Deadline:
November 02, 2025
Program Starts: December 11, 2025
Program Ends: December 15, 2025
Location(s)
Online Switzerland
Overview
The Global Leadership Challenge (GLC) aims to help emerging leaders to grow in the wisdom and character required for responsible leadership that makes a difference in the world — leadership that doesn’t simply seek to fulfil personal ambition but furthers societies’ sustainable development. GLC is a joint initiative of the University of Oxford (Social Sciences Division and the Oxford Character Project) and the St. Gallen Symposium. Our new partners are Templeton World Charity Foundation, Schwarz Group, and Swiss Re.
From 11-15 December 2025, the GLC will focus on partner challenges, addressing real-world issues through the lens of responsible leadership and sustainability.
Details
To tackle the questions, GLC convenes 100 promising young leaders and Senior Advisors to address pressing challenges by integrating responsible leadership and practical actions. Using character education and design thinking, the fully virtual five-day challenge equiped young leaders with the values and skills needed for navigating today's complex world.
Evaluated by our Award Jury, the group with the most outstanding project idea is able to attend the 55th St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland as Leaders of Tomorrow - all expenses covered.
After GLC, participants apply for further mentoring to grow as future leaders (with the Oxford Character Project at the University of Oxford) to reflect on their own purpose and grow as a future leader.
All active participants will receive a Certificate of Achievement from the University of Oxford and the St. Gallen Symposium.
A Transformative Experience
The Global Leadership Challenge (GLC) aims to help emerging leaders grow in the wisdom and character required for responsible leadership that makes a real difference in the world — leadership that does not simply seek to fulfil personal ambition but advances the common good.
GLC is a joint initiative of the University of Oxford and the St. Gallen Symposium, supported by partners.
From 11–15 December 2025, the GLC will focus on challenges defined by our partners. Participants will work on real-world issues and co-create impact projects, addressing them through the lens of responsible leadership and sustainability.
Vision
GLC aims to empower emerging leaders to grow in the wisdom and character required for leadership that makes a difference in the world. At the heart of every remarkable leader lies an unwavering foundation of character – a steadfast commitment to making the world a better place. Through this platform, we aim to guide and inspire young leaders on their journey, helping them build the skills and values necessary to shape a better future for all.
Impact
GLC convenes global young talents and responsible leaders to champion a new approach to leadership and co-create action projects addressing real-world challenges defined by our partners. Throughout the five-day challenge, participants engage in character education, cross-generational dialogues, and develop a wide range of projects designed to create meaningful impact in their communities around the world.
Challenges in Focus at GLC 2025
Throughout the five-day challenge, GLC participants engage in cross-generational dialogues with senior leaders, will learn from a diverse group of peers, and develop a wide range of action projects focused on concrete challenges.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
GLC Members
The Global Leadership Challenge 2025 will convene 100 young leaders selected through an open application process. Applicants will be evaluated on their passion for engaging with complex global challenges. We are looking for a diverse group of postgraduate students and young professionals who are ready to rise to the challenges of our time and develop themselves as the responsible leaders our world desperately needs now.
GLC Members can participate virtually from around the world.
Eligibility criteria
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You are a student (currently enrolled in a Masters or a PhD programme) or a young professional (aged between 21-30 years).
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You have finished your undergraduate studies.
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You have already demonstrated your commitment to responsible leadership through extra-curricular activities and/or work experience.
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You are committed to investing around five half-days from 11-15 December 2025 for the GLC.
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Active participation in GLC sessions is mandatory to receive a Certificate of Achievement.
We welcome applications from around the world and from all academic disciplines.
Dates
Deadline: November 02, 2025
Program starts:
December 11, 2025
Program ends:
December 15, 2025
Program Starts: December 11, 2025
Program Ends: December 15, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
What's in it for you?
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Become part of a diverse global community of young, responsible leaders
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Engage with world-renowned academics and senior business and policy leaders
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Develop action projects that address some of the most pressing global challenges using design thinking principles
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Learn to lead in a way that not only advances personal ambition but actively seeks the wider good of society
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Earn an official Certificate of Achievement
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Receive bespoke leadership training and mentorship offered by the Oxford Character Project
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Win an invitation to attend the 55th St Gallen Symposium in May 2026 as Leaders of Tomorrow, if your team is one of the top performing teams.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
