Deadline: May 4, 2026
Applications are open for the Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship to attend One Young World Summit 2026. The Z Zurich Foundation creates brighter futures for vulnerable people. Prevention is at the forefront of their work. Their 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.
They 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 they are committed to supporting impactful leaders to participate in the annual One Young World Summit, the world’s most international community of young leaders.
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.
Benefits
ZZF Scholars will receive:
- Full participation in the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town (3-6 November 2026)
- Hotel accommodation in Cape Town between 1 – 6 November (inclusive)
- Return air travel to and from Cape Town
- Catering which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Ground transportation between Summit venues in Cape Town.
In addition to the above, the scholarship includes the following curated engagements:
- ZZF Pre‑Summit Engagement & Preparation Program (September-October 2026): a virtual program combining personal leadership development with practical preparation for impactful Summit participation, featuring selected expert contributions.
- ZZF Pre-Summit Connection Day (2 November 2026): a full-day, in-person gathering in Cape Town prior to the Summit to foster peer connection, alignment, and engagement with the Z Zurich Foundation.
- Post-Summit Debrief Session (online session in late November 2026).
- The opportunity to apply for a one-year Post-Summit Fellowship offering holistic capacity-building support as part of the Z Zurich Foundation’s Global Changemakers Program (a limited number of places will be awarded through a competitive selection process).
Eligibility
Candidates must:
- Be aged 18 – 35 by the date of the One Young World Summit 2026 in November.
- Demonstrate impact aligned with the Enabling Social Equity pillar of the Z Zurich Foundation.
- Be leading an early-stage initiative that is not supported by major corporate or institutional funders.
- Be leading a formally registered entity with a clear not-for-profit mission and a bank account registered in the organisation’s name.
- Be serving in a primary leadership role within the initiative.
- Be committed to actively engage in and allocate time for the Pre‑Summit Engagement & Preparation Program (September-October) and the Post-Summit Debrief Session (late November), including reflection and inner development activities.
- Be willing to actively engage, collaborate, and contribute to peer learning before, during, and after the Summit.
Application
For more information, visit Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship.
