The 13th World Bank Group (WBG) Youth Summit 2026 has commenced at the World Bank headquarters in Washington DC, with young Bangladeshi changemakers Tisha Khandokar and Md Toufiq Elahi representing the nation on the global stage. Joining world leaders, policymakers, and young innovators, the duo is participating in discussions aimed at tackling global employment and economic challenges.
According to the press release, WBG President Ajay Banga inaugurated the two-day summit. He emphasised that creating quality jobs is currently the most critical priority for eradicating poverty and ensuring inclusive economic growth.
Following his remarks, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Makhtar Diop, highlighted the vital role of private investment in generating sustainable employment within emerging economies, with a particular focus on South Asia.
A significant highlight of the first day was a high-level panel discussion titled “Beyond the Pitch Deck: Both Sides of the Funding Table.” The session explored how young entrepreneurs secure financing and what factors investors prioritise most.
During the discussion, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tiger New Energy Nicole Mao underscored the potential of Bangladesh’s innovative startup ecosystem. “Bangladesh is no longer just a stable market; it is a strong hub for technology adoption and scalable innovation,” Mao said. The country is undergoing rapid technological transformation and represents a highly promising market for impact investment, she added.
She further urged investors seeking both developmental impact and commercial potential to focus on Bangladesh’s youth-led ecosystem.
The second day of the summit will feature an Innovation Lab, where the two Bangladeshi representatives will present their solution-based proposals to international experts.
Tisha Khandokar is set to present “AgriCredit,” an AI-based solution under the Youth Entrepreneurship category. Her proposal focuses on removing barriers for young entrepreneurs in developing nations to access primary finance.
Meanwhile, Md Toufiq Elahi will present a strategic roadmap titled “From Skills to Jobs: TVET Transitions” within the Education and Skills category. His AI-driven solution aims to bridge educational and skilling gaps to ensure a successful transition for young people from education to the labour market.
With over 1.2 billion young people expected to enter the labour market in emerging economies over the next decade, the participation of Tisha and Toufiq demonstrates that Bangladeshi youth are active partners in shaping the future of global employment.
Established in 2013, the World Bank Group Youth Summit is a premier global platform for individuals aged 18 to 35. This year’s theme, “FutureWorks: Designing Jobs for the Digital Age,” places specific emphasis on employment, artificial intelligence, digital inclusion, and green innovation.
