ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded
Country: South Africa
Location: Cape Town
Category: Scholarship
Program: ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship 2026
Summit Dates: 3–6 November 2026
Deadline: 7 June 2026
The ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded opportunity for young leaders working on biodiversity conservation, decarbonisation, responsible natural resource production, social performance, and sustainability. Selected scholars will participate in the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.
Program Overview
The scholarship is offered through a partnership between One Young World and the International Council on Mining and Metals. ICMM is a collaborative group of leading mining and metals companies focused on strengthening the mining industry’s contribution to sustainable development.
The program will identify young leaders who have a proven and demonstrated interest in sustainability-related fields. Moreover, it will select impactful young people who are driving positive change through their work, projects, or initiatives.
The scholarship connects selected young leaders with the One Young World Summit 2026. The Summit will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3 to 6 November 2026.
ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship 2026 Benefits
Selected young leaders will receive support and access to several program opportunities.
✓ Full funding to participate in the One Young World Summit 2026
✓ Exclusive dialogue with the ICMM CEO on the sidelines of the Summit
✓ Lifelong membership of the One Young World Ambassador Community
✓ Access to the One Young World Action Accelerator
✓ Expert-led mentor sessions to help turn inspiration into action
✓ Access to the One Young World Global Kickstart programme
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria stated by One Young World.
• Be a young leader aged 18–35 at the time of the One Young World Summit 2026
• Lead inspiring initiatives or projects
• Drive meaningful change through work or life outside work
• Show proven impact in at least one required focus area
• Be willing to engage with fellow scholarship recipients
Applicants under 18 at the time of the Summit cannot be accepted. However, One Young World may consider candidates older than 35 if they show appropriate personal impact, initiative, and willingness to engage.
Focus Areas
Applicants must show proven impact in at least one of the listed areas.
• Biodiversity conservation
• Decarbonisation
• Responsible natural resource production
• Social performance, including community resilience and human rights
• Promoting and communicating action on sustainability
Application Process
Applicants must apply through the official application portal. The source also states that applicants may be invited to submit additional documentation during the application process.
This may include:
• References
• Pitch video
• Video call with representatives of One Young World and ICMM
Deadline
The application deadline is 7 June 2026. The opening date for the scholarship is 29 April 2026.
