One Young World Summit Munich, 2025

One Young World Delegates and Partner Executives will be welcomed at Munich’s Olympiahalle, where the reception and dinner will be held before the Opening Ceremony. The Olympiahalle is located within the iconic architecture of Munich’s Olympic Park, the venue of the 1972 Summer Olympics. In keeping with the venues legacy, delegates will be able to choose from a variety of international dishes, as well as a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

The City of Munich and its partners invite you to an inspiring Opening Ceremony at Munich's
iconic Olympiahalle. Get ready for an evening packed with live performances by local artists - from hip-hop beats to alphorn sounds, inspiring keynote speeches from our partners and Counsellors, and our flag bearing ceremony - proudly representing delegates from 196 countries!

The Mayor of Munich, Dieter Reiter, will officially welcome the delegates, and the MünchnerKindl, the city’s symbolic figure, will guide you through the evening. Guests from the host city partners and the public will join this celebration, making it a truly inclusive event. The Mayor of Munich, Dieter Reiter, will officially welcome the delegates, and the Münchner Kindl, the city’s symbolic figure, will guide you through the evening. Guests from the host city partners and the public will join this celebration, making it a truly inclusive event.

The Opening Ceremony will include keynotes from the Mayor of the City, Dieter Reiter, partner executives from Siemens, BMW and Deloitte, and OYW Counsellors. We will also be welcoming amazing local artists and performers, showcasing the immense creative talent Munich has to offer.

One Young World co-founders, David Jones and Kate Robertson welcome delegates to the Summit.

A welcome address from leading British Actress Nathalie Emmanuel. The Game of Thrones star will inspire delegates and talk about the power of young leaders to create impact and drive change.

Dr. Benedikt Franke, Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Munich Security Conference (MSC), will deliver a critical keynote addressing the evolving landscape of global security and why young leaders need to be at the heart of driving international co-operation.

As the world faces mounting health and climate challenges, this session explores the transformative power of youth leadership as a catalyst for lasting impact. Featuring AstraZeneca’s Chief Financial Officer in conversation with inspirational AstraZeneca Young Health Programme Impact Fellows, it demonstrates how investing in and supporting young people is key to building resilient, equitable systems that create lasting benefits for people, society and planet. Join the session to hear how youth-driven solutions are shaping a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Join Lord Peter Hain, Thuli Madonsela, and Ashraf Garda for a profound dialogue on South Africa’s journey. The discussion will revisit the triumphs of dismantling apartheid while also confronting the unfinished work of achieving true equality. Together, they will examine challenges of inequality, corruption, and reconciliation inspiring a renewed commitment to freedom, truth and accountability.

In light of the current pivotal moment between significant challenges and opportunities for transformation, Danone, as a food company, is committed to being part of the solution. Nathalie Alquier, our Chief Sustainability Officer, will present a strategic vision for sustainability transformation, linking economic performance and positive impact. Through concrete local initiatives she will demonstrate our ongoing efforts to build a resilient future for our company, while shaping a society where health, nature, and people can thrive together.

The future of work is being written right now – by you. In this new era, AI isn’t here to replace us, but to elevate us: as our coach, creative partner, and catalyst for growth. The true revolution isn’t powered by machines, but by people who dare to learn, adapt, and lead with empathy. As technology transforms how we work, the most valuable skill will be our ability to stay human – curious, ethical, and inspired to create a future where everyone can thrive.

This insightful panel discussion will explore the transformative power of individual action in driving change. Our panellists—Ilka Horstmeier, H.E. Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, and Dr. Gabriela de la Torre—will share their perspectives on how leadership and trust will be crucial for sparking collective movements. They will discuss the courage, vision, and determination required to move from an initial idea to widespread impact and inspire attendees to recognise and harness their own potential to be the 'one' that initiates meaningful progress in their communities and organisations.

Sir Bob Geldof will deliver a keynote speech to mark the 40th anniversary of Live Aid. He'll reflect on the extraordinary day in 1985 when musicians united for a global concert, highlighting the immense power of collective action. Sir Bob will discuss the lasting legacy of the event, its role in shaping modern charity and activism, and the continued challenges of global poverty. The keynote will be a powerful and inspiring moment, looking back at a pivotal moment in cultural history and looking forward to future challenges.

Maria Ressa’s keynote speech will be a powerful call to defend truth and democracy in an era of disinformation. The Nobel Peace Prize Laureate will speak with urgency about the dangers of unchecked lies amplified through social media, warning how they will erode trust, polarise societies, and threaten freedoms. Drawing from her experience as a journalist under attack, Ressa will emphasise courage, integrity, and solidarity as essential tools for resisting authoritarianism. She will urge individuals to take responsibility for the information they consume and share, highlighting the moral duty of protecting facts.

