
Are you a young leader working to solve today’s most urgent social and environmental challenges? The Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2025 offers an exceptional opportunity for changemakers aged 18 to 30 to attend the One Young World Summit 2025—a globally renowned gathering of youth leaders, activists, and innovators. This fully funded Leadership Program empowers emerging voices to share their vision, connect with global decision-makers, and accelerate their impact through knowledge, mentorship, and collaboration.
Hosted in Munich, Germany, the Summit brings together thousands of young leaders from over 190 countries. As a Z Zurich Foundation Scholar, you will be one of just 30 participants selected for your work in Social Equity, Mental Wellbeing, or Climate Change Adaptation. In addition to full participation in the Summit, you will join exclusive Z Zurich Foundation events, pre-summit preparation sessions, and post-summit reflections with a global community of purpose-driven peers.
If you are committed to building a fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable world, this opportunity is designed to help you scale your work and become part of a transformative global movement.
Host Country:
Germany
Program Location:
Munich
Program Dates:
3 – 6 November, 2025
(Scholars must be available in Munich from 1 – 6 November to attend all scheduled activities)
Program Themes or Focus Areas:
Scholars selected for this program will be working in at least one of the following domains:
-
Social Equity – Ensuring fair treatment, access, and opportunity for all, particularly marginalized communities
-
Mental Wellbeing – Promoting emotional resilience, mental health awareness, and support structures
-
Climate Change Adaptation – Developing local or global responses to climate-related threats, from sustainable innovations to disaster resilience
These areas reflect the Z Zurich Foundation’s mission to support inclusive and sustainable human development across the globe.
Benefits of the Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2025
Selected scholars will receive a Fully Funded Scholarship covering all program costs and exclusive benefits:
-
Full access to all sessions and events at the One Young World Summit 2025 in Munich
-
Participation in exclusive pre-Summit and post-Summit activities hosted by the Z Zurich Foundation
-
Hotel accommodation in a centrally located Munich hotel from 1st to 6th November 2025
-
Round-trip airfare from your country of residence to Germany
-
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the stay in Munich
-
Ground transportation between official Summit venues and accommodation
-
Invitation to “The Indigenous Day”, a cultural celebration of diverse traditions, languages, and communities from around the world
-
Personalized engagement opportunities with representatives of Zurich Insurance Group and the Z Zurich Foundation
As a Z Zurich Scholar, you gain access not only to the Summit but also to a vibrant, ongoing network of global leaders united by purpose and driven by impact.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this prestigious Youth Forum, you must meet the following requirements:
-
Be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of the One Young World Summit 2025 (i.e., born between November 1995 and November 2007)
-
Demonstrate a proven commitment to delivering positive change in your community or country
-
Have a track record of social impact in at least one of the core focus areas:
-
Mental Wellbeing
-
Social Equity
-
Climate Change and environmental adaptation
-
-
Be an active member or leader of a community initiative, nonprofit, enterprise, or advocacy group
-
Possess strong communication, collaboration, and intercultural teamwork skills
-
Be committed to fully engaging in all scholar-specific activities, including preparation, networking, and post-event involvement
-
Be ready to act as an ambassador for the Z Zurich Foundation’s values and promote inclusive development
No prior affiliation with Zurich or One Young World is required, and applicants from all countries and regions are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
All applications for the Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship 2025 must be submitted through the official One Young World application portal. Follow the steps below to ensure a complete and compelling submission:
-
Visit the official One Young World Scholarship Page
-
Click the “Apply Now” button to access the application form
-
Fill in all required fields, including personal details, contact information, and professional background
-
Complete the program-specific motivation and eligibility questions, ensuring clear, concise, and well-structured responses
-
Attach any required supporting documents, such as your resume, social impact reports, or links to work samples
-
Review your application thoroughly before submitting
-
Submit your completed application through the online portal
You will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews or additional materials.
Application Deadline:
1 May, 2025
Late applications will not be accepted, and all applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow time for review and confirmation. Final decisions will be announced by mid-June 2025.
What Is the One Young World Summit?
The One Young World Summit is the world’s leading forum for young leaders working toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Held annually in different global cities, the Summit unites over 2,000 young changemakers with influential global figures—presidents, Nobel laureates, CEOs, and humanitarian pioneers—for dialogue, collaboration, and action.
Delegates participate in:
-
High-level panel discussions and policy debates
-
Interactive workshops on leadership, entrepreneurship, and development
-
Networking events with global business, academic, and nonprofit leaders
-
Impact sessions and team challenges on real-world global issues
As part of the Z Zurich Foundation delegation, you will be given the tools and support to amplify your voice and grow your solution—be it a mental health initiative, climate tech innovation, or social equity project.
The Z Zurich Foundation: Building Resilient Futures
The Z Zurich Foundation is a philanthropic organization supported by Zurich Insurance Group, dedicated to creating a fairer, more sustainable world. Through education, mental health advocacy, and climate action, the foundation funds and supports youth leaders, community projects, and long-term partnerships worldwide.
In line with the United Nations SDGs, the foundation places particular emphasis on:
-
Enhancing Mental Wellbeing and reducing stigma
-
Promoting Social Equity, especially among vulnerable or excluded groups
-
Supporting Climate Resilience, focusing on adaptation, community solutions, and environmental justice
By joining the Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship program, you become a contributor to this vision and a lifelong member of its global community.
Impact Beyond the Summit
Z Zurich Foundation Scholars are not only delegates—they are changemakers equipped with new skills, funding opportunities, mentorship, and visibility to elevate their work. After the Summit, alumni benefit from:
-
Ongoing mentorship and leadership development
-
Inclusion in the Z Zurich Foundation alumni network
-
Global speaking opportunities and project showcases
-
Peer exchange, cross-border project collaboration, and long-term engagement opportunities
-
Enhanced access to funding or partnership through the Foundation’s global network
Previous scholars have launched youth mental health startups, led climate adaptation initiatives, and created tools for digital equity. The Summit is a stepping stone for serious, scalable impact.




