Global Leadership Challenge 2026 for 100 Young Leaders in Oxford

Applications will soon open for the Global Leadership Challenge 2026 for 100 young leaders worldwide. The Global Leadership Challenge (GLC), which will take place from 10 – 14 December, seeks to equip emerging leaders to build the knowledge and character necessary for world-changing leadership –to enhance society’s sustainable development rather than personal ambition.

GLC is a joint initiative of Oxford University’s Social Sciences Division, the Oxford Character Project, and the St. Gallen Symposium. The University partners, including the Lemann Foundation, support this program.

GLC’s theme of the year will focus on “Confronting Scarcity.” In today’s world, we face the most pressing challenges of scarcity. The potential to effectively confront and address limited resources is a critical skill for global leaders. This program will provide a comprehensive toolkit for facing scarcity challenges drawing on the knowledge and expertise of prominent thought leaders, academics, and practitioners. Participants of the GLC will foster collaboration across sectors, develop innovative approaches, and explore sustainable solutions for balancing resource conservation with human needs.

Participants will improve their critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills through hands-on workshops and collaborative projects. GLC will help them prepare to be real leaders in today’s world of scarcity.

During the five-day Challenge, the participants will engage in cross-generational dialogues with senior leaders and learn new skills from a diverse group of peers. Furthermore, they develop a wide range of action projects focused on existing challenges related to three Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) with details to be announced later.

Important Details

Organized by: Oxford University

Application Start: 1 October 2026

Application Deadline: 2 November 2026

Announcement Date: Mid-November 2026

Challenge Duration: Five days (from 10-14 December 2025)

Eligible Nations: International

Through extracurricular activities and work experience, you have demonstrated your commitment to responsible leadership.

Applicants should check these criteria before applying to the GLC

GLC accepts applications from individuals worldwide and in all academic fields.

You are eligible to apply if you meet the following criteria

Currently enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. program, or are a young professional aged between 21 and 30 years.

have completed your undergraduate studies.

Through extracurricular activities and work experience, you have demonstrated your commitment to responsible leadership.

Be prepared to participate actively in GLC sessions for five half-days, in order to achieve a Certificate of Achievement.

The Global Leadership Challenge 2026 will bring together 100 young leaders from around the world selected via an open application process in Oxford, St. Gallen, and other locations.

The selection committee will evaluate the candidates on their dedication to responsible leadership and enthusiasm for tackling challenging global issues.

They are searching for a varied group of postgraduate students and young professionals ready to rise to the challenges of their day and develop into the responsible leaders our world so sorely needs.

Participants will benefit from this Challenge as follows

Join a worldwide community of varied young, ethical leaders.

Connect and get involved with world-famous academics and senior policy and business leaders.

Develop SDG action projects that address the most pressing global challenges by implementing design thinking principles.

Learn to advance personal ambition and actively seek the broader good of society.

Get an official Certificate of Achievement.

Benefit from the modified leadership training and mentorship program of the Oxford Character Project

Benefit from Entrepreneurship Coaching with EWOR Academy to build their venture.

Top themes will receive an invitation to attend the 55th St Gallen Symposium in May 2026 as Leaders of Tomorrow.

Similar Opportunities

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IRE Freelance Fellowship for Journalists in the U.S. 2027

Fellowship and Scholarship at the ACI Foundation for the years 2027

Application for the 2026 Global Leadership Challenge will open on October 1, 2025. Please stay updated and tuned to apply for the GCL. Also, note these points as an applicant:

If you apply for GLC 2026 and are successful, you should work with a diverse group of four other GLC members.

Applicants’ selections will be considered when allocating the challenge area.

Applicants can name additional applicants with whom they want to get paired in a group.

Kindly visit the GLC’s official website for detailed information about the Global Leadership Challenge (GLC).

Also, Check These Opportunities

DAAD Postgraduate Scholarships in Performing Arts in Germany 2027-2029

UNESCO Youth for Peace Intercultural Leadership Programme 2026 ($10,000 Grant)

Harvard Kennedy School Public Policy Leadership Conference 2026 for Undergraduates

100 South Asia Excellence Scholarship by the University of Newcastle, Australia 2024

Bachelor Scholarship of Eastern Mediterranean University in Turkey

The Gates Scholarship Program for Undergraduate Applicants[Fully Funded in the U.S.]