The Pankaj Award to End Conflict

From lived experience to lasting impact

Regent Global’s Group Chairman, Professor Selva, and Group CEO, Dr Tharshiny Pankaj, understand the realities of conflict on a deeply personal level. Both fled civil war in Sri Lanka to the UK as teenagers in 1990, carrying with them first-hand experience of its lasting impact.

That experience continues to shape their commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change. In partnership with One Young World, they are proud to introduce The Pankaj Award to End Conflict – an initiative dedicated to recognising and supporting young leaders who are building unity in an increasingly divided world.

Investing in global changemakers

One Young World is a global community of young leaders, united by a shared ambition to create a fairer, more sustainable future. Each year, its Summit convenes over 2,000 leaders from more than 190 countries to exchange ideas, form partnerships and take action on the world’s most pressing challenges.

The Pankaj Award to End Conflict builds on this mission by identifying and supporting individuals already driving change in their communities. Regent Global has committed $250,000 to accelerate the work of young leaders who are preventing and resolving conflict around the world.

Honouring those driving real change

Regent Global and One Young World will identify ten exceptional finalists, selected for their demonstrated impact in one or more of the following areas:

  • Developing solutions to prevent or resolve conflict at a local, national or regional level 
  • Fostering understanding between communities through dialogue and education
  • Preventing the outbreak or escalation of violence
  • Protecting and empowering marginalised or oppressed groups
  • Implementing sustainable peacebuilding initiatives

From this group, an independent panel of expert judges will select the inaugural recipient of The Pankaj Award to End Conflict.

What recipients receive

Funding

One winner will receive $100,000 to accelerate their work. The remaining finalists will each be awarded between $10,000 and $50,000 in support of their initiatives.

One Young World Summit 2026

All finalists will receive a fully funded scholarship to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, taking place from 3–6 November.

Global network

Finalists will join a powerful international cohort of changemakers and gain lifetime membership to the One Young World Ambassador Community – a global network of over 20,000 leaders across more than 190 countries.

Shape the future of peace

Applications for The Pankaj Award to End Conflict close on Monday 15 June 2026.
To learn more, including eligibility and assessment criteria, visit the One Young World website.