The NewNow: Empowering Bold Young Leaders Driving Collective, Systemic Change About The NewNow The NewNow is a One Young World programme supported by Virgin Unite, designed to empower the boldest emerging young leaders who are redefining change through systems-thinking and collective action. It is a global collective of rising changemakers with exceptional records of delivering tangible, lasting impact. Each leader shares a commitment to building unstoppable momentum toward a fair, just, and sustainable future. Over half of the world’s population is under the age of 30 — holding unprecedented potential to shape a better future. Through shared learning, collaboration, and mentorship from established global leaders, The NewNow helps unleash that power to drive meaningful, systemic transformation for this generation and the next. The NewNow Vision The NewNow envisions a world where young leaders collaborate across boundaries to challenge entrenched systems and build equitable, sustainable solutions from the ground up. Through this programme, participants: Amplify and support the voices of trusted young leaders creating transformative impact. Challenge the status quo by driving collective action and strategic collaboration. Share knowledge and insights to strengthen the practice of systems-thinking across movements and enterprises. Tackle global challenges through an intersectional lens, leading efforts for deep, structural, and lasting change. What is Systems-Thinking and Why It Matters Every social pattern, business practice, or policy exists within a complex ecosystem. The greatest challenges facing humanity — from inequality to the climate crisis — are symptoms of deeply rooted systems and structures. Solving them requires transformation from within. Systems-thinking is an approach that enables leaders to: Understand how decisions and behaviours interact within a larger system. Identify root causes rather than surface-level symptoms. Create long-term, sustainable solutions that address multiple challenges simultaneously. In essence, systems-thinking encourages leaders to see the connections between issues recognizing that progress in one area often depends on change in another. For example, improving youth mental health requires not only reform in healthcare systems but also action on education, food security, and employment opportunities. Similarly, addressing climate change means engaging governance, business innovation, and community resilience. By fostering systems-thinking, The NewNow equips young leaders to bridge divides — between grassroots movements, policymakers, business innovators, educators, and communities — to create holistic, scalable change. Join The NewNow 2026 Cohort Applications are now open for the 2026 cohort of NewNow Leaders. The programme will welcome ten trailblazing young leaders from the Global South who have demonstrated both a commitment to and a practical understanding of systems-level change. Applicants should be driven, visionary individuals already implementing impactful solutions to complex challenges — and eager to collaborate with others to accelerate that change. Candidate Criteria To be eligible, candidates must: Be aged 18–30* at the time of application. Be nationals of a country in the Global South. Have a proven track record of leadership through impactful and results-driven initiatives. Demonstrate a strong understanding of local and/or global issues requiring systemic solutions. Show clear application of systems-thinking principles in their work or organisation. Provide evidence of sustainable impact addressing complex, interconnected challenges. Be willing to collaborate with other NewNow leaders and amplify examples of successful systems change through their networks and platforms. *Exceptional applicants slightly outside the age range may be considered on a case-by-case basis. What Selected Leaders Receive Selected NewNow Leaders will join a powerful global network and benefit from: Access to mentorship and guidance from established systems-change experts and global leaders. Participation in collaborative learning sessions to develop and refine their systems-thinking strategies. Opportunities to co-create impact initiatives that advance sustainable development and social justice. A platform to amplify their voice and visibility, sharing their stories through One Young World and Virgin Unite networks. Ongoing peer-to-peer support from other changemakers across the Global South. Through this immersive experience, NewNow Leaders deepen their impact, strengthen their leadership capacity, and inspire others to drive collective, long-term transformation. Why Apply Join a global network of trailblazers committed to tackling the world’s most urgent challenges. Gain strategic insight into how to influence and redesign systems that sustain inequality and injustice. Connect with mentors, collaborators, and organizations aligned with your mission for change. Access visibility and resources to scale your initiatives. Be part of a movement redefining what it means to lead — not through competition, but through collective action. Key Dates Applications open: 6 November 2025 Application deadline: 16 February 2026 How to Apply Interested candidates should submit their application via the official One Young World application portal before the deadline on the apply here button below.Further details and instructions can be found on the One Young World website. Apply Now About One Young World and Virgin Unite One Young World is the global community for young leaders, connecting innovators and changemakers to accelerate progress on the world’s most pressing challenges. Virgin Unite, the entrepreneurial foundation of the Virgin Group, partners with One Young World to empower young leaders to reimagine systems, scale impact, and drive inclusive transformation. Together, they support The NewNow — a pioneering collective that proves what is possible when visionary young leaders unite to rethink systems, rebuild trust, and redefine the future. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. 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