BMW Group @ One Young World Summit The Hague 2018.

For me, the Summit made seemingly distant problems, tangible. It motivated us as individuals to take ownership of these issues, and more importantly, take action. All said it was a deeply inspiring and transformative experience.

As a gathering of some of the world’s brightest minds, the next generation of free thinkers assembled at One Young World to not only collaborate on globally relevant issues, but take steps towards shaping them. We entered The Hague as delegates, but we left it as ambassadors of hope with the common desire to change that which was once thought of as unchangeable.

There are no words that could even describe the vibrant energy and positive attitude of the 1800+ delegates from all over the world. One Young World Summit in The Hague gave me the chance to become more aware of our planet’s problems, to connect to people all over the world and to make friends that will definitely stay in my life. What I took home is that the world is changing faster and we have to take over the guidance, because our generation has the chance and power to make an impact. And impact can happen in many ways. Every little step counts! Like Bob Geldof said to us: “You have the power, you certainly have the genius and all we need now is the magic!

Major global companies play an increasingly important role in our globalised world. But this power also comes with responsibility. Companies that want to be successful in the future will therefore have to accept their social responsibility in the world. But it is ultimately always up to each and every one of us to contribute to the whole through our actions – here at BMW and in our private lives.

Participating in OYW for me was overwhelming and eye-opening. More than 1,800 delegates from 193 countries all over the world coming together with one aim – sharing ideas to build a better world. The definition of purpose for every corporation has to be reinterpreted to shift into social impact. I’ve learned that everybody can contribute to building a better world – any impact is better than none. Start small, but start.

One Young World is a launching pad for understanding the issues we face as a society and is a great motivator to bring action. It was a humbling experience to witness the problems our generation is tackling throughout the world. As a BMW delegate, I feel inspired and committed to help solve the challenges ahead. We have a responsibility to make an impact, as individuals and as a company. Can’t is not an option!