September, 2011 - Zurich, Switzerland
How many times have you heard that youth is the future? Or, that teenagers absorb information and knowledge like a sponge, and tomorrow they will be experts and professionals who manage the world? Very often by focusing on this notion, we forget that young people are not only the future, but also the NOW, and therefore should have a voice in political, economic and social decision making processes. One Yong World (OYW) hosts an annual summit that provides a platform for young leaders to express their opinions, frustrations, hopes, visions and action plans for a better world, not tomorrow, but NOW.

This year's summit took place in Zurich, Switzerland hosting 1700 participants from 170 countries. Three We Are Family Foundation's Three Dot Dash Global Teen Leaders (GTLs) participated as delegates at the OYW Summit and represented their countries, projects and most importantly the spirit of Three Dot Dash: Myself, Sayid Abdullaev GTL’08 from Kyrgyzstan, Cindy Garcia GTL’10 from Columbia and Hosanna Kabakoro GTL’11 from Fiji. Hosanna commented, “Our generation owes a tremendous debt to those who paved the way for us. We couldnt do what we do had generations before us not given their all. OYW exemplified this in that we had 'Grandpas', Bob Geldoff & Desmond Tutu as well as over a thousand attendees all working together. THAT IS PROGRESS!”

During the summit we were able to hear and learn from Archbishop Desmond Tutu on the importance of interfaith dialogue, Dr. Muhammad Yunnus on the concept of social business, Crown Prince Haakon of Norway on the topic of global dignity, food revolutionist Jamie Oliver, Wael Ghonim on the power of social media, unreasonable Sir Bob Geldof, and many global CEOs. Participants passed several resolutions to call upon their governments, businesses, agencies to actively participate in the development of the sustainability, social entrepreneurship and youth involvement in the decision making process.

OYW's Summit is a great reminder that in order for us to make a difference in the world, we do not have to be loud, powerful or rich. The only thing we have to be is committed. Commitment turns your world upside down and takes us towards a reality where peace is possible.