World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026: Fully Funded to Washington, D.C.
The World Bank Group (WBG) Youth Summit 2026 is the 13th edition of the world’s largest gathering of young changemakers. launched with a critical mission: to bridge a staggering global employment gap. With 1.2 billion young people in emerging markets set to enter the workforce over the next decade—competing for only 400 million projected jobs.
The summit’s agenda, “FutureWorks: Designing Jobs for the Digital Age,” aims to architect a more inclusive and resilient future of work. By centering on three transformative pillars—Education & Skills, Entrepreneurship, and Agriculture—the summit seeks to move beyond dialogue to actionable solutions.
It specifically leverages “innovation lenses” like technology and development financing to ensure that the 800 million young people currently at risk of labor market exclusion are equipped with the tools and networks needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
Core Thematic Pillars
The 2026 agenda for the World Bank Group Youth Summit is built around three fresh perspectives to ensure sustainable development:
- Education & Skills: Exploring how global workforce development must evolve to prepare the next generation for a digital-first economy.
- Entrepreneurship: Highlighting how AI, innovation, and supportive ecosystems can empower young founders to scale job-creating solutions.
- Agriculture: Examining the transformation of agrifood systems as a primary engine for inclusive growth and job creation.
World Bank Youth Summit 2026 Overview
- Host Organization: World Bank Group (WBG).
- Summit Dates: June 11–12, 2026.
- Location: Hybrid (Washington, D.C. for in-person delegates & Virtual).
- Funding Status: Fully Funded (Travel, accommodation, and stipend provided for selected in-person participants).
- Target Audience: Young leaders, students, and entrepreneurs aged 18–35.
- Eligible Countries: Open to nationals of all World Bank Group member countries.
- Application Deadline (In-Person): March 11, 2026.
World Bank Group Youth Summit Funding and Benefits
The World Bank Group ensures that selected in-person delegates and pitch competition finalists can attend the summit in Washington, D.C., without financial burden.
| Benefit Category | Coverage Details |
| Airfare | 100% Covered. Round-trip economy class tickets from your home country to Washington, D.C. |
| Accommodation | Fully Provided. Hotel stay in Washington, D.C., for the duration of the summit (typically 3–4 nights). |
| Daily Stipend | Included. A nominal living allowance to cover meals and local transportation during the event. |
| Visa Support | Official Invitation. The WBG provides an official visa support letter to assist with your U.S. B1/B2 visa application. |
| Professional Recognition | Official Certificate. All delegates receive a verified World Bank Group Certificate of Participation. |
| Mentorship | Expert Access. Pitch finalists receive 1-on-1 coaching and mentoring from IFC and World Bank technical advisors. |
| Networking | Global Access. In-person access to a network of 10,000+ alumni and global development leaders. |
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To qualify for the WBG Youth Summit, candidates must strictly meet these requirements:
- Must be between 18 and 35 years old (Born between June 13, 1990, and June 11, 2008).
- Must be a national of a World Bank Group member country.
- Proficiency in English is required (though official certificates like IELTS are generally not mandatory for the application).
- Open to students, entrepreneurs, civil society activists, and early-career professionals.
- Your work or interests should align with one of the three pillars: Education & Skills, Entrepreneurship, or Agriculture.
Countries Not Eligible for WBG Youth Summit 2026
| Category | Non-Member Countries / Regions |
| UN Member States | Andorra, Cuba, Liechtenstein, Monaco, North Korea |
| Observer States | Holy See (Vatican City), State of Palestine |
| Other Regions | Taiwan, Cook Islands, Niue |
| De Facto States | Abkhazia, Northern Cyprus, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Somaliland, South Ossetia, Transnistria |
Required Documents for the Application
Prepare these items for your online World Bank Youth Summit Program submission (via the F6S platform):
- Updated CV/Resume (Maximum 2 pages).
- Passport Copy (Bio-data page to verify age and nationality).
