Who We are
The NewNow is a One Young World programme supported by Virgin Unite, empowering the boldest emerging young leaders to redefine change through systems-thinking and collective action.
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.
Candidates must:
- Be aged 18 – 30*.
- Be nationals of countries in the Global South.
- Have demonstrated successful leadership through real and impactful initiatives.
- Show strong understanding of key local and/or global issues, especially those that require systems thinking approaches.
- Have a proven track-record of implementing systems-thinking principles to generate innovative, long-term and sustainable impact.
- Showcase evidence of impact in addressing complex challenges through systems thinking.
- Demonstrate a willingness to work collaboratively with The NewNow cohort and help promote successful examples of systems change through their own networks and media opportunities.
The NewNow leaders will be offered:
- A scholarship place at the One Young World Summit Cape Town, 2026 and lifelong membership of the One Young World Ambassador Community.
- Features on One Young World and Virgin Unite channels elevating their profiles among the global community for young leaders and beyond.
- Opportunities to amplify your work through media and speaking opportunities.
- Access to the One Young World Global Leadership Programme and Action Accelerator.
- Membership of The NewNow Community, exclusive capacity building workshops designed to enhance your confidence, skills, and influence as systems leaders.
- Opportunities to collaborate with fellow NewNow leaders on joint projects and advocacy.
Application Deadline: 16 February 2026
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.