700 young talents from more than 190 countries meet in Munich to discuss topics such as the climate crisis, freedom and civil rights. The pandemic will also be the subject of this year’s congress.
The superlatives meet in the Olympiahalle. 700 of the – according to the organizers – the brightest young talents come together for the “One Young World Summit” (OYW) in Munich. The young people come from more than 190 countries, speak different languages and wear different traditional costumes. Together they should “discuss social, economic and ecological challenges and formulate possible solutions”. The topics of the climate crisis, freedom and civil rights are to be dealt with at the congress. The program is also shown online. So those who could not travel to Germany can still take part. A total of 1500 people take part in the event.
The list of speakers for this year’s conference, which is held in a different city every year, reads like the guest list at a Hollywood party: Cher, Bob Geldof, Lewis Hamilton, Paris Hilton, Toni Garrn. A total of 99 speakers are planned for the four-day event, who will give lectures on topics such as social justice and equality. The pandemic will also be the topic of this year’s congress.
Jana Degrott, Sandra Ejiofor, Hager Eissa and Xiluva Mondlane were able to travel to Munich for the OYW – despite Corona. You are currently standing at the West Entrance of the Olympiahalle to register for the congress. The four women didn’t know each other until just now, but after a few minutes of conversation they seem like long-term friends.
Jana Degrott, 25 years old, founded the organization “We belong Europe”. She advocates more diversity in European political bodies. In her hometown, Steinsel in Luxembourg, she sits on the local committee herself, making her one of the youngest politicians in the country. A friend from Japan recommended her for the congress.
Not everyone is allowed to participate. Universities and companies from around the world send delegates to the OYW. Anyone who is not nominated via this route can apply.
Hager Eissa, like Degrott, was suggested for participation. The 27-year-old lives in Vienna and is originally from Sudan. She founded a non-governmental organization that wants to promote that people in Sudan can learn English more easily. “I’m really looking forward to getting to know different people and promoting my organization further,” she says.
Lord Mayor Dieter Reiter opened the “One Young World Summit” on Thursday evening. Prime Minister Markus Söder and Chancellor Angela Merkel sent video messages. The meeting of young talents takes place once a year. In 2020 the event had to be canceled due to Corona. In 2019 she stopped in London – including visits from Meghan Markle and JK Rowling. The OYW wants to welcome its participants to Tokyo next year.