Hear from five amazing One Young World delegates about the work they are doing to advance circularity

Delegates will be able to attend Interactive Stage sessions, SAP Skills Hub session, Workshops, and Action Sessions. Lunch will be provided in this break, as well as networking opportunities.

Drawing on lessons from the OYW University Forum and initiatives between the University of Bath and institutions worldwide, this session explores how universities can be catalysts for impactful leadership. Panelists will share first-hand perspectives in discussing how student leaders, faculty, and global networks are working together to address pressing challenges both on campus and beyond.

This session will feature two young leaders selected as AstraZeneca Young Health Programme Impact Fellows for their incredible contributions to advocating for health equity. Join this session to learn more about their work and how AstraZeneca will be supporting their efforts to make a positive impact for people, society and planet.

Job titles don’t tell the full story - skills do. Join this session to explore the shift from role-centric to skill-centric organisations and discover why putting skills first makes teams more adaptable and high-performing. Hear how SAP is building a skill-led future and learn what it takes to transform the global workforce to meet the demands of tomorrow.

From keeping global workforces engaged, to acting as a responsible business, leadership that reimagines the employee experience is more important than ever. How can employers galvanise, motivate and inspire people to thrive? This extended session features a panel of global people leaders who will reflect on how purpose, support, and people-first leadership can build resilient, innovative and caring teams.

As ESG continues to evolve, leading companies are rethinking how purpose is embedded in strategy and operations. In this session, Barbara Spiegel, Partner and Sustainability Lead at EY Switzerland, and Dr. Chitkala Kalidasshare, SVP and Head of ESG at Bayer, share their perspectives on what’s next for ESG and organisastions passionate to maintain a purpose-driven ethos.

Join Rachelle Graham, Traceability Leader for IKEA Supply, in exploring how transparency and traceability are transforming the future of our supply chain. This session will highlight the crucial role of these strategies in building more sustainable and responsible
practices, as well as operational efficiency – showing that what’s right for the planet is also what’s best for business.

Throughout the presentation, there will be opportunities for questions and discussions as we delve deeper into the approach IKEA has taken towards traceability throughout its operations.

What happens when two South African women of different racial backgrounds, carrying the legacy of Apartheid, collide unexpectedly? They become besties and start a podcast exploring the realities of race and privilege through personal stories. From behind the mic, we’ve learned that diversity is what truly connects us to the human experience. Ignoring it keeps us trapped in cycles of societal polarisation and solutions that don’t address the roots of racism. This session is about honest conversations, personal power, and the everyday choices that help dismantle racism. Our goal is to spark empathetic curiosity; the kind that makes diversity something we don’t just talk about, but live together.

In a world becoming increasingly divided by borders and perspectives, creativity offers a common language that unites us all. Bringing together artists from the Bavarian State Ballet and Princess Sophie of Bavaria, this session explores how artistic expression transcends geography, politics and history.

Join us to explore how creativity not only entertains, but can be a powerful tool for building empathy, respect and shared identity.

This panel will showcase innovative urban projects of Munich´s Zero Waste Innovation Hub that promote circular economy practices within the local business community. We will engage in discussions with representatives from the City of Munich, an established company, and a startup to explore how the transformation to a circular economy can be effectively achieved, as well as the challenges that must be addressed along the way. Join us to discover how Munich is leading the way in resource efficiency and sustainable development through practical solutions and partnerships in the circular economy.

Can entrepreneurship be a driving force for peace? In this interactive session, young entrepreneurs who have managed to successfully develop their businesses in challenging environments exchange thoughts on how innovation and enterprise can support hope and stability.

Through thought-provoking statements, the audience will vote, debate, and challenge assumptions about the link between business and peacebuilding.

Ready to unleash your most ambitious creative ideas? Generative AI isn't just a new technology - it's your personal creative sidekick, ready to bring your vision to life faster and more vividly than ever before. In this session, The Brandtech Group cuts through the hype to give you a practical playbook. Discover the essential tools that put world-class production at your fingertips, master the art of prompting to command a consistent brand voice and a stunning visual identity, and learn which models will perfectly execute your message. Leave ready to make GenAI your indispensable teammate, turning limitless potential into tangible, brilliant results.

