Fully-funded Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2025 One Young World Summit: Empowering Young Leaders for Global Impact

The Z Zurich Foundation is committed to creating brighter futures for vulnerable populations through its strategic focus on prevention. Its work is centered around three critical and interconnected pillars:

• adapting to climate change
• improving mental well-being, and
• enabling social equity.

These focus areas address some of the most pressing challenges facing society today—challenges that disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities across the globe.Recognizing that systemic change begins with empowered individuals, the Z Zurich Foundation invests in young leaders who are already making a tangible impact at the grassroots level.

The Foundation firmly believes that connection is key—bridging knowledge with action, and aligning global expertise with local need.

As part of this commitment, the Foundation supports promising changemakers by sponsoring their participation in the One Young World Summit, the world’s most international gathering of young leaders working to drive sustainable development and global cooperation.

About the Scholarship

The Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2025 offers a transformative opportunity for 25 young leaders who are engaged in impactful projects related to climate adaptation, mental well-being, or social equity.

These selected scholars will have the chance to participate in the One Young World Summit 2025, to be held in Munich, Germany from 3 – 6 November 2025.

This prestigious scholarship is more than an invitation to attend a global summit—it is an investment in the individual’s leadership journey.

It supports individuals who are addressing societal challenges through innovative, prevention-based solutions and helps scale their efforts through collaboration, visibility, and mentorship.

Areas of Focus

The scholarship is open to young leaders working on initiatives in one or more of the following areas:

Adapting to Climate Change

Projects that build community resilience and enable adaptation to the changing climate. This includes efforts that shift behaviors, develop local infrastructure, or implement systems that help communities prepare for and recover from climate-related disruptions.

Improving Mental Well-Being

Initiatives aimed at promoting youth mental health, particularly those that focus on preventive strategies or creating environments that support emotional well-being. These may involve education, advocacy, peer support systems, or policy interventions.

Enabling Social Equity

Efforts that remove systemic barriers to education, employment, or entrepreneurship for underserved youth. These projects equip individuals with critical life skills, resources, and access to opportunities that allow them to unlock their potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Scholarship Benefits

Scholars selected for the 2025 cohort will receive a comprehensive support package that enables full participation in the One Young World Summit, including:-

• Summit Access: Full delegate access to the One Young World Summit 2025 in Munich.
• Exclusive Programming: Participation in additional programming curated by the Z Zurich Foundation, including:
  • A dedicated impact development day prior to the Summit.
  • Pre- and post-Summit engagement with fellow scholars and the wider Foundation delegation.
  • Travel & Accommodation: Hotel stay in Munich from 1 to 6 November 2025.
  • Return air travel arranged by the organizers.
  • Ground transportation between Summit venues.
  • Meals: Daily catering covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Eligibility Criteria

The scholarship is open to applicants who meet the following requirements:

• Aged 18 to 30 at the time of the One Young World Summit 2025 (exceptions may be made for candidates over 30 who can demonstrate strong personal impact and leadership).
• Demonstrated passion for global and local issues and a strong track record of social impact.
• Proven commitment to driving positive change in one or more of the Foundation’s key areas of focus.
• Willingness to collaborate with other scholars and Zurich Insurance Group employees attending the Summit.
• A project or initiative aligned with at least one of the Z Zurich Foundation’s pillars:
  • mental well-being,
  • social equity, or
  • climate adaptation.
• Applicants under the age of 18 at the time of the Summit are not eligible.

Application Deadline and Process

The deadline to submit applications for the Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2025 is 1 May 2025.

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply early and clearly highlight their project’s impact, their leadership qualities, and how the scholarship would enhance their ability to create lasting change.

A Global Commitment to Local Change

By supporting the participation of passionate, grassroots leaders in the One Young World Summit, the Z Zurich Foundation is fostering a community of purpose-driven changemakers.

This initiative not only elevates the voices of young innovators but also cultivates meaningful collaborations that span borders and disciplines.

To learn more, apply, or get involved, visit the One Young World website