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PERSPECTIVES
Citi Colleagues Help Make One World Leadership Summit a Success
December 03, 2014
Last month, Citi colleagues from twelve offices around the world attended the One Young World (OYW) leadership summit in Dublin. This annual conference draws over a thousand young professionals from countries around the globe to discuss current issues and rally support for positive change. The Dublin event follows last year's successful summit in Johannesburg, and Citi's 2014 delegates were similarly inspired to listen, learn and debate the current major international topics.
Upon arrival in Dublin, the delegates spent time with the Citi Ireland management team. This was an opportunity for us to learn about Ireland's economic recovery and Citi's role as the leading corporate and investment bank in Ireland. After registering for the OYW summit, we attended the opening ceremony where 1,300 delegates were greeted and flags were presented from 190 nations. The summit has more countries represented than any global gathering other than the Olympic Games.
Dubbed "Young Davos," the conference brings together 18-30-year-olds with world leaders. Together, these leaders debate and discuss pressing issues such as education, human rights, sustainable development and the role of global business. After each summit the newly-minted One Young World Ambassadors work on their own initiatives or lend the power of the One Young World network to support existing initiatives.
Personally, I found the experience was very humbling. It was inspiring to meet many young delegates who, despite personal hardships and a lack of financial resources, were already making positive impacts in their communities. My fellow Citi delegates agreed that the summit was a once in a lifetime experience, and an opportunity to listen to others, act collectively and have a significant impact on the world we live in.
As one of the world's leading financial institutions, it was exciting for all of us to recognize the power of Citi to help bring positive change. With Citi Foundation working to leverage our talent and expertise for social benefit across the world, OYW delegates have been inspired to further support our institution in these efforts.