Global entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson and music legend Nile Rodgers have announced a partnership that aims to empower young leaders to tackle global issues, from climate change to social justice reform. The collaboration involves Virgin Unite, Virgin Group’s non-profit foundation, and the We Are Family Foundation, co-founded by Rodgers, in cooperation with youth-oriented organisations Big Change and One Young World.
Virgin Unite, marking its 20th anniversary, has pledged over $1 million to support the initiative, which seeks to inspire and mobilise the next generation of changemakers. At an anniversary event at Virgin Hotels in Shoreditch, Branson and Rodgers outlined their commitment to “Intergenerational Collaboration,” encouraging cooperation across age groups to address urgent global challenges.
Both Branson and Rodgers began their activism in youth. At 16, Branson launched Student Magazine, a platform for young voices, while Rodgers worked as a community organiser in the Black Panthers, helping establish a school breakfast programme later adopted nationwide. The two hope this partnership will amplify the voices of today’s young activists in key global discussions.
Speaking at the event, Branson highlighted the need to place young people at the forefront of global problem-solving. “When I was 16, I set up Student Magazine to give young people a voice and challenge perceptions. Virgin Unite has always believed in the power of intergenerational collaboration, and it’s more critical now than ever to put young leaders at the heart of the conversation,” he said.
Rodgers shared similar sentiments, emphasising the need for cross-generational leadership. “We Are Family Foundation’s mission is to empower young people globally. We need leadership that spans generations to tackle problems that affect everyone,” Rodgers said.
The new alliance builds on Virgin Unite’s two decades of collaborations, including initiatives such as The NewNow, a collective of emerging leaders focused on sustainability and social justice. Recently, Virgin Unite and One Young World introduced a scholarship programme to support young leaders from the Global South, enabling them to implement community-based solutions.
We Are Family Foundation has also advanced youth activism through programmes like Planetary Guardians, which brings together young activists such as Xiye Bastida and Ayisha Siddiqa alongside global figures like Mary Robinson. Rodgers said this new partnership with Virgin Unite is set to enhance such collaborations, allowing youth voices to influence major global movements.
Big Change’s youth initiative, a prominent supporter of early-stage projects for young leaders aged 18 to 25, will continue under the new partnership, reinforcing the role of young people in devising solutions that could impact thousands.
Taylor Wilson, Founding Leader of The NewNow, noted the significance of including young perspectives. “Our world grows more complex by the day. Through diverse perspectives, we’re building new solutions to longstanding problems,” he said.
Virgin Unite’s celebration of 20 years of impact at Virgin Hotels Shoreditch brought together 150 partners and supporters, reflecting on the progress made in addressing global challenges and looking ahead to what the next two decades could achieve.
Virgin Unite has previously supported 20 non-profit ventures across Virgin’s six core sectors and 40 branded businesses, addressing issues from climate to social justice. In line with this legacy, Branson and Rodgers said they look forward to engaging young leaders who can drive meaningful, lasting change on the world stage.