Deadline:
As soon as possible
Program Starts: November 03, 2026
Program Ends: November 06, 2026
Location(s)
South Africa
Cape Town
Overview
The annual One Young World Summit convenes the brightest young talent from every country and sector, working to accelerate social impact. Delegates from 190+ countries are counselled by influential political, business and humanitarian leaders such as Justin Trudeau, Paul Polman and Meghan Markle, amongst many other global figures. One Young World identifies, promotes and connects the world’s most impactful young leaders to create a better world, with more responsible, more effective leadership.
Build networks, and take action on the world’s biggest challenges. The next One Young World Summit will take place in Cape Town, South Africa from 3 - 6 November 2026.
Details
About the upcoming Summit
In November 2026, the One Young World Summit returns to Africa for the first time since Johannesburg 2013, with Cape Town set to host the Summit. Taking place as South Africa marks 50 years since the Soweto Youth Uprising, the Summit will honour this legacy and celebrate the young leaders shaping our future through innovation, entrepreneurship, and bold action.
As Africa’s most business-friendly city and a strategic gateway between emerging and developed markets, Cape Town is the ideal setting for this global gathering. Welcoming over 8 million international visitors each year and recognised as the continent’s leading destination for world-class events, the city offers a vibrant and inspiring backdrop for next-generation leadership dialogue.
With its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality rooted in Ubuntu, South Africa is ready to welcome the world.
What is One Young World?
One Young World was founded in 2009 by David Jones and Kate Robertson. We are a UK-based charity that gathers together the brightest young leaders from around the world, empowering them to make lasting connections to create positive change.
We stage an annual Summit where the most valuable young talent from global and national companies, NGOs, universities and other forward-thinking organisations are joined by world leaders, acting as the One Young World Counsellors.
Delegates participate in four transformative days of speeches, panels, networking and workshops. All delegates have the opportunity to apply to give keynote speeches, sharing a platform with world leaders with the world’s media in attendance. As well as listening to keynote speakers, delegates have the opportunity to challenge world leaders, interact and be mentored by influencers. Delegates make lasting connections throughout the Summit, celebrating their participation at social events and the unforgettable Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
After each Summit, the delegates, who are then known as One Young World Ambassadors, work on their own initiatives or lend the power of the One Young World network to those initiatives already in existence. Of those in employment, many returns to their companies and set about creating change from within, energising their corporate environment.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
The annual One Young World Summit, our flagship programme, convenes the brightest young talent from every country and sector, working to accelerate social impact.
If you are a young leader with a passion for global issues, between the age of 18 and 30, and a track record of making a significant impact in your community, country or organization, then you could be part of the One Young World Summit 2026. The One Young World team will consider applications from those who are older than 30, pending demonstration of appropriate personal impact, initiative, and willingness to engage.
Dates
Deadline: As soon as possible
Program starts:
November 03, 2026
Program ends:
November 06, 2026
Program Starts: November 03, 2026
Program Ends: November 06, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
How to attend the summit?
- Attend with a partner organisation: We partner with many of the world’s leading businesses, universities and foundations that support One Young World by sending delegates to the Summit. If your organisation is interested in partnering with One Young World please contact us: partnerships@oneyoungworld.com.
- Attend independently: You can nominate yourself to attend the Summit as an independent delegate. The fees to attend a One Young World Summit can be found on our Pricing page. You can pay this fee yourself or find an organisation or individual to sponsor you.
- Attend on a scholarship: A range of scholarships are available to enable individuals who are not supported by partners to participate in the Summit. Visit our Scholarships page to see if you are eligible for any current opportunities.
- Ambassadors are automatically eligible to attend each One Young World Summit as a Returning Ambassador for the fee see our Pricing document.
If you are an Ambassador and would like more information on how to attend the 2026 Summit, please get in touch with us at partnerships@oneyoungworld.com.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
