St. Gallen Symposium Global Ideas Competition 2027

The St. Gallen Symposium Global Ideas Competition 2027 is an international competition inviting graduate and postgraduate students to develop innovative, evidence-based solutions to important global challenges.

Organised by the St. Gallen Symposium, the competition provides an opportunity for emerging thinkers to contribute their ideas to discussions involving experienced leaders from business, politics, academia and civil society.

Previously known as the Global Essay Competition, the initiative has adopted a new format for 2027, focusing on a structured Solution Brief and a short Video Explainer rather than a traditional essay.

2027 Competition Theme

The competition focuses on the question:

"What could we solve, if we could agree?"

Participants must identify a real-world problem that remains unresolved because of disagreements between relevant parties. They are expected to propose an original partnership or arrangement that could make a solution possible.

Applicants submit two main components:

• Solution Brief: An evidence-based proposal of no more than 1,000 words, following the official four-section template.
• Video Explainer: A short video of up to three minutes presenting the applicant's idea.

The strongest 100 competitors will be invited to participate in the 56th St. Gallen Symposium as Leaders of Tomorrow.

Selected participants will engage with international decision-makers, exchange perspectives with emerging leaders and contribute to discussions about global cooperation.

The three highest-ranked ideas will share a total prize fund of CHF 20,000.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate or postgraduate programme at master's level or higher.
• Be studying at a regular university that conducts research and offers at least one PhD programme.
• Be enrolled at the required academic level as of 1 February 2027.
• Have been born in 1997 or later.
• Be studying in any academic discipline.
• Submit an individual contribution rather than a group project.
• Prepare an original Solution Brief specifically for this competition.
• Submit the required materials in English.
• Properly acknowledge all references, sources and auxiliary tools used, including AI tools.

The top 100 selected competitors receive the following opportunities:

• Fully covered participation in the 56th St. Gallen Symposium.
• Travel arrangements, including flights or train tickets, organised by the committee.
• Accommodation in student flats during the symposium.
• Board and meals during the covered programme period.
• Airport transfers and local transport support.
• Free public transport in St. Gallen during the symposium week.
• Opportunities to engage with more than 600 senior leaders from business, politics, academia and civil society.
• Participation in an international community of approximately 200 Leaders of Tomorrow.
• Access to the Leaders of Tomorrow community and its global network.

Additional Cash Prizes

The three best competition entries share CHF 20,000 in total prize money.

Applicants should prepare:

• Solution Brief: Maximum 1,000 words, prepared using the official competition template.
• Video Explainer: A video presentation of no more than three minutes.
• Passport or Government-issued Identification: A copy of a passport or acceptable official identification document, with English information or translation where necessary.
• Proof of University Enrolment: Official confirmation demonstrating graduate or postgraduate enrolment as of 1 February 2027.
• Application Abstract: A 200–300-word summary entered directly into the application form.
• References and Auxiliary Aids Directory: Proper acknowledgement of sources and tools used in preparing the submission.

The Solution Brief must not contain identifying information, including the applicant's name, university or email address.

The competition evaluates submissions based on:

• Originality and creativity of the proposed idea.
• Strength of the evidence supporting the argument.
• Quality of problem analysis.
• Practicality and effectiveness of the proposed solution.
• Relevance to the official competition question.
• Clarity and coherence of the Solution Brief.
• Strength of the applicant's independent reasoning.
• Ability to explain and demonstrate ownership of the idea through the Video Explainer.
• Compliance with academic integrity and submission requirements.

The first selection round involves anonymous assessment of Solution Briefs.

Video Explainers are considered during the second round.

• Global exposure: Share ideas within an international forum involving influential decision-makers.
• Leadership development: Strengthen analytical thinking, communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Professional networking: Connect with experienced professionals and emerging leaders.
• International recognition: Gain visibility for original ideas addressing important challenges.
• Cross-disciplinary learning: Exchange perspectives with participants from different academic and professional backgrounds.
• Long-term community: Become part of the international Leaders of Tomorrow network.