- Statement of Purpose (Explaining your motivation and how you contribute to the “Future of Work”).
- Pitch Deck or Proposal (Only required if you are also entering the Pitch Competition track).
- Short Video Pitch (Required for the Pitch Competition track only).
Understanding the Two Participation Tracks
When you apply for the World Bank Youth Summit 2026, you must choose one of these two paths based on your current work or goals:
1. The Delegate Track (Policy & Networking)
This track is for young leaders, students, and professionals who want to engage in high-level discussions, shape policy, and build a global network.
- Best for: Students, researchers, and early-career professionals in development.
- What you will do: Participate in keynote sessions, expert-led panels, and the Innovation Lab (hands-on workshops where you co-create solutions for real World Bank projects).
- Role: You act as a representative of your country’s youth, voting on the Pitch Competition winners and engaging with WBG leadership.
- Requirement: A strong CV and a compelling Statement of Purpose.
2. The Pitch Competition Track (Innovation & Entrepreneurship)
This is a “Shark Tank” style competition for those who have a specific, scalable solution to a global problem.
- Best for: Entrepreneurs, founders of startups (social or commercial), and technical innovators.
- What you will do: Present your project to a panel of global experts and WBG senior leads. Finalists travel to Washington, D.C., to pitch their ideas live on stage.
- Role: You are a “Founder” or “Team Leader” seeking mentorship and visibility to scale your business or project.
- Requirement: In addition to the CV, you must submit a 60-second video pitch and a 10-slide Pitch Deck using the official World Bank template.
World Bank Youth Summit 2026 Application Procedure
To ensure your WBG Youth Summit 2026 application is perfect, follow these specific, official steps required for both the Delegate and Pitch Competition tracks.
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All applications must be submitted through the official F6S platform. You will need to create a free account or log in with your LinkedIn/Google profile.
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Select Your Participation Track:
Delegate Track: For those who want to participate in workshops, networking, and the Innovation Lab.
Pitch Competition Track: For individuals or teams (up to 5 members) with a specific solution or startup.
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Prepare the “One-Minute” Video Pitch (no demos, slides, or animations are allowed in the video—just clear communication of the problem and your solution.)
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Format: Upload the video to YouTube as an “Unlisted” link and paste the URL into the application form.
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Download and Complete the Official Pitch Deck, ( If applying for the competition, you must use the official WBG Pitch Deck Template. Applications using custom designs or different formats will not be reviewed.)
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Save your final deck as a PDF before uploading.
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Answer Thematic Essay Questions, the form will ask how your work or idea aligns with the 2026 pillars: Education & Skills, Entrepreneurship, or Agriculture. Keep these answers short, factual, and impact-driven.
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Upload your Passport Bio-data page (to confirm you are aged 18–35 and a member country national) and your CV (maximum 2 pages).
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Double-check that all links (YouTube) are working and that your PDF is not password-protected. Submit your application before the March 11, 2026 deadline (11:59 PM EST).
World Bank Youth Summit 2026 Important Deadlines
- In-Person Participation Deadline: March 11, 2026 (11:59 PM EST).
- Virtual Delegate Application: Remains open until the event date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I apply for both tracks at the same time?
A: No. You must choose the one that best fits your current goals. If you have a business idea, the Pitch track is better; if you are a student or policy enthusiast, the Delegate track is ideal.
Q: Is the travel support provided for the entire team in the Pitch Competition?
A: No. While teams can have up to 5 members, the World Bank typically provides full travel support (flight, hotel, stipend) for only one representative per finalist team. Other members are encouraged to join virtually.
Q: Is there an application fee for WBG Youth Summit?
A: No. Applying for the World Bank Group Youth Summit is 100% free of charge for both tracks.
Q: Does the World Bank help with the US Visa process?
A: Yes. Selected in-person delegates and finalists will receive an official Visa Support Letter to assist with their U.S. Embassy interview. However, the applicant is responsible for booking the interview and securing the visa.