The NewNow 2026 | Emerging Leaders Programme by One Young World & Virgin Unite
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The NewNow 2026 | One Young World & Virgin Unite Program for Emerging Leaders
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Apply to The NewNow 2026 by One Young World & Virgin Unite. Fully-funded leadership programme for Global South changemakers aged 18-30. Deadline 16 Feb 2026.
The NewNow 2026, One Young World NewNow, Virgin Unite young leaders programme, emerging leaders Global South, One Young World scholarship 2026
About The NewNow 2026
The NewNow 2026 is an exceptional leadership initiative run by One Young World in partnership with Virgin Unite. It seeks to identify and empower ten extraordinary young leaders from the Global South who are disrupting systems, driving long-term impact and ready to reimagine change.
This highly selective programme emphasises systems-thinking recognising that today’s major challenges (from inequality to environmental crisis) require solutions that cross traditional boundaries. Selected leaders will join a powerful mentorship ecosystem, global platform, and peer cohort that amplifies youth voices in global forums.
Key Benefits of the Programme
Enrollees in The NewNow 2026 will receive:
- A fully funded place at the One Young World Summit in Cape Town, 2026.
- Inclusion in the NewNow Community lifelong membership, peer learning, and collaboration opportunities.
- Media exposure and profile-building via One Young World & Virgin Unite channels.
- Participation in exclusive leadership development workshops, action accelerators and systems-change modules.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
The programme is open to young leaders who meet the following criteria:
- Age: 18–30 years (as of application deadline)
- Nationality: Citizens of countries in the Global South (e.g., Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia).
- Demonstrated leadership: A track record of impactful initiatives that show tangible results.
- Systems-thinking mindset: Strong understanding of how interconnected systems work and the ability to apply this to real-world challenges.
- Willingness to collaborate: Engaged in networks, willing to actively participate in cohort activities, media engagements and shared advocacy.
Application Details & Deadline
- Opening Date: 6 November 2025
- Deadline: 16 February 2026
- How to Apply: Visit the official application portal, complete the online form, submit your leadership story, and attach supporting documents (CV, evidence of impact, motivation statement).
Early submissions are encouraged to avoid last-minute delays and to demonstrate readiness and commitment.
Why This Programme Matters
Young leaders today are uniquely positioned to tackle complex global issues but they often lack the platform, networks or funding to scale their work. The NewNow bridges that gap by providing access, mentorship and amplification.
Through this programme you’ll join a global community, develop high-level leadership skills, and gain a platform to influence policy, practise systems-thinking and accelerate your initiatives.
For more resources, tips and similar young-leader opportunities, visit Kotokiven.com.
How to Stand Out in Your Application
- Provide concrete evidence of your initiative’s impact: number of beneficiaries, measurable outcomes, and sustainability.
- Demonstrate clear examples of systems-thinking: how your work identifies and transforms underlying structures not just symptoms.
- Show collaboration: highlight partnerships, networks or advocacy campaigns you’re involved in.
- Outline your future vision: how you will apply the NewNow experience to scale your work and impact globally.
- Ensure your motivation statement is authentic, specific and aligned with the mission of One Young
World and Virgin Unite.