GLOBAL – LONDON, UK, JUNE 2011 – The heads of some of the world’s largest corporations, including Unilever and Barclays, have pledged their support to the next generation of global change makers, by becoming counsellors for One Young World, the international youth forum that will take place in Zurich, Switzerland from September 1-4, 2011.
Paul Polman, Chief Executive of Unilever; Tony Fernandes (pictured), CEO and founder of Air Asia; Antony Jenkins, Chief Executive of Barclays Global Retail Banking; and Güler Sabanci, Chairman of Sabanci Holding, one of the leading multi-business firms in Turkey, are among those who have signed up to become counsellors at One Young World 2011.
Joining the likes of Sir Bob Geldof and Mohammad Yunus, the new counsellors will help One Young World’s young ambassadors in addressing some of the most challenging issues facing the world today.
They will be joined by Graham Sweeney, Chairman, Zero Emission Platform & Executive Vice-President, CO2, Shell and Patrick Chalhoub, Chief Executive Officer of the Chalhoub Group.
Unlike any other event in the world, One Young World gives delegates aged under 25 a platform and forum afforded ordinarily to those who lead our countries and corporations – and unlike any other event in the world, OYW takes their views, vision and ideas to create real resolutions for real change.
Paul Polman, said: "The world is facing a number of enormous challenges over the next fifty years as it tries to evolve from a consumption-driven economy, to a new, sustainable economy. The leaders of today are just starting to grapple with the challenges; it will be the leaders of tomorrow who have to deliver the solutions to overcome them. Our job is to inspire these new leaders to seize the opportunities these challenges present.”
Since the 2010 summit the One Young World ambassadors have been affecting change on a global level, with the presentation of The Missing Millennium Development Goal to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, the first ever African Student Leaders Summit and the launch of over 100 environmental and education projects.
Guler Sabanci, recently ranked by the Financial Times as one of the world’s top 50 women in business, said: “The world is changing. The communications revolution and the innovations it inspires have wide-ranging effects on the way we conduct business. The youth of today is key for effectively understanding and seeking the opportunities in this new world. One Young World provides a great service not just for young people, but the world as a whole.”
David Jones, One Young World co-founder and Global CEO, Havas, commented: “The world has witnessed incredible change in the last year – much of it driven by younger citizens. I’m delighted that such a renowned group of international chief executives have signed up to join and listen to our young delegates – and I’d like to extend an invitation to other global business leaders.”
