiny Pankaj

09:00 — 09:20

Courage in the face of Tyranny - In conversation with the Kara Murzas

CTICC

A close colleague of slain opposition leader Boris Nemtsov and a key architect of Magnitsky sanctions against top Russian officials, Vladimir Kara-Murza was twice poisoned and left in a coma, then sentenced to 25 years for "high treason" and released in August 2024 as part of the largest East-West prisoner exchange since the Cold War. He joins his wife Evgenia, who led the global campaign for his freedom, in conversation with multi-award winning journalist Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson to reflect on what it demands - personally, politically and practically - to stand firm against authoritarian repression.

Vladimir Kara-Murza
Evgenia Kara-Murza
Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson

09:20 — 09:40

Peace Is a Skill: A Fireside Conversation with Forest Whitaker

CTICC

The Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative works across six regions worldwide, including in Cape Town, where it supports young peacebuilders in the Cape Flats. Academy Award-winning actor, UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation, and WPDI Founder Forest Whitaker is joined by CEO Caroline Descombris and two young peacebuilders from the Cape Flats for a conversation on what community-led peace work looks like on the ground.

Forest Whitaker
Caroline Descombris

09:40 — 10:05

Keynote & Fireside

Judith Wiese, Siemens – The value of work (working title)

CTICC

The keynote/panel will make the connection between meaningful, purpose-giving work and overall peace and stability. When people have jobs that fulfill them and allow them to support themselves and others, society is more stable and less conflict-prone as a result. While exploring this topic Judith will touch on what the young leaders in attendance can do to embrace their own purpose, how they can encourage those in their own networks to do so, and how tools like AI are democratizing knowledge and helping people boost their own employability.

Judith Wiese

10:05 — 10:30

Why Institutions Matter - The South African Experience

CTICC

Two figures central to South Africa's democratic transition examine what makes institutions resilient and what makes them vulnerable. Lord Peter Hain, lifelong anti-apartheid campaigner and former British Cabinet minister, and Justice Albie Sachs - who lost an arm and his sight in one eye to a bomb planted by apartheid security agents, before going on to help draft the post-apartheid constitution and shape the character of the Constitutional Court - draw on South Africa's hard-won experience to explore lessons that resonate far beyond its borders.

Justice Albie Sachs
Lord Peter Hain

10:30 — 10:50

Mteto Nyati Keynote

CTICC

Mteto Nyati will take to the stage to deliver a keynote on what it truly takes to lead. He will challenge and inspire young leaders to back themselves in the face of systemic barriers, to rewrite the narratives others have written for them, and to use their position to transform the institutions they lead. A Yale World Fellow, chairman of Eskom and executive chairman of BSG, Nyati has spent decades doing exactly that, rising to the top of corporate South Africa as CEO of MTN South Africa and Managing Director of Microsoft South Africa. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Johannesburg.

Dr Mteto Nyati

10:50 — 11:20

Keynote & Fireside

Sandoz: Healthcare is a right. Access is the work.

CTICC

We celebrate medical breakthroughs, but often
overlook the work required to make them available to people. Richard Saynor, CEO of Sandoz, the global leader in affordable medicine, and Tripti Jha, Sandoz Chief People Officer, explore why access remains one of the world's biggest healthcare challenges. Using the story of penicillin and examples from across Africa, they show how it takes leadership and persistence to turn scientific progress into better health outcomes.

Tripti Jha
Richard Saynor

11:20 — 11:45

Peace and Security Plenary Keynote

CTICC

A keynote address from Benedikt Franke, Chief Executive of the Munich Security Conference

Benedikt Franke

11:45 — 12:30

Peace and Security Plenary: How can young leaders restore diplomacy to end the cycle of violence?

CTICC

Hear from our inspirational delegate speakers

Maeen Aldahbali
Taban Nuai Deng Wuor
Chantale Zuzi
+ 3 speakers

15:00 — 15:15

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of the Netherlands

CTICC

Hear from a senior representative from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Natalie den Breugom de Haas

15:15 — 15:35

Novartis

CTICC

Hear from our partners at Novartis.

Bernd Bucher

15:35 — 15:50

AstraZeneca

Hear from David Gibbons, Country President African Cluster, AstraZeneca

David Gibbons

15:50 — 16:10

Ambassador in Action

CTICC

Isra Chaker is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer Every Pregnancy. The human rights advocate and campaigner who has mobilised $135M+ worldwide for maternal and newborn health will reflect on her journey from applying for a chance to speak at the 2019 One Young World to becaming an Ambassador and paying that investment forward by establishing the inaugural Every Pregnancy Scholarship to support and invest in young leaders advancing maternal and newborn health in their own communities around the world.

