JCI World Congress 2011 - Brussels

About 4000 to 5000 young, entrepreneurial leaders of the future from all over the world will visit Belgium early November 2011. A congress that wants to show Belgium, with Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia, to the world. A unique opportunity to proudly show our entrepreneurial and creative characteristics in a positive way and to create impact. This congress is:

• The opportunity to create a dynamic image of our country and strengthen the brand of Belgium
• Proof that, under the slogan of ‘Unity and Diversity’, a well oriented international society with several cultures can lead to a positive and true added value.
• Young potentials that unite for one week from over 110 countries to discover, learn, listen, take action, debate and form opinions.
• A strong and direct opportunity for our economy, also in the long term.
• Giving companies and organisations the chance to connect with potential customers, suppliers, lobbyers, business partners and future managers.
• Connecting our local knowledge and creativity to a worldwide network, perfectly matching the sustainable development business model.
• Uniting young people and companies, in a perfect environment where future leaders want to grow and where our companies can bring a unique impact.
• Showing Belgium in all its aspects, central in Europe, with much to offer.
• Inviting the world to Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia, what offers us the possibility to show those strengths to a generation of future leaders.
• Creating impact together and expanding boundaries as says the congress theme: ‘Expand your boundaries’.
• One of the largest congresses in Brussels in 2011.

JCI World Congress 2011 in Brussels

The World Congress is the General Assembly of all national JCI-organisations in the world. During a week all members come together to discuss the future of the organisation and to elect a new direction. ‘One year to lead’ is the principle, for all functions to allow as many youngsters between 18 and 40 to grow and gain experience. Worldwide we had world presidents from Ireland, South Korea, Cameroon and next year Japan.

But the more then 4000 members join the conference mostly to learn. Plenty of trainings are being organised, with renowned local and international speakers. Workshops where we experience Brussels, elections of the ‘Creative Young Entrepreneur’ and ‘The Outstanding Young Person’, competitions around ‘public speaking’ and debating, an alumni congress, a trade show, company visits, and tourist visits in and around Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia. A true added value for each participant that joins the JCI World Congress in 2011. We aim to wrap innovation and creativity in a welcoming and burgundy ‘whaaw’ experience seasoned with a promising Europe.

Before and during the congress we show Belgium through its 7 wonders; technology, Europe, design, history, business, culture and gastronomy. A wealth of examples where we outstand, especially through our companies and institutions, where CSR and sustainable policy go hand in hand with JCI and this future oriented congress.

JCI is a worldwide organisation with 200,000 members as Active Citizens. Worldwide there are over 1 million alumni. In Belgium we have 1400 members and 1,600 senators, divided over 67 local chapters.

About the JCI World Congress

The JCI World Congress is the annual meeting of JCI members, past-members and JCI Senators from all over the world. JCI Members unite at JCI international events to foster cooperation across boundaries, engage in dialogue to ignite global development projects, and unite the JCI global network.

Every November, members from across the globe come together for the peak of the JCI year at the JCI World Congress. At this global forum, delegates elect the next year’s officers, meet JCI Members from more than 100 countries, find new ways to create positive change and magnify the positive impact of the JCI movement...

Any country that wants to organize a World Congress has to go through an election process that is similar to that of the Olympic Games. In particular, the country has to demonstrate that it is capable of organizing an event of such a magnitude.

During a JCI World Congress on average 4,000 to 5,000 active young leaders from all over the world meet during an entire week. During that week, members participate to:
• Over 30 training sessions;
• Exchanges with world-class trainers and key-note speakers;
• Discussion forums on specific topics of high importance to young entrepreneurs
• Trade-show and Business Matching Program
• Future Expo
• BBP (Best Business Plan competition)
• CYEA (Creative Young Entrepreneur of the year Award);
• Speaking and Debating Competitions;
• JCI General Assembly;
• International Exchange Ceremonies
• Receptions, parties and other network events.
• ...

Previous Congresses

In 2008, the World Congress took place in New Delhi, India, early November. That’s where the Belgian story began, by telling the JCI world that Belgium was a candidate country for hosting the 2011 World Congress in Brussels.

In 2009, in the beautiful scenery of Hammamet, Tunisia, Belgium was then officially elected to host the 2011 World Congress. From the 1st untill the 5th of November, Belgium will be at the very center of the JCI World. But first, Osaka, Japan will be hosting the 2010 JCI World Congress.

Previous JCI World Congresses:
• 2007, Antalya, Turkey (3,108 delegates)
• 2006, Seoul, Korea ( (6,629 delegates)
• 2005, Vienna, Austria (4,661 delegates)
• 2004, Fukuoka, Japan (8,948 delegates)
• 2003, Copenhagen, Denmark (3,764 delegates)
• 2002, Las Vegas, United States of America (3,962 delegates)
• 2001, Barcelona, Spain (3,933 delegates)