Spirit of Togetherness Award 2026: Empowering Young Leaders Building Connection & Belonging

<div id="ByBeVu9jRbKosA8YMLC6Q-user-message" tabindex="0" role="article" data-tabster="{&quot;groupper&quot;:{&quot;tabbability&quot;:2},&quot;focusable&quot;:{}}" aria-labelledby="ByBeVu9jRbKosA8YMLC6Q-user-message"> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div tabindex="0" role="article" data-tabster="{&quot;groupper&quot;:{&quot;tabbability&quot;:2},&quot;focusable&quot;:{}}" data-content="ai-message" data-testid="ai-message" aria-labelledby="ywusBcFWcq5QKtjL4dww8-author ywusBcFWcq5QKtjL4dww8-content-0"> <div data-testid="ai-message-body"> <div> <div id="ywusBcFWcq5QKtjL4dww8-content-0"> <p>In a world rapidly transformed by digitalisation, mobility, and shifting social norms, the need for genuine human connection has never been more urgent. Communities everywhere are experiencing both new opportunities for interaction and rising challenges such as isolation, fragmentation, and loss of belonging. Against this backdrop, young leaders are stepping forward to reimagine how people gather, share, and build meaningful relationships.</p> <p>The <strong>Spirit of Togetherness Award 2026</strong>, presented by <strong>Pernod Ricard</strong> in partnership with <strong>One Young World</strong>, celebrates these changemakers. Building on the success of the WE Award 2025, this initiative recognises young innovators who are creating inclusive spaces, fostering cultural exchange, and strengthening social cohesion through the power of conviviality.</p> <div></div> <h2><strong>About the Spirit of Togetherness Award</strong></h2> <p>Pernod Ricard defines <em>conviviality</em> as the powerful act of bringing people together—whether through shared meals, cultural traditions, conversations, or everyday moments that spark joy, trust, and understanding. This award honours young leaders who embody this spirit by designing initiatives that promote belonging and connection.</p> <p>As communities evolve, young adults are increasingly becoming architects of inclusive environments—both physical and digital—where diversity is celebrated and every voice is valued. Their work demonstrates that connection is not accidental; it is intentionally created, nurtured, and sustained.</p> <p>The Spirit of Togetherness Award 2026 recognises <strong>five outstanding young leaders</strong> whose initiatives are transforming how people come together.</p> <div></div> <h2><strong>What the Award Offers</strong></h2> <p>Each of the five selected award recipients will receive:</p> <ul role="list"> <li><strong>€8,000 grant</strong> to expand and scale their initiative</li> <li><strong>Access to a global network of Conviviality Ambassadors</strong></li> <li><strong>Opportunities for international visibility, collaboration, and impact amplification</strong></li> </ul> <p>This award is designed not only to support individual leaders but also to inspire a global movement centred on empathy, shared experiences, and human connection.</p> <div></div> <h2><strong>Focus Areas for Eligible Initiatives</strong></h2> <p>Candidates must be leading an initiative that aligns with one or more of the following themes:</p> <ol role="list" start="1"> <li><strong>Facilitating joyful, shared moments</strong> within communities, workplaces, or cultural spaces.</li> <li><strong>Creating inclusive environments</strong> that bridge diverse groups—such as intergenerational, multicultural, or differently‑abled communities.</li> <li><strong>Crafting everyday moments of cultural togetherness</strong>, rooted in local heritage, traditions, food, drink, and cultural expression.</li> </ol> <p>These initiatives should demonstrate how conviviality can strengthen social cohesion, foster inclusion, and enrich cultural life.</p> <div></div> <h2><strong>Eligibility Criteria</strong></h2> <p>Applicants must meet the following requirements:</p> <ul role="list"> <li>Must be <strong>at least 18 years old</strong> and meet the <strong>legal drinking age</strong> in their country of residence</li> <li>Must be <strong>35 years old or younger</strong></li> <li>Open to <strong>nationals of all countries</strong></li> <li>Must demonstrate: <ul role="list"> <li><strong>Impact</strong> – measurable community engagement and positive outcomes</li> <li><strong>Inclusivity</strong> – commitment to bringing diverse people together</li> <li><strong>Scalability</strong> – potential for replication and growth</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>Additional consideration may be given to initiatives that incorporate <strong>environmental sustainability</strong> or <strong>innovation</strong>.</p> <div></div> <h2><strong>Application Details</strong></h2> <ul role="list"> <li><strong>Opening Date:</strong> 8 June 2026</li> <li><strong>Application Deadline:</strong> 20 July 2026</li> <li><strong>How to Apply:</strong> Visit the official One Young World application portal</li> <li><strong>Number of Awardees:</strong> 5</li> </ul> <p>This award is a unique opportunity for young leaders to elevate their work, gain global recognition, and join a network of changemakers committed to building a more connected world.</p> <div></div> <h2><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2> <p>The Spirit of Togetherness Award 2026 champions young leaders who are redefining how communities connect. By spotlighting their work, Pernod Ricard and One Young World aim to inspire a global shift toward more inclusive, empathetic, and convivial societies. The future of community-building lies in shared experiences—and this award empowers the leaders shaping that future.</p> </div> <p>Apply <a href="https://apply.oneyoungworld.com/scholarship/form/spirit-of-togetherness-award-202" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></p> <p>For more information about this opportunity visit <a href="https://www.oneyoungworld.com/scholarship/spirit-togetherness-award-2026-presented-pernod-ricard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></p> <p>Discover more award opportunities <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=award" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></p> </div> </div> </div> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/06/24/spirit-of-togetherness-award-2026-empowering-young-leaders-building-connection-belonging/">Spirit of Togetherness Award 2026: Empowering Young Leaders Building Connection &#038; Belonging</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>