The Observer Research Foundation and IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs host the largest ever edition of the Raisina IE Global Student Challenge

IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs (IE SPEGA) and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), India’s leading policy think tank, joined forces to organize the third edition of the Raisina‑IE Global Student Challenge, a real-life competition where students contribute to shape ongoing and critical discussions about our shared future. Aimed at integrating younger voices and new perspectives into the global governance discourse, this year’s Challenge placed a special emphasis on Artificial Intelligence.

The 2026 edition, the largest ever, brought together 84 students from more than 80 leading institutions across 60 countries across the globe, fostering cross disciplinary and cross geographic collaboration and exchange.

During six weeks, participants worked in 14 diverse and inter-regional teams under the guidance of 14 academic advisors to design comprehensive proposals addressing two major challenges the world is facing. The first case focused on the civilian uses of AI, addressing equitable access, data sovereignty and representative AI ecosystems, as well as AI safety and alignment. The second case examined AI in the military domain, including lethal autonomous weapons systems, nuclear command and control, and cyber operations.

The teams subsequently presented their proposals during the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, India’s premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics hosted by ORF and India’s Ministry of External Affairs, from March 5 to 7. A jury composed of former prime ministers and other distinguished global leaders selected a winning team and a runner up team for each case.

Borja Santos, Associate Dean of IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs, stated: "At a time of growing conflict, geopolitical volatility and rapid technological transformation, academic cooperation is more important than ever. Universities must serve as platforms for dialogue, critical thinking and responsible innovation. Through initiatives such as the Raisina-IE Global Student Challenge, we train our students not only to understand the complexities of AI governance, but to design the solutions of the future. Better governance begins with better education – and with the ability to bring diverse perspectives together around shared global challenges".

"Bringing together 84 students from 60 countries, the 2026 Raisina-IE Global Student Challenge, in its third edition, was a truly one-of-a-kind global event fostering youth inclusion and participation in world debates. It was heartening to see that despite the disruptions this year, the students showcased their best efforts through their provocative presentations on AI in Civilian and Military Use", added Professor Harsh V. Pant, Vice President at ORF. 

The winners of this year’s edition are:

AI for Civilian Use: 

Team mentored by Professor Hoa Nguyen from the Australian National University (Australia)

• Sheilla Oyella — Makerere University Business School (Uganda) 
• Nimisha Kesarwani — Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) 
• Daya Atreya — Geneva Graduate Institute (Switzerland) 
• Mohammad Ratib Suleiman Almajali — University of Jordan (Jordan)
• Rubén Sánchez Álvarez — Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico)
• Priyam Bhattacharjee — Gauhati University (India)

AI for Military Use: 

Team mentored by Professor Carolina Balay from Universidad Austral (Argentina) 

• Aastha Narang — Hertie School (Germany) 
• Rocel Cruz — De La Salle University (Philippines) 
• Sunober Wani — Central University of Kashmir (India) 
• Yuna Naoi — University of Tokyo (Japan) 
• Al Danial Amien Bin Roskushairi — Australian National University (Australia) 
• Vijay Uniyal — University of Mumbai (India)