Global Circles

Real talk. Global voices. Big issues.

Join a pro-facilitated, accelerated dialogue where your voice matters on the global issues sparking debate and shaping our societies. No passport required.

Upcoming Rounds

Join us! Participants must be 18 or older.

Dates of the round: Sept. 14th - Sept. 25th
Live Sessions dates: Sept. 18th and Sept. 25th

International institutions and principles are increasingly challenged by world leaders. The UN and other Intergovernmental organizations seem to lose their power and authority.

  • Is that good or bad? What are the risks if international law collapses?

  • Can we count on powerful countries to maintain the World order?

  • What can be the role of less powerful countries?

Application deadline: August 30th

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Dates of the round: Oct. 12th - Oct. 23rd
Live Sessions: Oct. 16th and Oct. 23rd

  • What is empathy and what does it look like?

  • Why, when and where does it matter?

  • Are there variations across cultures or in the ways we express it?

  • Is it just a matter of personality or can it be learned?

  • What should be its role at work or in geopolitics?

  • Is empathy enough or is there a need to take action in solidarity with those who suffer?

Application deadline: Sept. 27th

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Dates of the round: Nov. 9th - Nov. 21st
Live Sessions: Nov. 13th and Nov. 21st

  • What role is AI playing in today’s job markets and how is it already affecting the capacity of humans to remain relevant across continents?

  • Could AI be a much bigger technological disruption than the previous ones?

  •  Is there a possibility that AI will take control of the economy rather than enhance it?

  • Will AI end up replacing our jobs or just make them evolve?

Application deadline: Oct. 25th

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By participating in Global Circles, you will:

  • Take ownership in global discussion spaces.

  • Develop your skills in communication, leadership, and cross-cultural engagement thinking.

  • Earn a certificate of participation recognizing your contributions to key global issues.

  • Become a member of an active, global alumni network.

  • Get exposure to new career perspectives and networking opportunities.

Inside the Experience

When you join Global Circles, you’re stepping into a space intentionally designed for real conversation, global connection, and fresh perspective.

Here’s how we make that happen:

  • Each Circle brings together hundreds of participants, curated into small groups of around 15 participants from across the world, carefully balanced to include diverse backgrounds, geographies, identities, and worldviews.

  • Every small group is guided by a trained pro-facilitator to keep dialogue respectful, engaging, and meaningful.

  • You’ll explore global issues that actually matter.

  • A manageable 10 hours across 2 weeks – two dynamic live 2.5-hour sessions and space for reflection, action, and growth in-between; with real-world prompts to deepen your experience.

  • Whether you’re a student or a professional, all you need is curiosity, an open mind, and internet access.

  • The participation fee is $95 per round.

    A limited number of scholarships are available, with further details provided in the application form.

Recent Rounds

Global Circles Digest
Global Circles Digest | Modern Dating & Digital Romance
Global Circles Digest | Modern Dating & Digital Romance
Global Circles Digest | Does Information Have Any Value in the Age of AI?
Global Circles Digest | Does Information Have Any Value in the Age of AI?
Global Circles Digest | Beyond the Headlines: Human Connections in a Time of War
Global Circles Digest | Beyond the Headlines: Human Connections in a Time of War
Global Circles Digest | The Climate Generation Gap
Global Circles Digest | The Climate Generation Gap
Global Circles Digest | Faith & Doubt in a Polarized World
Global Circles Digest | Faith & Doubt in a Polarized World

  • "The dialogue sessions were something that I did not know I needed, and I am forever grateful. From the beginning, I felt like I belonged and just very, very comfortable. I learned that although people may be in different locations, and living different lifestyles, we still share common concerns, likes, dislikes and beliefs. I'm very glad to have met a lot of brilliant people."

    Alumni | US

  • "As a direct result of the thematic approach employed in Global Circles, participants are highly passionate about engaging with each other's perspectives, and learning is truly co-created. Groups tend to pick up on Soliya's dialogue approach and they bring a lot of insightful questions and discussion angles."

    Facilitator | Turkey

  • "We regularly invite participants into courageous conversations — not to agree, but to understand. And while these conversations can be uncomfortable, it’s in that discomfort that real understanding, and meaningful change, begins."

