The Global Leadership Challenge Program 2026 offers postgraduate students and young professionals an opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, connect with international leaders, and develop practical solutions to global challenges. Hosted by the St. Gallen Symposium and the University of Oxford, the program brings together young people from around the world for an intensive virtual leadership experience.

Participants will take part in leadership training, mentorship, design-thinking activities, and collaborative action projects. The program will run virtually from 10 to 14 December 2026.

One of the most exciting opportunities is reserved for the top three performing teams. They will have the chance to attend the 56th St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland in April 2027 as Leaders of Tomorrow, with expenses covered.

Global Leadership Challenge Program 2026 Overview

The Global Leadership Challenge (GLC) is designed to develop responsible leadership among young professionals and postgraduate students. Participants work with peers from different countries and backgrounds while engaging with academics, business leaders, and policy experts.

During the program, participants use design thinking principles to develop action projects focused on real-world global challenges. The experience combines leadership development with practical teamwork, sustainability, and cross-border collaboration.

Although the main GLC program is virtual, the top three teams can receive an invitation to the St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland. The covered expenses apply to this selected opportunity rather than to every participant.

Global Leadership Challenge Program Benefits

Participants can gain several academic, professional, and leadership benefits, including:

• Membership in a diverse international community of young leaders.
• Engagement with renowned academics and senior business and policy leaders.
• Leadership training and mentorship from the Oxford Character Project.
• Practical experience using design thinking to develop action projects.
• Opportunities to address global challenges through teamwork.
• An official Certificate of Achievement for active participants who meet the participation requirements.
• International networking with young professionals and postgraduate students.
• Opportunity for the top three teams to attend the 56th St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland.
• Covered expenses for the selected teams attending the symposium.

The program can therefore provide valuable experience for candidates interested in responsible leadership, sustainability, innovation, and international development.

Global Leadership Challenge Program Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should carefully review the program requirements before applying. According to the provided eligibility criteria, candidates 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 extracurricular activities or professional experience related to responsible leadership.
• Be available for all five program days from 10 to 14 December 2026.
• Participate actively in the required sessions to receive the Certificate of Achievement.

The program is particularly suited to candidates who can demonstrate leadership potential through academic, professional, community, or extracurricular activities.

Required Documents for GLC 2026

Applicants should prepare the required documents before beginning the application. These include:

• A recent portrait photograph in JPEG or PNG format.
• A current CV in PDF format.
• Proof of enrollment in PDF format for students.

Applicants should also be prepared to provide information about their education, work experience, leadership activities, and interests in global challenges.

How to Apply for Global Leadership Challenge 2026

The application process is completed online. Candidates can follow these steps:

• Visit the official GLC application page.
• Select the option to apply and click “New User.”
• Create an account using an email address and password.
• Answer questions about your abilities and previous experiences.
• Upload your photograph and CV.
• Select three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) you would like to address.
• Provide your personal and educational information.
• Enter your contact details and work experience.
• Review all information carefully.
• Submit the completed application.

Applicants can save their progress and return later to complete the application.

 Apply for the Global Leadership Challenge 2026

Global Leadership Challenge Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Global Leadership Challenge 2026 is 5 November 2026. Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline and ensure that all required information and documents are complete.

The virtual GLC program will take place from 10–14 December 2026. The top three teams will have the opportunity to attend the 56th St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland in April 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Global Leadership Challenge?

The Global Leadership Challenge is a virtual leadership development program organized by the St. Gallen Symposium and the University of Oxford. It combines leadership training, mentorship, international networking, and practical action projects.

Who can apply?

Master’s and PhD students as well as young professionals aged 21–30 can apply, provided they have completed their undergraduate studies and meet the leadership-related experience requirements.

Is the GLC program fully funded?

The main GLC experience is delivered virtually. The top three performing teams can receive fully covered expenses for attending the St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland.

Will participants receive a certificate?

Yes. Participants who actively take part in the required GLC sessions can receive an official Certificate of Achievement.

When is the virtual program?

The Global Leadership Challenge will take place from 10 to 14 December 2026.

Official Website       Apply Now

Follow our Social Media Platforms: WhatsApp Groups | Facebook Page