Submit Entries for Global Leadership Challenge

The Global Leadership Challenge (GLC) 2026 invites postgraduate students and young professionals to apply for participation in a program convening 100 young leaders through an open application process. The Global Leadership Challenge is set for 10–14 December 2026, with applications closing on 5 November 2026. Selected members can participate virtually from around the world and will complete action-oriented projects using design thinking principles. Opportunity at a Glance

- Opportunity name: Global Leadership Challenge 2026 (GLC 2026)

- Organizer: Global Leadership Challenge (Oxford Character Project and partners are referenced in program benefits; official organizer name in the source is “Global Leadership Challenge”)

- Type: Leadership development and virtual participation with action projects

- Cohort size: 100 young leaders selected through an open application process

- Program dates: 10–14 December 2026

- Application opens: 29 September 2026

- Application closes: 5 November 2026 (deadline time and time zone not specified in the source)

- Participation format: Virtual; members can participate virtually from around the world

- Certificate: Official Certificate of Achievement is available for active participants

- Potential additional benefit (top teams): Invitation to attend the 56th St. Gallen Symposium in April 2027 (as Leaders of Tomorrow; travel and accommodation fully covered for the three top teams)

About the Opportunity

The Global Leadership Challenge 2026 convenes 100 young leaders selected through an open application process. Applicants are evaluated based on their passion for engaging with complex global challenges and their readiness to develop as “responsible leaders.” Participants are expected to engage with academics and senior business and policy leaders and to develop action projects that address pressing global challenges using design thinking principles. The program also emphasizes leading in ways that advance both personal ambition and the wider good of society. Funding and Benefits This opportunity is not presented as a grant or monetary award in the supplied source. Benefits described include: - Community and learning - Join a diverse global community of young, responsible leaders - Engage with world-renowned academics and senior business and policy leaders - Receive bespoke leadership training and mentorship offered by the Oxford Character Project - Action project development - Develop action projects addressing pressing global challenges using design thinking - Official recognition - Earn an official Certificate of Achievement - Active participants receive an official Certificate of Achievement from the University of Oxford and the St. Gallen Symposium - Conference opportunity for top teams - The three winning teams may be invited to attend the 56th St. Gallen Symposium in April 2027 as Leaders of Tomorrow - For those three teams, travel and accommodation expenses are fully covered - Post-GLC mentoring (additional opportunity) - After successful participation, GLC Members can apply for further mentoring in “leadership development” with the Oxford Character Project at the University of Oxford (application to the mentoring is described, but requirements and selection criteria are not specified in the source) Who Is Eligible? The source lists the following eligibility criteria: - You are a student (currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program) or a young professional. - If you are a young professional, you must be aged between 21–30 years. - You have finished your undergraduate studies. - You have demonstrated commitment to responsible leadership through extra-curricular activities and/or work experience. - You are committed to investing approximately five half-days from 10–14 December 2026 for the GLC; you should tentatively block these days because availability is required. - Active participation in all GLC sessions is mandatory to receive a Certificate of Achievement. - Applications are welcomed from around the world and from all academic disciplines. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas

The source states that participants will:

- Develop action projects that address pressing global challenges - Use design thinking principles - Engage with challenge topics presented by partners (examples shown in the source include):

- Swiss Re challenge: how organizations build a future-ready workforce where technology, risk, and expectations evolve

- Schwarzman Scholars challenge: how the curriculum could be refined or expanded to equip future leaders to face uncertainty

The source also notes: “Challenge Partner – Coming Soon” and states details are being finalized. Specific priority areas beyond the examples above are not specified in the source. Why This Opportunity Matters This program is designed for applicants who want structured leadership development alongside practical action planning for complex global challenges. Because participation is virtual and requires availability across 10–14 December 2026, it can be particularly relevant for internationally based postgraduate students and early-career professionals seeking cross-cultural leadership experience, mentorship, and recognition through an Oxford and St. Gallen-linked certificate for active participants. How to Apply - Locate the application form on the Global Leadership Challenge website. The source indicates: “Find the Application Form at the Bottom of This Page.” - Prepare required information and documents (see “Preparation — What You Need” below). - Complete the application’s video requirement: - Record a video in English (maximum 40 seconds) inspiring global leaders to practice Responsible Leadership. - Provide the content link using the steps in the next item. - Upload the video to one of the listed platforms: - Google Drive, OneDrive, YouTube (set to Unlisted), iCloud, Swisstransfer, Dropbox - Generate a shareable link and ensure settings allow anyone with the link to view (the source specifies: no logi