Global Leadership Challenge 2026
The Global Leadership Challenge 2026 is a five-day virtual programme bringing together 100 postgraduate students and young professionals worldwide. Participants develop responsible leadership skills, earn a certificate through active participation and compete for fully funded attendance at the St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland.
Global Leadership Challenge 2026 – Oxford & St. Gallen Online Programme
Quick Overview
| Host Organisations | University of Oxford and St. Gallen Symposium |
|---|---|
| Location | Worldwide – Online |
| Opportunity Type | International Leadership Programme |
| Academic Level | Master's Students, PhD Students and Young Professionals |
| Funding Status | Online Programme; Funded Switzerland Trip for Three Winning Teams |
| Duration | 5 Days |
| Available Places | 100 Participants |
| Eligible Applicants | Worldwide |
| Academic Background | All Disciplines |
| Minimum Qualification | Completed Undergraduate Studies |
| Age Requirement | 21–30 for Young Professionals |
| Application Fee | Not Specified |
| IELTS Requirement | No IELTS Score Specified |
| Programme Language | English Application Video Required |
| Applications Open | 29 September 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 5 November 2026 |
| Programme Dates | 10–14 December 2026 |
| Programme Format | Fully Virtual |
Detailed Description
The Global Leadership Challenge (GLC) 2026 is an international leadership development initiative organised by the University of Oxford and the St. Gallen Symposium, with support from programme partners.
The programme brings together 100 emerging leaders to explore global challenges, exchange perspectives and develop practical solutions through responsible leadership.
Participants will join a five-day online programme from 10 to 14 December 2026. They will collaborate with other young leaders, learn from academics and experienced professionals, and develop impact projects addressing real-world issues.
The programme combines character education, design thinking and cross-generational discussions to help participants strengthen their leadership values and practical decision-making skills.
What Will Participants Do?
- Join interactive virtual sessions
- Collaborate with international peers
- Explore responsible leadership principles
- Develop practical impact projects
- Engage with academic experts
- Learn from business and policy leaders
- Explore global sustainability challenges
- Present innovative project ideas
Challenge Themes
The official 2026 programme identifies challenges involving:
- Future-ready workforces and technology
- Responsible use of artificial intelligence
- Leadership education and innovation
- Global challenges defined by partners
Participants will work on challenges proposed by organisations including Swiss Re and Schwarzman Scholars.
Opportunity to Visit Switzerland
The three teams developing the strongest project ideas will receive invitations to the 56th St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland in April 2027. Their travel and accommodation expenses will be covered.
Eligibility Criteria
- Have completed undergraduate studies
- Be enrolled in a Master's or PhD programme, or
- Be a young professional aged 21–30
- Demonstrate responsible leadership commitment
- Have relevant activities or work experience
- Be available 10–14 December 2026
- Commit approximately five half-days
- Participate in programme activities
Eligible Nationalities
- Applications accepted worldwide
- All academic disciplines welcome
Am I eligible?
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Build my CVBenefits
- Five-day virtual leadership programme
- University of Oxford learning exposure
- International leadership networking
- Expert discussions and workshops
- Responsible leadership training
- Design-thinking project experience
- Cross-cultural collaboration
- Official Certificate of Achievement
- Opportunity for further mentoring
- Competitive invitation to Switzerland
Exclusive Opportunity for Winning Teams
The three best-performing teams may receive:
- Invitation to the 56th St. Gallen Symposium
- Travel expenses covered
- Accommodation expenses covered
- Access to international leadership dialogues
- Networking with global decision-makers
Mentoring Opportunities
After completing the programme, participants may apply for further leadership mentoring through the Oxford Character Project.
Documents Required
Applicants must prepare:
- Updated CV in PDF format
- Recent portrait photograph
- Proof of enrolment, for students
- Personal and contact information
- University or employer details
- English-language application video
- Responsible leadership example
- Keynote speaker suggestion
Video Requirement
- Maximum duration: 40 seconds
- Language: English
- Accepted formats: MP4 or MOV
- Upload through an approved platform
- Provide an accessible sharing link
Written Responses
Applicants must also provide:
- Suggested keynote speaker
- Brief reason for their suggestion
- Example of personal leadership action
- Relevant supporting information
Application Process
Visit the Official Website
Read the Global Leadership Challenge 2026 programme information and eligibility criteria.
