Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize 2026 for Young Democracy Leaders

Applications open: 15 April 2026
Application deadline: 17 May 2026, 23:59 BST
Athens Democracy Forum: 29 September to 2 October 2026
One Young World Summit 2026: 3 to 6 November 2026
Location of One Young World Summit: Cape Town, South Africa

About the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize

The Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize was launched in 2023 by the Kofi Annan Foundation and the Democracy and Culture Foundation. The prize is awarded annually to a young leader who has shown exceptional commitment to defending and promoting democracy. The award honours the legacy of Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, who strongly believed in democracy, good governance, human rights, and youth participation in decision-making. Through this prize, young changemakers are recognized for their role in protecting democratic institutions and inspiring others to participate in civic life. At a time when democracy is facing serious challenges in many parts of the world, this prize highlights the importance of youth leadership, peaceful dialogue, accountability, inclusion, and respect for fundamental freedoms.

Why This Opportunity Matters

The Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize is more than an award. It is a platform for young leaders who are working to protect democracy at a time when civic space, democratic institutions, and fundamental freedoms are under pressure in many countries. For young women, youth activists, and emerging leaders, this opportunity for women can provide international recognition, mentorship, funding, and access to a powerful global network. It can also help amplify important grassroots work and connect young democracy defenders with leaders, institutions, and partners around the world.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for young activists, civic leaders, advocates, campaigners, organizers, researchers, and community leaders who are working to advance democracy and human rights.

• Applicants may be involved in activities such as:
• Promoting peaceful dialogue on political or social issues.
• Encouraging youth and community participation in decision-making.
• Supporting free, fair, and credible elections.
• Defending freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, and freedom of expression.
• Giving a voice to people and communities traditionally excluded from decision-making.
• Strengthening democratic institutions and public accountability.
• Advocating for reforms in public or private sectors to help democracy adapt and survive.
• Promoting intergenerational exchange on issues related to democracy.
• The prize is especially suited for applicants whose work has created measurable impact, reached communities, influenced policy, improved participation, or helped protect democratic rights.

Benefits of the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize 2026

The winner of the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize will receive:

• Prize monney of USD 10,000.
• One year of mentorship with a recognized democracy expert.
• A place to attend the Athens Democracy Forum in Athens, Greece, from 29 September to 2 October 2026, including travel and accommodation.
• The opportunity to speak at the Athens Democracy Forum, where the award will be presented.
• An invitation to co-curate a session on youth and democracy at the following year’s forum.
• In addition, the winner and nine finalists will receive:
• A fully funded place to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3 to 6 November 2026.
• Economy-class travel to and from Cape Town.
• Hotel accommodation in Cape Town in a private room between 2 and 7 November 2026.
• Lifelong membership in the One Young World Ambassador Community, a global network of more than 20,000 members in over 190 countries.
• Opportunities to present their work at international forums and conferences.
• Opportunities to connect with past winners of the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize.
• Access to additional One Young World-led events, programming, and mentorship opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize 2026, applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application.
• Have demonstrated leadership capacity.
• Be willing and able to participate in public activities connected to the Athens Democracy Forum and the One Young World Summit 2026.
• Submit a short video explaining their work defending democracy and why they chose to engage in that work.
• Submit the application in English.
• Submit a letter of support written and signed by an organization recognized in the field of protecting and advancing democracy.

The person writing the letter of support must know the applicant and be familiar with their work. The supporter must not be a family member, personal friend, employee, or co-founder of the applicant’s organization if the applicant is also a co-founder.

The letter of support must include the supporter’s full name, organization, title, how they know the applicant, how long they have known the applicant, their understanding of the applicant’s role, and why they believe the applicant’s work helps protect and advance democracy. Applicants must also have clear consent from the person supporting their application to share their personal details with One Young World and relevant third parties involved in the selection process.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be reviewed by an independent judging panel. The panel will consider:

1. Impact: The applicant’s work must show clear results. This could include policy change, increased voter participation, community engagement, educational outreach, campaign reach, or other measurable outcomes.
2. Innovation: The work should show originality, creativity, or a fresh approach to protecting and advancing democracy.
3. Sustainability: Applicants should show that they have advanced democracy and human rights for at least one year and that their work can continue over time or be replicated in other contexts.
4. Values: The applicant should demonstrate values that reflect democratic principles, inclusion, respect, courage, accountability, and public service.
5. Benefit: The judges will also consider how the prize could help the applicant gain international visibility, support, and further impact.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should complete the online application through the official One Young World application portal.

• Applicants should prepare the following before applying:
• A strong description of their democracy-related work.
• Evidence of impact, such as numbers reached, policies influenced, campaigns delivered, communities supported, or institutions strengthened.
• A short video explaining their work and motivation.
• A signed letter of support from a recognized organization working in democracy, civic participation, human rights, governance, or related fields.
• An English-language application that clearly explains their leadership, values, achievements, and future plans.

Application Tips

• Applicants should use the application to tell a clear and compelling story. The strongest applications will not only describe what the applicant has done, but also explain why the work matters, who benefited, and what changed because of the applicant’s leadership.
• Applicants should include measurable evidence where possible. For example, they may mention the number of people reached through a campaign, the number of communities engaged, election-related outcomes, policy changes, training sessions delivered, partnerships created, or digital tools developed.
• The short video should be focused and personal. It should explain the applicant’s work, the problem they are addressing, why democracy matters to them, and how the prize would help them expand their impact.
• Applicants should also request their letter of support early. The letter should come from someone credible who understands their work and can clearly explain why the applicant deserves recognition.

Apply Now!

Young leaders who are committed to defending democracy, promoting inclusion, and strengthening civic participation are encouraged to apply before the deadline.
The application will require you to fillout the following informations below:

• About you
• Application questions
• Letter of Support
• Additional information
• Complete

View details of One Young World – Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize
Official application page to apply

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