A new world is emerging. Nations are reasserting power. Machines are redefining what's possible. Together, they're rewriting what tomorrow looks like.

The question is who's ready.

That's why Global Citizen and Bridgewater Associates, the global macro investment firm, teamed up for the second year in a row to find the world's sharpest forecasts. Five winners would each take home $25,000.

The world answered. After reviewing more than 1,300 submissions from 150 countries, Global Citizen and Bridgewater have named the winners of the 2026 challenge.

Meet This Year's Winners

Daniella Biblin (USA)

Anderson Chung (USA)

Kento Hikima (Australia)

Vibhor Vanvani (India)

Jinjou Wang (Canada)

Why Forecasting Matters

Two forces are converging: a new era of mercantilism is changing global trade, policy, and power, while AI is redefining what economies, nations, and individuals can do. How these forces interact will shape opportunities worldwide, including for hundreds of millions of people living in extreme poverty.

"We believe the world right now is at one of the most critical points that it will be in our lifetime," said Nir Bar Dea, CEO of Bridgewater Associates.

That's why forecasting matters. Better forecasts lead to better decisions, and to acting before change arrives, rather than reacting after it. 

And the people best placed to see it coming aren't always the usual experts. This year, students, early-career professionals, and researchers from every corner of the world sent in their forecasts on what the next decade holds.

The Challenge

The ask was simple - the answer was not. 

Make a series of yes-or-no forecasts on the next decade. Put a probability on each. Explain why. The top five would win $25,000 each and a potential path to a career at Bridgewater.

Fourteen finalists then faced Bridgewater CEO Nir Bar Dea, Global Citizen CEO and Co-Founder Hugh Evans, and Bridgewater's investors in a live debate, defending their calls against the experts and against each other.

Five came out on top.

For last year's winner, Nick Hamilton, the challenge was just the start. He's now an Investment Associate at Bridgewater. 

What Comes Next

The forces reshaping our world aren't slowing down, and neither is the partnership between Global Citizen and Bridgewater. 

Follow Global Citizen and Bridgewater Associates to see what we take on next.