ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity to Attend One Young World Summit
The ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded global opportunity for outstanding young leaders working in sustainability, environmental protection, and responsible resource management.
Offered in partnership between the International Council on Mining and Metals and One Young World, the scholarship supports emerging changemakers to participate in the prestigious One Young World Summit 2026.
The summit will take place in Cape Town from 3–6 November 2026, bringing together young leaders from over 190 countries to collaborate on solutions to global challenges.
About the Scholarship
The ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship aims to identify and empower young individuals who are actively contributing to sustainable development within sectors linked to mining, metals, and natural resources.
The programme recognizes that the transition to a net-zero global economy will rely heavily on responsibly sourced materials. As such, it seeks leaders who are working to ensure that resource extraction and production are carried out in ways that:
- Respect human rights
- Protect biodiversity and ecosystems
- Reduce carbon emissions
- Support local communities and economic development
While the mining industry has historically contributed to environmental and social harm, ICMM is focused on driving change by promoting responsible practices and fostering collaboration across the sector.
Focus Areas
Applicants should demonstrate a strong track record or interest in one or more of the following areas:
- Biodiversity conservation
- Decarbonisation and climate action
- Responsible natural resource production
- Social performance and community impact
- Sustainability and environmental governance
The scholarship is particularly suited for individuals working at the intersection of environmental protection, industry, and policy.
Scholarship Benefits
Selected scholars will receive a comprehensive package of benefits designed to support their leadership journey and amplify their impact.
What You Will Receive:
- Full funding to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, including travel, accommodation, and participation costs
- Exclusive dialogue with the ICMM CEO, offering insights into leadership within the global mining and metals sector
- Lifelong membership in the One Young World Ambassador Community, a global network of over 20,000 young leaders
- Access to the One Young World Action Accelerator, providing mentorship and support to scale impact-driven initiatives
- Participation in the Global Kickstart Programme, which delivers leadership training and practical skills aligned with the summit’s key themes
These benefits ensure that participants gain both immediate exposure and long-term support for their work.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
- Demonstrate leadership and measurable impact in sustainability or related fields
- Show a clear commitment to driving positive environmental and social change
- Have a proven interest or experience in one or more of the programme’s focus areas
- Be willing to actively engage in the summit and associated programmes
Applicants may also be required to submit additional materials during the selection process, such as:
- References
- A pitch video
- Participation in a virtual interview
About the One Young World Summit
The One Young World Summit is one of the world’s leading gatherings for young leaders, bringing together delegates, policymakers, business leaders, and activists.
Participants engage in:
- High-level discussions on global challenges
- Networking with influential leaders across sectors
- Collaborative sessions focused on creating actionable solutions
The summit experience is designed to inspire, connect, and empower the next generation of global changemakers.
Application Details
- Opening Date: 29 April 2026
- Application Deadline: 7 June 2026
Interested candidates must apply through the official One Young World application portal. Early application is recommended due to the competitive nature of the scholarship.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship 2026 comes at a critical time when the global push toward sustainability and climate action is accelerating. As industries transition toward cleaner and more responsible practices, there is a growing need for leaders who can balance economic development with environmental protection and social responsibility.
This scholarship not only provides access to a world-class leadership summit but also connects participants to a global network and resources that can significantly amplify their impact.
Call for Action
The ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for young leaders passionate about sustainability, responsible resource management, and environmental innovation.
With full funding to attend the One Young World Summit in Cape Town and access to long-term leadership development resources, the programme offers a powerful platform to grow, connect, and lead change on a global scale.
For individuals committed to shaping a more sustainable future, this scholarship represents both recognition and a catalyst for greater impact.
For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel
Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
