Global Leadership Challenge 2026: Fully Funded Global Leadership Programme for Young Leaders

<p class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" dir="auto" data-start="371" data-end="641">The <strong data-start="375" data-end="417">Global Leadership Challenge (GLC) 2026</strong> is inviting applications from <strong data-start="448" data-end="534">young leaders, postgraduate students and young professionals from around the world</strong> to join a global community focused on <strong data-start="573" data-end="599">Responsible Leadership</strong> and addressing complex global challenges.</p> <p dir="auto" data-start="643" data-end="989">The <strong data-start="647" data-end="683">Global Leadership Challenge 2026</strong> will bring together <strong data-start="704" data-end="725">100 young leaders</strong> selected through an open application process. Participants will engage with world-renowned academics, senior business and policy leaders, and other emerging leaders while developing action projects that address some of the most pressing challenges facing society.</p> <p dir="auto" data-start="991" data-end="1184"><strong data-start="991" data-end="1062">Applications are open from 29 September 2026 until 5 November 2026.</strong> The GLC 2026 will take place virtually from <strong data-start="1107" data-end="1130">10–14 December 2026</strong>, allowing participants to join from around the world.</p> <h3 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" dir="auto" data-section-id="14n01zw" data-start="0" data-end="53"> Key Details — Global Leadership Challenge 2026</h3> <p dir="auto" data-start="55" data-end="838" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">🌍 <strong data-start="58" data-end="72">Programme:</strong> Global Leadership Challenge (GLC) 2026<br data-start="111" data-end="114" />👥 <strong data-start="117" data-end="134">Participants:</strong> 100 young leaders<br data-start="152" data-end="155" />🎓 <strong data-start="158" data-end="176">Who can apply:</strong> Students or young professionals<br data-start="236" data-end="239" />🌎 <strong data-start="242" data-end="258">Eligibility:</strong> Applicants worldwide, all academic disciplines<br data-start="305" data-end="308" />💻 <strong data-start="311" data-end="322">Format:</strong> Virtual<br data-start="330" data-end="333" />📅 <strong data-start="336" data-end="350">GLC Dates:</strong> 10–14 December 2026<br data-start="370" data-end="373" />🗓️ <strong data-start="377" data-end="399">Applications Open:</strong> 29 September 2026<br data-start="417" data-end="420" />⏰ <strong data-start="422" data-end="435">Deadline:</strong> 5 November 2026<br data-start="451" data-end="454" />🏆 <strong data-start="457" data-end="470">Benefits:</strong> Certificate of Achievement, leadership training, mentorship, global networking and action projects<br data-start="569" data-end="572" />⭐ <strong data-start="574" data-end="601">Additional opportunity:</strong> Top three teams may receive an all-expenses-covered invitation to the <strong data-start="672" data-end="715">56th St. Gallen Symposium in April 2027</strong><br data-start="715" data-end="718" />📹 <strong data-start="721" data-end="749">Application requirement:</strong> 40-second video in English<br data-start="776" data-end="779" /> </p> <h2 dir="auto" data-section-id="25n69e" data-start="1277" data-end="1312">Global Leadership Challenge 2026</h2> <p dir="auto" data-start="1314" data-end="1524">The Global Leadership Challenge is designed for a diverse group of young people who are passionate about making a positive contribution to society and are ready to develop themselves as <strong data-start="1500" data-end="1523">responsible leaders</strong>.</p> <p dir="auto" data-start="1526" data-end="1682">GLC Members can participate <strong data-start="1554" data-end="1594">virtually from anywhere in the world</strong> and will have the opportunity to collaborate across countries, disciplines and sectors.</p> <p dir="auto" data-start="1684" data-end="1850">The programme focuses on developing leadership capabilities while encouraging participants to consider how leadership can contribute to the <strong data-start="1824" data-end="1849">wider good of society</strong>.