Youth Ready equips young people to lead change around the world

At the Global Youth Summit 2026, under the theme “Youth Present: The heartbeat of a new legacy,” more than 240 participants came together to demonstrate what is possible when young people transform their lives, build their confidence and increase their potential to transform their communities, leading meaningful and lasting change.

From August 10 to 14, young leaders and World Vision staff from across Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada and the United States gathered in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, for the youth-led event organized by the Global Youth Alliance, a grassroots network created through World Vision’s Youth Ready program.

Held in celebration of International Youth Day and aligned with the theme “ Different Contexts, Common Aspirations, ” the summit brought together young people, government representatives, development partners and World Vision leaders to strengthen youth leadership and advance solutions for the challenges facing today’s generation.

Discussions focused on

• mental health,
• climate action,
• education,
• economic sovereignty,
• active citizenship and
• the growing impact of Youth Ready in helping young people build meaningful futures and become agents of change in their communities.

Youth Ready in action

The summit was a living example of what Youth Ready aims to achieve.

Many of the participants were Youth Ready graduates who have transformed the skills, confidence and opportunities gained through the program into leadership, advocacy and community action. Through the Global Youth Alliance, they are using their voices to influence conversations and create solutions that matter to young people.

Addressing the participants, Alex Sancton of World Vision Canada highlighted the evolution of Youth Ready from a program into a movement. “It is much more than a project. It is a movement, a vibrant community of learning and leadership that connects countries around a shared vision: that every young person can build a life plan filled with purpose, dignity and hope.”

He reminded participants that they were not attending the summit as beneficiaries. “You are here because you are leaders, partners, innovators and changemakers.”

The summit also turned ideas into action.

World Vision Bolivia and the Andean Parliament signed a collaboration agreement to strengthen opportunities for young people across the region.

Participants joined World Vision leaders and government representatives in a tree-planting activity , demonstrating shared commitment to climate action.

The event also included visits to Youth Ready entrepreneurs, giving leaders and policymakers a firsthand look at how young people are transforming their skills and ideas into thriving businesses and positive community impact.

Meet Diego, a Youth Ready graduate and future leader

For many young people, Youth Ready has been a turning point.

One of them is Diego, a 21-year-old software development technologist from Ecuador.

During the summit, he shared how bullying affected his mental health and self-confidence during his teenage years. That changed when he became involved with Youth Ready. “They helped me regain my confidence, believe in myself and realize that there are incredible people who don’t judge you, something for which I will always be deeply grateful.”

Today, Diego is using his voice to advocate for positive change, reflecting the experience of many Youth Ready graduates who have grown into leaders within their communities.

A new generation of youth leaders ready to drive positive change

A key outcome of the summit was the presentation of a youth-led manifesto focused on:

• climate action,
• mental health,
• education,
• economic empowerment and
• active citizenship.

Rather than presenting demands, young leaders called for shared responsibility and collaboration across sectors.

“We do not present a list of demands. We present a shared vision of the future.”

Participants also connected with partners, funders and networks through the Youth Fair and Round of Opportunities, helping transform ideas into action.

As the summit concluded, participants left with stronger relationships, renewed purpose and a shared commitment to continue leading change in their communities.

Their message was clear: “The legacy is built here. The legacy begins now. Legacy begins with us.”

The Global Youth Summit showcased Youth Ready at its full potential, connecting young leaders, amplifying youth voices and building a movement that is shaping stronger communities today and tomorrow.