The AI Negotiation Challenge – Global Simulation 2026 is an international negotiation competition exploring how artificial intelligence can be integrated into diplomatic practice. The two-day online event will bring together professionals and graduate students from around the world to experiment with the use of AI in complex negotiation settings.
Hosted by the Harvard Kennedy School and organised by Frontline Associates, the simulation is developed in collaboration with a network of international academic and policy partners, including the Geneva Graduate Institute’s Executive Education and the Tech Hub, and offers a unique opportunity to rethink multilateral diplomacy in the age of AI.
Reimagining Multilateral Diplomacy in the Age of AI
The AI Negotiation Challenge is a nonprofit initiative dedicated to exploring the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence in negotiation and diplomacy. Through simulations, workshops, and collaborative learning, the initiative promotes the safe, effective, and responsible use of AI in addressing global challenges.
The Global Simulation is the initiative’s flagship event. Participants work in teams to apply AI tools to negotiation planning, scenario development, and drafting, while navigating the ethical and strategic implications of these technologies.
A High-Stakes Simulation on Arctic Diplomacy
The 2026 edition focuses on the future of security and cooperation in the Arctic, a region increasingly shaped by geopolitical rivalry, climate transformation, and economic change.
In this immersive simulation, more than 30 teams from around the world will participate in a re-enactment of a multilateral conference addressing Arctic governance. Each team represents a state or non-state actor and must develop negotiation strategies, coordinate internally, and build coalitions with other participants.
The exercise explores key diplomatic challenges, including:
- balancing competing sovereignties and geopolitical interests
- addressing environmental and climate risks
- managing economic and social transformations in the Arctic
- integrating AI tools into diplomatic processes while maintaining human judgment, accountability, and trust.
Format
The two-day online programme combines expert briefings with immersive negotiation rounds designed to test strategic thinking and coalition-building under pressure.
Teams of three to five participants will compete through a structured three-round negotiation process, culminating in a final drafting round and the awarding of the 2026 AI Negotiation Challenge Global Award.
Who Can Apply
Diplomats, negotiators, mediators, and graduate students in international affairs, public policy, and related fields are invited to participate.
Applications are now open and will close on 13 April. Selected teams confirm their participation with a USD $40 registration fee per team.
Participation is free for students of the Geneva Graduate Institute.
Registration
More information and registration details are available on the event website:
https://www.ai-negotiation-challenge.org/harvardevent