</p> <h2 dir="auto" data-section-id="p1t9gt" data-start="1852" data-end="1910">What You Will Gain from the Global Leadership Challenge</h2> <p dir="auto" data-start="1912" data-end="1969">Successful GLC participants will have the opportunity to:</p> <ul data-start="1971" data-end="2745"> <li data-section-id="1srs857" data-start="1971" data-end="2049">Become part of a <strong data-start="1990" data-end="2048">diverse global community of young, responsible leaders</strong>.</li> <li data-section-id="117c8m6" data-start="2050" data-end="2132">Engage with <strong data-start="2064" data-end="2131">world-renowned academics and senior business and policy leaders</strong>.</li> <li data-section-id="1pg6zoj" data-start="2133" data-end="2263">Develop <strong data-start="2143" data-end="2162">action projects</strong> addressing some of the world&#8217;s most pressing global challenges using <strong data-start="2232" data-end="2262">design thinking principles</strong>.</li> <li data-section-id="10razv5" data-start="2264" data-end="2374">Learn to lead in a way that advances personal ambition while actively seeking the <strong data-start="2348" data-end="2373">wider good of society</strong>.</li> <li data-section-id="18zn1u3" data-start="2375" data-end="2425">Earn an <strong data-start="2385" data-end="2424">official Certificate of Achievement</strong>.</li> <li data-section-id="4rrg5k" data-start="2426" data-end="2527">Receive <strong data-start="2436" data-end="2482">bespoke leadership training and mentorship</strong> offered by the <strong data-start="2498" data-end="2526">Oxford Character Project</strong>.</li> <li data-section-id="eui2f2" data-start="2528" data-end="2745">Potentially win an invitation to attend the <strong data-start="2574" data-end="2616">56th St Gallen Symposium in April 2027</strong>, with <strong data-start="2623" data-end="2647">all expenses covered</strong>, if your team is among the top three performing teams and is selected as <strong data-start="2721" data-end="2744">Leaders of Tomorrow</strong>.</li> </ul> <h3 dir="auto" data-section-id="5mkdg" data-start="2747" data-end="2784">Earn a Certificate of Achievement</h3> <p dir="auto" data-start="2786" data-end="2905">Participants who actively participate in all required GLC sessions can earn an <strong data-start="2865" data-end="2904">official Certificate of Achievement</strong>.</p> <h3 dir="auto" data-section-id="1q13i5s" data-start="2907" data-end="2947">Attend the 56th St. Gallen Symposium</h3> <p dir="auto" data-start="2949" data-end="3125">Teams that perform among the top three may have the opportunity to attend the <strong data-start="3027" data-end="3070">56th St. Gallen Symposium in April 2027</strong> as <strong data-start="3074" data-end="3097">Leaders of Tomorrow</strong>, with all expenses covered.</p> <h3 dir="auto" data-section-id="3a5wua" data-start="3127" data-end="3169">Receive Exclusive Mentorship After GLC</h3> <p dir="auto" data-start="3171" data-end="3300">GLC participants can also benefit from <strong data-start="3210" data-end="3275">exclusive mentorship and leadership development opportunities</strong> following the programme.</p> <h2 dir="auto" data-section-id="f0jn8n" data-start="3302" data-end="3360">Who Can Apply for the Global Leadership Challenge 2026?</h2> <p dir="auto" data-start="3362" data-end="3492">The <strong data-start="3366" data-end="3402">Global Leadership Challenge 2026</strong> welcomes applications from people around the world and from <strong data-start="3463" data-end="3491">all academic disciplines</strong>.</p> <p dir="auto" data-start="3494" data-end="3554">To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:</p> <ul data-start="3556" data-end="4104"> <li data-section-id="17wqnmi" data-start="3556" data-end="3683">Be a <strong data-start="3563" data-end="3624">student currently enrolled in a Master&#8217;s or PhD programme</strong>, or a <strong data-start="3631" data-end="3682">young professional aged between 21 and 30 years</strong>.</li> <li data-section-id="14050br" data-start="3684" data-end="3733">Have completed their <strong data-start="3707" data-end="3732">undergraduate studies</strong>.