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Why You Should Be at the YD Co-Lab Summit 2025

Why You Should Be at the YD Co-Lab Summit 2025

Rethink & Explore: Honest Conversations. Bold Solutions.

The countdown has begun. On Wednesday, 29 October 2025, changemakers, collaborators, funders, youth leaders, and ecosystem builders will come together in Johannesburg for a powerful gathering at the YD Co-Lab Youth Development Summit 2025.

This year’s theme — “Rethink & Explore: Honest Conversations, Bold Solutions” — is more than a tagline. It’s an invitation. An invitation to pause, challenge assumptions, share lessons, and co-create solutions that can help shift the youth development system in South Africa.

Here’s why you should be in the room.

We’re Building More Than Just a Programme — We’re Building an Ecosystem

The YD Co-Lab Summit isn’t your average conference. It’s a space where frontline organisations meet funders, youth voices sit alongside policymakers, and real stories drive real strategy.

Whether you work in skills development, education, entrepreneurship, psychosocial support, or funding, this is a space designed to connect the dots between our work. We need more than good intentions. We need coordination, creativity, and courage.

What to Expect

  • Dynamic panels and breakout sessions tackling urgent questions and long-standing challenges
  • Member Spotlights that showcase powerful stories of collaboration in action
  • Youth Voice inserts, bringing lived experience to the forefront
  • A Gallery of Impact, highlighting the strength and diversity of organisations across the country
  • Opportunities to connect, partner, and build together

This is a day to listen, reflect, be challenged — and most importantly, to contribute.

Who Should Attend

  • Youth development practitioners and NPOs
  • Funders and CSI practitioners
  • Policy actors and public sector stakeholders
  • Researchers, educators, and system convenors
  • Young leaders and changemakers aged 18–35
  • Anyone committed to creating real change in youth outcomes

     

Member Benefits

Are you a YD Co-Lab Member?
Members get exclusive ticket discounts and access to opportunities to shape the Summit programme — from speaking slots to showcasing your impact.

Not yet a member? Learn more and join here: www.ydcolab.org.za/membership

Summit Details

Date: 29 October 2025
 Time: 08:30 – 17:00
 Venue: Cedarwoods of Sandton, Johannesburg
 🎟️ Tickets: Purchase here via Quicket

Come Be Part of What’s Next

We know the challenges are big, but so is the collective power of our community. The Summit is a space to bring your insight, your questions, and your boldest ideas.

Let’s rethink what’s possible. Let’s explore new ways of working. Let’s build the future of youth development — together.