World Bank Youth Summit 2019: Smarter Cities for a Resilient Future

WASHINGTON, USA — The 2019 Youth Summit Competition challenges young social entrepreneurs to submit innovative proposals for scalable enterprises that leverage smart technology to build sustainable and inclusive cities that will serve the needs of 1 million people by 2030.

The World Bank Group wants to hear from young changemakers across the globe on how we can leverage the growth of cities for more sustainable and inclusive communities.

About the Competition

By 2030, two-thirds of the world’s population will live in cities, with the majority of growth in developing countries. Cities are unprecedented hubs of opportunity, but also present some of the most complex and pressing challenges of our time. Everyone has a role to play to address these challenges – governments, international organizations, non-profits, local communities, and individuals – but no one is better placed than young people to innovate and overcome the obstacles faced in an era of fast-paced, technology-driven change.

The 2019 Youth Summit Competition challenges young people to harness smart technology to:

1. Address the rising impacts of climate change and pollution in urban cities; and/or
2. Promote inclusive economic growth.

The competition provides a forum for young people to identify problems in their communities and craft innovative solutions for smarter and more resilient cities. It aims to stimulate entrepreneurial problem solving and create dialogue on innovative ways to unlock obstacles that have traditionally hindered investment in smart cities.

Why Participate?

Do you have an idea that has the capacity to leverage technology to build sustainable and inclusive cities to positively impact your community, your country, and/or society at large? The 2019 Youth Summit Competition provides the opportunity to share your idea, connect with peers and high-level experts, and explore how to bring your idea to the next level.

Who Should Participate?

The competition is open to individuals or teams of up to 4 people aged 18 to 35, from all over the world. Prior entrepreneurial experience or business background is not required – all youth with the drive to innovate are encouraged to participate, including professionals, students and academics, NGO leaders, government officials and start-up founders.

How to Enter

Applicants should propose an innovative and action-oriented idea leveraging data technology to address pollution and climate change, or facilitate the inclusion of the urban poor in cities.

The proposed solution (i) can be aimed at business or service (e.g. product, service, program, initiative, etc.), (ii) should solve a specific problem statement or challenge, (iii) explains the proposal’s proof-of-concept and impact to date; and (iv) addresses at least one of the smart and resilient cities subthemes in the two pillars below.

APPLY NOW

Any questions? Contact: youthsummit@worldbank.org