Isra Chaker
Deborah Kemi Olakunle
Lela Precious Dolo
+ 2 speakers

16:10 — 16:25

If You Can Learn Anything, You Can Become Anything – lessons from my personal journey

CTICC

Mohit’s session would draw from his personal highlighting key values and tenets that have shaped him as a professional and a leader. Beginning with his formative years—studying across nearly ten schools and developing a lifelong passion for reading—the session will highlight how early exposure to diverse environments fostered an open, adaptable mindset. It will explore his academic and professional journey across history, management, banking, and technology, and how global experiences across multiple geographies broadened his perspective on leadership.

Mohit Joshi

16:25 — 16:40

L'Oréal: Addressing IPV: Building a Healthier, Safer, and More Equitable Future for Africa

CTICC

Celeste Tema, Head of Corporate Responsibility for L’Oréal South Africa, in conversation with Jessica Mahlekisi, Corporate Responsibility Project Manager

Delmari Van Zyl
Jessica Mahlekisi

16:40 — 17:00

Preventing violence against women and girls and the power of storytelling on a global stage

CTICC

Uniting two trailblazing women from the worlds fashion and entertainment women whose voices transcend borders, this panel will explore the power of purpose in shaping a more inclusive future. Acclaimed actor, writer and activist will join model and humanitarian Adot Gak to reflect on their personal journeys, the challenges they have overcome, and the responsibility that comes with using their platforms for meaningful change.

Danai Gurira
Adot Gak
Shudufhadzo Musida

17:00 — 17:10

#AmINext? A Mother's Fight for Justice - Noma Mrewetyana

CTICC

In August 2019, Noma Mrwetyana's daughter Uyinene, a 19-year-old University of Cape Town student, was raped and murdered at a post office in Cape Town. Her death ignited a national reckoning with gender-based violence in South Africa. Women took to the streets asking #AmINext and a movement that refused to be silent was born. Through the Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation, Noma and her family have channelled their unimaginable grief into action. She will speak about her fight for justice, for accountability, and for a world in which no mother has to bury her child this way.

Nomangwane Mrwetyana

17:10 — 17:30

Terry Crews Keynote

CTICC

A keynote address from actor, activist and presenter of America’s Got Talent, Terry Crews

Terry Crews

17:30 — 18:30

Gender Based Violence Plenary: How do we prevent the physical, sexual, and mental abuse of women and girls?

CTICC

Hear from our inspirational delegate speakers

Thomas Kingsley Justice Lebbie
Allison Choong
Naomi Koinase
+ 2 speakers

19:00 — 23:00

Delegate Dinner, Cabo Beach Club

Cabo Beach Club

A beach bbq hosted at Cabo Beach Club, sponsored by Novartis.

5 November

08:30 — 08:40

Nicola Galombik Keynot

CTICC

Nicola Galombik

08:40 — 09:10

BMW Group SA

CTICC

Hear from Peter van Binsbergen, CEO, BMW Group SA

Peter van Binsbergen
Ravi Naidoo

09:10 — 09:35

Powering the Transition: Making Mineral Wealth Work for All

CTICC

The world cannot reach net zero without the minerals that power batteries, wind turbines and electricity grids, and demand for them is set to soar. But for too long, mineral wealth has flowed away from the communities and countries where it is found, leaving behind environmental damage and missed opportunity. In this fireside conversation, Rohitesh Dhawan, President and CEO of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), and Nolitha Fakude, Chair of Anglo American’s South African Management Board, discuss the critical role of mining in the energy transition and what it will take to get it right this time. They’ll explore how industry, governments and young leaders can build a system where mineral wealth drives local development, shared prosperity and a just transition, rather than repeating the mistakes of the past.

Rohitesh Dhawan
Nolitha Fakude

09:35 — 09:50

Holcim: Will AI replace me?

CTICC

Hear from Adelheid Moxon, Group Head of People Innovation & Transformation, Holcim
and Fatma Hedeya, Global Head of Talent, Holcim

Adelheid Moxon
Fatma Hedeya

09:50 — 10:10

KPMG Future Ready: AI, Education & Opportunity

CTICC

In ‘Future Ready: AI, Education & Opportunity’, KPMG International and UNESCO host a conversation exploring their new research on investment in AI and digital skills in education, including what is known about its potential impact on learning, employment, and wider society.
Bringing together perspectives from education, business, technology and youth, this session will examine the opportunities and risks shaping the future of learning and work, and what needs to happen now to turn research findings into action.

Peter Wells
Luqmaan Essack
Asiphile Thandeka Magaqa

10:10 — 10:15

Ambassador in Action

CTICC

An inspirational Keynote address from One Young World Ambassador Senator Crystal Asige.

