For outstanding young leaders in biodiversity conservation, decarbonisation, responsible natural resource production, social performance and sustainability.
About the ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship
The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) is a collaborative group of leading mining and metals companies whose purpose is to strengthen the mining industry's contribution to sustainable development and catalyse strong environmental and social performance across the sector.
The transition to a net-zero economy will be metal-intensive and it is vital that these critical materials are produced in a way that respects human rights, protects nature and isn’t carbon intensive. If managed responsibly, mining can be transformational – enabling social progress and sustainable development across local economies. Taxes, jobs, skills, infrastructure, and community services are just some of the ways that host countries have experienced the benefits of mining. We are committed to maximising these, while minimising any potential for harm to people or planet.
ICMM does not shy away from uncomfortable truths – the industry has caused harm to people and the planet. Our drive is to minimise this harm by providing the platform for leading companies to come together to solve some of the most urgent challenges the industry faces.
One Young World is the global community of 20,000 young leaders based in 190+ countries. Our purpose is to identify, connect, and elevate the next generation of global leaders from all sectors. One Young World believes in funding young leaders, and has to date, invested $3 million in direct grants in the work of its community.
Join us
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.
Applicants must apply through the application portal below. Please note that is longlisted for the scholarship, you may be invited to submit additonal documentation including references, pitch video and/or video call with representatives of One Young World and ICMM as part of the application process.
Selected young leaders will receive:
- 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.
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
*We are not able to accept applications from those who will be under 18 at the time of the Summit. The One Young World team will consider candidates who are older than 35, pending demonstration of appropriate personal impact, initiative, and willingness to engage.