Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa

About the scholarship

The Z Zurich Foundation creates brighter futures for vulnerable people. Prevention is at the forefront of our work. Our four pillars - adapting to climate change, improving mental well-being, enabling social equity, and responding to crises - are increasingly urgent, complex issues that have far-reaching impacts on individuals, communities and society as a whole.

We believe that the key to creating a better future is connection - fostering relationships between those in the know and those most in need, advocating for change and tackling society’s challenges from the ground up. This is why we are committed to supporting impactful leaders to participate in the annual One Young World Summit, the world’s most international community of young leaders. 

Unlocking Africa's Youth Potential 

Africa is the world’s youngest continent, with more than 60% of its population under the age of 25 and youth expected to represent one-fifth of the world’s young people by 2030. Yet across the continent, structural barriers continue to limit opportunity: labor markets struggle to absorb new entrants, education and skills systems remain fragmented, and access to finance and technology is uneven. Climate impacts, conflict, and economic instability further weaken already fragile ecosystems and deepen inequalities affecting young people.

Against this backdrop, supporting youth-led, grassroots solutions is essential. We believe meaningful change starts by young leaders who understand their communities, drive innovation, and influence the systems around them. This is why we are dedicated to supporting emerging African young changemakers to participate in the One Young World Summit, amplifying their work, strengthening their leadership pathways, and empowering them as catalysts to shape more inclusive futures across Africa.

The Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2026 will support 25 young African leaders working on enabling social equity through education, employability or entrepreneurship solutions, to participate in the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3 - 6 November.

In addition, ZZF scholars will take part in a curated pre- and post-Summit program designed to support leadership growth, build peer networks, and amplify their impact.

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.