About the Award
In a fast-changing world shaped by digitalisation, mobility, and evolving social norms, creating meaningful human connection has never been more important or more powerful. Moments of genuine exchange, shared experience, and belonging are what bring communities to life.
At Pernod Ricard, this is what we call conviviality: the simple yet powerful act of bringing people together to share meaningful moments and build authentic connections not only in grand celebrations but in everyday moments, shared meals, conversation, culture and small acts of togetherness that foster trust, joy and understanding.
Today, communities are evolving rapidly. While these shifts create new opportunities, they also can also lead to isolation, division and a loss of meaningful connection and challenge how we come together and maintain a sense of belonging. Across the world, young adults are stepping forward not just as participants in society, but as architects of more inclusive and connected communities.
A new generation of leaders is reimagining how we gather and share. They are creating spaces across communities, workplaces and digital platforms where diversity is celebrated, voices are heard, and people feel they belong. Through their initiatives, they are bridging cultures, generations, and identities, showing that connection is something we actively create, nurture, and sustain.
Building on the success of the WE Award 2025, Pernod Ricard is proud to partner once again with One Young World to launch the Spirit of Togetherness Award 2026.
This award recognises five outstanding young leaders who are creating opportunities for connection and belonging within their communities. Their work demonstrates that conviviality can be a powerful force for positive change, strengthening social cohesion, fostering inclusion, and enriching cultural life.
Each award recipient will receive:
An €8,000 grant to support and scale their initiative
Access to a global network of Conviviality Ambassadors
Opportunities to connect, collaborate, and amplify their impact on an international stage
Eligible candidates will be leading an initiative that aligns with one or more of the following:
Facilitating moments of joyful and shared connection in their communities, culture or workplace.
Creating inclusive social environments and ecosystems that create bridges and bring diverse groups of people together (e.g. intergenerational, multicultural, diverse abilities).
Crafting everyday moments of cultural togetherness and conviviality centred around local traditions, heritage, food and drink, and culture.
By spotlighting these changemakers, we aim to inspire a broader movement, one that places human connection, empathy, and shared experiences at the centre of progress. Because the future we want to build is not only more sustainable, but also more connected, inclusive, and convivial.
Candidates must be aged at least 18 and aged at least the minimum drinking age in their country of residence. Nationals of all countries will be eligible to apply for the award.
Eligible candidates must demonstrate the following:
- Impact - Measurable community engagement and impact.
- Inclusivity - A commitment to inclusivity, bringing diverse people together.
- Scalability - Initiative should be scalable and replicable.
Although not core requirements, special consideration will be given to candidates who demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation in their work.
Award recipients will receive:
- A €8,000 grant awarded to their initiative.
- Access to the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.
- Hotel accommodation in Cape Town between 2 - 6 November (inclusive) 2026.
- The cost of travel to and from Cape Town (flights in economy).
- Catering which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Ground transportation during the Summit via public transport.
All applications will be assessed by One Young World. Award recipients will be selected by a judging panel composed of One Young World Counsellors, Pernod Ricard representatives and One Young World senior leadership.