The panel discussion will spotlight the plight of Iranian prisoners of conscience, focusing on their resilience and struggles under harsh conditions. Speakers will emphasise the courage of activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens who will continue to demand basic freedoms despite intimidation and abuse. A video message from Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi will be shared, delivering her voice of defiance and hope from behind prison walls.

In this inspiring session, IKEA leaders Christina Niemelä Ström and Alice Hong Gu share a powerful intergenerational story of courage, sustainability, and circularity. From the early days of IWAY - IKEA’s pioneering sustainability standard - to transforming the cotton industry and embracing circular design, they illustrate how bold questions and everyday actions can reshape systems.
Through personal reflections and practical examples, the talk emphasizes that real change begins with mindset, collaboration, and the courage to lead in the unknown. Attendees are invited to become the next generation of changemakers - turning good intentions into lasting impact and making leadership the most renewable resource of all.

Join Ezgi Barcenas, L'Oréal Groupe's Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer, as she shares how the world’s leading beauty company is pursuing partnerships and innovation to catalyze scalable solutions and systemic transformation. Discover how L’ACCELERATOR, L’Oréal’s sustainable innovation accelerator program endowed with 100 million euros over the next five years, aims to identify and scale breakthrough technologies that tackle climate, nature and circularity challenges in the beauty industry and beyond.

How can we move from a take-make-waste world to one that thrives on circular thinking? Join an inspiring conversation between the Dutch Ambassador for Youth, Education and Work and a visionary entrepreneur who’s turning their bold ideas into real impact. Together, they’ll explore how a single entrepreneur can drive the global transition toward a circular economy.

Progress through technology & Progress through innovation

In our rapidly changing world, which is characterized by geopolitical, economic uncertainty and by an overwhelming flow of news and social media, the quest for stability in our professional lives and a supportive work environment are regaining importance. We’re not just looking for a paycheck; we want stable environments where we can thrive, grow, and feel secure.

Nevertheless, adaptability is an essential prerequisite for personal growth in this digital age, where AI and innovative digital tools are revolutionizing how we work. Organizations and companies that cultivate a culture of lifelong learning, embrace the use of digital tools, facilitate knowledge sharing and offer networking and mentoring are becoming increasingly popular. Furthermore, elements such as workplace wellbeing, equality and established diversity initiatives are highly valued. We seek out environments where we can be our authentic selves without fear of discrimination, microaggressions or hostility. Something that seems so self-evident but often isn't.

Terry Crews will deliver a keynote that will confront toxic masculinity with honesty, vulnerability, and strength. He will share personal stories that will illustrate how traditional notions of manhood will often silence emotions and perpetuate harm. Crews will challenge these destructive patterns by emphasising empathy, accountability, and respect as foundations for healthier relationships. He will encourage men to redefine masculinity through compassion and courage, showing that true strength will come from authenticity rather than dominance. His keynote will inspire audiences to break cycles of abuse, embrace vulnerability as power, and foster a culture where equality and kindness will thrive.

Hate and hate-related crimes have been rising globally, underscoring deepening societal divisions and the persistence of prejudice. In this mini-plenary session, three exceptional young leaders will share their experiences, insights, and actions to foster greater levels of tolerance between different cultures, identities and ethnicities.

Join Andy Nulman and Stephen Bronfman, the visionary founders of PACT!, as they host the presentation for the inaugural PACT! Break the Hate Award! The Break the Hate Challenge, launched in collaboration with One Young World, is a bold global call to action. This award recognizes young leaders who are creatively and courageously fighting hate in all its forms—including racism, xenophobia, antisemitism, anti-Muslim bigotry, misogyny, and attacks on the LGBTQI+ community. In this session we will hear from the winners who are using their talent, resilience, and radical goodness to make hate socially unacceptable and turn up the volume on empathy.

Delegates will be able to attend Interactive Stage sessions, SAP Skills Hub session, Workshops, Action Sessions, and networking opportunities.

Henkel Adhesive Technologies is pioneering sustainable transformation through cutting-edge material science - but innovation alone isn’t enough. In this session, Ulla Hüppe, VP Sustainability, joins a rising young Henkel talent to explore how translating complex science into compelling stories can drive real-world change. Together, they’ll share how authentic collaboration between scientists, communicators, and young changemakers can bridge the gap between the lab and the market - and accelerate sustainable impact across 800 industries.

Despite continued awareness of mental health, patriarchal expectations and traditional ideals of masculinity still weigh heavily on men. This conversation explores what is required to ensure men do not suffer in silence, and examines why men should not have to reach a crisis point to start prioritising their mental health and wellbeing. Join this session to understand how outdated models of masculinity must be challenged, why mental health must be seen not as a weakness to fight against, but as the foundation for true strength and authentic success.

