NewNow One Young World Summit 2026 will be held in the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa, bringing together the brightest young leaders from around the world. Scheduled for 3–6 November 2026, this global event will unite over 2,000 participants from more than 190 countries to exchange ideas, inspire change, and develop innovative solutions for global challenges.
Hosted in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations, the NewNow One Young World Summit 2026 offers a unique opportunity for emerging leaders to collaborate, network, and drive impactful action. From the iconic Table Mountain to the historic Robben Island, Cape Town provides the perfect setting to empower youth voices shaping a better and more sustainable future.
Benefits of NewNow One Young World Summit 2026
The program covers:
- The cost of travel to and from Cape Town (economy class).
- Hotel Accommodation in a private room.
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- No IELTS and application fee.
- Features on One Young World and Virgin Unite channels.
- The OYW Summit is one of the Largest Gatherings of Young Leaders.
- Over 2,000 young leaders from more than 190 countries will gather.
Eligibility Criteria for the NewNow One Young World Summit 2026
- Be between the ages of 18 and 30.
- Be a citizen of a country in the Global South. (Check Global South Countries on Google).
- Have a history of leading successful projects that made a real difference.
- Understand important local and global problems, especially those that need a complex, interconnected approach to solve.
- Have experience using a systems-thinking approach to find creative, long-lasting solutions to difficult problems.
- Be able to show how you’ve used systems thinking to make a positive impact.
- Care about creating a more just and equitable world.
- Be willing to work with other young leaders and share your experiences with others.
How to Apply for the NewNow One Young World Summit 2026
- Apply online through the One Young World official platform.
- Visit the official website.
- Fill out the form with accurate personal and professional details.
- Check our Conference Category for more global youth summits.
- Join our WhatsApp Groups to stay updated about upcoming programs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The NewNow scholarship selects ten transformational young leaders, aged 18-30 from the Global South, who apply by 16 February 2026 to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town. Applicants must demonstrate systems-thinking, leadership, and impact. Benefits include full scholarship support, lifelong community membership and collaboration opportunities.
What is the NewNow scholarship for the One Young World Summit 2026?
The NewNow scholarship is a leadership programme that selects ten trailblazing young changemakers from the Global South. It empowers them to attend the One Young World Summit 2026, and gives access to a lifelong Ambassador community.
Who is eligible to apply for the NewNow programme?
Applicants aged 18-30 from Global South nations are eligible. They must demonstrate strong leadership, systems-thinking experience, and proven impact in complex challenges using collaborative methods.
What does ‘systems-thinking’ mean in this context?
Systems-thinking here means understanding how complex issues are interconnected, identifying root structures, and designing lasting change across multiple levels rather than addressing isolated problems.
What benefits does being a NewNow leader provide?
Selected leaders receive a scholarship place at the Summit 2026 and lifelong membership in the Ambassador Community. They also gain media exposure, capacity-building workshops, the One Young World Global Leadership Programme, and collaborative opportunities.
When is the application deadline for the NewNow scholarship?
The application deadline is 16 February 2026. The programme opens for applications beginning 6 November 2025.
What qualities are the selectors looking for in candidates?
Selectors seek young leaders who have implemented systems-thinking principles, demonstrated long-term sustainable impact, and are willing to collaborate with the cohort to amplify change through networks and media.
Where and when will the One Young World Summit 2026 take place?
The Summit 2026 will convene in Cape Town, South Africa, marking a return to Africa and aligning with the region’s leadership in innovation and sustainability.
Can previous participants or ambassadors apply again for NewNow?
The scholarship is aimed at rising leaders with fresh impact. While the criteria don’t explicitly ban alumni, priority is likely to go to first-time applicants from the Global South with a systems-thinking focus.
What is the selection size for the NewNow cohort?
Ten young leaders will be selected annually from the Global South to join the NewNow cohort and participate in the One Young World Summit and related programmes.
Why does the NewNow programme focus on the Global South?
The programme emphasises systems-thinking leadership among young people in the Global South because many challenges are deeply systemic and intertwined in these regions, and empowering local changemakers creates more sustainable, context-specific transformation.
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