The One Young World Summit 2026 is the next iteration of the world’s largest gathering for young leaders. After being hosted in cities like Tokyo and Montreal, the summit is returning to Africa for the first time since 2013. This “fully funded” experience is designed to amplify the impact of changemakers aged 18–30 (with some flexibility for those older) by connecting them with global icons and industry leaders.
Summit Overview: Cape Town 2026
The summit is scheduled to take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), marking a significant milestone as South Africa commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Youth Uprising.
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | South Africa |
| Host City | Cape Town |
| Dates | 3 – 6 November 2026 |
| Organization | One Young World |
| Participant Cap | 2,000+ delegates from 190+ countries |
Fully Funded Scholarship Benefits
Most “Fully Funded” scholarships for One Young World are sponsored by corporate partners (like Deloitte, Audi, or AstraZeneca) or governments.
- Summit Access: Full entry to all plenary sessions, workshops, and networking events.
- Travel: Round-trip economy-class flights to Cape Town from your country of residence.
- Accommodation: Hotel stay (typically on a shared basis) for the duration of the summit.
- Meals: Full catering, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Community: Lifelong membership in the One Young World Ambassador Community, a global network of over 15,000 leaders.
Active Scholarship Opportunities for 2026
Applications for various specialized scholarships are currently live. Note: Priority is given to first-time attendees.
| Scholarship Name | Focus Area | Deadline |
| Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship | Mental Health, Gender-based Violence, Rights of Women/Girls | 27 March 2026 |
| dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation | Sustainability, Nutrition, and Social Entrepreneurship | 23 March 2026 |
| Capital City of Podgorica | Residents of Podgorica, Montenegro | 23 March 2026 |
| Dutch Ministry (Enterprising Futures) | Entrepreneurs (18-35) from selected countries (e.g., Egypt, Jordan, Uganda) | 9 March 2026 |
| Generation Regen (BMO) | Sustainability and Regenerative Solutions | 23 February 2026 |
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Selection is highly competitive (over 70,000 applications were received in 2024).
- Age: Typically 18–30 years old at the time of the summit.
- Impact: A proven track record of delivering positive change in your community or industry.
- Leadership: Demonstrated capacity for leadership and a commitment to solving local or global issues.
- Innovation: Evidence of generating innovative ideas to tackle systemic challenges (e.g., climate justice, tech equity, or human rights).
Application Success Tips
- Quantify Your Impact: Use tangible statistics (e.g., “Trained 500 youth” rather than “Helped many people”).
- Tell Your Story: Explain the “why” behind your passion. One Young World values authentic voices over AI-generated text.
- Link Your Work: Include active links to your website, LinkedIn, or media coverage of your initiatives.
- Apply Early: Some scholarships use rolling admissions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there an application fee?
No, applying for an official One Young World scholarship is free. Be wary of third-party “Youth World Summits” that may charge fees.
What if I am older than 30?
The team considers applicants over 30 if they can demonstrate exceptional personal impact and a strong commitment to youth leadership.
Can I attend without a scholarship?
Yes, you can attend as an Independent Delegate or be sponsored by your own employer. The registration fees are typically listed on the official “Pricing” page.
How to Apply for One Young World Summit Scholarship
This video provides a step-by-step walkthrough of the online application portal, offering tips on how to frame your answers to stand out to the selection committee.