</li> <li data-section-id="1ac811q" data-start="3734" data-end="3855">Have demonstrated a commitment to <strong data-start="3770" data-end="3796">Responsible Leadership</strong> through extracurricular activities and/or work experience.</li> <li data-section-id="xqf02u" data-start="3856" data-end="3950">Be available to invest approximately <strong data-start="3895" data-end="3938">five half-days from 10–14 December 2026</strong> in the GLC.</li> <li data-section-id="srcokh" data-start="3951" data-end="4104">Be able to actively participate in all GLC sessions. <strong data-start="4006" data-end="4104">Active participation in all GLC sessions is mandatory to receive a Certificate of Achievement.</strong></li> </ul> <p dir="auto" data-start="4106" data-end="4299">The organisers are seeking a <strong data-start="4135" data-end="4201">diverse group of postgraduate students and young professionals</strong> who are ready to engage with complex global challenges and develop their leadership capabilities.</p> <h2 dir="auto" data-section-id="9bhmci" data-start="4301" data-end="4357">Global Leadership Challenge 2026 Application Deadline</h2> <p dir="auto" data-start="4359" data-end="4444">Applications for the GLC 2026 are being accepted according to the following timeline:</p> <div class="group TyagGW_tableContainer" dir="auto"> <div class="TyagGW_tableWrapper flex flex-col-reverse w-fit" tabindex="-1"> <table class="w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)" dir="auto" data-start="4446" data-end="4638"> <thead data-start="4446" data-end="4474"> <tr data-start="4446" data-end="4474"> <th class="last:pe-10" data-start="4446" data-end="4463" data-col-size="sm">Important Date</th> <th class="last:pe-10" data-start="4463" data-end="4474" data-col-size="sm">Details</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody data-start="4485" data-end="4638"> <tr data-start="4485" data-end="4530"> <td data-start="4485" data-end="4509" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="4487" data-end="4508">29 September 2026</strong></td> <td data-col-size="sm" data-start="4509" data-end="4530">Application Opens</td> </tr> <tr data-start="4531" data-end="4575"> <td data-start="4531" data-end="4553" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="4533" data-end="4552">5 November 2026</strong></td> <td data-start="4553" data-end="4575" data-col-size="sm">Application Closes</td> </tr> <tr data-start="4576" data-end="4638"> <td data-start="4576" data-end="4602" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="4578" data-end="4601">10–14 December 2026</strong></td> <td data-col-size="sm" data-start="4602" data-end="4638">Global Leadership Challenge 2026</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> </div> <p dir="auto" data-start="4640" data-end="4773"><strong data-start="4640" data-end="4773">Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply early rather than waiting until the deadline.</strong></p> <h2 dir="auto" data-section-id="1kh97h" data-start="4775" data-end="4832">Global Leadership Challenge 2026 Challenge Information</h2> <p dir="auto" data-start="4834" data-end="4965">As part of the programme, participants will work on challenges connected to major global issues and engage with challenge partners.</p> <h3 dir="auto" data-section-id="1n247z" data-start="4967" data-end="4989">Swiss Re Challenge</h3> <p dir="auto" data-start="4991" data-end="5173">Working with <strong data-start="5004" data-end="5016">Swiss Re</strong>, participants will explore how organisations can build a <strong data-start="5074" data-end="5100">future-ready workforce</strong> in a world where technology, risk and expectations are changing rapidly.</p> <p dir="auto" data-start="5175" data-end="5385">The challenge will examine how <strong data-start="5206" data-end="5277">human expertise, critical thinking and artificial intelligence (AI)</strong> can come together to rethink work, strengthen judgement and build the capabilities required for the future.