Are you a young leader passionate about sustainability, climate action, biodiversity conservation, or responsible natural resource management? The 2026 ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship offers an incredible fully funded opportunity for emerging changemakers to attend the prestigious One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.
Applications are now open for young professionals and innovators from around the world who are actively driving positive environmental and social impact in their communities.
About the ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship 2026
The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), in partnership with One Young World, is seeking outstanding young leaders committed to sustainability and responsible development.
The scholarship aims to support young people making measurable contributions in areas such as biodiversity conservation, decarbonisation, social performance, and sustainable resource production.
Successful applicants will participate in the One Young World Summit 2026 taking place in Cape Town from November 3 to November 6, 2026.
Scholarship Benefits
Selected participants will receive:
- Full funding to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa
- Access to exclusive dialogue sessions with the ICMM CEO during the summit
- Lifelong membership in the One Young World Ambassador Community
- Access to the One Young World Action Accelerator programme
- Expert-led mentorship and leadership development sessions
- Participation in the Global Kickstart Programme focused on leadership growth and sustainability themes
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of the summit
- Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to positive change
- Be leading impactful initiatives, projects, or professional work related to sustainability
- Show proven impact in at least one of the following areas:
Focus Areas
- Biodiversity conservation
- Decarbonisation and climate action
- Responsible natural resource production
- Social performance, including human rights and community resilience
- Sustainability advocacy and communication
Applicants should also be willing to actively engage with fellow scholarship recipients and global young leaders throughout the programme.
Why You Should Apply
The ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship is more than a conference opportunity. It provides access to a global network of innovators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and sustainability advocates working together to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
For young leaders looking to expand their impact, build international connections, and strengthen their leadership capacity, this programme offers a valuable platform for growth and collaboration.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the 2026 ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship is 7 June 2026.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should visit the official scholarship webpage to review full application details and submit their applications.
