One Young World: Meghan Markle gives keynote speech and young Manchester talent shines at opening ceremony

The Bridgewater Hall was packed with 2,000 young leaders from all around the world as the huge international conference got under way.
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Manchester welcomed around 2,000 young leaders from across the planet into The Bridgewater Hall for the opening ceremony of the One Young World summit.

The high-profile event included a keynote address from Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, while young artistic talent from across the city took to the stage to entertain the international delegates.

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Politicians, arts figures and sports stars from across the world were also in attendance for the opening of the summit, which runs until Thursday (8 September).

The summit aims to bring influential young people from around the world together and empower them to create a more sustainable and fairer future.

Who spoke at the One Young World opening ceremony and who was there?

The Duchess of Sussex, who was in attendance along with the Duke, declared the One Young World summit open in her speech.

She then spoke about the ability of young people to shape the future but added that they are also “the present” and are “the ones driving the positive and necessary change needed across the globe, now, in this very moment”.

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She also spoke about her long association with One Young World and added she was pleased that Prince Harry could be in Manchester to see its work for himself alongside her.

The Duchess of Sussex addresses The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. Photo: One Young WorldThe Duchess of Sussex addresses The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. Photo: One Young World
The Duchess of Sussex addresses The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. Photo: One Young World

The delegates were also welcomed to the city by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who spoke about Manchester’s history of supporting movements for change, along with Mancunian author, poet and broadcaster Lemn Sissay OBE.

The other keynote speeches were given by the former President of Ireland Mary Robinson and musician and Live Aid founder Bob Geldof.

Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus also delivered a virtual message to the delegates gathered in Manchester.

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Other global leaders in attendance included Britain’s most decorated Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, the former CEO of Unilever Paul Polman, and marine biologist Dr Sylvia Earle.

What else happened at the opening ceremony?

The opening ceremony was also a showcase of Manchester’s creative and artistic talent as an array of performers took to The Bridgewater Hall’s stage after creative producers and directors Private Drama Events held a wide casting call across the city-region.

They included Bolton artist DJ Hurguf, spoken word poet Esther Koch, dance and visual arts company Ghetto Fabulous, Greater Manchester dance trio Joseph Powell-Main, Elizabeth Griffiths and Scott Kidd and Manchester RnB duo The KTNA .

The ASH (Aim Sky High) Company, founded by One Young World ambassador Christina Rehana, also performed along with a 40-strong choir, students from Chetham’s School of Music and soprano Olivia Tringham who is studying at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM).

Delegates with their flags ahead of the opening of the One Young World summit. Photo: One Young WorldDelegates with their flags ahead of the opening of the One Young World summit. Photo: One Young World
Delegates with their flags ahead of the opening of the One Young World summit. Photo: One Young World
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The Untold Orchestra performed the opening music and dance number during the flag ceremony.

The look of the show was devised by Bolton’s Janey Cribben, who designed bespoke high fashion outfits for the ceremony’s principal performers.

The evening, which was intended to showcase artists who capture the stories and spirit of Manchester in their work, was hosted by Jenny Ryan.

What is happening at this year’s One Young World summit?

This year’s One Young World summit explores themes ranging from conflict prevention and gender equality to health, the state of the world’s oceans and ethical leadership.

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Delegates are meeting in Manchester to discuss major international problems such as climate change, human rights violations, sexual violence, modern day slavery, violent extremism, and mental health.

Dr Earle is discussing the necessity of preserving marine biodiversity while Olympian Mark Tewksbury is speaking on LGBTQ+ activism and pride and singer and campaigner Leigh-Anne Pinnock is speaking about the importance of investing in racial equality through her work with The Black Fund.

Delegates at the registration for the summit. Photo: One Young WorldDelegates at the registration for the summit. Photo: One Young World
Delegates at the registration for the summit. Photo: One Young World

One Young World is a global charity established in 2009 which aims to equip young people with the skills they need to tackle the world’s biggest and most pressing issues.

Its young leaders are known as Ambassadors and there are now some 13,700 of them in the charity’s network, running projects which have impacted millions of people around the globe.

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They receive support from the charity’s Counsellors, high-profile and successful people who include the likes of the Duchess of Sussex, humanitarian leader President Robinson and primatologist Dr Jane Goodall.

What has been said about the summit’s arrival in Manchester?

Kate Robertson and David Jones, the co-founders of One Young World, said: “We created One Young World to ensure that young leaders have the opportunity to share a platform, challenge, engage and make lasting connections with global leaders.

“Our aim is to support these young leaders in creating meaningful and lasting impact in their local communities across the world. We believe that the One Young World Summit provides an unrivalled network to do this.

“We are proud to bring the Summit to Manchester this year. This city is a hub of activism, home to some incredible young people making a difference on issues that really matter to young people worldwide – from homelessness to climate change to gender equality.”