The 2026 St. Gallen Symposium is now inviting applications for its prestigious Leader of Tomorrow Essay Competition. This program brings together 300 of the most talented young minds from around the world, offering participants the chance to engage directly with 600 senior leaders, exchange ideas, and gain inspiration from some of the most remarkable speakers on the global stage. Participants will experience unique perspectives on contemporary challenges, become part of a vibrant international community, and compete for a total prize of CHF 20,000, distributed among the three top entrants.

The St. Gallen Global Essay Competition is open to graduate and postgraduate students worldwide. It provides an opportunity to submit an essay that can secure a spot at the symposium, allowing students to interact with leaders, showcase their insights, and contribute meaningfully to high-level discussions.

This year’s essay prompt focuses on the intersection of technology, politics, and demographic change. Applicants are asked to select a real-world scenario where at least two of these forces intersect and develop a forward-thinking strategy that maximizes potential benefits while mitigating associated risks over the long term. Essays should demonstrate originality, creativity, and analytical depth, reflecting a unique perspective rather than relying heavily on generic outputs from AI tools. While AI may be used to support research, the emphasis is on the applicant’s personal voice and independent reasoning.

Participants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including enrollment in a recognized graduate or postgraduate program and being born in 1996 or later. The essay must be anonymous and should not exceed 2,100 words, excluding references, graphs, or supplementary descriptions, with the word count clearly indicated. There is no minimum word requirement, giving students flexibility in structuring their arguments.

Those whose submissions are selected among the top 100 will earn the status of Leader of Tomorrow, qualifying them for a fully funded participation at the 55th St. Gallen Symposium, scheduled for May 5–7, 2026. Winners will be notified via email by mid-March 2026, with the three most outstanding essays receiving prize money. In addition, top-performing participants, including awardees, may have the opportunity to present their ideas to a live audience at the symposium, beginning with a preliminary video pitch.

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