The NewNow Scholarship to attend One Young World

Who 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.  

We take on big global challenges through an intersectional, ‘systems-thinking’ lens, for deep and long-term transformation.

"Our world grows more complex by the day and needs a new generation of leadership to tackle the global and local challenges we face. By bringing together brave new thinkers and doers from diverse backgrounds and experiences, we can start to develop a new way of thinking about these challenges and their solutions." 

Taylor Wilson, The NewNow Founding Leader

Systems thinking is really important for young leaders because it helps them see the big picture when they face challenges. Instead of trying to fix problems on their own, the big challenges we deal with, like inequality, education, women’s rights, and climate change, are part of complex systems.

Roya Mahboob, The NewNow Founding Leader

About our mission

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.

Our special interest is in systems thinking, with a special focus on the Global South.   

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. 

How will it work?

The NewNow leaders will be offered:

• A place at the One Young World Summit Munich, 2025
• Features on One Young World and Virgin Unite channels elevating their profiles among the global community for young leaders and beyond 
• High profile media and speaking opportunities - a chance to contribute to global dialogue and debate
• Access to the exclusive Global Leadership Programme and other One Young World Programmes
• Membership to The NewNow Community, a tailored experience and peer-support community designed to build their confidence, skills, and influence as systems leaders
• Opportunities to collaborate with fellow NewNow leaders on joint projects and advocacy

The NewNow leaders commit to: 

• Use their platforms to share stories of young leaders using effective systems-based approaches to make an impact
• Seek out ways to combine strengths and resources to collaborate on new or existing projects and initiatives

ONE YOUNG WORLD SUMMIT MUNICH

One Young World are delighted to be hosted by the City of Munich - a global hub for innovation and technology with a rich history and vibrant culture.

Munich is renowned for its architecture and culture and has become a major international centre for business, technology, engineering, research, and medicine. It is home to several universities and is the headquarters for many multinational companies and world-class technology and science centres. We look forward to working closely with our world-leading partners to host the landmark leadership event of the year!

The Summit will take place from 3 - 6 November 2025, where over 2,000 young leaders from more than 190 countries will gather across the city’s well-known venues.

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.