POLICY ISLES 2026

Two days. Four experiences. One generation stepping into the conversation.

On 27–28 June 2026, Mission Gen Atlantis brought together students, innovators, young leaders and international voices for Policy Isles 2026, a two-day online experience at the intersection of policy, entrepreneurship, diplomacy and global exchange. Designed to move beyond the format of a conventional student conference, Policy Isles gave participants the opportunity to debate legislation, build solutions, engage with global voices and connect across borders. The event brought together four flagship experiences under one platform: the Model American Congress, Shark Tank Open Innovation Challenge, Youth Policy Lab and International Cultural Exchange.

Model American Congress

At the centre of Policy Isles was Mission Gen Atlantis’ Model American Congress, an immersive legislative simulation designed to take students beyond traditional committee debate and into the actual process of policymaking. Delegates negotiated, built coalitions, examined competing policy positions, drafted legislation and defended their ideas in a simulated congressional setting. Participants also received pre-conference format and public-speaking training, background material and detailed feedback, creating an experience focused not simply on speaking about policy, but on understanding how policy is shaped, challenged and negotiated.

Shark Tank Open Innovation Challenge

In collaboration with Project Spark, Policy Isles expanded beyond policymaking into entrepreneurship and innovation through the Shark Tank Open Innovation Challenge. The challenge attracted 160+ registrations, with participants developing solutions to real-world problems and presenting them through a two-stage format consisting of a PPT or video submission followed by a live pitching round for shortlisted teams. The aim was simple: to push participants beyond identifying problems and towards building something in response to them. Teams were assessed on creativity, feasibility, impact and communication, while receiving the opportunity to refine their ideas through feedback and competitive pitching.

Youth Policy Lab & International Exchange

The Youth Policy Lab created a space for students, stakeholders and global voices to engage directly through conversation and exchange. Among the speakers was Farzana Faruk Jhumu, a climate justice advocate and member of the UN Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change, who shared insights on youth participation, advocacy and global decision-making. Alongside this, Mission Gen Atlantis hosted an international cultural exchange with students from Toyama Chubu Prefectural High School, Japan, working closely with members of the school’s debate club. Students exchanged perspectives, discussed their experiences and explored how culture, education and lived context can shape the way the same issue is understood. The exchange reflected a core part of Mission Gen Atlantis’ vision: creating spaces where international engagement feels personal, collaborative and genuinely two-way.

Built Through Collaboration

Policy Isles was made possible through partnerships with organisations that shared our commitment to youth leadership, dialogue and innovation. Project Spark collaborated with Mission Gen Atlantis on the Shark Tank Open Innovation Challenge, while the Cryvion Foundation joined as an outreach partner, helping extend the initiative to a broader youth network. Break the Ice and IEECB Sustainable Youth also contributed to the wider Policy Isles ecosystem, strengthening its international, youth engagement and sustainability dimensions. Together, these collaborations helped transform Policy Isles from a single event into a platform where young people could experience policymaking, entrepreneurship, diplomacy and global exchange in one space.

100+ Shark Tank Registrations | 4 Flagship Experiences | International Student Exchange | Global Youth Speakers | Multiple Partner Organisations

Policy Isles was built around one belief: young people should not just be invited to watch important conversations happen. They should be given the tools, spaces and confidence to enter them.