BMW GROUP @ ONE YOUNG WORLD SUMMIT BELFAST 2023.

Around 1,900 young talents from 190 different countries joined renowned politicians, athletes and artists as well as representatives of well-known and influential companies from around the world as speakers. It is precisely this mix that makes the One Young World Summit so interesting, inspiring and unique year after year. This time round, workshops and discussions on some of the most pressing global issues as well as plenty of food for thought on the role each of us as individuals and organizations can play in achieving a brighter future summed up the OYW Summit 2023 in Belfast.

One Young World (OYW) Summit Belfast 2023

Multinational delegation from the BMW Group.

As in previous years, the BMW Group delegation was once again at the heart of the event, ready to network, develop ideas and realize new visions for the future. The multinational group included 59 BMW Group employees who have already successfully worked in-depth on creative changes in their environment, as well as winners of the Innovation Impact Challenge accelerator programme and representatives of the winning organizations currently supported by the lntercultural Innovation Hub, a collaboration between the BMW Group and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC). For the entire group, the summit represented an opportunity to look far beyond their own horizons, expand their own thinking and learn about the diverse ideas of other participants. All this to boost their own development and role model mindset and leadership qualities within and beyond the company.

Leadership is a mindset.

“You are the proof that leadership isn’t a position, it’s a mindset. That mindset means being visionary and realistic at the same time. It means being engaged and aspiring to search for solutions for a more resilient and attractive future for us all,” said Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Human Resources and Real Estate, Labor Director, encouraging the OYW delegates. She joined the BMW Group party in Belfast, acting as a mentor and presenting alongside the delegation members on how and where the BMW Group can and will make its own lasting contribution to solving acute global problems with its expertise.

The future is CIRCULAR.

The event centered around five major and overarching themes. As an OEM and mobility services provider, the BMW Group is best equipped to make its mark in the fight against the consequences of climate change. In fact, the company has identified the circular economy as a key factor in response to the question “How can we ensure responsible use of our planet’s resources?” In her keynote speech, Ilka Horstmeier took the opportunity to present the Group’s circular and sustainable approach, which was later followed up at a separate workshop entitled “The Future is CIRCULAR.” The delegation drew on the BMW i Vision Circular to provide real-world insight into the principles and aims of circularity as well as how to implement them.

Talent development.

While the right ideas, setting the right course, certainly does play a part on the road to a better future for all, it is above all the skills and passion of people who boldly drive these ideas forward that make the difference. In Belfast, for example, four BMW Group employees, Magdalena Lippenberger, Julia Bald, Dominik Lorenzer and Lucas Schulte-Vorwick, who had already participated in the 2022 Summit in Manchester and were now there as ambassadors, reported on their experiences. “One Young World had a huge impact on us, on BMW and on many of our partners. As ambassadors, we can tell you: One Young World can change your life! The only thing you need to do is to stay curious, keep a positive, problem-solving attitude and – most importantly – take action,” said Dominik Lorenzer.

The inspiration to take action yourself.

As well as discovering plenty of new food for thought, the BMW Group delegation wanted to inspire the other participants in Belfast to take action themselves. Ilka Horstmeier stressed that personal commitment holds the key to solutions that protect the climate, can overcome many people’s fear of the future and even create a new sense of togetherness in society: “It is thanks to young people like all of you, who do not just complain about issues but come up with creative ideas and have the courage to bring them to fruition even in the face of adversity. It is then the responsibility of management at your companies and organizations to ensure that there is space to let these ideas flourish. When both of these aspects match, we can put words into action and achieve real change.”

The five major themes at the One Young World Summit 2023.

In addition to climate change, four other major themes laid the groundwork for discussion at the One Young World Summit 2023 in Belfast. As usual, the five themes were developed by the organizers several months in advance of the event. As this year’s summit formed part of the celebrations for the 25^th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in Belfast, the topic of peace and reconciliation and the question “How can communities build and sustain lasting peace?” were at the forefront of the discussions and presentations. Other focus topics included the food crisis, education and mental health.

Looking ahead: One Young World Summit 2024 in Montréal.

After the summit is before the summit! In 2024, the participants are set to meet in Montréal. The French-Canadian city is a world-leading urban hotspot for life sciences and health technology.

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