Prestigious international summit to take place in Canada's capital

Ottawa Tourism has won the rights to host the prestigious One Young World summit in 2016. Ottawa was the only western city in the running, competing against Bangkok, Thailand (which won the right to host in 2015); Kobe, Japan; and Hong Kong.
 
One Young World is an inspiring event, drawing close to 1,500 of the best and brightest young (18-30) entrepreneurs, businesspeople, humanitarians, and creators together from around the world to network and work on the problems of our day. More than 190 countries are represented, making this the most diverse event on the planet after the Olympic summer games. The annual summit has attracted Sir Richard Branson, Kofi Annan, Desmond Tutu and other luminaries, who are enthusiastic supporters.
 
“This event will raise Ottawa's profile on the global stage like never before,” says Noel Buckley, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “These are prominent young people—and several high-profile Counsellors working with them—who will make connections that will further their careers and their projects… and Ottawa will be a part of that legacy.”
 
“Ottawa Convention Centre is proud to host the prestigious event One Young World within our world class facility,” said OCC President and CEO Patrick Kelly. “Our striking location, our commitment to the environment and our superior service are all a great fit with welcoming the leaders of today and tomorrow, a fact that was reinforced recently when we were named runner up as the World's Best Convention Centre.”
 
The Ottawa event will take place September 28 to October 1, 2016. When the site selection committee visited in late June 2014, it toured several potential host hotels and other venues such as the Ottawa Convention Centre, National Arts Centre, Canadian Museum of Nature and more. The general public of Ottawa will be encouraged to get involved with this event, so stay tuned!
 
A delegation from Ottawa will attend the 2014 event in Dublin, Ireland in October and in Bangkok, Thailand in 2015. This short video from the 2013 event shares the power of the One Young World summit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XCTCI92tOw&sns=em
 
Ottawa Tourism provides industry leadership and destination marketing to service the travel media and attract visitors, tours and conventions to Ottawa and Canada's Capital Region. Visit Ottawa Tourism at www.ottawatourism.ca