Closing remarks by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile at the One Young World Summit, Castle Of Good Hope, Cape Town

Programme Director;

Distinguished Delegates;

Young Leaders from Across the Globe;

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we bring the 2026 One Young World Summit to a close, we do so inspired, encouraged, and optimistic about the future.

Over the past five days, we have witnessed the power of young people coming together with a shared purpose. Through your ideas, dialogue, and commitment, you have shown that the future is being shaped by a generation ready to lead, innovate, and drive meaningful change.

This Summit has also coincided with an important moment in South Africa's democratic journey. The peaceful and orderly conduct of our Local Government Elections has once again demonstrated the strength of our democracy and the value of active citizenship.

At a time of growing global uncertainty, progress cannot be achieved by any nation acting alone. It requires dialogue, cooperation, and a shared commitment to building a better future.

It is therefore encouraging that throughout this Summit, you have engaged with some of the defining issues of our era, including food security, the future of work, artificial intelligence, gender equality, and sustainable development. In doing so, you have demonstrated that young people are not waiting for change; you are leading it.

Across the world, young people are driving innovation, advancing social progress, building businesses, championing climate action, and creating solutions to complex challenges. Through your energy, creativity, and determination, you are proving that leadership is defined not by age, but by action.

Distinguished Global Young Leaders, the challenges before us demand bold thinking and practical solutions. What has distinguished this Summit is its focus on action. The ideas shared, partnerships forged, and networks built here have the potential to make a lasting impact far beyond Cape Town.

You have also reflected on what it will take to realise the promise of the African Century. That future will be shaped not only by Africa's natural wealth, but by the talent, innovation, and determination of its people, especially its youth.

If this is to be Africa's century, it must also be the century of African youth, a generation building businesses, advancing technology, strengthening institutions, and transforming communities across our continent.

South Africa remains committed to a world founded on justice, equality, human dignity, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. We are equally committed to the African Union's vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated Africa, guided by Agenda 2063.

As you return home, let these conversations become action. Build partnerships, create opportunities, champion peace, and use innovation to improve lives. Let this Summit be remembered not only for the ideas shared, but for the impact that follows.

To all our international delegates, thank you for choosing South Africa. We wish you a safe journey home and look forward to welcoming you back. 

Let me conclude by congratulating Tokyo and the people of Japan as you prepare to host the One Young World Summit in 2027. We wish you every success.

It now gives me great pleasure to officially declare the One Young World Summit 2026 closed.

I thank you. 

Inkomu.