</p> <h3 dir="auto" data-section-id="1bb0ie2" data-start="5387" data-end="5420">Schwarzman Scholars Challenge</h3> <p dir="auto" data-start="5422" data-end="5681">The <strong data-start="5426" data-end="5457">Schwarzman Scholars Program</strong> is also involved in the Global Leadership Challenge. Participants will explore how leadership education and curriculum can evolve to equip the next generation of global leaders with the tools needed to navigate uncertainty.</p> <h3 dir="auto" data-section-id="3u72he" data-start="5683" data-end="5715">Additional Challenge Partner</h3> <p dir="auto" data-start="5717" data-end="5820">The organisers are finalising another challenge partner, with further details expected to be announced.</p> <h2 dir="auto" data-section-id="1srmo97" data-start="5822" data-end="5854">What You Need Before Applying</h2> <p dir="auto" data-start="5856" data-end="5993">Applicants should prepare the following information and documents before starting their <strong data-start="5944" data-end="5992">Global Leadership Challenge 2026 application</strong>.</p> <h3 dir="auto" data-section-id="1a5dq8d" data-start="5995" data-end="6022">1. Personal Information</h3> <p dir="auto" data-start="6024" data-end="6094">Applicants should be ready to provide personal information, including:</p> <ul data-start="6096" data-end="6150"> <li data-section-id="1tqzk19" data-start="6096" data-end="6110">Full address</li> <li data-section-id="1c1efm" data-start="6111" data-end="6126">Email address</li> <li data-section-id="o9uo9a" data-start="6127" data-end="6150">Other contact details</li> </ul> <h3 dir="auto" data-section-id="ecnlkf" data-start="6152" data-end="6177">2. Required Documents</h3> <p dir="auto" data-start="6179" data-end="6205">Applicants should prepare:</p> <ul data-start="6207" data-end="6333"> <li data-section-id="sz9fm3" data-start="6207" data-end="6229"><strong data-start="6209" data-end="6215">CV</strong> in PDF format</li> <li data-section-id="1u9ff34" data-start="6230" data-end="6281"><strong data-start="6232" data-end="6259">Recent portrait picture</strong> in JPEG or PNG format</li> <li data-section-id="fbv1ve" data-start="6282" data-end="6333"><strong data-start="6284" data-end="6306">Proof of enrolment</strong> in PDF format for students</li> </ul> <h3 dir="auto" data-section-id="1gp4cws" data-start="6335" data-end="6363">3. Application Questions</h3> <p dir="auto" data-start="6365" data-end="6459">Applicants will also be asked to respond to several questions and complete a short video task.</p> <h4 dir="auto" data-start="6461" data-end="6480">Keynote Choice</h4> <p dir="auto" data-start="6482" data-end="6560">Suggest a keynote speaker who could inspire global leaders to act responsibly.</p> <h4 dir="auto" data-start="6562" data-end="6579">Your Message</h4> <p dir="auto" data-start="6581" data-end="6693">Record a <strong data-start="6590" data-end="6628">maximum 40-second video in English</strong> inspiring global leaders to practice <strong data-start="6666" data-end="6692">Responsible Leadership</strong>.</p> <h4 dir="auto" data-start="6695" data-end="6711">Your Action</h4> <p dir="auto" data-start="6713" data-end="6840">Share <strong data-start="6719" data-end="6768">one concrete example in no more than 50 words</strong> explaining how you personally put Responsible Leadership into practice.</p> <h2 dir="auto" data-section-id="jdlmyw" data-start="6842" data-end="6885">How to Submit Your GLC Application Video</h2> <p dir="auto" data-start="6887" data-end="6968">Applicants need to upload their 40-second video to one of the accepted platforms:</p> <ul data-start="6970" data-end="7309"> <li data-section-id="1f9n9aw" data-start="6970" data-end="7029"><a class="decorated-link" href="https://ipv4.google.com/intl/en_zm/drive/" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="6972" data-end="7029">Google Drive</a></li> <li data-section-id="1hr2cdu" data-start="7030" data-end="7119"><a class="decorated-link" href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/onedrive/online-cloud-storage" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="7032" data-end="7119">OneDrive</a></li> <li data-section-id="is72j4" data-start="7120" data-end="7161">YouTube — set the video to <strong