WYF USA 2026 : Masterclass « Sports, Economy, Innovation: The talent of young people in 2026 and paths for tomorrow »
The Masterclass panel brought together perspectives from local government, international development, and youth leadership to explore how sports can serve as a driver of economic growth, innovation, and opportunity, while also addressing gaps in access and equity.
The discussion opened with a focus on sports as an economic engine. Paola Issac, International Chief Economic Development Officer – Trade & Protocol at Broward County, highlighted how the county is leveraging sports not only to attract major events and tourism, but also to create long-term economic value through workforce development, infrastructure investment, and strategic partnerships. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that these opportunities extend beyond short-term gains and translate into sustainable pathways for local residents, particularly young people.
Wayne Messam, Mayor of Miramar, expanded on this by sharing how the city is positioning itself to benefit from global sporting events and broader economic activity. He underscored the role of local government in creating inclusive opportunities and acknowledged that while growth is evident, disparities remain in who benefits. He highlighted the use of Youth Advisory Councils to inform policy.
Bringing a global perspective, Kaleba H Ngoie-Kasongo, Founder and CEO of HEAR Congo, spoke to the power of community-driven models in developing young talent, particularly in resource-constrained environments. Ms.Ngoie-Kasongo challenged the audience to think beyond local success and consider how global youth, especially in regions like the DRC, can be meaningfully included in the opportunities generated by the global sports economy. Her remarks reinforced the importance of equity, access, and cross-border collaboration.
The conversation was grounded by the voice of youth through David Paz, student panelist, who reflected on the personal impact of sports as a source of discipline, motivation, and aspiration. He shared both optimism about future opportunities.
Across all speakers, several key themes emerged:
- The need to move from event-driven impact to sustained economic opportunity
- The importance of intentional inclusion to ensure benefits reach all communities
- The value of community-based and global perspectives in shaping youth development
- The critical role of youth voice in informing policy and program design
Overall, the panel underscored that while sports holds significant potential as a tool for economic and social advancement, realizing that potential requires coordination, equity-focused strategies, and a long-term commitment to developing young talent both locally and globally.
Speakers:
Mayor Wayne Messam, Mayor of Miramar
Kaleba H. Ngoie-Kasongo, Founder and CEO of HEAR Congo
David Paz, student panelist
Paola Issac, Director of International Economic Development, Trade, and Protocol for Broward County.
Moderator: Athena Passera, Ph.D., President and CEO of Global Ties Miami.
