Applications are open for the Global Leadership Challenge 2026, an international leadership programme bringing together 100 emerging leaders from around the world. The programme is designed for postgraduate students and young professionals who want to develop responsible leadership skills while working on complex global challenges.
The five-day programme will take place from 10 to 14 December 2026, with participants able to join virtually from anywhere in the world.
An additional opportunity is available for members of the top three performing teams: an invitation to attend the 56th St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland in April 2027, with expenses covered.
This makes the programme particularly relevant to young professionals and students looking for international leadership, networking and professional development opportunities.
Global Leadership Challenge 2026 – Overview
- Programme: Global Leadership Challenge 2026
- Year: 2026
- Participants: 100 young leaders
- Programme dates: 10–14 December 2026
- Participation: Virtual
- Eligible applicants: Postgraduate students and young professionals
- Age: 21–30 for young professionals
- Application opens: 29 September 2026
- Deadline: 5 November 2026
- Certificate: Certificate of Achievement
- Mentorship: Oxford Character Project
- Additional opportunity: Fully funded invitation to the 56th St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland
- Symposium: April 2027
What Is the Global Leadership Challenge?
The Global Leadership Challenge is an international programme focused on developing young people who want to contribute to solving major challenges facing society.
Selected participants will work with peers from different countries and academic backgrounds while engaging with experienced academics, business leaders and policy experts.
Rather than concentrating only on personal career development, the programme explores how leadership can be used to create positive outcomes for society.
Participants will also work on action projects using design-thinking principles, allowing them to explore problems and develop practical solutions.
What Participants Will Receive
Selected members will gain access to several leadership development opportunities.
- International Leadership Network: The programme brings together 100 young leaders from different parts of the world, creating opportunities to exchange ideas, develop professional relationships and collaborate across borders.
- Expert Engagement: Participants can interact with academics, senior business executives and policy leaders during the programme. These sessions are intended to expose emerging leaders to different perspectives on global challenges and responsible decision-making.
- Leadership Development: Participants will receive bespoke leadership training and mentorship through the Oxford Character Project.
- Certificate of Achievement: Participants who actively take part in the required sessions can receive an official Certificate of Achievement.
- St. Gallen Symposium Opportunity: The top three performing teams can receive an invitation to the 56th St. Gallen Symposium, which is scheduled to take place in Switzerland in April 2027.
- The selected participants will have their expenses covered for this opportunity.
Who Can Apply?
The programme welcomes applications from people around the world and from all academic disciplines.
You may be eligible if you are:
- Currently studying for a Master’s or PhD degree; or
- A young professional aged between 21 and 30.
- A graduate who has completed undergraduate studies.
- Someone who has demonstrated an interest in responsible leadership through work experience, extracurricular activities, community involvement or similar activities.
- Available to dedicate approximately five half-days between 10 and 14 December 2026.
Applicants must also be prepared to participate actively in the programme. Full participation is required to receive the Certificate of Achievement.
Global Leadership Challenge 2026 Challenge Areas
Participants will work on challenges developed together with programme partners.
Swiss Re Challenge: The Swiss Re challenge focuses on how organisations can prepare their workforce for a rapidly changing environment shaped by technology, risk and changing expectations.
Participants will explore the relationship between:
- Artificial intelligence
- Human expertise
- Critical thinking
- Decision-making
- Workforce development
- Future-ready skills
The goal is to consider how organisations can combine technological capabilities with human judgement to prepare for the future.
Schwarzman Scholars Challenge: The Schwarzman Scholars challenge examines how leadership education can evolve to prepare future leaders for uncertainty and complex global issues.
Participants will consider how leadership programmes and curricula could be improved to equip emerging leaders with the knowledge and skills required in the decades ahead.
Additional Partner: The organisers have announced that another challenge partner will be revealed.
Applicants should check the official website for further details as they become available.
Documents Required
Prepare your documents before starting the online application.
You will need:
- CV in PDF format
- Recent portrait photograph in JPEG or PNG format
- Proof of enrolment in PDF format if you are applying as a student
Your CV should clearly demonstrate your education, professional background, leadership activities and relevant achievements.
Application Questions
Applicants must complete several additional tasks during the application.
- Suggest a Keynote Speaker: You will be asked to recommend a keynote speaker who could inspire global leaders to practise responsible leadership. Choose someone whose work demonstrates meaningful leadership and explain why their contribution would be valuable.
- Record a Short Video: Applicants must submit a video in English of no more than 40 seconds. The video should contain a message encouraging global leaders to practise responsible leadership. Keep the message focused and authentic. There is limited time, so concentrate on one clear idea.
- Give an Example of Responsible Leadership: Applicants must provide one specific example, in a maximum of 50 words, explaining how they personally put responsible leadership into practice. A real experience is preferable to a general statement. Briefly explain what you did and the impact of your actions.
How to Submit the Video
The video can be uploaded to one of the platforms accepted by the organisers:
- Google Drive
- OneDrive
- YouTube
- iCloud
- Swisstransfer
- Dropbox
After uploading the file:
- Copy the shareable link.
- Change the privacy settings if necessary.
- Make sure anyone with the link can watch it.
- Ensure viewers do not need an account, password or organisation login.
- Paste the link into the relevant section of your application.
If you use YouTube, the organisers specify that the video should be Unlisted.
Global Leadership Challenge 2026 Deadline
Important dates include:
Application opens: 29 September 2026
Application closes: 5 November 2026
Programme dates: 10–14 December 2026
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply before the final deadline.
How to Apply for the Global Leadership Challenge 2026
Interested candidates can complete the application online.
Before submitting the form, make sure you have:
- An updated CV.
- A recent portrait photograph.
- Proof of enrolment if you are a student.
- A suitable keynote speaker recommendation.
- A 40-second leadership video.
- A shareable video link.
- A maximum 50-word example of responsible leadership.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
OFFICIAL GLOBAL LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE WEBSITE
St. Gallen Symposium 2027 in Switzerland
One of the major attractions of the programme is the potential opportunity to attend the 56th St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland.
The event is scheduled for April 2027.
The top three performing teams from the Global Leadership Challenge can receive invitations to participate, with expenses covered.
This should not be interpreted as an automatic benefit for every applicant. The invitation is connected to team performance during the programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Global Leadership Challenge open to international applicants?
Yes. Applications are welcomed from around the world and across academic disciplines.
Can Master’s students apply?
Yes. Students currently enrolled in a Master’s programme can apply.
Can PhD students participate?
Yes. Current PhD students are eligible.
Can young professionals apply?
Yes. Young professionals aged 21–30 can apply if they meet the other requirements.
Is the programme online?
Yes. Participants can take part virtually from anywhere in the world.
When does the programme take place?
The 2026 edition runs from 10 to 14 December 2026.
How many participants will be selected?
The organisers plan to select 100 young leaders.
Is there a certificate?
Yes. Participants who fulfil the participation requirements can receive a Certificate of Achievement.
Is mentorship included?
Yes. Bespoke leadership training and mentorship are offered through the Oxford Character Project.
Can participants travel to Switzerland?
The main Global Leadership Challenge is virtual. However, members of the top three performing teams can receive an invitation to the St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland in April 2027, with expenses covered.
What is the video requirement?
Applicants must submit a video in English that is no longer than 40 seconds.
How long should the leadership example be?
The example should contain a maximum of 50 words.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 5 November 2026.
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