Senator Crystal Asige MP

10:15 — 10:30

Schneider Electric: The future of Skills in Africa

CTICC

The future of Skills in Africa
Esther Finidori will be joined on stage by a young entrepreneur, who will bring a next-generation perspective on innovation, leadership, and creating sustainable impact through entrepreneurship

10:30 — 10:50

Dr. Badr Al Badr, CEO of the Misk Foundation

CTICC

Dr Badr Al Badr

10:50 — 11:05

Beyond Mining: Building a Future for Communities

CTICC

Through this presentation, we aim to highlight how the mining sector can contribute to peace, well-being, and sustainable development in the territories where it operates. Using examples and data, we will illustrate how mining connects with broader value chains across the economy and can contribute to sustainable territorial development, the creation of opportunities and decent jobs, and the strengthening of peace and security.

Diana Carolina Merchancano
Rubén Rotavista

11:05 — 11:20

ABSA: Economic Inclusion: A Pan-African Story

CTICC

Hear from Setlogane Manchidi, Managing Executive: Corporate Citizenship, ABSA

Setlogane Manchidi

11:20 — 11:35

Z Zurich Foundation: Who Will Create Africa’s Next Jobs? From Learning to Earning to Creating Jobs

CTICC

A panel discussion featuring Gary Shaughnessy CBE, Chair of the Z Zurich Foundation

Hubert Senga
Simi Nwogugu
Gary Shaughnessy CBE
Allison Huggins

11:35 — 11:45

Intelligent Jobs Plenary Keynote

CTICC

A Keynote address from Ahmed Al Haddad, Director of Digital Transformation of the Federal Youth Authority, United Arab Emirates

11:45 — 12:30

Intelligent Jobs Plenary: How can AI power opportunity for the next generation?

CTICC

Hear from our inspirational Delegate Speakers

Elizabeth Mwangi
Shrisha Pandey
Jakub Rychlý
+ 2 speakers

15:05 — 15:20

HE Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfeeqi, Minister for Youth Affairs Kingdom of Bahrain in conversation

Her Excellency Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi
Michael Møller

15:35 — 15:50

dsmfirmenich

Ingvild Van Lysbetten
Abdi Nageeye

15:50 — 16:05

BMO Generation Regen

CTICC

Helen Seibel, VP & Head of Community and Employee Giving at BMO Financial Group,
Larry Davis, Emily Harris

Larry Davis
Helen Seibel

16:05 — 16:20

Prince Albert of Monaco Foundation

This session uncovers fascinating lessons learned from four young pioneers in the ecological world. From indigenous wetlands, polar expeditions, ocean cleanliness and water wastage in restaurants in a major city, a new generation is rewriting what climate action can look like, and crucially, who leads it. This intimate dialogue will explore not just how they achieved this, but how we can build the framework, community and ambition to continue this work for generations to come.

Thamires Pontes
Dayana Blanco Quiroga

16:20 — 16:30

Ambassador in Action

We are more connected than ever, yet loneliness has become one of the defining challenges facing young people today. In this session, Elio and Ricky Leoni Sceti share the story behind Twos, their initiative to tackle loneliness and help people build real, meaningful connections. They’re joined on stage by young farmer Nana Kusi Appiah, who speaks to the often-overlooked isolation faced by farmers, whose long hours, remote locations and uncertain livelihoods can leave them cut off from support, and to what it takes to build stronger connections within farming communities. Together, they’ll explore why loneliness matters for leadership, how small acts of connection can create lasting change, and what each of us can do to make sure no one feels alone.

Riccardo Leoni Sceti
Elio Leoni Sceti

16:30 — 16:45

Standard Chartered Bank Connecting Africa for Growth: The Next Generation's Opportunity

Chris Egberink

16:45 — 17:00

Dia Mirza in conversation

Description: Climate science alone rarely changes minds. Stories and images do. Actor and former UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador for India Dia Mirza joins polar explorer and climate communicator Grace Cordsen to talk about making environmental change visible and personal. Their conversation runs from the forests and wildlife of India to the melting Arctic, and it closes on what anyone can do to help people care about the planet and act.

Dia Mirza
Grace Cordsen

17:00 — 17:15

The Colombian Peace Process: Ten Years On

CTICC

A decade after One Young World convened in Bogotá at a pivotal moment in Colombia's history, this session brings together former President Juan Manuel Santos and One Young World CEO Kate Robertson to reflect on the peace process that ended over 50 years of armed conflict. Together they'll examine what has been achieved since the 2016 peace agreement, the challenges that remain in implementation, and the lessons Colombia's experience offers for peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts around the world today.

