Deloitte and One Young World

INTRODUCTION & OVERVIEW

Today, uncertainty is the only constant Canadians can rely on. When outdated systems, lack of access, and limited resources hold back progress and potential, how can younger generations build a future they can rely on?

Young voices are standing more than ever to face the world's toughest challenges—from climate change and social justice to the fight for quality education and sustainable development. But the path to progress isn't without obstacles. Many young adults from underserved communities face systemic barriers to accessing quality education, resources, and mentorship to realize their potential.

One Young World (OYW), a not for profit, gathers over 2,000 of the world's brightest young leaders on the frontlines of change every year at the global OYW summit. A once in a lifetime opportunity, the young leaders learn how to make a difference, challenge thinking, develop leadership skills, and build their networks globally.

At Deloitte, we believe we have a responsibility to be a force for good and help lead the way on the increasingly complex challenges society faces today. Our involvement with OYW empowers young professionals to address global matters.

DELOITTE’S COLLABORATION WITH OYW

Deloitte's collaboration with OYW is built on the shared belief in the power of young leaders to drive meaningful change. For the 14 years Deloitte has participated at OYW, we have awarded over 63 scholarships for social innovators, and provided over 300 delegates with representation from more than 35 countries around the world.

As part of our continued commitment, this year we sent 53 professionals, which included ten delegates from Canada to the 2024 One Young World summit in Montreal (Tiohtià:ke). These individuals are set to champion such causes as Indigenous rights, climate action, AI for good, health equity, and peace. At the summit, our Deloitte leaders and delegates will take to the main stage to share their experience inspiring insights, while our OYW ambassadors host interactive workshops, side panels on key topics, and more. Their involvement exemplifies the spirit of "Generation Unstoppable" — a cohort dedicated to building a better today and a sustainable tomorrow. These leaders are not only participants but catalysts of change, poised to lead impactful projects aligned with Deloitte’s World Impact strategy post-summit.

This year, Deloitte sponsored two OYW Lead2030 Challenges, to help build a better more sustainable future for our people and our planet. Deloitte is proud of this sponsorship which demonstrates our continued commitment to fostering innovative solutions that address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG); 4—Quality Education and SDG 13—Climate Action. Deloitte is proudly supporting a challenge focused on SDG 13. This challenge aims to address climate change in bold, meaningful, innovative ways—from empowering local people undertaking climate action to strengthening resilience. Our support also included a US$50,000 grant and tailored mentorship from Deloitte professionals for each winner, enabling them to scale their initiatives and create greater impact.

Among the Lead2030 Challenge winners is Alfred Burgesson, CEO and Founder of the Tribe Network, an innovative Canadian based hub dedicated to empowering racialized communities through technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. His goal? To empower racialized young adults to become leaders in innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology—sectors critical to a sustainable future.

Winning the Lead2030 scholarship is pivotal for us at the Tribe Network. It empowers us to expand our impact and fulfill our mission across the globe, enabling us to support more racialized entrepreneurs. Collaborating with Deloitte accelerates our mission, providing the resources and expertise needed to drive innovation and economic opportunities within underrepresented communities.

- Alfred Burgesson
 

IMPACT & CALL TO ACTION

Working together with OYW, we’re creating spaces for young leaders to step up and drive change. This year, we brought together a diverse group of delegates from across Canada, ensuring that young professionals from underrepresented communities have the platform, resources, and support they need to be heard. By connecting Deloitte leaders with the mentorship and funding to scale their ideas, we’re breaking down barriers and inspiring new solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges.

This is just the beginning. This generation has the energy, creativity, and vision needed to rewrite the rules—and we're committed to ensuring they have the support to do it. For additional information about Deloitte at OYW, please visit our Global page (English only).