The NewNow Scholarship to attend One Young World

Who We Are

We are a collective of rising leaders with exceptional track records of delivering real and lasting impact, committed to building unstoppable momentum towards a fair, sustainable future.

Over half the world’s population is under 30 with the power to make change happen. Through our collective strength, shared learning, and with insights and mentorship from leaders before us, we can rewrite the future of our generation and the generations to come.

We amplify and support the voices of trusted young leaders taking bold strides toward global transformation.

We challenge the status quo through collective action and strategic collaboration. We share knowledge, insights, and approaches, to foster ‘systems-thinking’ among young leaders and their enterprises initiatives. We take on big global challenges through an intersectional, ‘systems-thinking’ lens, for deep and long-term transformation.

Join us

Applications are now live for the 2026 cohort of NewNow Leaders.

We are looking for ten of the most trailblazing, impactful leaders from the Global South who have a demonstrable understanding and commitment to creating systemic change. Applicants must apply through the application portal below. 

What do we mean by 'systems-thinking' and why does it matter?

Every pattern of behaviour, business-practice, or societal custom, happens within a complex ecosystem. The biggest challenges we face as humanity – from inequality to the climate emergency – are rooted in deeply embedded systems and structures. Taking on these challenges means that these systems, and those who uphold them, must adapt and evolve from within. For this change to be long-term and sustainable, leaders must adopt a ‘systems-thinking’ approach, which means understanding how to lead change at every level of the system.

Importantly, ‘systems-thinking’ also requires us to take a wider view. The world’s challenges are interlinked, and so it is almost impossible to meaningfully solve one problem, without tackling several others. For example, if we are serious about supporting better youth mental health, alongside transforming the healthcare system, we must also address education, food insecurity and youth unemployment.

Systems-thinking requires grass-roots organisations, business-leaders, educators, tech innovators and politicians to bridge divides, and take action towards building a fair and sustainable future for all. 

About the upcoming Summit

In November 2026, the One Young World Summit returns to Africa for the first time since Johannesburg 2013, with Cape Town set to host the Summit. Taking place as South Africa marks 50 years since the Soweto Youth Uprising, the Summit will honour this legacy and celebrate the young leaders shaping our future through innovation, entrepreneurship, and bold action.

As Africa’s most business-friendly city and a strategic gateway between emerging and developed markets, Cape Town is the ideal setting for this global gathering. Welcoming over 8 million international visitors each year and recognised as the continent’s leading destination for world-class events, the city offers a vibrant and inspiring backdrop for next-generation leadership dialogue.

With its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality rooted in Ubuntu, South Africa is ready to welcome the world. 

What is One Young World?

One Young World was founded in 2009 by David Jones and Kate Robertson. We are a UK-based charity that gathers together the brightest young leaders from around the world, empowering them to make lasting connections to create positive change. 

We stage an annual Summit where the most valuable young talent from global and national companies, NGOs, universities and other forward-thinking organisations are joined by world leaders, acting as the One Young World Counsellors.

Delegates participate in four transformative days of speeches, panels, networking and workshops. All delegates have the opportunity to apply to give keynote speeches, sharing a platform with world leaders with the world’s media in attendance. As well as listening to keynote speakers, delegates have the opportunity to challenge world leaders, interact and be mentored by influencers. Delegates make lasting connections throughout the Summit, celebrating their participation at social events and the unforgettable Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

After each Summit, the delegates, who are then known as One Young World Ambassadors, work on their own initiatives or lend the power of the One Young World network to those initiatives already in existence. Of those in employment, many returns to their companies and set about creating change from within, energising their corporate environment.