Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize 2026 in South Africa | Fully Funded

The Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize 2026 is now open for applications. This annual prize, launched by the Kofi Annan Foundation and the Democracy and Culture Foundation, recognizes young leaders aged 18 to 30 who are defending and advancing democracy. The winner receives 10,000 USD, a one-year mentorship, and funded participation in the Athens Democracy Forum in Greece, plus a fully funded place at the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.

One Young World, the organization behind this prize, is a global community of young leaders committed to positive change. The prize honors the legacy of Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General, who championed democracy and youth inclusion. It aims to inspire more young people to commit to the advancement of democracy worldwide, especially in regions where democratic values are under threat.

NextGen Democracy Prize Benefits

• 10,000 USD and one-year’s mentorship with a recognised democracy expert.
• A place to attend the Athens Democracy Forum in Athens, Greece from 29 September – 2 October 2026, including travel and accommodation.
• An invitation to co-curate a session on youth and democracy at the following year’s forum.
• A fully-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 economy).
• Hotel accommodation in Cape Town in a private room between 2 – 7 November 2026.
• Lifelong membership of the One Young World Ambassador Community, a global network with 20,000+ members in 190+ countries.
• Opportunity to present their work at international fora and conferences.
• Opportunity to connect with the past winners of the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize.
• Opportunities to engage in additional One Young World-led events and programming, including additional mentorship opportunities.

NextGen Democracy Prize Eligibility Criteria

• Be aged between 18 – 30 at the time of the application.
• Have demonstrated capacity for leadership.
• Be willing and able to participate in public activities in the context of the Athens Democracy Forum and One Young World Summit 2026.
• Submit a short video outlining your work defending democracy, and why you have chosen to engage in it.
• Submit your application in English.
• Submit a letter of support written and signed by an organisation recognised in the field of protecting and advancing democracy. The individual writing your letter of support should be someone who knows you and is familiar with your work. The individual must not be a family member, personal friend, an employee or co-founder of your organisation (if you are also a co-founder). In their letter of support, the individual must: state their full name, organisation and title; explain how they know you and for how long they have known you; explain their understanding of your role; explain why they believe your work helps protect and advance democracy; write the letter in English.

How to Apply for NextGen Democracy Prize?

1. Complete the online application form before the deadline.
2. Prepare a short video outlining your work defending democracy and why you chose to engage in it.
3. Submit your application in English.
4. Obtain a letter of support written and signed by an organisation recognised in the field of protecting and advancing democracy.
5. Ensure you have explicit consent from the individual supporting your application to share their personal details with One Young World.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.