The ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship identifies outstanding young leaders driving positive change in sustainability to participate in the One Young World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3 – 6 November 2026.
Fellowship Benefits (The “Full Ride”)
- Full Summit Access: Participation in all sessions at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
- Travel: Round-trip airfare to Cape Town.
- Stay: Hotel accommodation (shared basis) for the duration of the Summit.
- Meals: Full catering (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) included.
- Ground Transport: Local shuttles between Summit venues.
- Exclusive Mentorship: One-on-one dialogue with the ICMM CEO and access to the OYW Action Accelerator.
- Lifelong Network: Automatic membership in the One Young World Ambassador Community.
Can International People Apply?
YES. This is a global scholarship.
- It is open to applicants from any nationality worldwide.
- Unlike regional scholarships, this focuses on your impact rather than your home country.
- Constraint: You must be able to travel to South Africa and obtain a visa (assistance letters are provided).
Age Criteria
- Standard Range: 18 – 35 years old at the time of the Summit in November 2026.
- Exceptions: Candidates over 35 may be considered if they can demonstrate exceptional personal impact and leadership in their field.
Core Eligibility Requirements
To “crack” this application, you must show proven impact in at least one of these pillars:
- Biodiversity Conservation (protecting natural ecosystems).
- Decarbonization (reducing carbon footprints/climate action).
- Responsible Natural Resource Production (mining, forestry, water).
- Social Performance (human rights, community resilience).
- Sustainability Communication (promoting environmental action).
Key Deadlines
- Application Deadline: 7 June 2026.
- Summit Dates: 3 – 6 November 2026.
Apply Here: Official OYW ICMM Application Portal
💡 Potenue “Cracking” Tips
- The Pitch Video: Focus on numbers. Instead of saying “I help the environment,” say “My project reduced waste by 20% in my city.” The ICMM values measurable data.
- The Leadership Narrative: They aren’t looking for followers. Highlight a time you led a team or initiated a project from scratch.
- The Global View: Show how your local work connects to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
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