The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) Young Leaders Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded to One Young World Summit in CapeTown, South Africa)

Applications are now open for the 2026 ICMM Young Leaders Scholarships. In partnership with ICMM, One Young World will identify outstanding young leaders globally with a proven and demonstrated interest in biodiversity conservation, decarbonisation, responsible natural resource production, social performance and promoting sustainability. The ICMM One Young World Young Leaders Scholarship will select impactful young leaders who are driving forward positive change to participate in the One Young World Summit 2026. 

Eligibility Requirements

General Young Leaders must be:

• Young leaders aged 18 – 35 at the time of the One Young World Summit 2026*

• Leading inspiring initiatives/projects, or driving meaningful change, through your job or in your life outside of work, with proven impact in at least one of the following areas:

  • Biodiversity conservation

  • Decarbonisation

  • Responsible natural resource production

  • Social performance (community resilience, human rights etc.)

  • Promoting and communicating action on sustainability 

• Willingness to engage with fellow scholarship recipients

Benefits

• Full funding to participate in the One Young World Summit 2026 which takes place in Cape Town, South Africa from 3 – 6 November.

• Exclusive dialogue with ICMM CEO on the sidelines of the One Young World Summit.

• Lifelong membership of the One Young World Ambassador Community.

• Access to the One Young World Action Accelerator and expert-led mentor sessions to help turn their inspiration into action.

• Access to the One Young World Global Kickstart programme designed to provide delegates with enhanced leadership skills and principles alongside expertise around the Summit’s main themes.