Global conflicts reshape our world daily, including what’s going on in Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Middle East, and other war-torn regions. Through these difficult times, Kate Robertson and One Young World are striving to unite young leaders determined to launch a fresh, optimistic dialogue to establish peace. Robertson co-founded One Young World with David Jones in 2009.
“Peace is possible,” Robertson declares, pointing to historical examples that prove conflict resolution can succeed. “Colombia achieved a peace agreement after 52 years. It is possible.”
The forward-thinking One Young World frontwoman also recently discussed peace on her LinkedIn page, reiterating, “It matters that we learn each other — hear each other, understand each other — so that we have a chance to make peace and to maintain peace.”
Building Bridges Across Divides
One Young World’s 2024 Montreal Summit gathered more than 2,000 budding change-makers from 190 countries to tackle pressing international issues. Kate Robertson, who co-founded One Young World with David Jones, highlights that their work transcends political positions. “Our work is not to take up positions on these conflicts, but to encourage our young leaders to actually step forward,” Kate Robertson explains.
While encouraging young people to use their positions in the world for good, Kate Robertson and One Young World continue to inspire and equip them with the tools they need to truly achieve their goals.
“We’re here to develop young leaders responsible for shaping the future of our world,” Robertson adds. “Part of that responsibility includes being responsive to the reality of genocides and violence and understanding the role and importance of the international community, as well as learning from the experiences of those most closely affected in order to understand where we go from here.’
The One Young World Ambassador Working To Help Haiti
Take Christina Perceval, for example, a One Young World ambassador from Haiti. As political instability and violence continue to cause chaos in the streets of the Caribbean nation, activists such as Perceval are working toward amplifying women’s rights and other crucial issues.
Perceval founded FanmIn, a Montreal-based organization established in 2022 that operates in Haiti and Canada. Its mission focuses on family rehabilitation through women’s empowerment, working through education, advocacy, and community development programs while engaging with policymakers to create systemic change.
“I proudly represented Haiti as the Flag Bearer at the One Young World Summit 2024 in Montreal,” Perceval shared on LinkedIn. “??This year has been all about growth and making a difference.”
One Young World posted an Instagram video stating, “As founder of FanmIn, Christina launched FanmIn in 2022 to empower women and girls in Haiti and Canada, promoting equity and addressing inequality. FanmIn works with policymakers and community leaders at local, national, and global levels to create networks focused on fostering dignity, respect, and systemic change for a more equitable world. FanmIn collaborates with leaders, hosting workshops and training to create lasting change and empower communities.”
Dispatch From Congo
CEO and founder of Peace Building Team Kevin Melchade Samvura is a 2021 One Young World ambassador raising awareness about the struggles for daily survival currently facing residents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The ongoing conflict there has “displaced over 6.4 million people within the country, which is also host to more than 525,000 refugees from nearby Central African Republic, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Burundi,” according to the United Nations Refugee Agency.
“Peace Building Team is a youth-led organization based in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Samvura said in a One Young World video. “We work to support marginalized young people affected by war and conflicts.”
A Ukrainian’s Push for Peace
It’s no secret Ukraine continues to be ravaged by war and turmoil as explosions and violence continue.
Ivona Kostyna is a Ukrainian One Young World ambassador seeking solutions for her vulnerable homeland. Ivona is head of the board at Veteran Hub, a nonprofit offering holistic support to veterans of this war and their families.
“There is not enough institutional capacity right now to serve the need we already see coming … with the wounded, with people moving and with this new problem of many veterans losing their homes and accommodation, and having nowhere to return to because their houses are destroyed,” Kostyna informed.
“We are not afraid of the effects on them, Ukrainians are very resilient and we’ve trained ourselves for the past eight years to live with an ongoing war. We’re going to … survive it but at the same time, we do understand it will be a challenge and it will take time. During this time of rebuilding after the war, we will need even more support.”
Indigenous Voices Shape Global Dialogue
This year’s One Young World summit marked a milestone by incorporating Indigenous perspectives into peace-building discussions. “We were deeply honored to partner with our Indigenous Youth Council and local communities to create space for Indigenous youth to connect and share their wisdom,” Robertson shares. “Their stories hold valuable lessons that can guide us all toward a more inclusive future.”
Robertson stresses that the real power lies in the delegates themselves: “I was getting feedback from all of the dignitaries who were so struck by the real impact of the young leaders,” Kate Robertson recalls.
The upcoming 2025 Munich Summit will continue One Young World’s mission of fueling understanding between people worldwide. Robertson’s message carries renewed urgency. “People need to see and believe that peace is possible,” adds Robertson. “We want to hold up examples so that the next generation can learn the hard-won lessons of previous peace processes.”
Transformative Leaders Emerge: One Young World’s Accelerator Program Takes Flight For 2025
Up-and-coming visionaries stand ready to reshape our world through One Young World’s groundbreaking Action Accelerator program. Beginning Jan. 14, 2025, this revolutionary initiative signals a profound shift in how emerging pacesetters navigate complex global challenges.
Montreal Summit ambassadors will experience a deep dive into strategic innovation through six transformative modules, which include solutions, vision and mission setting, developing an actionable plan, branding, pitch development, and analysis of impact.
Passionate changemakers will emerge equipped with refined strategies, expanded networks, and crystallized visions for impact. Their initiatives, shaped by this comprehensive program, aim to address our world’s most pressing challenges with grit and grace.
“At the end of the Accelerator, participants apply to compete in a Practice Pitch Competition with the chance to win a place in at the #OYW2025 Summit in Munich,” One Young World states on its website.
