Changing our world
What is Global Thinkers Meet Up (GTMU)
Global Thinkers Meet Up exists because the world's hardest problems don't get solved by people who only talk to those who already agree with them.
When you sit down — in person or online — with someone whose country, culture, and life experience look nothing like yours, something shifts. You stop seeing the world as a collection of abstractions and start seeing it through human eyes. Your thinking sharpens. Your network grows. And a friendship forms that borders can't undo. This is how we build development and peace.
That's what GTMU is built on:
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We make friends when we come together to discuss ideas — this is a movement to build connections
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Our world expands when we engage with those from different backgrounds — this is a movement to broaden horizons
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Our thinking sharpens when we are challenged to explain what we believe
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And when we understand each other, we stop fighting each other — this is a movement for peace
What GTMU does
GTMU brings intellectually curious thinkers together across four pathways — each one deeper than the last.
Online Meetups 'Seeking the Perfect World'— Gatherings that connect young thinkers (age 14-18) from across the world to explore global challenges, exchange perspectives, and build friendships that last far beyond a single conversation. Thinkers apply to join or Autumn or Spring session. Each session meets 8 times. You will discuss everything from AI to animal rights and immigration. And you will decide how to make it better. To learn more or to apply please click here.
The Oxford Programme — An immersive residential experience in Oxford bringing together participants from across the world for a week of structured debate, mentorship, and network-building. It's designed to be the kind of experience that changes how you see your place in the world. (Ages 14-18). Our first session will launch in 2027.
Civic Discussions — Facilitated conversations where participants from different countries and viewpoints tackle the issues that divide us, and look for the common ground that doesn't make the headlines. We run these online, and are also happy to take this to your school (Ages 18-100+ teenagers welcome with adult consent). To join these please go here.
Facilitator Training — For those who want to take this work further, we train people to run their own Global Thinkers workshops and civic discussions in their own communities. Good facilitation is a craft — and one that most people are never taught. Our training focuses on the skills that make the difference: creating the psychological safety that allows honest conversation to happen; pitching ideas at the right level for your audience; and learning to hold a discussion without letting your own biases or agenda quietly steer it. To apply for this training, please go here.
Get involved
However you want to participate, there's a place for you in GTMU.
Join as a participant. If you're a teen and curious about the world, start with one of our online meetups. No prior experience required, just an open mind and something to say. If you are an adult, join one of our civic discussions, or start your own. We will help you get the word out!
Apply for the Oxford Programme. Ready for something more immersive? Applications for our Oxford residential open annually. Places are limited and drawn from a global pool, so apply early.
Become a facilitator. If you want to bring these conversations to your own community, our facilitator training will give you the tools, frameworks, and confidence to run your own workshops and civic discussions.
Partner with us. We work with universities, civic organisations, embassies, and foundations who share our belief that connection builds peace. If you're interested in co-hosting an event, sponsoring a participant, or bringing GTMU to your institution, we'd love to hear from you.
Spread the word. Know someone who should be part of this? Share GTMU with a curious friend, a student group, or a colleague working in education or international affairs. The network grows one conversation at a time.
Let’s Work Together
We are looking for supporters for our work. If you are interested in providing sponsorship to a young person or for a whole workshop, please be in touch.
