Global Essay Competition 2026 | St. Gallen Symposium Leadership Opportunity

The Global Essay Competition 2026, run by the St. Gallen Symposium, stands out as a rare platform where emerging scholars can engage in serious global debates and gain access to one of the world’s most high-profile leadership forums. Students at graduate or postgraduate levels are invited to submit original essays on a major global theme, compete for cash prizes, and secure eligibility to attend the St. Gallen Symposium as a “Leader of Tomorrow”.

Key Features & Prize

• Prize money: CHF 20,000 split among the top three winners.
• Qualification: Winners and selected finalists earn the opportunity to participate in the St. Gallen Symposium among senior leaders and young changemakers from around the world. (St. Gallen Symposium)
• Theme for 2026: “Disruption in Tech + Politics + Demography: What happens when they collide?” Participants choose a case where at least two of these forces meet, and propose bold ideas to maximise benefits while minimising risks over the long term.

 Eligibility

• Open to students enrolled in a graduate or postgraduate programme at a regular university.
• Applicants must meet age or cohort conditions, depending on the year. For 2026: born in 1996 or later.
• The essay must be original, individual work; no group submissions allowed.

Why It’s a Great Opportunity

• Access to a globally-recognised leadership forum that bridges generations of leaders and future thinkers.
• The essay competition doesn’t just offer monetary reward — it opens doors to networks, debate platforms, and global communities of young changemakers.
• It allows you to craft and present ideas on pressing global challenges at a high level of discourse.
• For students looking to stand out in applications (graduate school, jobs, leadership roles), participation is a strong credential.

Application Tips

• Start by deeply understanding the theme: “Disruption in Tech + Politics + Demography”. Pick a real-life case where two of those dimensions intersect.
• Ensure your essay is bold but grounded: propose solutions or perspectives that are forward-looking while being realistic.
• Keep your submission clear, original and well-polished. Reflect critical thinking, global awareness, and personal voice.
• Adhere strictly to submission guidelines: length, format, originality, authorship.
• Consider how attending the St. Gallen Symposium would amplify your professional and intellectual trajectory — make that visible in your essay.

The Global Essay Competition 2026 offers a rare blend of rewards: cash prize, global participation and a seat at one of the world’s key platforms for young leadership. If you are a graduate or postgraduate student with strong ideas about the intersection of technology, politics and demography — and you’re ready to express them — this competition could be an excellent opportunity.