The 2026 Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize for emerging young Leaders (USD 10,000 prize and Fully Funded to the Athens Democracy Forum in Athens, Greece & One Young World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa)

Application Deadline:

Applications at the moment are open for the 2026 Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize. Launched by the Kofi Annan Foundation (KAF) and the Democracy and Culture Foundation in 2023, the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize is awarded yearly to a young chief aged 18 to 30 and offered at the Athens Democracy Forum. The award recognises distinctive management proven by young activists in defending and selling democracy, and goals to encourage extra young folks to commit to the development of democracy. 

Throughout his mandate as Secretary-General of the United Nations and later at the head of KAF, Kofi Annan labored to promote democracy, which he known as “a catalyst for better governance, greater security, and human development.” He was additionally an excellent believer in youth management and inclusion, and he strived to facilitate the participation of young folks in native, nationwide and worldwide decision-making boards.

Applications at the moment are open for the 2026 Prize, highlighting actions taken by young leaders to:

• foster real participation in decision-making;
• promote peaceable dialogue on divisive political points;
• advance intergenerational change on issues associated to democracy;
• give an actual voice to folks and communities who’ve historically been excluded from decision-making;
• contribute to or advocate for the organisation of free and honest elections and their acceptance;
• shield freedom of meeting, freedom of the press and freedom of expression;
• garner help for the independence of democratic establishments; 
• or combat for reform in each the public and personal sectors to be sure that democracy adapts, develops and survives as the pre-eminent technique of presidency.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for this prize, you could:

• Be aged between 18 – 30 at the time of the application.
• Have demonstrated capability for management.
• Be keen and ready to take part in public actions in the context of the Athens Democracy Forum and One Young World Summit 2026. 
• Submit a brief video outlining your work defending democracy, and why you’ve chosen to interact in it.
• Submit your application in English.
• Submit a letter of help written and signed by an organisation recognised in the subject of defending and advancing democracy*. The particular person writing your letter of help needs to be somebody who is aware of you and is conversant in your work. The particular person should not be a member of the family, private good friend, an worker or co-founder of your organisation (in case you are additionally a co-founder). In their letter of help, the particular person should:
  • State their full title, organisation and title. 
  • Explain how they know you and for how lengthy they’ve recognized you. 
  • Explain their understanding of your position.
  • Explain why they consider your work helps shield and advance democracy. 
  • Write the letter in English. 

* You will need to have express consent from the particular person supporting your application to share their private particulars with One Young World. The title and organisation of the particular person supporting your application could also be shared with related third-parties concerned in the choice course of. You should receive consent to share these particulars for this function.

Benefits

• Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize winner will obtain:
• 10,000 USD and one-year’s mentorship with a recognised democracy knowledgeable.
• A spot to attend the Athens Democracy Forum in Athens, Greece from 29 September – 2 October 2026, together with journey and lodging.
• An invitation to co-curate a session on youth and democracy at the following yr’s discussion board.

Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize winner and 9 finalists will obtain:

• A completely-funded place to attend the One Young World Summit Cape Town, South Africa from 3 – 6 November 2026. 
• Travel to and from Cape Town (flights in financial system).
• Hotel lodging in Cape Town in a personal room between 2 – 7 November 2026. 
• Lifelong membership of the One Young World Ambassador Community, a worldwide community with 20,000+ members in 190+ nations. 
• Opportunity to current their work at worldwide fora and conferences.
• Opportunity to join with the previous winners of the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize.
• Opportunities to interact in further One Young World-led occasions and programming, together with further mentorship Opportunities.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize