EF Global Speech Contest 2026: Judges and Prizes Announced!

EF Global Speech Contest 2026: Judges and Prizes Unveiled

The prestigious EF Global Speech Contest 2026 (EFGSC2026), organized by EF Education First Japan, aims to foster effective communication skills among middle and high school students. With the globalization of culture and communication, young people today encounter a world that is more interconnected than ever. However, this has also brought challenges, particularly in terms of language barriers that can induce anxiety when it comes to public speaking.

The Vision Behind the Contest

This contest is designed to provide a platform for youth who are hesitant to express themselves due to fear of making mistakes or not being perfect. The focus of the EFGSC2026 is not solely on flawless language use; rather, it emphasizes the importance of conveying genuine thoughts and emotions. The criteria for judging prioritize creativity and passion over technical proficiency. This approach encourages participants to express their ideas, even if their language skills are still developing.

Introducing the Esteemed Judges

EFGSC2026 will feature five distinguished judges, each with a rich background in international education, business, and social media. They will evaluate each participant's speech with the aim of promoting authentic expression:

- Hiroyuki Takagi

Professor at Tamagawa University
Takagi holds a Doctorate in Education from University College London and specializes in international and cross-cultural education.

- Kan Funaayama

Representative of Minna no Ryugaku-bu
Funaayama moved to Vietnam at age 14 and studied international relations and international law at King's College London and UCL. In 2025, he established Minna no Ryugaku-bu to support youth in pursuing experiences abroad.

- Zafira Shahida

Social Lead at EF Education First
As a Japanese-Indonesian, Shahida has a passion for public speaking and education. With a following of 1.7 million, she shares insights and experiences related to studying abroad and language learning.

- Libia Santana

Principal at EF Tokyo School
Growing up in a multicultural environment as a Japanese-Brazilian, Santana has transitioned from a marketing and branding career to focusing on international education, striving to create conducive learning environments for diverse student populations.

- Nana Ito Gloening

Country Manager at EF Education First Japan
After moving to the US at age 12, Ito has built a solid career in e-commerce and startups, now leading EF Japan’s global education initiatives as their first female country manager.

Exciting Prizes Await

General Category Awards:

- Champions (one from middle & high school each): A one-week study abroad program in Singapore, covering flights, insurance, accommodation, and program fees.
- Runners-Up (one from middle & high school each): Discount vouchers worth 50,000 yen.

Advanced Category Awards:

- Middle School Champion: A one-week internship at EF Tokyo Office, including a certificate, transportation costs, residence for students outside Tokyo, and a food voucher.
- High School Champion: Participation in an online University advancement program from the Sydney school (five 60-minute classes).
- Runners-Up (one from middle & high school each): Discount vouchers worth 50,000 yen.

All finalists will receive a certificate recognizing their achievement in EFGSC2026.

Event Details

- Target Group: Middle and high school students, including technical school students
- Timeline:

- Entry Start: February 24, 2026
- First Submission Deadline: April 24, 2026
- Final Submission Deadline: May 8, 2026
- Finalist Announcement: May 15, 2026
- Final Event: June 7, 2026, at the EF Tokyo Office

- Official Website: EF Japan

About EF Education First

Founded in Sweden in 1965, EF Education First is a leading global education company dedicated to breaking down barriers to learning and cultural exchange. Operating in over 114 countries, EF provides comprehensive support for study abroad programs while focusing on quality and safety. With partnerships in research, including with the University of Cambridge, they've implemented proven methodologies to optimize language acquisition.

To discover more about the transformative experiences EF offers, visit their official website at EF Japan.