Bob Geldof and Kofi Annan kick off One Young World 2017 in Bogotá

One Young World 2017 kicked off last night with a spectacular opening ceremony in the heart of Bogotá. 
 
Taking place in the historic Simon Bolivar Plaza, the ceremony included speeches from four Nobel Peace Prize Laureates: former Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia, co-founder of Women Journalist Without Chains, Tawakkol Karman and Founder of the Grameen Bank, Professor Muhammad Yunus. 
 
Geldof called on young leaders to “engage in whole new structures and ideas” to overcome “a world without leadership.”
 
Activist Caroline Casey also took to the stage, having completed her 1000km horse trek through Colombia to raise awareness for disability inclusivity. 
 
Earlier in the day, One Young World co-founders Kate Robertson and David Jones joined President Santos for a press briefing at Casa de Nariño, the presidential residence. Hosted by Seven Hills co-founder Nick Giles, the press conference was broadcast live on national television. 
 
The One Young World Summit brings together 1,400 young leaders from 196 countries to tackle the world’s most pressing issues. Taking place nearly a year after this historic signing of the peace deal in Colombia – the main theme of this year’s Summit is peace and conflict resolution.