A Seat at the Table (SATT) will host the Connect Youth In Dialogue Summit (CYID 2026) on Friday, 19 June 2026 in Johannesburg, bringing together young leaders, business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs and development partners to discuss one important question: how do we move from talking about change to making it happen?
Held under the theme From Resolutions to Reality: Youth Implementing Action for Impact, this year’s summit builds on conversations that began at the 2025 gathering. While last year’s event focused on identifying challenges and developing solutions, the 2026 summit will place the spotlight on the progress made since the 2025 resolutions were adopted, the lessons learned along the way, and the practical steps needed to create sustainable opportunities for young people.
South Africa’s young people continue to face significant barriers to employment, economic participation and leadership opportunities. At the same time, rapid advances in technology are changing the way people work, learn and do business. Against this backdrop, the summit will create space for honest conversations about what is working, where the gaps remain and what can be done differently.
“We made resolutions last year. This year, we want to look at what has happened since those commitments were made,” says Vuyelwa Diniso, Chief Executive Officer of A Seat at the Table.
“Young people are looking for opportunities, access and support that can help them build meaningful futures. CYID 2026 is about bringing together people who are in a position to help make that possible and encouraging conversations that lead to action.”
Since the inaugural summit in 2024, SATT has continued to grow its network of partners and programmes aimed at supporting youth development. Through collaborations with organisations including EmpowaYouth, EmpowaWomen and One Young World, more than 2,000 young people and women have been reached through leadership, mentorship and development initiatives.
The CYID 2026 summit will also provide an opportunity to expand several long-term programmes that focus on leadership development, entrepreneurship, digital skills and global collaboration. These include the Connect Global Partnership, the Global Leadership Lab, the Connect Alumni Network, the Entrepreneurship Hub and the Connect Digital and Artificial Intelligence Lab.
According to Tryphosa Ramano, Chairperson of A Seat at the Table, sustainable progress requires organisations, businesses and institutions to work together.
“Young people do not need promises. They need access to opportunities, practical support and people who are willing to invest in their growth. Real change happens when different sectors work together and remain accountable for the commitments they make.”
This marks the second year since SATT has partnered with Standard Bank.
“At Standard Bank, driving Africa’s growth means investing in the continent’s greatest opportunity: its young people. As South Africa marks 50 years since the 1976 Youth Day uprising, Youth Month reminds us that empowering youth is essential to building a more innovative, inclusive and prosperous future. We are proud to partner with SATT once again to engage South Africa’s youth, unlock opportunity and support the ideas that will help drive the country’s growth,” said Thandiwe Legwaila, Head, Client Coverage, South Africa at Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Banking.
The event’s programme will feature discussions on leadership, entrepreneurship, governance, innovation, digital skills, artificial intelligence and economic inclusion, with speakers drawn from business, government and civil society.
