Young leaders aged 18 to 30 have a chance to win the 2026 Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize. This award honors those who work to protect and build democracy. It comes with a $10,000 prize and trips to major events.
What Is the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize?
The Kofi Annan Foundation and the Democracy and Culture Foundation started this prize in 2023. It goes to one standout young activist each year. The winner gets the award at the Athens Democracy Forum.
Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General, saw democracy as key to good government and safety. He pushed for young people to join decisions at all levels. The prize supports leaders who match his goals.
It spotlights work in areas like these:
- Boosting real input in choices.
- Starting calm talks on tough politics.
- Linking generations on democracy topics.
- Giving voice to left-out groups.
- Pushing fair elections.
- Guarding rights to meet, speak, and report news.
- Backing independent groups.
- Fixing public and private rules to keep democracy strong.
Who Can Apply?
You qualify if you meet these rules:
- Age 18 to 30 when you apply.
- Show strong leadership skills.
- Ready to join events at the Athens Democracy Forum and One Young World Summit 2026.
- Can make a short video about your democracy work and your reasons for it.
- Apply in English.
- Get a support letter from a known democracy expert or group.
The letter writer must know your work well. They cannot be family, close friends, or your coworkers if you started the group. The letter needs their full name, job, group, and how your actions help democracy. It must be in English. You also need their okay to share details with judges.
Rewards for the Winner
The top winner gets:
- $10,000 cash.
- One year of guidance from a top democracy expert.
- Full trip to the Athens Democracy Forum in Greece, September 29 to October 2, 2026. This covers travel and stay.
- Chance to help plan a youth-democracy talk for the next forum.
Perks for Finalists
The winner and nine others get:
- Full spots at the One Young World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, November 3 to 6, 2026.
- Economy flights to and from Cape Town.
- Private hotel room from November 2 to 7.
- Lifetime spot in the One Young World network with over 20,000 members from 190 countries.
- Slots to share work at global meetings.
- Links to past winners.
- Extra events and mentoring from One Young World.
How to Submit Your Application
Applications are open now. Make a short video on your efforts. Get that support letter. Send everything in English.
Check full details and apply at the official One Young World page. Act soon to join this network of change-makers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize?
This prize honors young leaders aged 18 to 30 who work to protect and strengthen democracy. It includes a $10,000 award and trips to major events like the Athens Democracy Forum.
Who can apply for the prize?
You qualify if you are aged 18 to 30, show strong leadership in democracy efforts, can attend key events, and submit a video and support letter in English.
What rewards does the winner get?
The winner receives $10,000 cash, one year of mentorship from a democracy expert, a full trip to the Athens Democracy Forum in 2026, and a chance to plan a youth event.
How do I submit an application?
Create a short video about your work, get a support letter from a democracy expert, and apply in English through the official One Young World page.
Conversation
0 Comments