The 55th St. Gallen Symposium invites leaders, thinkers, and innovators to explore one of the most pressing questions of our time: “Disruption in Tech + Politics + Demography: What happens when they collide?” Participants are challenged to examine how these forces interact and propose bold, long-term strategies to harness their potential while mitigating risks. The Global Essay Competition 2026 At the heart of the Symposium lies the Global Essay Competition, the world’s premier platform for cross-generational dialogue. This competition offers young visionaries an opportunity to share their ideas on global transformation, connect with senior leaders, and influence conversations that shape the future. What Participants Gain A Seat at the 55th St. Gallen Symposium: Join 300 of the brightest young minds—recognized as Leaders of Tomorrow—and engage directly with 600 senior leaders from business, politics, academia, and civil society. Global Exposure: Present ideas on a world stage and gain insights from top thinkers and decision-makers. Prize Money: Win from a total of CHF 20,000, awarded to the three most outstanding essays. Membership in a Unique Global Community: Become part of a lifelong network of purpose-driven changemakers across generations. Essay Topic: When Worlds Collide The 2026 theme challenges participants to explore the convergence of technology, politics, and demography—three forces reshaping societies worldwide. Entrants are invited to: Select a case where at least two of these forces intersect. Analyze how this interaction drives change, innovation, or tension. Propose a bold, forward-looking idea that maximizes collective benefit and reduces long-term risks. Submissions should demonstrate systems thinking, creativity, and a capacity for pragmatic vision—hallmarks of the next generation of global leaders. Registration and Application Details The registration window for the Global Essay Competition is now open. Successful applicants qualify as Leaders of Tomorrow and receive an invitation to participate in the 55th St. Gallen Symposium. If technical issues arise during registration: Clear cached images and files in your browser. Use Google Chrome for the best experience. If problems persist, use the alternative application link provided on the official website. For additional support, contact the organizers via leadersoftomorrow@symposium.org. The St. Gallen Symposium: A Legacy of Dialogue For over 50 years, the St. Gallen Symposium has fostered meaningful conversations across regions, cultures, and generations. Established as a platform for intergenerational learning, it continues to bring together students, academics, business leaders, and policymakers to reflect on humanity’s most urgent challenges. Key Initiatives New Generational Contract In collaboration with the Club of Rome, this initiative promotes long-term thinking and systems transformation. It seeks to redefine how generations collaborate in addressing global challenges, from sustainability to social equity. Young Community The Symposium’s Young Community consists of over 11,500 global members—a vibrant network that connects rising leaders through annual competitions, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities. Members also contribute to a curated Knowledge Pool, a hub of insight from young achievers worldwide. Open Content The Open Content platform provides access to over 10,000 essays on cross-generational issues collected over three decades. These works offer inspiration and a historical lens on how emerging leaders have envisioned the future through shifting global contexts. A Gathering of Generations The 55th St. Gallen Symposium will bring together voices from diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas and challenge perspectives. It is more than a conference—it is a living dialogue between generations committed to shaping a sustainable and inclusive future. Participants can expect: Engaging Debates: Candid discussions between established and emerging leaders. Inspirational Speakers: Presentations from some of the world’s most influential thinkers. Collaborative Workshops: Interactive sessions exploring real-world solutions to systemic challenges. How to Get Involved Aspiring participants and supporters can explore different avenues of engagement: Submit an Essay: Compete for the opportunity to attend the Symposium as a Leader of Tomorrow. Join the Community: Become part of a global network dedicated to intergenerational understanding and innovation. Access Open Content: Dive into decades of ideas and debates that have shaped the Symposium’s legacy. Looking Ahead The 55th St. Gallen Symposium is not just a conference—it is a call to reimagine the future at the intersection of technological evolution, political transformation, and demographic change. As these forces collide, they create both turbulence and opportunity. The Symposium invites the next generation to lead this dialogue—driving visionary yet pragmatic approaches to ensure a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable global society. For full details on participation and updates on the 2026 Symposium, visit the official St. Gallen Symposium website or contact leadersoftomorrow@symposium.org. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. 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