How to Attend One Young World Summit 2026: Scholarships, Lead2030 Challenges, and Fully Funded Opportunities

The One Young World Summit is the world’s main international discussion board for younger leaders, bringing collectively greater than 2,200 delegates from over 190 international locations to advance options to the world’s most urgent challenges. In 2026, the Summit returns to Africa, going down in Cape Town, South Africa, adopted by Tokyo, Japan in 2027.

This information explains how younger leaders can attend the Summit via scholarships, international competitions, awards, and organisational pathways. It additionally contains full particulars of upcoming future Summits.

What Is the One Young World Summit?

The One Young World Summit convenes younger leaders aged 18–35 who’re driving social affect throughout enterprise, civil society, authorities, well being, schooling, know-how, and human rights. Delegates take part in:

• High-level plenary classes

• Interactive workshops and management growth

• Networking with CEOs, activists, diplomats, and international change-makers

• Mentorship from One Young World Counsellors

• Action-oriented discussions on local weather, well being, peace, fairness, know-how, and extra

After the Summit, delegates turn out to be One Young World Ambassadors and be a part of a lifelong community of greater than 20,500 younger leaders.

1. Apply for a Fully Funded One Young World Scholarship

One Young World’s Leading Scholarships present full monetary assist, together with:

These scholarships assist younger leaders working in areas resembling local weather motion, well being, Indigenous rights, peacebuilding, entrepreneurship, migration, schooling, and social justice.

2. Enter a Lead2030 Challenge

The Lead2030 programme identifies and funds the world’s most impactful youth-led options aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Winners obtain:

• Grant funding to develop their mission

• Mentorship from international firms

• A completely funded place at One Young World 2026

• Global visibility and long-term assist

This path is right for innovators, social entrepreneurs, and youth-led organisations.

3. Apply or Nominate a Candidate for the One Young World Leadership Awards

The Leadership Awards recognise excellent younger leaders throughout sectors together with:

• Politics and governance

• Journalism and communications

• Entrepreneurship

• Community growth and peacebuilding

• Technology and digital innovation

• Human rights and social fairness

Award recipients obtain funding, a totally funded Summit invitation, and the chance to showcase their work on a world platform.

4. Attend Through Your Organisation

Many firms, foundations, and establishments sponsor younger workers or members to attend the Summit. Organisational pathways could embody:

Young professionals are inspired to inquire with their HR or CSR groups relating to sponsorship alternatives.

Future One Young World Summits Empowering Young Leaders

Dates: 3 – 6 November 2026
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)
Opening Ceremony: DHL Stadium

In November 2026, the One Young World Summit returns to Africa for the primary time since Johannesburg 2013. Cape Town, the host metropolis, will welcome delegates in the course of the fiftieth anniversary of the Soweto Youth Uprising, providing a robust backdrop for conversations on justice, innovation, and youth management.

Cape Town is extensively recognised as Africa’s most business-friendly metropolis and a significant gateway between rising and developed markets. With greater than eight million worldwide guests yearly and a repute for world-class occasions, the town presents a dynamic surroundings for international management dialogue.

South Africa’s wealthy tradition, pure magnificence, and hospitality rooted within the spirit of Ubuntu make it a great setting for the Summit.

Statement from Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor of Cape Town:
“Here in South Africa, young leaders are driving economic empowerment, building businesses, creating jobs, and tackling challenges with bold innovation. They’re unlocking opportunity, forging a more inclusive, sustainable economy – embodying the very values at the heart of One Young World, and we can’t wait to welcome the world’s most impactful young leaders to Cape Town for the 2026 Summit.”

Dates: 28 September – 1 October 2027
Venue: Tokyo International Forum

In 2027, One Young World returns to Asia for the primary time since Bangkok 2015. Tokyo will host the Summit in a metropolis the place centuries-old tradition and trendy innovation coexist.

Japan is home to certainly one of One Young World’s most vibrant ambassador communities. Tokyo’s international affect, dedication to innovation, and cultural depth create an inspiring surroundings for next-generation management.

Statement from Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo:
“It is my hope that new values centred on future generations will emerge from Tokyo, a city where cutting-edge culture and traditions from the days of Edo co-exist. I wish to share the ideas generated with all of Japan and the world.”

Young Leaders (Delegates)

Participants aged 18–35 working in fields resembling:

• Business and entrepreneurship

• NGOs and civil society

• Healthcare and public well being

• Technology and digital innovation

• Education and youth management

• Climate motion and environmental safety

• Media, journalism, and communications

• Government and public coverage

One Young World Counsellors

Influential international figures, together with:

• Heads of state and diplomats

• CEOs and enterprise leaders

• Nobel laureates

• Human rights advocates

• Global activists

• Innovators and cultural figures

Partner Organisations

Major firms and establishments that mentor, sponsor, and assist younger leaders.

One Young World is a long-term management ecosystem. Ambassadors obtain:

• Access to a world community of 20,500+ leaders

• Visibility for his or her initiatives

• Opportunities for collaboration and funding

• Continued mentorship and studying alternatives

• Global platforms to scale their affect

Prospective delegates are inspired to register curiosity early to obtain updates about:

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