Entente Cordiale University Challenge
The Entente Cordiale Challenge is an annual Franco-British student summit and competition commemorating the signing of the 1904 Entente Cordiale. Held under the patronage of His Majesty King Charles III and President Emmanuel Macron, it brings together forward-thinking undergraduate, master's and PhD students who are passionate about developing innovative solutions to global challenges. By connecting some of the brightest young minds with influential leaders, prestigious institutions and enduring traditions, the Challenge seeks to inspire, equip and nurture the next generation of leaders.
The Competition
- Teams of 3 students from participating universities write a 5,000 worded solutions-focused policy report on a prescribed theme.
- The top 10 teams in their respective country will present their reports in front of an esteemed grand jury.
2027 Challenge
The theme for the 2027 challenge will be "Artificial Intelligence, Power, and Ethics." The finals of the competition will be held at the University of Oxford April 7-8, 2027. Selected finalist teams will receive all-expenses-paid travel to Oxford for the competition.
Registration for the 2027 challenge will be open from July 4, 2026 - October 30, 2026.
The competition is open to Columbia students of all degree levels and schools. Interdisciplinary and mixed level teams are encouraged!
Check back here for information on advisory sessions for interested Columbia students in the fall.
The Prizes
Five prizes are awarded annually within each of the United Kingdom, French and United States cohorts, recognizing outstanding research.
The most distinguished prize awarded to the laureates is the opportunity to present their research and policy recommendations directly to senior decision-makers and leading figures in public life. On the UK side, winning teams present to the Principal Private Secretary to His Majesty The King at Buckingham Palace, while on the French side, laureates present before the Head of Cabinet of the Élysée Palace. In the United States, the Entente Cordiale team is currently developing a collaboration with the White House to provide a similar opportunity for future participants.
Learn more and register through the Entente Cordiale University Challenge website.