The Global Leadership Challenge 2026 invites emerging leaders worldwide to develop practical ideas for major global issues. The programme will bring together 100 postgraduate students and young professionals for a virtual leadership experience from 10 to 14 December 2026.
Also participants will work with peers from different countries and fields. Moreover, they will engage with academics, business leaders, and policy experts. Applications opened on 29 September 2026 and close on 5 November 2026. However, organisers review applications as they arrive, so early applications may help.
Global Leadership Challenge 2026 benefits
The programme offers more than leadership lessons. Instead, members will work on real-world challenges through design thinking, teamwork, and guided project work.
Successful applicants can expect to:
- Join a diverse international community of young leaders.
- Learn from respected academics, business executives, and policy leaders.
- Develop action projects that address pressing global challenges.
- Build responsible-leadership skills through practical activities.
- Receive tailored leadership training and mentorship from the Oxford Character Project.
- Earn an official Certificate of Achievement after full participation.
- Compete for an invitation to the 56th St. Gallen Symposium in April 2027. The top three teams can attend as Leaders of Tomorrow, with expenses covered.
- Receive continued mentorship opportunities after the programme.
Additionally, participants will explore how leadership can serve the wider good, not only personal success.
Global Leadership Challenge eligibility
The opportunity welcomes applicants from every country and academic discipline. However, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a current Master’s or PhD student, or a young professional aged 21 to 30.
- Have completed an undergraduate degree.
- Show commitment to responsible leadership through work experience or extracurricular activities.
- Be available for about five half-days between 10 and 14 December 2026.
- Participate actively in all sessions to qualify for the Certificate of Achievement.
Therefore, this programme suits early-career professionals and postgraduate students who want to lead with purpose and take action on complex issues.
Global Leadership Challenge themes
Participants will work in teams on challenges from leading organisations. This year’s partners include Swiss Re and Schwarzman Scholars.
Also, the Swiss Re challenge focuses on building a future-ready workforce. Teams will consider how human judgment, critical thinking, technology, and artificial intelligence can shape the future of work.
Meanwhile, the Schwarzman Scholars challenge asks participants to explore how its curriculum can prepare future leaders for uncertainty. A third challenge partner will be announced later.
For more international development and leadership programmes, explore fellowship opportunities on OpportunityLab.
Apply for the Programme
Prepare your documents before starting the application. You will need:
- A CV in PDF format.
- A recent portrait photo in JPEG or PNG format.
- Proof of enrollment in PDF format, if you are a student.
- A short video in English, no longer than 40 seconds.
- A shareable link to the video through Google Drive, OneDrive, YouTube, iCloud, SwissTransfer, or Dropbox.
You will also answer questions about a keynote speaker, responsible leadership, and a personal action you have taken. Keep the video link public so reviewers can watch it without logging in.