Equity is not just about access to services, it's about ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live a safe, healthy and fulfilling life. This session spotlights leaders whose lived experiences have directly shaped their initiatives, highlighting the inequalities faced by marginalised communities across multiple areas of society, including healthcare, employment, and social systems. Together, panelists explore how inclusive, community-focused solutions are transforming the way underrepresented groups are seen, supported and valued.

This session is your chance to tap into your own power and help create workplaces where everyone can thrive. Together, we’ll explore why inclusion matters - not just for our organisations, but for each of us as leaders and drivers within our organisations. We’ll unpack what it truly means to be an ally, how to show up with intention, and the ways we can all make a real difference.

This is a learning journey we’ll take together. You’ll walk away with practical tools, fresh insights, and everyday strategies to strengthen your role to help foster inclusion across your teams, communities, and organisations.

Let’s learn, reflect, and act - so that every one of us feels seen, valued, and heard.

This session explores Financial Inclusion through Entrepreneurship (FITE) in greater depth. This session will bring together Absa subject matter experts, and an entrepreneurship programmes beneficiary to unpack how inclusive entrepreneurship can unlock sustainable livelihoods across underserved communities.

Hear from a panel of your peers, outstanding One Young World Ambassadors who attended past Summits and have gone on to create industry-changing impact. This session will explore how Delegates can return to their employer and leverage the resources and influence of big business to create transformative positive change. Learn from their experiences, and ask them directly how to make the most of your lifetime membership of the One Young World Community.

Companies need to think creatively about how to improve sustainability across their value chains, from big changes such as switching to renewable electricity to small changes such as closing a vent on an exhaust hood. And yes, even thinking about how cows can support more sustainable product of penicillin.

What does it take to turn a bold idea into a pan-European movement? In this session, Damian Boeselager, Co-Founder of Volt Europa and Member of the European Parliament, shares the skills behind building a cross-border movement now including 35'000 members. In conversation with Grit Zwingenberger, One Young World Ambassador and global sustainability leader, you’ll discover how to mobilize people around a shared vision, navigate political systems, and create meaningful change. Whether you're working on peace, climate, or democracy, this session will equip you with practical tools to drive cooperation and create impact - starting with your own network.

This session brings together inspiring young leaders from across the globe who are shaping the future of sustainability in diverse and innovative ways.

Representing different cultures, disciplines, and perspectives, these changemakers work in diverse areas, from climate action to entrepreneurship and circular economies.

Despite their varied paths, they are united by a shared purpose: building a more just, resilient, and sustainable world. Through dynamic conversation, they will explore how collaboration across borders and sectors can amplify impact, overcome systemic barriers, and inspire collective action, with this bold ambition : you joining the coalition !

As a leading gold producer in the Americas, Aris Mining is committed to demonstrating how responsible mining can drive positive global and local impact. Beyond extracting minerals essential for energy transition and technological innovation, Aris focuses on ensuring that mining is conducted legally, safely, and sustainably, while protecting communities and ecosystems.

This session will highlight inspiring stories from young leaders in Segovia and Marmato, Colombia, who are pioneering projects that integrate mining with social innovation, circular economy, gender equality, cultural identity, and local development. From advancing women’s leadership in mining to promoting circular fashion, sustainable tourism, and youth empowerment, these initiatives show how mining can become a driver of resilient and inclusive communities.

This panel brings together three visionary founders who are leveraging groundbreaking technology to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. From empowering smallholder farmers in Africa with AI-enabled cameras to detecting wildfires faster than ever before with satellite technology and protecting vulnerable wildlife through community-led conservation, our panelists share a common thread: using innovation for a greater purpose. Learn what inspired their work, how they are turning technology into real-world solutions, and how we can all contribute to creating a more sustainable and equitable future.

This year, the City of Munich and its partners are inviting all delegates to Paulaner am Nockherberg, a traditional Munich beer hall and longtime home of the Paulaner brewery. The location is famous for its annual strong beer festival, where the Salvator beer is served. Both delegate dinners will take place at this venue, but each time we will highlight different characteristics of the host city.

Enjoy a true taste of Bavaria: fresh pretzels, roast chicken, hearty local specialties, and of course vegetarian and vegan options – all served buffet-style. End the evening on a sweet note with Kaiserschmarrn or Bavarian cream. Those seeking a quieter atmosphere will also have access to a dedicated room.

This night is all about authentic local culture.

Paulaner am Nockherberg
Hochstraße 77
81541 Munich