Check Your Eligibility
Confirm your academic or professional status, qualification and availability.
Prepare Your CV
Create an updated professional CV and save it as a PDF.
Prepare Your Photograph
Select a recent portrait photograph in JPEG or PNG format.
Obtain Enrolment Evidence
Current postgraduate students should prepare proof of enrolment in PDF format.
Record Your Leadership Video
Prepare an authentic English-language video of no more than 40 seconds about responsible leadership.
Upload Your Video
Use an accepted platform and ensure the sharing link is publicly accessible without a password.
Prepare Your Written Responses
Complete the keynote speaker suggestion and personal leadership example within the stated word limits.
Complete the Online Application
Open the official Jotform application and enter the requested information.
Submit Before the Deadline
Review the application and submit it before 5 November 2026.
Monitor Your Email
Watch for updates and further instructions from the organisers.
Selection Criteria
- Interest in complex global challenges
- Commitment to responsible leadership
- Demonstrated leadership activities
- Relevant professional experience
- Motivation for participation
- Potential contribution to the programme
- Diverse academic backgrounds
- Diverse professional perspectives
Timeline
- Applications open29 September 2026
- Application deadline5 November 2026
- Application reviewRolling basis
- Programme begins10 December 2026
- Programme ends14 December 2026
- St. Gallen Symposium for winning teamsApril 2027
Why This Opportunity?
- Learn from international leadership experts
- Build practical problem-solving skills
- Collaborate with global young leaders
- Strengthen responsible leadership values
- Develop real-world impact projects
- Access cross-disciplinary perspectives
- Expand professional networks
- Gain an internationally recognised certificate
- Compete for a Switzerland conference opportunity
Mindship Global Tips
- Check eligibilityConfirm your qualification and applicant category.
- Apply earlyApplications are reviewed continuously.
- Prepare your CVHighlight meaningful leadership contributions.
- Keep your video conciseMaximum 40 seconds.
- Show real impactUse a specific leadership example.
- Check video accessAvoid password-protected links.
- Follow word limitsCheck each application field.
- Reserve programme datesParticipation requires availability.
- Understand fundingSwitzerland travel is competitive.
- Verify requirementsFollow the official application form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Global Leadership Challenge 2026 open?
Yes. Applications opened on 29 September 2026 and close on 5 November 2026.
Is the programme fully funded?
The main programme is virtual and does not advertise a personal stipend. The three top-performing teams can receive funded travel and accommodation for the St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. Applicants from around the world and all academic disciplines are welcome.
Is IELTS required?
The official application does not specify an IELTS score. However, applicants must submit a video spoken in English.
Is there an application fee?
An application fee is not specified in the official programme guidance reviewed.
Can undergraduate students apply?
Applicants must already have completed undergraduate studies. Current undergraduate students who have not graduated do not meet this requirement.
Can Master's and PhD students apply?
Yes. Currently enrolled Master's and PhD students are among the eligible applicant groups.
What is the age limit?
Young professionals must be aged 21–30. The official eligibility page does not specify that age limit for postgraduate students.
Will every participant travel to Switzerland?
No. Only the three top-performing teams may receive the funded invitation to the St. Gallen Symposium.
Will participants receive a certificate?
Yes. Active participants who attend the required GLC sessions receive a Certificate of Achievement from the University of Oxford and the St. Gallen Symposium.
How long does the programme last?
The virtual programme lasts five days, from 10 to 14 December 2026, with approximately five half-days of participation.
What is the deadline?
Applications close on 5 November 2026. They are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Official Application Link
Disclaimer
📌 Mindship Global shares verified educational opportunities for informational purposes only. Applicants should verify eligibility, funding arrangements, deadlines, required documents, and application requirements through the official website before applying.
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