Financial Times x Crimson Global Foundation

2nd Global Essay Competition
2025/2026

We're back with one of the biggest essay competitions for young thinkers. Join us and earn a chance to be published by the Financial Times!

Powered by the best in education & journalism

The Theme

You are an FT columnist, in an era of continuous conflict. You are asked to write an article about conflict, which can take various forms (see potential topics below). In your article, you should thoroughly analyse the conflict at hand while also critically examining it and proposing a way to resolve it, drawing from pertinent, sourced evidence.

Geopolitical Conflict

So...Why Participate?

Stand out in your university applications

Top universities, whether it’s Oxford, Cambridge, or Ivy League schools, are looking for students who can think critically, analyze facts, and communicate ideas clearly. Entering this competition gives you the chance to showcase your writing in a real-world setting, proving that you’ve got what it takes!

Be a part of something bigger

Journalism is about more than words on a page—it’s about driving change, giving a voice to the unheard, and holding power accountable.

Your essay could make a real impact and contribute to meaningful conversations around the world.

Earn an exclusive certificate from Financial Times & CGF

Stand out with a prestigious certificate awarded by two global leaders in education and journalism.

This certificate recognizes your effort, creativity, and intellectual achievement, showcasing your dedication to excellence.

You can also:

Get published by the Financial Times &
Earn a FREE FT Membership for your School

Achieve what most young writers dream of—seeing your work published in the prestigious Financial Times, a platform read by global leaders and influencers. Plus, give your school access to a free membership, unlocking exclusive resources to fuel academic and intellectual growth.

Save the Key Dates!

REGISTRATION OPEN

October 13, 2025

Students register their interest to join the CGF x Financial Times Global Essay Competition. Registered participants will be invited to take part in Phase I once the reading stage opens.

PHASE 1

December 15, 2025 - January 15, 2026

Participants read Financial Times articles on conflict, select three that interest them, and react to them sharing short, thoughtful comments. After posting their comments, students should choose “Share” and submit the link under the official FT discussion page. Those who successfully complete this phase will be invited to join Phase II.

PHASE 2

January 30, 2026 - March 30, 2026

Successful participants from Phase I will write a 700–800 word article expanding on their chosen perspectives. There will be awards for top submissions and the best essay will have the chance to be featured on Financial Times for Schools.

Prerequisites

For your contribution to be valid, the following criteria must be met:

Qualify with an Excellent Essay

The article should include an accurate reflection of the conflict chosen and demonstrate critical thinking in proposing a realistic resolution.
Typical article length should be between 700–800 words (absolute maximum). We’re not looking for an overly academic essay format (e.g., “In this essay, I will be discussing…”), but rather a journalistic-style column.
The argument should be rigorous and supported by evidence (sourced from relevant content).

Check Your Eligibility and Prepare Documents

For high school students, aged 16-19. Students need to verify their high school enrolment in one of the following ways:

Using school email address
Provision of most recent school transcript (only official documents accepted)
Letter by school, signed and stamped by admin/member of senior leadership

All personal data (such as email addresses and phone numbers) collected for this competition will be used solely for competition-related communication and will be deleted shortly after the competition concludes.