TheRevolutionIS NOW
One Young World is an international movement that
brings together a new generation of young leaders from
every corner of the world. Ahead of its 10th annual
summit this month in London, Vogue meets some
of the luminaries behind the event. Photographs
by Toby Coulson. Styling by Julia BrenardWhen history is written, 2019 will go down
as a year defined by youthful activism.
The question on everybody’s minds,
however, is how to make “moments” into
“movements” – and transform marches
and hashtags into lasting social and political change? It was
precisely that concern which led David Jones and Kate
Robertson to found One Young World in 2009. Now in its
10th year, the summit is known as the young Davos, with
HRH The Duchess of Sussex, Justin Trudeau and former
archbishop Desmond Tutu among its supporters.
Young leaders from every country in the world will be present
at the 2019 forum, Britain’s most international gathering since
the 2012 London Olympics. “A broad variety of exceptional
young leaders is needed now, more than ever before,” explains
Kate. Not only will keynote speakers such as Edward Enninful,
Jane Goodall, and Ellie Goulding be in attendance, it will also
be the first carbon-negative conference in history, thanks to
its groundbreaking sustainability policy.
To support the event, Robertson and her daughter Ella
have joined forces on the brilliant book How To Make
A Difference: The Definitive Guide From The World ’s Most
Effective Activists. Inspired by One Young World, the mother
and daughter duo spoke with more than 100 leading activists
whose work has transformed society over the last 70 years- from leaders of America’s civil rights movement to Colin
Kaepernick and Emma Watson.
Shortly ahead of the release of How To Make A Difference
this September, Vogue gathered together some of the
luminaries who contributed to the publication for a shoot in
London. “It was one of the noisiest afternoons I’ve ever had,”
says David with a laugh. “Although, when the One Young
World summit rolls into town, I expect the conversations
will be even louder and more powerful...”
Naturally, the fashion industry was a major topic
of discussion. Grace Forrest, the founder of the Walk Free
Foundation, works with the most influential government and
business leaders, including companies such as Adidas, Walmart,
Uniqlo, Asics and Icebreaker to strengthen their labour and
supply chain policies to protect workers – a movement >
From left: Nimco
Ali wears dress,
£1,220, Bottega
Veneta, at
Matchesfashion.
com. Shoes, £695,
Manolo Blahnik.
Earring, £350,
sold as pair,
Alighieri. Rings,
all her own.
Ella Robertson
wears dress, £740,
Emilia Wickstead
X Woolmark.
Shoes, £495,
Manolo Blahnik.
DeRay Mckesson
wears blazer and
trousers, £895.
Both Boss.
Rollneck, £230,
Paul Smith.
Trainers and
vest, his own.
Neelam Gill
wears top, £372.
Trousers, £461.
Both Jacquemus.
Shoes, £360,
Dorateymur.
Earring, £240,
Alighieri11-19OYW.indd 118 16/09/2019 14:38