Apply for the ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship 2026 and attend the fully funded One Young World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa.
Overview
The ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship 2026 is now open for applications, offering young sustainability leaders a fully funded opportunity to attend the prestigious One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town.
The scholarship is delivered in partnership between the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) and One Young World.
The programme seeks outstanding young leaders working on:
- Biodiversity conservation
- Decarbonisation
- Sustainability
- Human rights and social performance
- Responsible natural resource production
Programme Summary for ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship
- Programme: ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship 2026
- Host Organizations: International Council on Mining and Metals + One Young World
- Summit Location: Cape Town
- Summit Dates: November 3–6, 2026
- Application Deadline: June 7, 2026
- Funding: Fully funded
What the Scholarship Covers
Selected scholars will receive:
1. Full Summit Funding
- Participation in the One Young World Summit 2026
2. Exclusive ICMM Engagement
- Dialogue session with the ICMM CEO
3. Leadership Development
- Access to:
- One Young World Action Accelerator
- Global Kickstart Programme
- Mentor sessions
4. Global Network Access
- Lifelong membership in the One Young World Ambassador Community
Focus Areas
Applicants should demonstrate impact in at least one area:
1. Biodiversity Conservation
Protecting ecosystems and nature
2. Decarbonisation
Climate action and reducing emissions
3. Responsible Resource Production
Ethical and sustainable mining/resource management
4. Social Performance
Community resilience and human rights
5. Sustainability Communication
Promoting sustainability awareness and action
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
1. Age Requirement
- 18–35 years old
(Older candidates may still be considered based on impact.)
2. Leadership Experience
Applicants must:
- Lead initiatives/projects
- OR drive meaningful change in work or community
3. Proven Impact
Must show measurable contribution in sustainability-related areas.
4. Global Applicants
Open internationally.
Why This Scholarship Is High-Value
1. Fully Funded Global Summit
Attend one of the world’s top youth leadership events
2. International Exposure
Connect with leaders from 190+ countries
3. Leadership Training
Advanced mentorship and accelerator support
4. Career Visibility
Major boost for sustainability and climate careers
5. Networking Opportunities
Access global changemakers and organizations
About ICMM
The International Council on Mining and Metals works with leading mining companies to improve:
- Sustainability
- Environmental performance
- Human rights standards
The organization emphasizes responsible mining for a net-zero future.
About One Young World
One Young World is a global network of young leaders from over 190 countries working to create positive social impact worldwide.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare Your Application
Highlight:
- Leadership experience
- Sustainability impact
- Community involvement
Step 2: Submit Through Official Portal
Applications must be completed online.
Step 3: Additional Selection Stages
Shortlisted applicants may be asked for:
- References
- Pitch video
- Interview/video call
Tips to Increase Your Chances
- Demonstrate measurable impact
- Focus on sustainability outcomes
- Share authentic leadership experiences
- Highlight community engagement
Important Deadline
- Application Deadline: June 7, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the scholarship fully funded?
Yes.
Where is the summit held?
Cape Town.
Who can apply?
Young leaders aged 18–35 globally.
Do I need a sustainability background?
Yes, applicants should demonstrate impact in sustainability-related areas.
Can older applicants apply?
Yes, exceptional candidates over 35 may still be considered.
Final Thoughts
The ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for emerging sustainability leaders to gain:
- Global recognition
- Leadership training
- International exposure
- Access to a world-class network
If you are actively creating impact in climate, sustainability, biodiversity, or social justice, this fully funded opportunity is worth pursuing before the June 7, 2026 deadline.
Keywords
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