The NewNow One Young World Leaders Program 2026 is one of the most exciting fully funded opportunities for young changemakers from the Global South. This program is designed for emerging leaders who are already creating real impact in their communities. Many promising young leaders often face financial challenges that stop them from joining global learning opportunities. To remove this barrier, One Young World and Virgin Unite are offering full scholarships for selected delegates to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.
The summit will take place from 3 to 6 November 2026. It brings together young leaders, experts, and innovators from around the world. Selected participants will receive full financial support, including travel, accommodation, meals, and summit access. There is no application or registration fee. Once selected, delegates also receive permanent membership in the One Young World Ambassador Community and The NewNow Community. Their profiles will be shared on One Young World and Virgin Unite channels, which will help them gain global recognition.
The program also includes capacity-building workshops, leadership training sessions, and opportunities to collaborate with other changemakers. Participants will work on joint projects, share ideas, and learn from senior professionals from different fields. Only ten young leaders will be selected, so this is a highly competitive and prestigious opportunity.
If you are a young leader working on social impact and addressing critical issues in your community, this program can help you grow your skills, expand your network, and increase your global influence. Interested candidates can apply for the NewNow One Young World Leaders Program 2026 before the deadline 16 February 2026.
NewNow One Young World Leaders Program 2026 Overview
| Host Country | South Africa |
| Location | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Organizers | One Young World and Virgin Unite |
| Summit Dates | 3 to 6 November 2026 |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Application Fee | None |
| Deadline | 16 February 2026 |
Benefits of NewNow One Young World Leaders Program 2026
- No application fee and no participation fee
- Fully funded scholarship to attend the One Young World Summit 2026
- Travel, hotel stay, and catering covered
- Lifelong membership in the One Young World Ambassador Community
- Membership in The NewNow Community
- Participants featured on One Young World and Virgin Unite media channels
- Global recognition for leadership work
- Access to the OYW Global Leadership Program and Action Accelerator
- Capacity-building workshops
- Opportunity to work on joint projects with fellow leaders
- Exposure to global experts and role models
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Eligibility Criteria
To apply, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application.
- Applicants must be nationals of a country located in the Global South.
- Applicants must demonstrate impactful leadership through practical work or community-based initiatives.
- Applicants must have a strong understanding of important local or global issues affecting their communities.
- Applicants must show proven experience in applying systems-thinking principles in their projects or leadership work.
- Applicants must be willing to work collaboratively with fellow NewNow leaders throughout the program.
Required Documents
- CV
- Passport
- Any other relevant supporting documents
How to Apply for the NewNow One Young World Leaders Program 2026
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official application portal
- Enter personal details such as name, email, and country of residence
- Add your organization details including name, your position, and a short biography
- Answer all program-related questions about your work, its impact, and your motivation to join
- Provide online links that show your work or achievements
- Submit all additional information requested
- Read the terms and conditions and accept them
- Click Register to complete your application
Make sure you submit your form before the deadline.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the NewNow Leadership Program 2026 is 16 February 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the NewNow One Young World Leaders Program fully funded?
Yes. The program covers all major expenses including travel, accommodation, meals, and summit participation.
2. Who can apply for this program?
Young leaders aged 18 to 30 from Global South countries who have proven achievements in social impact work.
3. Is there any application fee?
No. The program has no application fee and no participation charges.
4. How many participants will be selected?
Only ten emerging leaders will be selected for the 2026 cohort.
5. What is the location of the program?
The One Young World Summit will take place in Cape Town, South Africa.
6. What kind of support will participants receive?
Participants receive training, networking opportunities, mentoring, membership in two global communities, and full financial coverage.