Young people from across the globe have gathered in Washington, D.C. for the two-day World Bank Group Youth Summit, where World Bank President Ajay Banga delivered a powerful message: take risks, embrace technology, live life fully, and do not let fear stand in the way.
Addressing more than 300 participants attending in person and over 10,000 others joining virtually from more than 170 countries, Banga encouraged young leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs to avoid being overly timid or excessively humble. Instead, he urged them to strike a balance between confidence and humility as they prepare for a rapidly changing world increasingly shaped by technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
“Take risks, live your life, regret nothing,” Banga told the young audience, emphasising that success often comes from those willing to step outside their comfort zones and embrace change.
His remarks resonate strongly with countries such as Malawi, where high youth unemployment, limited formal job opportunities and uncertainty about the future of work remain pressing concerns.
The summit, which is focused on jobs, skills and entrepreneurship, is exploring how young people can position themselves to thrive in an economy increasingly influenced by AI and digital technologies.
World Bank Group Youth Summit Manager Marco Fayet said young people around the world share many of the same concerns regardless of where they come from.
“Young people worry about unemployment, how AI is changing the labour market and how opportunities often seem out of reach without the right connections,” he said.
Fayet noted that while the challenges may be global, solutions are often local, with many young people creating their own opportunities through entrepreneurship, innovation and technology.
For Malawi, the discussions are particularly relevant. Thousands of young people enter the labour market every year, yet job creation continues to lag behind demand.
As a result, many are turning to small businesses, digital ventures and self-employment as alternative pathways to earning a living.
The World Bank says small and medium-sized enterprises account for about 90 per cent of businesses and 70 per cent of jobs worldwide, making entrepreneurship a critical driver of youth employment and economic growth.
Throughout the summit, participants are examining practical solutions ranging from skills development and education reform to AI innovation, start-up financing and leadership development.
As Malawi seeks to unlock opportunities for its growing youth population, the message emerging from Washington is clear: the future will belong to those willing to learn, adapt, innovate and take calculated risks in an increasingly digital world.
By Mirriam Kaliza
#MBCDigital
#Manthu
