MTN sponsors young leaders to attend global summit

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MTN has again committed to sponsor 22 youth from its operating countries in Africa and the Middle East to attend a global youth leadership summit in the United States of America (USA) later this month.

The annual One Young World (OYW) Summit 2012 will take place in Pittsburgh, USA from 18–22 October. OYW seeks to bring together over 1200 delegates aged 30 and under from over 180 countries. MTN sponsored 21 young people to attend last year’s Summit in Switzerland.

“MTN’s support of One Young World is in line with our commitment to similar initiatives that seek to give young people in our markets a voice. Among such projects is MTV Base Meets with MTN, an empowerment television series that connects Africa's youth with the thought leaders, opinion formers, decision makers and role models who shape their world. Like many before them, we trust that these young people will return to their countries enriched by the experience,” says Rich Mkhondo, Executive for Corporate Affairs at MTN.

At the Summit, the young delegates, supported by One Young World Counsellors, debate and formulate solutions for pressing issues the world faces. One Young World Counsellors for 2012 include Arianna Huffington, Bill Clinton, Jamie Oliver, Joss Stone, Jack Dorsey, Imran Khan and Bob Geldof. At the closing ceremony of the Summit, delegates will graduate as One Young World ambassadors, joining a global network of young leaders who are creating positive change around the world.

“One Young World is about action, not just inspiration. We work closely with ‘Delegate Champions’ such as MTN to ensure global representation – all countries and all walks of life. That perspective and exposure is second to none, and the community impacts made by One Young World Ambassadors since 2010 show the value and potential in this extraordinary network of shared accountability.” - Catherine Peter, Africa director, One Young World.

Alongside the Plenary Sessions, the 2012 Summit will feature several special events, which were part of Pittsburgh’s bid to host the event. The Summit will begin with an Opening Ceremony held in Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts, set to music from the world-famous Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Children’s Festival Chorus of Pittsburgh, creating an inspiring Flag-laying Ceremony.

Following the ceremony, delegates will spill out onto the street for a Welcome Bridge Party with fireworks on the Roberto Clemente Bridge. Delegates will attend breakout sessions held at the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning Nationality Rooms and in several sites around Pittsburgh, and enjoy relaxed evening dinners in Heinz Field and with families all over the city, who will open their doors and hearts to One Young World.

Founded by David Jones, Global CEO of Havas Worldwide, and Kate Robertson, UK Group Chairman, Havas Worldwide, One Young World focuses on plenary sessions at which delegates are guided by a group of international luminaries. The inaugural London Summit took place in 2010. One Young World Summit 2013 will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa.