Switzerland Global Leadership Challenge

The Global Leadership Challenge convenes 100 young leaders selected through an open application process. Applicants are evaluated on their passion for engaging with complex global challenges. Applicants can participate virtually from around the world. The programme includes action projects that address global challenges using design thinking principles.

The programme is for student participants who are currently enrolled in a Masters or a PhD programme and young professionals aged between 21 and 30. It welcomes applicants from around the world and from all academic disciplines. Participants engage with academics and senior business and policy leaders and develop action projects.

Selection is based on an evaluation of applicants’ passion for engaging with complex global challenges. Active participation in all GLC sessions is mandatory to receive a Certificate of Achievement. All active participants receive an official Certificate of Achievement from the University of Oxford and the St. Gallen Symposium, and the three winning teams are offered to attend the St Gallen Symposium, with travel and accommodation expenses fully covered for those teams.

• You are a student (currently enrolled in a Masters or a PhD programme) or a young professional (aged between 21-30 years).
• You have finished your undergraduate studies.
• You have already demonstrated your commitment to responsible leadership through extra-curricular activities and/or work experience.
• You are committed to investing around five half-days from 10-14 December 2025 for the GLC; tentatively block these days and availability is required.
• Active participation in all GLC sessions is mandatory to receive a Certificate of Achievement.
• Applications are welcomed from around the world and from all academic disciplines.

• Earn an official Certificate of Achievement from the University of Oxford and the St. Gallen Symposium (for all active participants).
• Receive bespoke leadership training and mentorship offered by the Oxford Character Project.
• Win an invitation to attend the 56th St Gallen Symposium in April 2027 as Leaders of Tomorrow (for one of the top three performing teams).
• Travel and accommodation expenses are fully covered for the three winning teams to attend the St Gallen Symposium.
• After successful participation, GLC Members can apply for further mentoring in “leadership development” with the Oxford Character Project at the University of Oxford.
• Develop action projects that address pressing global challenges using design thinking principles.

1. Open the application form from the “Apply Now” link.
2. Provide personal information including your address, email, and other contact details.
3. Prepare documents: CV (PDF), recent portrait picture (JPEG or PNG), and proof of enrollment (students only) (PDF).
4. Answer the questions section by selecting a keynote choice, and providing your “Your message” video and “Your action” example.
5. Record a video (max. 40 seconds, in English) inspiring global leaders to practice Responsible Leadership.
6. Share one concrete example (max. 50 words) of how you personally put Responsible Leadership into practice.
7. Upload your 40-second video (MP4 or MOV) to one of: Google Drive, OneDrive, YouTube (set to Unlisted), iCloud, Swisstransfer, or Dropbox.
8. Copy the shareable link and ensure the settings allow anyone with the link to view (no login, no password, no organization account required).
9. Paste the shareable link into the designated field of your application form.

• CV (PDF)
• Recent portrait picture (JPEG or PNG)
• Proof of enrollment (students only) (PDF)