The power of belief: Global Youth Summit

Today’s youth make up one of the largest demographics worldwide. But in some of the most vulnerable communities, poverty, skills gaps and a lack of opportunities prevent them from achieving their potential.

But what becomes possible when we invest in young people who are ready to lead?

In August 2026, over 240 youth leaders, World Vision staff and partners worldwide gathered for the Global Youth Summit to hear the answer for themselves: change and transformation.

Youth took the stage at this annual event, sharing experiences, influencing decision-making and collaborating on solutions.

Through plenary sessions, keynote presentations and youth-led discussions, young trailblazers shared their experiences and viewpoints on employability and entrepreneurship, climate action, youth participation and public policy.

When young people are heard, their ideas become action.

• It builds future innovators

At the Youth Fair, young entrepreneurs connected with partners, education pathways, employers and networks that can help move their ideas forward.

• It drives community-led change

Young leaders showed how Youth Ready gave them the confidence and skills to turn local challenges into solutions for their communities.

• It creates global leadership

Youth brought their priorities to governments, the Andean Parliament, World Vision leaders and other decision-makers, building a shared commitment to action across countries.

Investing in youth yields a return on investment in their communities, country and region.

Global Youth Summit is a by-product of Youth Ready, a leading project spearheaded in partnership with the Barrett Family Foundation.

When the Foundation joined World Vision Canada, they had a clear goal: create new learning and entrepreneurial opportunities for vulnerable youth.

Through Youth Ready, their investment supports youth in countries with high unemployment rates and poverty, helping them to find employment, continue their studies or build up businesses of their own.

Youth Ready is now growing across 10 countries in East Africa and Latin America thanks both to the Barrett Family Foundation, and the millions of dollars invested by institutional and other private donors around the world.

Youth are not beneficiaries – they are leaders, partners and innovators ready to lead solutions.

Young people are ready to lead solutions affecting themselves and their communities. They just need the opportunity to prove it.

See what else communities are making possible through the END Campaign. www.worldvision.ca/end

Make change possible! Connect with us to make even more opportunities for youth to lead change.