The NewNow is a flagship initiative of One Young World, supported by Virgin Unite, designed to empower a new generation of bold, emerging leaders to drive meaningful, long-term transformation through systems-thinking and collective action. The programme brings together visionary changemakers from the Global South who are challenging existing structures and pioneering innovative pathways toward a fair and sustainable world. About The NewNow The NewNow is more than a leadership programme—it is a collective movement of young leaders with proven track records of delivering tangible impact within their communities and beyond. These leaders share a common purpose: to redefine change by addressing the root causes of global challenges and mobilising collective strength to transform systems from within. With over half of the world’s population under 30, young people hold immense potential to reshape society. The NewNow nurtures that potential by fostering collaboration, shared learning, and mentorship. Participants gain access to a powerful network of peers and established global figures who support their mission to achieve systems-level change. A Global Network for Systems Change The programme supports trusted and credible young leaders who are: Amplifying voices for social justice, climate resilience, and sustainable development. Challenging entrenched systems through collective advocacy and innovative problem-solving. Sharing insights and methodologies to encourage systems-thinking across global communities and sectors. Collaborating strategically to confront complex global challenges with intersectional and sustainable approaches. The NewNow operates on the belief that transformative change requires a shift in how leaders think, act, and connect. By uniting changemakers from diverse disciplines, the programme creates a space for synergy—where each participant’s individual expertise contributes to a broader vision of equitable progress. Applications for the 2026 Cohort Applications are now open for the 2026 NewNow Leaders cohort. The programme seeks ten outstanding young leaders from the Global South who have already demonstrated extraordinary leadership, innovation, and measurable impact in advancing systems-level change. Through this opportunity, selected participants will join a global network of peers, gain tailored mentorship, and participate in initiatives that amplify their voices on international platforms. Candidate Criteria To be eligible, applicants must: Be aged 18–30 at the time of application. Hold nationality from a Global South country. Have a proven track record of leading impactful initiatives that have achieved measurable change. Demonstrate a deep understanding of key local and global issues that require systemic approaches. Show evidence of applying systems-thinking principles to create sustainable, long-term impact. Exhibit a commitment to collaborative leadership and willingness to work closely with other NewNow cohort members. Be able to amplify examples of successful systems change through their networks and media platforms. What Participants Receive Selected NewNow Leaders will benefit from: Access to mentorship and leadership development opportunities with global changemakers. Participation in high-level dialogues and One Young World events, including the annual One Young World Summit. Visibility and amplification of their work through One Young World’s media and partner networks. A platform to influence decision-makers and drive structural reform in their areas of focus. The programme offers a transformative experience that not only enhances participants’ leadership capacity but also equips them to scale the impact of their existing initiatives. Understanding Systems-Thinking At the heart of The NewNow lies the philosophy of systems-thinking—an approach that recognises that every societal issue operates within a complex web of interrelated systems. Whether addressing inequality, climate change, or youth unemployment, systems-thinking encourages leaders to look beyond symptoms and engage with the root structures driving these challenges. For instance, improving youth mental health cannot be achieved through healthcare reform alone; it requires addressing education systems, food insecurity, and employment opportunities simultaneously. Systems-thinking enables leaders to identify these interconnections, design holistic strategies, and work across sectors to achieve lasting change. This approach brings together voices from all corners of society—grassroots organisations, entrepreneurs, educators, policymakers, and innovators—to co-create solutions for a fair and sustainable future. Why It Matters The NewNow stands at the intersection of leadership, innovation, and impact. It recognises that meaningful transformation depends on empowering those closest to the issues—young leaders who understand the realities on the ground and are equipped to reimagine the systems that shape them. By supporting leaders who embrace systems-thinking, One Young World and Virgin Unite are investing in a future defined not by isolated projects, but by collective, sustainable transformation. How to Apply Applications are open until 16 February 2026.Eligible candidates from the Global South can apply through the official One Young World application portal. For more details, visit the One Young World website or contact information@oneyoungworld.com. 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 hiring 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. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.