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The Global Leadership Challenge (GLC) 2026 is inviting applications from young leaders, postgraduate students and young professionals from around the world to join a global community focused on Responsible Leadership and addressing complex global challenges.
The Global Leadership Challenge 2026 will bring together 100 young leaders 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.
Applications are open from 29 September 2026 until 5 November 2026. The GLC 2026 will take place virtually from 10–14 December 2026, allowing participants to join from around the world.
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 responsible leaders. GLC Members can participate virtually from anywhere in the world and will have the opportunity to collaborate across countries, disciplines and sectors. The programme focuses on developing leadership capabilities while encouraging participants to consider how leadership can contribute to the wider good of society.
Successful GLC participants will have the opportunity to:
Participants who actively participate in all required GLC sessions can earn an official Certificate of Achievement.
Teams that perform among the top three may have the opportunity to attend the 56th St. Gallen Symposium in April 2027 as Leaders of Tomorrow, with all expenses covered.
GLC participants can also benefit from exclusive mentorship and leadership development opportunities following the programme.
The Global Leadership Challenge 2026 welcomes applications from people around the world and from all academic disciplines. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
The organisers are seeking a diverse group of postgraduate students and young professionals who are ready to engage with complex global challenges and develop their leadership capabilities.
Applications for the GLC 2026 are being accepted according to the following timeline:
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply early rather than waiting until the deadline.
As part of the programme, participants will work on challenges connected to major global issues and engage with challenge partners.
Working with Swiss Re, participants will explore how organisations can build a future-ready workforce in a world where technology, risk and expectations are changing rapidly. The challenge will examine how human expertise, critical thinking and artificial intelligence (AI) can come together to rethink work, strengthen judgement and build the capabilities required for the future.
The Schwarzman Scholars Program 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.
The organisers are finalising another challenge partner, with further details expected to be announced.
Applicants should prepare the following information and documents before starting their Global Leadership Challenge 2026 application.
Applicants should be ready to provide personal information, including:
Applicants should prepare:
Applicants will also be asked to respond to several questions and complete a short video task.
Applicants need to upload their 40-second video to one of the accepted platforms:
After uploading the video: Copy the shareable link. Ensure the settings allow anyone with the link to view the video. Make sure viewers do not require a login, password or organisation account. Paste the video link into the designated field in the Global Leadership Challenge application form.
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 Responsible Leadership. The programme also provides opportunities for leadership training, mentorship, collaboration and recognition through a Certificate of Achievement.
If you are a postgraduate student or young professional aged 21–30 with a demonstrated commitment to responsible leadership, the Global Leadership Challenge 2026 provides an opportunity to connect with other emerging leaders from around the world. Applications close on 5 November 2026, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Flexible
Posted October 16, 2026
English