The International Council on Mining and Metals Young Leaders Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity designed to empower exceptional young leaders who are shaping the future of sustainability, responsible mining, and climate action. In partnership with One Young World, this scholarship offers selected participants the chance to attend the globally renowned **One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town.
This initiative is more than just a scholarship—it is a global platform to amplify youth voices, accelerate impactful solutions, and connect with world-class leaders across industries.
About the ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship
The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) is a global leadership organization representing major mining and metals companies committed to improving environmental and social performance. Its mission is rooted in strengthening the sector’s contribution to sustainable development.
As the world transitions toward a net-zero economy, demand for minerals and metals is expected to rise significantly. However, this transition must be managed responsibly—ensuring environmental protection, respect for human rights, and sustainable economic development. ICMM recognizes both the potential and the historical challenges of the mining industry and aims to foster responsible practices that benefit both people and the planet.
Through this scholarship, ICMM collaborates with One Young World to identify and support young leaders who are actively working on:
- Biodiversity conservation
- Decarbonisation and climate action
- Responsible natural resource production
- Social performance and community engagement
- Sustainability and environmental governance
About One Young World
One Young World is a global network of over 20,000 young leaders from more than 190 countries. It serves as a platform for empowering youth to drive social impact and global change. The organization has already invested millions in supporting impactful initiatives led by young changemakers worldwide.
The One Young World Summit is its flagship annual event, bringing together delegates, global leaders, and influential figures to discuss and solve pressing global challenges.
What Does the Scholarship Offer?
Selected candidates will receive a comprehensive package that supports their participation and leadership journey:
✈️ Fully Funded Participation
- Access to the One Young World Summit 2026 (3–6 November 2026)
- Coverage of travel, accommodation, and related expenses
🧠 Exclusive Leadership Opportunities
- Direct dialogue with ICMM’s CEO during the summit
- Participation in high-level discussions and networking sessions
🌐 Global Network Access
- Lifelong membership in the One Young World Ambassador Community
- Connection with a global network of changemakers and leaders
🚀 Post-Summit Development
- Access to the One Young World Action Accelerator
- Mentorship from global experts
- Participation in the Global Kickstart Programme for leadership development
Important Dates
- Opening Date: 29 April 2026
- Application Deadline: 7 June 2026
- Summit Dates: 3–6 November 2026
Application Process
Interested applicants must apply through the official application portal. The selection process may include:
- Submission of additional documents
- References or recommendation letters
- A pitch video presenting your impact
- A virtual interview with representatives from ICMM and One Young World
Applicants are encouraged to clearly demonstrate their leadership experience, commitment to sustainability, and the tangible impact of their work.
Why You Should Apply
This scholarship is ideal for young professionals and activists who want to:
- Expand their global influence and visibility
- Gain access to world-class mentorship and training
- Collaborate with like-minded leaders across sectors
- Contribute to solving urgent environmental and social challenges
- Strengthen their leadership capacity in sustainability and governance
Participating in the One Young World Summit can be a transformative experience—opening doors to international collaborations, funding opportunities, and long-term impact.
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