Jump directly to the content
SUMMIT GOING ON

What is the One Young World summit and how is Meghan Markle involved?

THE One Young World Summit is described as a “global forum for young leaders” and kicked off on 22 October.

The Duchess of Sussex attended the opening ceremony in central London.

 Meghan Markle previously spoke at the One Young World summit in Dublin in 2014
4
Meghan Markle previously spoke at the One Young World summit in Dublin in 2014Credit: One Young World

What is the One Young World summit?

The four-day summit started with the opening ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall, which lasted from 5.30pm to 8pm.

The aim of the summit is to “identify, promote and connect the world’s most impactful young leaders to create a better world, with more responsible, more effective leadership”.

The summit consists of speeches, panels, networking and workshops.

It was started in London in 2010.

: “The Opening Ceremony is a celebration with cultural entertainment, keynote speeches from global figures, and the Flag Bearing Ceremony featuring Delegates representing 190+ countries and sets the tone for the rest of the Summit.”

These Delegates will return to their communities and organisations after the summit as One Young World Ambassadors.

They will be equipped with "the means and motivation to make a difference".

 Bob Geldof has attended the summit and is due to speak at this year's event
4
Bob Geldof has attended the summit and is due to speak at this year's eventCredit: Getty - Contributor

How is Meghan Markle involved?

According to the One Young World website, Meghan Markle is a “long-standing supporter” of the organisation, having joined as a counsellor at the 2014 summit in Dublin.

At that gathering, she addressed the young leaders on the importance of women’s rights and the role men play in achieving equality, the group’s website said.

Meghan is vice-president of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, which has partnered with One Young World to bring 53 people to the summit.

One Young World co-founders Kate Robinson and David Jones said in a statement: "We are thrilled that the Duchess of Sussex will be returning to our stage.

 The organisers of this years event said Meghan Markle was a much-loved member of the One Young World community
4
The organisers of this years event said Meghan Markle was a much-loved member of the One Young World communityCredit: One Young World

“She is a much-loved member of the One Young World community who has supported us since 2014; she's an inspiration to young leaders all over the world, and we're delighted to be partnering with the Queen's Commonwealth Trust, of which the Duchess is Vice President, to provide scholarships for young leaders from every Commonwealth country to attend the One Young World Summit in London."

 Ellie Goulding is due to speak on the environment
4
Ellie Goulding is due to speak on the environmentCredit: Getty - Contributor

Who else is attending the summit?

Singer Ellie Goulding, who is also a UN Environment Global Ambassador, will address delegates on how she built the confidence to speak out on the climate emergency.

Singer and activist Bob Geldof is due to give a keynote address.

Sir John Major, the former Prime Minister, is due to hand out the Politician of the Year award which celebrates the “most impressive and impactful politicians aged 35 and under”.

Entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson is set to talk about fighting inequality and injustice.

Topics