The St. Gallen Symposium Global Essay Competition (GEC) is widely recognized as one of the world’s most prestigious avenues for student thought leadership. Organized by the International Students’ Committee (ISC) at the University of St. Gallen, it is more than a writing contest; it is a global casting call for the “Leaders of Tomorrow.”The competition invites graduate and postgraduate students to challenge the status quo. Unlike typical academic assignments that prioritize description, the GEC seeks prescription. The jury is not looking for a summary of current events, but for bold, unconventional, and actionable ideas that can spark genuine debate with global decision-makers.This Year’s ChallengeEvery year, the competition revolves around a central theme that reflects the most pressing global issue of the time. For this cycle, the jury is asking you to respond to the following:Disruption in Tech + Politics + Demography: What happens when they collide?Pick a case where at least two of these forces meet, and propose a bold idea to maximize the benefits while minimizing the risks over the long term.Eligibility and CriteriaTo ensure a high level of academic and professional discourse, the competition is open to a specific cohort of emerging leaders. To participate, you must fulfill the following requirements:• Academic Status: You must be enrolled in a graduate or postgraduate program (Master level or higher, including MBA and PhD) at any regular university internationally as of the submission deadline.• Age Limit: You must be born in 1996 or later.• Individual Work: Group submissions are not accepted; the essay must be your own unique intellectual property.The Reward: Impact and AccessThe goal of every participant is to qualify for the Top 100. These selected authors are granted the title of “Leader of Tomorrow” and receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Switzerland to attend the St. Gallen Symposium in May.This is a unique opportunity to bypass corporate hierarchies and engage directly with 600+ top leaders including Heads of State, Fortune 500 CEOs, and Nobel Laureates in an intimate setting.While the primary reward is the experience and the network, the very best submissions are recognized financially:• The Top 100: Full travel, board, and lodging for the symposium.• The Top 3: The three best essays share a prize pool of CHF 20,000. Furthermore, the overall winner has the honor of presenting their idea on the main stage to the plenary audience.The GEC is a platform for those who want to move beyond analyzing the future to actually shaping it. It is your chance to have your voice heard by the people who run the world.