The NewNow Programme 2026

Deadline: February 16, 2026

Description of the Opportunity

Applications are now open for the 2026 cohort of NewNow Leaders. The NewNow is a One Young World programme supported by Virgin Unite, empowering the boldest emerging young leaders to redefine change through systems-thinking and collective action. They are looking for ten of the most trailblazing, impactful leaders from the Global South who have a demonstrable understanding and commitment to creating systemic change.

The NewNow is a collective of rising leaders with exceptional track records of delivering real and lasting impact, committed to building unstoppable momentum towards a fair, sustainable future. Over half the world’s population is under 30 with the power to make change happen. Through their collective strength, shared learning, and with insights and mentorship from leaders before them, they can rewrite the future of their generation and the generations to come. They can amplify and support the voices of trusted young leaders taking bold strides toward global transformation.

They will challenge the status quo through collective action and strategic collaboration. They will share knowledge, insights, and approaches, to foster ‘systems-thinking’ among young leaders and their enterprises initiatives. They will take on big global challenges through an intersectional, ‘systems-thinking’ lens, for deep and long-term transformation.

Benefits

The NewNow leaders will be offered:

• A scholarship place at the One Young World Summit Cape Town, 2026 and lifelong membership of the One Young World Ambassador Community.
• Features on One Young World and Virgin Unite channels elevating their profiles among the global community for young leaders and beyond.
• Opportunities to amplify your work through media and speaking opportunities.
• Access to the One Young World Global Leadership Programme and Action Accelerator.
• Membership of The NewNow Community, exclusive capacity building workshops designed to enhance your confidence, skills, and influence as systems leaders.
• Opportunities to collaborate with fellow NewNow leaders on joint projects and advocacy.

Eligibility

Candidates must:

• Be aged 18 – 30.
• Be nationals of countries in the Global South.
• Have demonstrated successful leadership through real and impactful initiatives.
• Show strong understanding of key local and/or global issues, especially those that require systems thinking approaches.
• Have a proven track-record of implementing systems-thinking principles to generate innovative, long-term and sustainable impact.
• Showcase evidence of impact in addressing complex challenges through systems thinking.
• Demonstrate a willingness to work collaboratively with The NewNow cohort and help promote successful examples of systems change through their own networks and media opportunities.

For more information, please visit The NewNow Programme

Apply here