The NewNow 2026: Empowering Young Leaders to Drive Systems Change in the Global South

Are you a younger changemaker from the Global South working to create sustainable transformation in your neighborhood? The NewNow, a One Young World programme supported by Virgin Unite, is inviting functions for its 2026 cohort of NewNow Leaders.

This initiative brings collectively distinctive younger leaders who’re redefining change via systems-thinking and collective motion. It goals to assist, join, and amplify the voices of these driving significant, long-term options to the world’s most urgent challenges.

About The NewNow

The NewNow is a world collective of rising leaders with confirmed observe information of delivering actual and lasting influence. These people are dedicated to constructing unstoppable momentum towards a good and sustainable future.

With over half of the world’s inhabitants beneath the age of 30, younger folks possess the potential to form transformative change. The NewNow harnesses this potential by offering mentorship, shared studying, and a supportive neighborhood for younger leaders decided to drive methods change at scale.

Mission and Approach

The NewNow exists to problem the established order and speed up systems-level transformation. The programme:

• Amplifies the voices of younger leaders advancing international transformation.

• Encourages collective motion and strategic collaboration to handle advanced challenges.

• Fosters systems-thinking by sharing insights, instruments, and approaches for sustainable influence.

• Equips leaders to handle interconnected international points via intersectional and revolutionary methods.

By partaking with skilled mentors and friends, NewNow members achieve the information and perspective wanted to lead change at each stage of society.

Why Systems-Thinking Matters

The world’s most important challenges—starting from inequality to local weather change—are deeply interconnected. Addressing these points requires understanding how methods function and the way change can happen inside them.

Systems-thinking is the capacity to see the greater image, recognizing that each coverage, conduct, or enterprise apply is part of a broader ecosystem. For instance, enhancing youth psychological well being additionally entails addressing associated elements similar to training, vitamin, and employment.

Long-term, sustainable change can solely occur when leaders undertake systems-thinking approaches and collaborate throughout sectors—bringing collectively neighborhood leaders, educators, policymakers, innovators, and companies to design built-in options.

Who Should Apply

The NewNow is looking for ten of the most trailblazing and impactful younger leaders from the Global South who show a powerful dedication to methods change.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Aged 18 to 30 (as of 16 February 2026).

• A nationwide of a rustic in the Global South.

• Proven expertise main impactful initiatives that create measurable change.

• Strong understanding of native or international points requiring systems-thinking approaches.

• Evidence of making use of systems-thinking ideas to develop sustainable options.

• Commitment to collaboration with the NewNow cohort and selling examples of methods change via networks and media.

 

What Participants Will Receive

Selected leaders will be a part of a vibrant and numerous international neighborhood, gaining entry to:

• Mentorship from skilled international and methods leaders.

• Capacity-building alternatives and management improvement classes.

• Increased visibility via One Young World and Virgin Unite platforms.

• Opportunities to collaborate with friends tackling related systemic challenges.

• A lifelong community of changemakers devoted to reworking methods for good.

 

Application Details

• Opening Date: 6 November 2025

• Application Deadline: 16 February 2026

• Apply Here: Application Portal

Applicants are inspired to apply early to guarantee full consideration.

 

Building a Fair and Sustainable Future

The NewNow represents a rising motion of younger leaders who’re tackling the root causes of world challenges. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and systems-thinking, the programme goals to create deep and lasting transformation.

If you’re prepared to lead systemic change and contribute to a fairer, extra sustainable world, that is your alternative to be part of one thing greater.

Find out more and apply today to join The NewNow 2026 cohort.

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