The Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize 2026 is now open for applications. The deadline is 17 May 2026. One Young World offers this annual prize to 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. In addition, the winner and nine finalists receive a fully funded place at the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.
Key Details:
Application Deadline: 17 May 2026
Eligible Countries: Must be a South African citizen.
Contest Type: Democracy leadership prize
Prize / Benefits: 10,000 USD for the winner, plus mentorship and fully funded participation in the Athens Democracy Forum and One Young World Summit 2026
About the Contest
One Young World runs the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize to recognize emerging young leaders committed to democracy. The prize highlights leadership, public engagement, and practical action in protecting democratic values.
The winner will attend the Athens Democracy Forum from 29 September 2026 to 2 October 2026. The winner will also receive an invitation to co-curate a session on youth and democracy at the following year’s forum.
Moreover, the winner and nine finalists will attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa from 3 to 6 November 2026. The winner also receives a one-year mentorship with a recognised democracy expert.
Number of Awards: 1 winner and 9 finalists
Value of Award: 10,000 USD cash prize for the winner, plus funded participation in the Athens Democracy Forum and One Young World Summit 2026; nine finalists also receive a fully-funded Summit place.
Benefits include:
- 10,000 USD for the winner
- One-year mentorship with a recognised democracy expert for the winner
- Travel and accommodation for the Athens Democracy Forum in Athens, Greece
- Invitation for the winner to co-curate a youth and democracy session at the following year’s forum
- Fully funded participation at the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town
- Economy flights to and from Cape Town
- Private-room hotel accommodation in Cape Town between 2 and 7 November 2026
- Lifelong membership of the One Young World Ambassador Community
- Opportunities to present work at international fora and conferences
- Opportunities to connect with past winners of the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize
- Additional One Young World-led events, programming, and mentorship opportunities
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be aged between 18 and 30 at the time of application
- Have demonstrated capacity for leadership
- Be willing and able to participate in public activities linked to the Athens Democracy Forum and the One Young World Summit 2026
- Submit a short video outlining work defending democracy and explaining why they chose to engage in it
- Submit the application in English
- Submit a letter of support written and signed by an organisation recognised in the field of protecting and advancing democracy
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the online application form before the deadline. Because the application must be submitted in English, applicants should prepare all materials carefully.
Required documents and submission items:
- Short video outlining the applicant’s work defending democracy and why they chose to engage in it
- Application in English
- Letter of support written and signed by an organisation recognised in the field of protecting and advancing democracy
You can start your application here: Application form.
👉 Visit the official contest page for details