    Program Manager | Tunisia

  • "I was so happy communicating with different people from different places and backgrounds. I enjoyed listening to my group mates' stories and experiences and I'm so glad I met them. I discovered new ways of thinking, I learned how to look at things from different perspectives, and I learned to be more confident about asking questions to reach a better understanding."

    Alumni | Jordan

  • "These days, it is rare to be in online spaces (or even in person spaces) where the main aim is to listen - to really and truly put your energy into listening, and try to see where someone else is coming from without judgement. Especially when talking about controversial topics. I think that is what makes participating in a Global Circles round a special experience."

    Alumni | US

FAQs

  • Global Circles are opportunities to meet and engage online with other participants from various countries and cultures on topics that matter locally and globally. The learning comes from the participants themselves through constructive dialogue supported by trained facilitators. Through your participation, you will not only increase your knowledge on the topics but also start building meaningful international relationships.

  • Each round starts on a Monday and usually takes place in the months of February, March, April, June, September, October and November. Start dates are communicated in advance. During the rounds, the asynchronous part of the program takes place via posts on our learning platform. The live sessions take place on zoom rooms that are accessible through the same platform. Live sessions usually happen every Friday between 2.00 and 4.30 PM or 5.00 and 7.30 PM GMT / UTC.

  • The activity is designed to provide a rich online experience with minimal technical requirements. Our team provides technical support and trouble-shooting throughout the round. Computers should have the following specifications:

    The latest version of a modern browser (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge (Chromium) or Mozilla Firefox).

    A webcam, headset/headphones, and a microphone.

    Minimum bandwidth of 100 Kbits/sec download and 50 Kbits/sec upload is required. We strongly recommend using a stable and robust connection for an optimal experience.

  • To receive a certificate, participants will be expected to engage with the posts by inserting comments on the group stream and, most importantly, attend the two live sessions.

  • Your certificate will be shared via email two weeks after the end of the experience.

  • You may participate in as many rounds as you wish. In fact, we encourage it for improved experience!

  • Each round is independent and will offer you the opportunity to participate in an online facilitated dialogue with different group members.

  • Once you apply, you will receive an invitation to register before each round. If you’re interested in a certain round and topic, please make sure to apply by the deadline mentioned under the round’s topic and details.

  • Yes! If you sign up and pay for three rounds within this calendar year, you’ll receive an exclusive 20% discount on the full package.

    It’s a great way to secure your spot and get the most value out of your participation!

    • Living with conflict

    • Polarization and Social Media: Can we free ourselves from algorithms?

    • Access to vital natural resources: What model for tomorrow? 

    • The Robot and I: What future relationships between humans and advanced technologies? 

    • Climate change and inequalities

    • Freedom of Speech: Meanings and Limits

    • World citizenship and social media: how to express our solidarity today without adding fuel to conflicts?

    • Artificial intelligence and human ethics

    • Global solidarity: meaning and scope

    • Online, interactive media: How does it affect our mental health?

    • Exploring Artificial Intelligence: What it is, who it affects, and what do we change?

    • How does your identity and background define your place and opportunities in society?

    • What can be done about various types of discrimination?

    • What is the role of youth in taking action against climate change?

    • How to balance local culture and globalization?

    • Digitalization, consumption modes... How should we adapt after the pandemic?

    • 3 years after #metoo, where are we in terms of gender relations?

    • How do you differentiate between truth and fake news?

    • How would a world without borders look like?

    • How to overcome the pandemic's repercussions on psychological health?

    • Vaccination safety, access, and ethics

    • Freedom of speech: Perceptions and limits

    • Do we trust science?

    • The future of social relationships in a hybrid world.

    • Social media: A blessing or a curse?

    • Social Media: A Weapon of War or Network for Peace?

    • Social justice vs climate action.

    • What does the war in Ukraine mean for the world?

    • Artificial Intelligence, global skills and the Future of Work

    • Rethinking humanitarian action in a world of crises

    • Social change through citizen initiatives

    • Taking new action to tackle global hunger

    • Metaverse and virtual life - what are the implications on society, education, and the future of work?

    • Inflation and consumption: What economy do we want for tomorrow?

    • Reimagining Global Health

    • Digital Transformation and Society: How do emerging technologies impact us globally?

    • The meaning of Political Participation today

    • Life Goals: What is a meaningful life?