YBB – Are you a student or young professional looking for an international leadership opportunity that combines global connections, practical projects, and professional development? The Global Leadership Challenge 2026 offers young leaders worldwide the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills while working with peers from different backgrounds.
The Global Leadership Challenge is launched by the University of Oxford and the St. Gallen Symposium. The program aims to empower young leaders to become responsible leaders in their local communities while building cross-border connections and developing solutions to global challenges.
In 2026, the fully funded leadership program will select 100 young leaders to participate in a virtual Global Leadership Challenge. Moreover, participants will engage with renowned academics as well as senior business and policy leaders.
The experience goes beyond online sessions. Participants will work in teams to develop action projects addressing real-world challenges defined by GLC partners. The projects will apply responsible leadership, sustainability, and design thinking principles.
Most importantly, the top three performing teams will have the opportunity to attend the 56th St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland in April 2027 as Leaders of Tomorrow, with all expenses covered.
About the Global Leadership Challenge 2026
The Global Leadership Challenge is an international youth leadership program designed for postgraduate students and young professionals who want to develop their ability to address complex global issues.
Throughout the challenge, participants will learn from experienced academics, business leaders, and policy experts. At the same time, they will collaborate with an international community of young leaders.
The program also emphasizes practical learning. Therefore, participants will work together on action projects that connect leadership, sustainability, and design thinking with real-world challenges.
The challenge will take place virtually, making it accessible to participants from different parts of the world.
Also read : Ontario Graduate Scholarship 2027 Offers CAD 15,000 for Graduate Study in Canada
Program Details
Program: Global Leadership Challenge 2026
Organizers: St. Gallen Symposium and University of Oxford
Program Location: Virtual / Online
Program Level: Postgraduate Students and Young Professionals
Participants: 100 young leaders
Program Dates: December 10–14, 2026
Opportunity in Switzerland: Top three performing teams may attend the 56th St. Gallen Symposium in April 2027 as Leaders of Tomorrow
What Will Participants Experience?
The Global Leadership Challenge combines leadership development with international collaboration. During the program, participants will have the opportunity to engage with academics and experienced professionals while exploring complex global challenges.
Furthermore, participants will work in diverse teams to develop practical action projects. These projects will focus on real-world challenges identified by GLC partners.
Through this process, participants can apply responsible leadership, sustainability, and design thinking principles to develop potential solutions.
The program also provides opportunities to build connections across borders. As a result, participants can become part of a diverse international community of young leaders.
Benefits of Global Leadership Challenge 2026
The Global Leadership Challenge provides several opportunities for participants to strengthen their leadership and professional development.
Participants will:
- Join a diverse international community of young leaders.
- Engage with renowned academics and senior business and policy leaders.
- Develop action projects using design thinking principles.
- Explore approaches to addressing global challenges.
- Strengthen leadership skills through an international learning experience.
- Receive leadership training and mentorship from the Oxford Character Project.
- Receive an official Certificate of Achievement after completing the challenge.
- Gain the opportunity to attend the 56th St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland if their team ranks among the top three.
The Switzerland opportunity is particularly significant. The top three performing teams will receive an invitation to attend the 56th St. Gallen Symposium in April 2027 as Leaders of Tomorrow, with all expenses covered.
Eligibility Criteria
The Global Leadership Challenge 2026 is open to students and young professionals who meet the program requirements.
Applicants should:
- Be currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program, or be a young professional.
- Be between 21 and 30 years old.
- Have completed their undergraduate studies.
- Have participated in extracurricular activities or gained work experience related to responsible leadership.
- Be available for all five days of the Global Leadership Challenge from December 10 to 14, 2026.
- Actively participate in all program sessions to receive the Certificate of Achievement.
Because the program involves collaborative activities, applicants should also be prepared to contribute actively to team discussions and projects throughout the challenge.
Required Documents
Applicants need to prepare the following documents for the Global Leadership Challenge 2026:
- A recent portrait photograph in JPEG or PNG format.
- An updated CV in PDF format.
- Proof of enrollment in PDF format for applicants who are currently students.
Applicants should ensure that their documents are clear and ready before starting the application.
How to Apply for Global Leadership Challenge 2026
The application process is completed online. Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official Global Leadership Challenge application page.
- Select the option to create a New User account.
- Enter your email address and create a password.
- Answer the questions about your unique abilities and previous experiences.
- Upload your recent photograph and CV.
- Select three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that you would like to address during the Global Leadership Challenge.
- Enter your personal and educational information.
- Provide your contact details.
- Add your relevant work experience.
- Review all information and submit your application.
Applicants can also save their progress and return later to complete the application.a
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Global Leadership Challenge 2026 is November 5, 2026.
Applicants should complete their applications before the deadline and review all information carefully before submitting the form.
A Chance to Visit Switzerland Through the GLC
One of the most distinctive opportunities within the Global Leadership Challenge comes after the virtual program.
The top three performing teams will have the opportunity to attend the 56th St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland in April 2027 as Leaders of Tomorrow. The expenses for this opportunity will be fully covered.
This opportunity allows successful teams to take their project experience beyond the virtual challenge and connect with the wider St. Gallen Symposium community.
Why Apply for the Global Leadership Challenge 2026?
The Global Leadership Challenge provides an opportunity to combine leadership development, international collaboration, and practical problem-solving in one program.
Participants will learn from experienced leaders while working with peers from around the world. At the same time, they will develop an action project based on real-world challenges rather than focusing only on theoretical learning.
For students and young professionals interested in responsible leadership, sustainability, and global challenges, the program can also provide valuable exposure to international perspectives and cross-border collaboration.
Therefore, applicants who meet the eligibility requirements should consider preparing their CV, proof of enrollment if applicable, and personal information before beginning the application.
Conclusion
The Global Leadership Challenge 2026 offers 100 students and young professionals an international platform to develop leadership skills, build cross-border connections, and work on real-world global challenges.
Through the virtual five-day challenge, participants will engage with academics, business leaders, and policy experts while developing action projects based on responsible leadership, sustainability, and design thinking.
Furthermore, the top three performing teams will have the opportunity to attend the 56th St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland in April 2027 as Leaders of Tomorrow, with all expenses covered.
If you are between 21 and 30 years old, meet the program requirements, and are ready to contribute actively to an international leadership challenge, the Global Leadership Challenge 2026 could be an opportunity to explore.
Application Deadline: November 5, 2026
Official Application Link:
https://www.leadership-challenge.org/applynow
