The St Gallen Symposium Global Leadership Challenge 2026 is now accepting applications from emerging young leaders interested in developing responsible leadership skills while working on real-world challenges with a global community of peers. The programme is a joint initiative of the University of Oxford and the St Gallen Symposium, with support from partner organisations.

Taking place from 10 to 14 December 2026, the Global Leadership Challenge will bring together selected participants to explore pressing challenges identified by the programme’s partners. Participants will work collaboratively on practical impact projects, using principles of responsible leadership, sustainability and design thinking to develop solutions to real-world problems.

The programme is open to students currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD programme and young professionals aged 21 to 30. Applicants must have completed their undergraduate studies and should be able to demonstrate a commitment to responsible leadership through extracurricular activities, professional experience or other relevant engagements.

Selected participants are expected to commit to approximately five half-days between 10 and 14 December 2026, with active participation in all GLC sessions required for those seeking the Certificate of Achievement.

Participants will become part of an international community of emerging leaders and have opportunities to engage with academics as well as senior figures from business and public policy. The programme also provides leadership development, mentorship and bespoke training through the Oxford Character Project, while giving participants the opportunity to develop action-oriented projects addressing global challenges.

All participants who successfully complete the programme will receive an official Certificate of Achievement. In addition, the three highest-performing teams will receive an invitation to attend the 56th St Gallen Symposium in April 2027 as Leaders of Tomorrow, with all expenses covered.

Applications for the Global Leadership Challenge 2026 opened on 29 September 2026 and will close on 5 November 2026. The programme itself will take place from 10 to 14 December 2026. Applicants should ensure they can commit to the full programme period before applying.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity