The Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy in Greece Prize 2026

Launched by the Kofi Annan Foundation (KAF) and the Democracy and Culture Foundation in 2023, the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize is awarded annually to a young leader aged 18 to 30 and presented at the Athens Democracy Forum. The award recognises exceptional leadership shown by young activists in defending and promoting democracy, and aims to inspire more young people to commit to the advancement of democracy. 
Throughout his mandate as Secretary-General of the United Nations and later at the head of KAF, Kofi Annan worked to promote democracy, which he called “a catalyst for better governance, greater security, and human development.” He was also a great believer in youth leadership and inclusion, and he strived to facilitate the participation of young people in local, national, and international decision-making forums.

Democracy, however, is in retreat in many parts of the world, with catastrophic consequences, including the toppling of democratically elected governments, the rise of populist and authoritarian leaders on all continents, and outbreaks of conflict and war. Considering the deteriorating state of democracy globally, the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize seeks to identify and commend inspiring young people who have shown exceptional commitment to protecting and advancing democracy in their countries. 

The winner will receive 10,000 USD and one-year’s mentorship with a recognised democracy expert. The winner will also have the opportunity to speak at the forthcoming Athens Democracy Forum, where they will be presented with their award. 

In addition, the winner and nine finalists will receive a scholarship to participate in the One Young World Summit 2026, Cape Town, South Africa, which takes place from 3 - 6 November.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Prize, highlighting actions taken by young leaders to:

• foster genuine participation in decision-making;

• promote peaceful dialogue on divisive political issues;

• advance intergenerational exchange on matters related to democracy;

• Give a real voice to people and communities who have traditionally been excluded from decision-making;

• contribute to or advocate for the organisation of free and fair elections and their acceptance;

• protect freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, and freedom of expression;

• garner support for the independence of democratic institutions; 

• or fight for reform in both the public and private sectors to ensure that democracy adapts, develops, and survives as the pre-eminent method of government.

Benefits

Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize winner will receive:

• 10,000 USD and one-year’s mentorship with a recognised democracy expert.

• A place to attend the Athens Democracy Forum in Athens, Greece, from 29 September to 2 October 2026, including travel and accommodation.

• An invitation to co-curate a session on youth and democracy at the following year’s forum.

Eligibilities

To be eligible for this prize, you must:

• Be aged between 18 and 30 at the time of the application.

• Have demonstrated leadership capacity.

• Be willing and able to participate in public activities in the context of the Athens Democracy Forum and One Young World Summit 2026.

• Submit a short video outlining your work defending democracy, and why candidates have chosen 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. The individual writing the candidate’s letter of support should be someone who knows the candidate and is familiar with his work. The individual must not be a family member, personal friend, employee, or co-founder of his organisation (if he is also a co-founder). In their letter of support, the individual must:

  • State their full name, organisation, and title.

  • Explain how they know you and for how long they have known the candidate.

  • Explain their understanding of the candidate’s role.

  • Explain why they believe the candidate’s work helps protect and advance democracy.

  • Write the letter in English.