Entente Cordiale University Challenge

The Entente Cordiale University Challenge is an international policy competition inspired by the Entente Cordiale, the historic 1904 agreement between the United Kingdom and France that laid the foundation for closer cooperation between the two countries. Established as part of the annual Entente Cordiale Day Summit, the Challenge now brings together university students from France, the United Kingdom, and the United States to develop innovative, evidence-based solutions to pressing global issues while fostering international dialogue and collaboration.

Working in interdisciplinary teams of three, undergraduate and graduate students respond to an annual policy challenge by conducting original research, analyzing competing perspectives, and preparing a 5,000-word policy report with practical, evidence-based recommendations. The competition is designed to mirror the collaborative, interdisciplinary work required to address today's complex global challenges.

Following the submission of written reports, 10 finalist teams from each participating country are selected to present their proposals before an international jury of leaders from government, academia, business, and civil society at the annual Entente Cordiale Day Summit. Finalists receive expert feedback, engage with students from leading universities across the three countries, expand their international professional networks, and compete for awards recognizing the strongest policy proposals.

The Challenge provides an opportunity to apply classroom learning to a real-world policy issue while strengthening research, writing, teamwork, policy analysis, and presentation skills. Students also gain valuable experience collaborating across disciplines and cultures to address issues with global significance.

George Washington University is among the inaugural U.S. institutions selected to participate in the Challenge, joining a small cohort of American universities helping launch the competition in the United States. The competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students from all academic disciplines, reflecting the belief that the most effective solutions emerge through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Eligibility

• Each team must comprise exactly three students. Individual submissions are not permitted.
• All members must be currently enrolled at an accredited higher education institution in the UK, France, or the US, and may be of any nationality.
• Undergraduate, Master's, and Doctoral students are all eligible, and a team may mix degree levels, faculties, or universities, provided all members are enrolled in the same country.
• Students who have deferred or interrupted their studies for up to six months remain eligible.
• Recent graduates and visiting scholars are not eligible. Participants must be currently enrolled students and remain enrolled for the entire duration of the competition.