Cape Town’s iconic landmarks, Table Mountain and DHL Stadium, will light up this week as the City hosts the One Young World Summit 2026. Thousands of delegates will gather in the Mother City for the global youth leadership summit.

Taking place at the CTICC from 3 to 6 November 2026, the One Young World Summit brings together more than 2 200 young leaders from over 190 countries to Cape Town for conversations, collaboration and sharing ideas aimed at tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges. 

The Summit returns to South Africa for the first time since 2013, when it was hosted in Johannesburg.  

Also read about the upcoming AWIEF Conference: Women-Led Enterprise as a Strategy for Peace and Security in Africa at AWIEF 2026 Conference

The One Young World Summit 2026 – Key Details

• Participants: More than 2,200 young leaders from over 190 countries have gathered in the city.
• Venues: Main sessions are held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), with the opening ceremony at Green Point Athletic Stadium and side events at locations like the Castle of Good Hope.
• Core Focus Areas: Climate change, peace, equity, health, and technology and human rights.
• Notable Figures: High-profile speakers and counsellors include Forest Whitaker, Graça Machel, Nomzamo Mbatha, Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira, and Mteto Nyati.
• Significance: This marks the summit’s return to South Africa for the first time since Johannesburg hosted it in 2013, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Youth Uprising

Youth-Led Change

Its arrival also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Youth Uprising, connecting South Africa’s history of youth-led change with a new generation determined to shape the future. 

The City is a host city partner for the 2026 summit and will be providing logistical support through its several departments.   

‘Having the One Young World Summit here in Cape Town is more than an opportunity to host an international event. It is a chance to put the city, South Africa and the continent’s talent, ideas and community initiatives on a global stage, while creating opportunities for local voices to connect with leaders from across the world. 

‘Cape Town is a city that understands the power of young people to bring about change. We have a proud history of youth activism and community leadership, and we continue to see young Capetonians making a difference in their communities every day. 

‘Hosting One Young World gives us an opportunity to share that story with the world, while welcoming new ideas, perspectives and partnerships that can help build a better future for all,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith. 

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis will welcome delegates at the summit’s official opening ceremony, taking place at Green Point Athletic Stadium on Tuesday evening, 3 November 2026. 

Programme Focus on Five Key Areas

The Summit brings emerging leaders together with experienced voices from business, public life and civil society to exchange ideas, learn from one another and explore solutions to global challenges. 

This year’s programme will focus on five key areas including climate, peace, equity, health, and technology and human rights.  

Through plenary sessions, discussions, and engagements, delegates will explore ways to turn ideas into meaningful action. 

The gathering will also feature a range of international counsellors and speakers from across business, politics, the arts, sport and civil society.  

High-profile participants confirmed to attend include Oscar-winning actor and activist Forest Whitaker, former First Lady Graça Machel, actor and UN Human Rights Council Goodwill Ambassador Nomzamo Mbatha, Springbok legend Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau and businessman and Eskom chairperson Mteto Nyati, among others.  

The summit will also host several side events at various venues in the city, including at the historic Castle of Good Hope.  

During the summit, the City will illuminate Table Mountain and the DHL Stadium in the event’s official colours, continuing a tradition of lighting up the Mother City’s landmarks when Cape Town hosts international events. 

Source and References

https://www.oneyoungworld.com/summit

For more information on this and other events hosted in Cape Town, visit eventscapetown.com.

City of Cape Town