data-start="7149" data-end="7161">Unlisted</strong></li> <li data-section-id="16z3rzn" data-start="7162" data-end="7208"><a class="decorated-link" href="https://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="7164" data-end="7208">iCloud</a></li> <li data-section-id="lugpu2" data-start="7209" data-end="7263"><a class="decorated-link" href="https://www.swisstransfer.com/en-ch" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="7211" data-end="7263">Swisstransfer</a></li> <li data-section-id="1e44k8c" data-start="7264" data-end="7309"><a class="decorated-link" href="https://www.dropbox.com/transfer" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="7266" data-end="7309">Dropbox</a></li> </ul> <p dir="auto" data-start="7311" data-end="7337">After uploading the video:</p> <ol data-start="7339" data-end="7629"> <li data-section-id="hv3m7j" data-start="7339" data-end="7370"><strong data-start="7342" data-end="7370">Copy the shareable link.</strong></li> <li data-section-id="1xup533" data-start="7371" data-end="7443">Ensure the settings allow <strong data-start="7400" data-end="7432">anyone with the link to view</strong> the video.</li> <li data-section-id="13eg5z4" data-start="7444" data-end="7522">Make sure viewers do not require a login, password or organisation account.</li> <li data-section-id="yd2qa0" data-start="7523" data-end="7629">Paste the video link into the designated field in the <strong data-start="7580" data-end="7628">Global Leadership Challenge application form</strong>.</li> </ol> <h2 dir="auto" data-section-id="zpshq5" data-start="7631" data-end="7685">Why Apply for the Global Leadership Challenge 2026?</h2> <p dir="auto" data-start="7687" data-end="7948">The GLC provides an opportunity for young leaders and postgraduate students to connect with an international community, engage with senior leaders and academics, develop practical action projects and strengthen their understanding of <strong data-start="7921" data-end="7947">Responsible Leadership</strong>.</p> <p dir="auto" data-start="7950" data-end="8100">The programme also provides opportunities for leadership training, mentorship, collaboration and recognition through a <strong data-start="8069" data-end="8099">Certificate of Achievement</strong>.</p> <h2 dir="auto" data-section-id="15wis9v" data-start="8102" data-end="8149">Global Leadership Challenge 2026 – Apply Now</h2> <p dir="auto" data-start="8151" data-end="8406">If you are a <strong data-start="8164" data-end="8221">postgraduate student or young professional aged 21–30</strong> with a demonstrated commitment to responsible leadership, the <strong data-start="8284" data-end="8320">Global Leadership Challenge 2026</strong> provides an opportunity to connect with other emerging leaders from around the world.</p> <p dir="auto" data-start="8408" data-end="8504">Applications close on <strong data-start="8430" data-end="8449">5 November 2026</strong>, and applications are reviewed on a <strong data-start="8486" data-end="8503">rolling basis</strong>.</p> <h3 dir="auto" data-section-id="1visb59" data-start="8506" data-end="8559">🔗 Apply for the Global Leadership Challenge 2026</h3> <p dir="auto" style="text-align: center;" data-start="8561" data-end="8650"><strong>👉 Find out More and <a class="decorated-link" href="https://www.leadership-challenge.org/applynow" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="8566" data-end="8648">APPLY NOW to be a part of the GLC</a></strong></p> <p dir="auto" style="text-align: center;" data-start="8750" data-end="8779"><strong data-start="8750" data-end="8779">Deadline: 5 November 2026</strong></p> <p dir="auto" style="text-align: center;" data-start="8750" data-end="8779"><strong data-start="8652" data-end="8673">Application form:</strong> <a class="decorated-link" href="https://form.jotform.com/262503401593047" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="8674" data-end="8748">Open Application in New Window</a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/10/03/apply-now-global-leadership-challenge-glc-2024/">Global Leadership Challenge 2026: Fully Funded Global Leadership Programme for Young Leaders</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>