The One Young World Summit is the world’s leading global forum for young leaders, bringing together more than 2,200 delegates from over 190 countries to advance solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. In 2026, the Summit returns to Africa, taking place in Cape Town, South Africa, followed by Tokyo, Japan in 2027.

This guide explains how young leaders can attend the Summit through scholarships, global competitions, awards, and organisational pathways. It also includes full details of upcoming future Summits.

What Is the One Young World Summit?

The One Young World Summit convenes young leaders aged 18–35 who are driving social impact across business, civil society, government, health, education, technology, and human rights. Delegates participate in:

• High-level plenary sessions

• Interactive workshops and leadership development

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

• Mentorship from One Young World Counsellors

• Action-oriented discussions on climate, health, peace, equity, technology, and more

After the Summit, delegates become One Young World Ambassadors and join a lifelong network of more than 20,500 young leaders.

How to Join One Young World Summit 2026

1. Apply for a Fully Funded One Young World Scholarship

One Young World’s Leading Scholarships provide full financial support, including:

• Summit registration

• Travel expenses

• Accommodation

• Meals

• Leadership development sessions

These scholarships support young leaders working in areas such as climate action, health, Indigenous rights, peacebuilding, entrepreneurship, migration, education, and social justice.

2. Enter a Lead2030 Challenge

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

• Grant funding to expand their project

• Mentorship from global companies

• A fully funded place at One Young World 2026

• Global visibility and long-term support

This path is ideal 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 outstanding young leaders across sectors including:

• Politics and governance

• Journalism and communications

• Entrepreneurship

• Community development and peacebuilding

• Technology and digital innovation

• Human rights and social equity

Award recipients receive funding, a fully funded Summit invitation, and the opportunity to showcase their work on a global platform.

4. Attend Through Your Organisation

Many companies, foundations, and institutions sponsor young employees or members to attend the Summit. Organisational pathways may include:

• Full financial support

• Access to tailored leadership programmes

• Opportunities to implement learnings within the organisation

Young professionals are encouraged to inquire with their HR or CSR teams regarding sponsorship opportunities.

Future Summits

Future One Young World Summits Empowering Young Leaders

Cape Town 2026

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 first time since Johannesburg 2013. Cape Town, the host city, will welcome delegates during the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Youth Uprising, offering a powerful backdrop for conversations on justice, innovation, and youth leadership.

Cape Town is widely recognised as Africa’s most business-friendly city and a major gateway between emerging and developed markets. With more than eight million international visitors annually and a reputation for world-class events, the city offers a dynamic environment for global leadership dialogue.

South Africa’s rich culture, natural beauty, and hospitality rooted in the spirit of Ubuntu make it an ideal 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.”

Who Attends the Summit?

Young Leaders (Delegates)

Participants aged 18–35 working in fields such as:

• Business and entrepreneurship

• NGOs and civil society

• Healthcare and public health

• Technology and digital innovation

• Education and youth leadership

• Climate action and environmental protection

• Media, journalism, and communications

• Government and public policy

One Young World Counsellors

Influential global figures, including:

• Heads of state and diplomats

• CEOs and business leaders

• Nobel laureates

• Human rights advocates

• Global activists

• Innovators and cultural figures

Partner Organisations

Major companies and institutions that mentor, sponsor, and support young leaders.

Impact Beyond the Summit

One Young World is a long-term leadership ecosystem. Ambassadors receive:

• Access to a global network of 20,500+ leaders

• Visibility for their initiatives

• Opportunities for collaboration and funding

• Continued mentorship and learning opportunities

• Global platforms to scale their impact

Register Your Interest and Apply for Open Scholarship Opportunities

Prospective delegates are encouraged to register interest early to receive updates about:

• Apply for the Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026
• AstraZeneca’s Young Health Programme Impact Fellowship
• dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation Scholarship 2026

• Lead2030 challenge & Leadership Award applications

• Funds for Young Leaders
• The NewNow 2026

• Delegate registration for Cape Town 2026 and Tokyo 2027

• Find out more here at Scholarship openings