When Kate Robertson co-founded One Young World With David Jones in 2009, she said she “had a vision for better leadership all over the world in every sector.”
And that’s exactly what One Young World is delivering, thanks to its army of trailblazing ambassadors from every corner of the Earth who stand resolute in their endeavors to change the world, one step at a time.
Kate Robertson’s lifelong fascination with leadership and her experience growing up in apartheid South Africa, where she witnessed the transformative power of Nelson Mandela’s voice, fueled her vision. She imagined gathering young leaders from every country, creating a platform that could shape the future of global leadership.
“Coming from apartheid South Africa, the wider Black struggle for justice and equality laid the foundation for the seismic changes that reshaped our society,” Kate Robertson reflects.
“Within that context, Mandela’s voice stood out as transformative — he channeled the resilience and aspirations of millions, changing the arc of history. I was always struck by how his leadership amplified and united the collective struggle into a global movement for change,” Kate Robertson says.
She observed how the world’s most influential figures gathered regularly at various forums, yet meaningful change remained elusive.
“Climate change and the impact of climate change — a lot could have been done about that 27 years ago after the Kyoto Protocol, but there was a global failure of leadership,” she says of the 1997 international agreement where developed countries promised to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to fight climate change, with specific targets they had to meet by 2012 while allowing developing nations to be exempt. The Kyoto Protocol failed largely because key polluters like the United States never ratified it, while others missed their targets or withdrew, and its exemption of developing nations like China (which became the world’s largest emitter during this period) meant it couldn’t effectively reduce global emissions. But that was before One Young World’s young leaders came along.
Kate Robertson: Building a Movement Through Trust
While One Young World is making major strides to bring young minds into the global conversation about the world’s toughest issues, turning this vision into reality is no simple task.
A breakthrough came when Robertson secured commitments from global luminaries like human rights advocate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Irish singer-songwriter and activist Sir Bob Geldof, and former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
“When those global figures committed to supporting the inaugural event, it was the most immense vote of confidence,” Kate Robertson remembers. “We felt huge pressure to live up to their endorsement.”
Fourteen summits later, Kate Robertson’s vision has transformed into a powerful force for change. The most recent gathering in Montreal showcased the organization’s expanding influence, particularly through its groundbreaking Indigenous Youth Day.
One Young World launched its first-ever Indigenous Council in January 2023. The council was created to work directly with young Indigenous leaders, ensuring their voices and the concerns of Indigenous youth worldwide are properly represented in the organization.
The Indigenous Council consists of rising change-makers from diverse Indigenous backgrounds. “One Young World recognizes the importance of partnering, engaging, and supporting Indigenous and First Nations young people worldwide,” it states on oneyoungworld.com. “It has established a global and growing community of Indigenous Ambassadors and is committed to representing their and young Indigenous people’s interests worldwide.”
The Young Ambassadors That Make One Young World Shine
Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts is a member of One Young World’s Indigenous Council. She shared her experience at the Montreal summit in a post on LinkedIn. “It was a pleasure to share space with Kimberley Teehee, Delegate-designate to the US House of Representatives for the Cherokee Nation. I learned so much in such a short time!” she wrote. “Our discussions highlighted the ongoing state-inflicted harm of child removal and the persistent breaches of the rights and safety of Indigenous children and young people. Silence is not a place where you’ll find my people … not anymore.”
Prince Ahumuza Ignatius, who belongs to Uganda’s Banyoro community, also serves on One Young World’s Indigenous Council. As co-founder of Agri Planet Africa, he bridges traditional and modern agricultural methods, supporting more than 200 schools and 10,000 farmers throughout the Bunyoro region.
In addition, Martha Lidia Oxi Chuy took to LinkedIn to express what attending One Young World’s recent summit in Montreal was like from the perspective of an Indigenous Council member.
“One of the biggest highlights was showing our respect for Indigenous peoples’ ways, having their voices and learning from their culture,” she wrote. “I was honored to be part of the OYW Indigenous Council and the first keynote speaker and ambassador in action at the OYW Summit 2024. I shared about my country’s history (from my eyes): 500 hundred years of slavery, racism, and discrimination. The 36 year and genocide ended in 1996. As a woman, I shared how challenging it is to live in a country with a significant gender gap.”
The summit’s impact extends far beyond its four days. “More than ever, we are making a real impact with what we’re doing,” Kate Robertson shares. “Bringing the whole world together in one space matters — whether it’s the Olympics or One Young World, this unity truly makes a difference. It’s as exciting as it’s ever been.”
Kate Robertson points to concrete results emerging from these gatherings. “The direct impact and measurable outcomes — those are what I always want to highlight. The results will speak for themselves. ” Kate Robertson explains.
