Key Information at a Glance
- Application Deadline: 16 July 2025
- Registration Deadline: 30 April 2025, 23:59 CET
- Total Prize Pool: 25,000 CHF
- Top Prize: 10,000 CHF
- Participation Requirements: Teams of 3-5 graduate students
- Travel Expenses: Covered for finalists invited to Geneva
- Focus Area: Migration Challenges
The 2025 Geneva Challenge, also known as the Advancing Development Goals International Contest, is an annual competition designed to encourage innovative and pragmatic solutions to pressing global issues. This year, the competition focuses on addressing the challenges of migration, a critical issue affecting millions worldwide.
Since its launch in 2014 by the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, the Advancing Development Goals (ADG) Contest has gained recognition as a prestigious platform for young minds to propose actionable solutions to major development issues. This competition, supported by Ambassador Jenö Staehelin, provides graduate students worldwide with the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and contribute to solving a relevant international development problem.
In 2025, the challenge revolves around migration—a topic that affects economies, societies, and cultures across the globe. By participating in this contest, students can apply their academic knowledge and creative thinking to develop solutions that could shape policies and initiatives for the betterment of migrant communities and host nations alike.
Why Participate in the 2025 Geneva Challenge?
This competition offers numerous benefits beyond just prize money:
- Global Recognition: Being a finalist in the Geneva Challenge brings prestige and recognition to students and universities.
- Networking Opportunities: Participants engage with international experts, policymakers, and fellow students.
- Funding for Ideas: The financial rewards can help kickstart or further develop projects.
- Career Advancement: Winning or participating in this competition can be a valuable addition to academic and professional resumes.
Prize Structure
The ADG contest offers a total prize pool of 25,000 CHF, distributed as follows:
- 1st Place: 10,000 CHF
- 2nd Place (Two Teams): 5,000 CHF each
- 3rd Place (Two Teams): 2,500 CHF each
Additionally, finalist teams will be invited to Geneva for an oral presentation of their proposals, where they will defend their solutions before a jury and an audience. Travel expenses—including flights, visa fees, and accommodation—are fully covered by the contest organizers.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the 2025 Geneva Challenge, teams must meet the following requirements:
- Each team must consist of 3 to 5 graduate students.
- All members must be enrolled in a Master’s program at the time of registration.
- Teams must adopt an interdisciplinary approach, drawing insights from at least two different academic disciplines.
- Each participant must submit proof of enrollment at the time of registration.
Thematic Focus: Addressing Migration Challenges
Migration is a complex and multi-faceted issue, affecting economies, social structures, and international relations. The 2025 Geneva Challenge invites participants to explore innovative solutions that address:
- The impact of migration on labor markets and economic development
- Policy frameworks for integrating migrants into host societies
- Strategies for improving the rights and well-being of migrants
- Humanitarian responses to refugee crises
- Sustainable migration policies that balance security and human rights
By leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration, students can develop holistic solutions that go beyond traditional policy responses.
How to Apply
Step 1: Team Formation
Gather a team of 3 to 5 graduate students from your university or collaborate with students from different institutions. Ensure that your team has members from at least two different academic disciplines to meet the interdisciplinary requirement.
Step 2: Registration
Teams must register by 30 April 2025, 23:59 CET. Each member must submit a scanned copy of their student ID or another proof of enrollment document.
Step 3: Develop Your Proposal
Your submission should include:
- A clear identification of a migration-related problem
- Theoretical grounding and interdisciplinary analysis
- Practical and innovative solutions
- Feasibility assessment of proposed ideas
Step 4: Submission
Complete and submit your proposal by 16 July 2025, 23:59 CET. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Selection and Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Relevance to Migration Issues: How well does the proposal address a significant challenge?
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Does the project integrate insights from multiple disciplines?
- Innovation and Creativity: Does the solution bring fresh perspectives or novel strategies?
- Feasibility and Implementation Potential: Can the idea be realistically applied?
- Clarity and Structure: Is the proposal well-written and logically organized?
Regional Prize Distribution
The competition acknowledges the importance of global representation. Therefore, five winning teams will be selected based on their university’s geographical location:
- Africa
- Asia
- Europe
- North America & Oceania
- Latin America
This ensures that diverse perspectives from around the world contribute to the discussion on migration.
The Final Presentation in Geneva
The top five finalist teams will be invited to Geneva, Switzerland, for a final oral presentation where they will:
- Present their proposed solutions to a panel of expert judges.
- Answer questions from both the jury and an international audience.
- Compete for the grand prize of 10,000 CHF.
Travel expenses for these teams—including flights, visa applications, and accommodations—are fully funded by the contest organizers.
Past Success Stories
Previous editions of the Geneva Challenge have led to real-world impact. Winning teams have successfully:
- Implemented pilot projects in their home countries
- Partnered with international organizations to scale their solutions
- Used their experience to launch careers in international development
Conclusion
The 2025 Geneva Challenge presents an unparalleled opportunity for graduate students to contribute to solving one of the most pressing issues of our time: migration. With significant financial incentives, global recognition, and a chance to present in Geneva, this competition is a gateway for young innovators to make a meaningful impact on the world.
Aspiring participants should start assembling their teams, brainstorming solutions, and preparing for a transformative experience. Don’t miss the registration deadline on 30 April 2025 and the submission deadline on 16 July 2025.
For further details, visit the official Geneva Challenge website.
