It is predicted that by 2030, at least 2 billion young people will be seeking work and opportunities, making underemployment and a lack of opportunities one of the most significant socio-economic and security challenges we are currently faced with. Youth unemployment has been directly linked to feelings of social exclusion, anxiety, and hopelessness; and at its worst, can lead to poverty, violent extremism, political instability, and crime. As such, finding solutions to this growing problem will be key to creating a peaceful, sustainable, and equitable future for all. Local entrepreneurs play a key role in achieving this, creating jobs and providing youth employment opportunities for those in their communities.
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is committed to investing in education and youth employment for this reason; aiming to improve prospects for young people, particularly in developing countries and fragile states, by bridging the gap between the skills young people learn and what the labor market demands.
In support of these efforts, the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO), on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is pleased to launch their annual scholarship in collaboration with One Young World to offer young leaders and entrepreneurs from these countries a place at the annual One Young World Summit.
The One Young World Summit 2025 will see 2,000 young leaders from 190+ countries descend to Munich for the global forum for young leaders, during which delegates will present and debate solutions to our time’s most pressing issues alongside senior leaders. This will offer young entrepreneurs an unparalleled experience to become engaged, build on successful initiatives, and connect with other changemakers around the world.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must be:
Aged 18 – 35 by the date of the One Young World 2025 Summit in November.
Actively engaged in the fields of youth employment and job creation, either as entrepreneurs or in a similar role (and be able to demonstrate this).
Nationals of and residents in one of the following countries: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iraq including Kurdistan region of Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mali, Mozambique, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Palestinian Territories, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Tunisia, Uganda. Please note that candidates with refugee status are certainly eligible.
All candidates will be required to have a working understanding of English, as both the One Young World Summit and Enterprising Futures pre- and post-programmes will be held in English.
Candidates must be available to join the program full-time between 2 – 7 November, as well as pre-and post-program dates.
Benefits
Enterprising Futures Scholars will receive:
Access to additional events organized by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Access to the One Young World Summit 2025, taking place from 3 – 6 November in Munich, Germany.
Hotel accommodation during the Summit dates.
One night of hotel accommodation (if required) for the visa application process
Additional night pre-summit (if needed).
The cost of travel to and from the host city of the Summit (flights in economy).
Domestic travel costs to the airport to take the international flight (flight in economy).
Travel to the visa application process (if required).
Visa costs, if applicable (including visa costs and required travel for visa appointment).
Catering which includes breakfast at the hotel accommodation and lunch and dinner at the Summit.
Transport between the Summit accommodation and the Summit venue.
