Changing the Future with the Youth World Summit

Beatrix (Lower Sixth) was delighted to be one of only a handful of fully-funded delegates at the Youth World Summit exchanging ideas about the future of the planet.

As an Ethical Changemaking Scholar, Beatrix is passionate about making a difference to the environmental, social and global issues that were being discussed in Paris and independently organised her own opportunity to represent the UK. Sharing her adventures, Bea was enthusiastic about her chance to discuss strategies with like-minded delegates and is considering courses in International Relations when she applies to university next autumn:

“Without a doubt, the most valuable part of the experience was meeting and connecting with people from all over the world. One of the things that made the summit so special was bringing together young people from different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Through conversations, workshops, and shared experiences, I gained new perspectives and learned so much from the people around me.

Over the four days, I formed friendships that I will genuinely never forget. The experience reminded me of the importance of unity, understanding, and cooperation, and showed me how much we can achieve when we learn from and support one another. The memories, laughter, and meaningful discussions made the summit an unforgettable experience.

The part of the summit that I found most interesting was the Gender Equality and Inclusive Leadership session led by Jillian LeBlanc. This was my favourite workshop because it showed that great leadership is about much more than being in charge it is about making sure everyone feels heard, respected and included. I found it really inspiring to learn about the positive impact inclusive leadership can have on communities, organisations, and society as a whole. It made me think more deeply about the kind of person I want to become and how important it is to create opportunities for everyone to succeed.

I also found the visit to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Headquarters (oecd) incredibly interesting. It was exciting to see where international discussions and policy decisions take place and to gain a better understanding of how countries work together to tackle global challenges and what initiatives they are planning to put in place in the future especially due to the uprise of AI.

The summit has had a huge influence on how I view my future and my journey as a changemaker. One of the most impactful aspects was meeting so many incredible entrepreneurs, young leaders, and students who are studying subjects and pursuing careers that I am interested in. Hearing about their experiences and receiving advice from them gave me a clearer idea of the opportunities available and motivated me to continue working towards my goals.

The Panel Discussion, “Policy Dialogue on Youth Leadership in an Era of Global Uncertainty,” was particularly inspiring because it highlighted the importance of young people having a voice in shaping the future. It reinforced the idea that leadership is not something to wait for later in life, young people can make a real difference right now.

I also learned a great deal from the Purpose Scanning Workshop led by Victória Oliveira. The workshop encouraged me to reflect on my values, strengths, and ambitions, helping me think more clearly about the impact I want to have in the future. It gave me practical tools and a new perspective on leadership that I will carry forward.

Overall, this summit has left me feeling inspired, motivated, and more confident in my ability to create positive change. The people I met, the knowledge I gained, and the experiences I had have strengthened my passion for leadership and reminded me that even small actions can contribute to making the world a better place.”

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