The Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) has officially opened applications for the 2026 Prize for Transformative Futures in Peace and Security. This prestigious award recognizes groundbreaking concepts that hold exceptional promise in addressing global peace and security challenges.

Launched under the leadership of Ambassador Thomas Greminger, Executive Director of GCSP, the prize was initiated by Professor Nayef Al-Rodhan, Director of the Geopolitics and Global Futures Department, and Ms. Anne-Caroline Pissis Martel, Director of the Global Fellowship Initiative and Creative Spark.

The prize is designed to encourage innovative thinking that transcends borders, disciplines, and traditional approaches to security. It is open to individuals and organizations worldwide, making it a truly global competition.

  Key Dates

• Application Deadline: Thursday, 20 March 2026 at 23:59 UTC+1
• Announcement of Winners: May 2026
• Award Ceremony: Public event in Geneva, May 2026

  Purpose of the Prize

The GCSP Prize seeks to:

• Reward groundbreaking concepts that address pressing peace and security challenges.
• Encourage innovative, cross-border thinking that goes beyond national boundaries.
• Highlight ideas from diverse fields, including technology, health, environment, and education.
• Provide a platform for changemakers to incubate and scale their solutions.

   Eligibility

Submissions are welcome from any country. However, the concepts must demonstrate:

• Global relevance: Ideas should extend beyond national borders.
• Transformative potential: Projects must show promise in reshaping peace and security landscapes.
• Interdisciplinary scope: Eligible fields include, but are not limited to:
  • Transformative technologies
  • Pandemics and biothreats
  • Autonomous weapons
  • Climate change
  • Human rights
  • Cybersecurity
  • Education
  • Disarmament
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  • Awards and Recognition
• • The inaugural edition of the prize was awarded in 2023, setting the stage for future transformative ideas.
  • Since its launch, the prize has attracted submissions from across the globe, reflecting the diversity of challenges and solutions in peace and security.
  • GCSP continues to serve as an international foundation, fostering dialogue, innovation, and collaboration among individuals and organizations worldwide.

    The GCSP Prize offers multiple levels of recognition:

    • First Place
      • Fully funded two-month incubation programme at GCSP’s Creative Spark in Geneva
      • Valued at CHF 15,000
      • Must be completed within one year of the award
      • Includes a prize trophy and certificate of excellence
    • Second Place
      • Certificate of recognition
    • Third Place
      • Certificate of recognition
    • Two Honourable Mentions
      • Certificates of honourable mention
     

      Why Apply?

    Winning or even being shortlisted for the GCSP Prize offers significant benefits:

    • Access to global networks of policymakers, academics, and practitioners.
    • Opportunity to incubate and refine ideas with expert mentorship.
    • Enhanced visibility and credibility for your project.
    • Contribution to shaping the future of peace and security.
     

       Application Process

    • Applications must be submitted online via the GCSP platform.
    • Deadline: 20 March 2026 at 23:59 UTC+1.
    • Submissions should clearly outline:
      • The concept or project idea
      • Its potential impact on peace and security
      • Evidence of innovation and feasibility
    • The jury for 2026 will be announced shortly.
     

      Background

  The GCSP Prize for Transformative Futures in Peace and Security 2026 is more than an award, it is a call to action for innovators, changemakers, and visionaries. By recognizing and supporting transformative ideas, GCSP aims to empower individuals and organizations to shape a safer, more peaceful world