President Juan Manuel Santos

17:15 — 17:30

One Yound World Politician of the Year Award

Anna Strolenberg
Ryosuke Takashima
Takudzwa Ngadziore

17:30 — 17:45

Agriculture and the Global Food Crisis Plenary Session: Sir Bob Geldof in conversation with Khalid Bomba

CTICC

Keynote address from musician, activist and founder of Live Aid, Sir Bob Geldof

Sir Bob Geldof
Khalid Bomba

17:45 — 18:30

Agriculture and the Global Food Crisis Plenary

CTICC

Hear from our inspirational delegate speakers

Diana Virgovicova
Faith Naome Awuor
Emmanuel Twesigye
+ 2 speakers

19:00 — 23:00

Delegate Dinner

Delegates will be hosted for an evening dinner with regional networking. Location TBC.

6 November

08:30 — 08:35

Ambassador in Action

CTICC

Hear from One Young World Ambassador and Founder of She Writes Woman, Hauwa Ojeifo

Hauwa Ojeifo

08:35 — 08:45

Reckitt

Hear from Oguzhan Silivrili, Senior Vice President, Reckitt Benckiser

Oguzhan Silivrili

08:45 — 08:55

The Belonging Forum

A keynote address from Kim Samuel - Founder and Chief Architect, Belonging Forum

Kim Samuel

08:55 — 09:15

The African Renaissance: 26 Years into the 'African Century' — What Progress Has Been Made?

CTICC

More than a quarter-century after the vision of an "African Renaissance" and an "African Century" was first articulated, this panel takes stock of the continent's trajectory. Moderated by Ashraf Garda, the discussion brings together Thuli Madonsela, former Public Protector of South Africa and a leading voice on governance and accountability; Thebe Ikalafeng, a branding expert and advocate for reshaping global perceptions of Africa; and Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, academic, commentator and musician. Together they'll assess what progress has genuinely been made on democracy, development and self-determination and what remains unfulfilled in the promise of an African century.

Thebe Ikalafeng

09:55 — 10:10

Pernod Ricard

Sola Oke

10:10 — 10:40

Healthy Planet, Healthy People: A New Partnership for a Better World

CTICC

The health of people and the health of our planet are inseparable, yet the opportunities and responsibilities of that relationship are shared unevenly across the world. This panel brings together leaders from the pharmaceutical and nutritional health sectors to explore one of the defining opportunities of our time: how industries with the power to heal can lead the way, and how the global north can deepen its partnership with the global south to invest in lasting, shared prosperity. From expanding access to medicines to building food systems that nourish people while restoring the soils, water, and biodiversity that everyone depends on, our panellists will explore where commercial innovation and collective responsibility reinforce each other. What does it actually mean to build a healthier world for all? And what role do young leaders, the generation who will shape both the solutions and the systems, have in partnering with these industries to reimagine what's possible? This is a conversation about opportunity, partnership, and the ambition to act boldly at the intersection of human and planetary health.

10:40 — 10:55

Standard Bank

Hear from Goolam Ballim, Chief Economist: Head of Research, Standard Bank

Goolam Ballim

11:10 — 11:15

Ambassador in Action

CTICC

Hear from One Young World Ambassador and Founder of the Elman Peace and Human Rights Centre, Ilwad Elman

Ilwad Elman

11:15 — 11:35

The Power of Mentorship: Gillian Anderson in conversation with Michelle Potter

CTICC

The founders of SAYes mentoring, Michelle Potter and Gillian Anderson, discuss the impact of their organisation, mentoring under-served young people around the world.

Michelle Potter
Gillian Anderson

11:35 — 11:45

Future of Africa Plenary Keynote: Professor Bonang Mohale

CTICC

One of South Africa' most respects academics and business leaders, Professor Bonang Mohale is the Chancellor of the University of the Free State, Professor of Practice at the Johannesburg Business School (JBS), Chairman of both The Bidvest Group Limited and SBV Services, and is a member of the Community of Chairmen in the World Economic Forum.

Professor Bonang Mohale

11:45 — 12:30

Future of Africa Plenary: How do we make this the 'African Century'?

CTICC

Hear from our inspirational Delegate Speakers

Joan Rukundo Nalubega
Rowida Tariq
Sandra Shoko
+ 3 speakers

15:00 — 15:30

The Price of Conscience: Surviving Political Imprisonment

CTICC

This panel brings together individuals who have paid a profound personal price for their beliefs or circumstances at the hands of authoritarian and unjust systems. Vladimir Kara-Murza, poisoned twice and imprisoned in Russia for his opposition activism; Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, held for nearly six years in Iran on fabricated charges; and Tawakkol Karman, the Yemeni journalist arrested for leading protests against her country's regime who went on to become the first Arab woman awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, will share their stories of survival, resilience, and what it takes to hold onto conscience and hope under extreme adversity.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe
Vladimir Kara-Murza
Tawakkol Karman
Evgenia Kara-Murza

15:30 — 16:00