One Young World, the international youth forum, kicked off its 2011 summit in Zurich with the arrival of the distinguished panel of counsellors, including Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Sir Bob Geldof, Jamie Oliver, Fatima Bhutto and HRH Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway.
The counsellors arrived at the summit to the applause of the 1,200 young delegates, who have flocked from 170 different countries around the world to convey their views and visions to the leaders of today.
The day climaxed with the One Young World opening ceremony, where co-founders, David Jones and Kate Robertson welcomed the eminent counsellors onto the stage before young representatives from all 170 participating countries lay down their flags in a ceremonial procession.
HRH Crown Prince Haakon of Norway gave his first public speech outside of Norway since the atrocities of July 22.
He said: “We cannot undo what is done but we can choose what way it will affect us and our societies. Our challenge is to reach for the light to find the inner best part of us and nurture it. This is what One Young World is about. There is great opportunity in this meeting; seek profound truth, find common ground and move the world forward.”
Sir Bob Geldof delivered a keynote speech where he paid tribute to Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and his outstanding lifetime work towards achieving world peace.
Speaking to the delegates he said: “I don’t think that the potential for destruction and great evil has ever been more palpable. This is where you meet; you are the pilots now. You are the thinking present, not the future. I love being here because I’m dying to see what you guys do.”
In an awe-inspiring and hugely animated speech, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu said: “It’s an incredible privilege for me who is less young to be here with you. Although you might not be aware of it you are fantastic, amazing creatures. One day you and I and all of us will wake up to the fact that we are actually all family. God sees all of you and at One Young World God begins to smile.”
David Jones, co-founder of One Young World and Global CEO of Havas said: “You guys really are an incredible generation that has more knowledge than any previous generation. The counsellors are here because they believe in your thoughts and ideas. One Young World is your platform – use it however you want, but please act.”
Returning South African One Young World ambassador, Sizwe Mpofu, 22, co-founder of the African Student Leaders Summit commented “I believe this is going to be the summit where we take projects from being moments of individual brilliance to moments of collective brilliance.”
One Young World counsellors, Antony Jenkins, Chief Executive of Barclays Global Retail Banking and Doug Richard, founder of School for Startups, conducted workshops where they interacted with the young delegates and inspired them with their passion for business and enterprise.
The summit continues until Saturday, and day two of One Young World will see a rare keynote speech by Jamie Oliver, where he will address the global fight against the obesity pandemic and highlight the urgent need to educate young people on the importance of making better food choices.
Post published in: News