The 5th Belt and Road Initiative Simulation Competition: Open for applications!
The Foundation for Law and International Affairs (FLIA), in collaboration with the University of Reading School of Law, is pleased to announce the 5th Belt and Road Initiative Simulation Competition. The event will take place on July 28, 2026, and invites university teams from around the world to take part in a dynamic, interdisciplinary negotiation competition aimed at deepening students’ understanding of inclusive international negotiations.
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The Belt and Road Initiative Simulation Competition provides a unique platform that integrates experiential learning with practical application. Centered on hypothetical BRI project cases, participants will tackle core issues such as legal frameworks, financial considerations, environmental challenges, labor concerns, and geopolitical dynamics. Teams will represent various stakeholders, including a company, a local government, an NGO, and an intergovernmental organization (IGO), working to resolve conflicts and foster collaboration through English-language negotiations.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Simulation Competition has been held five times—in 2018, 2019, 2024, and 2025, along with a special edition in 2025 dedicated to Sino-foreign cooperative universities, following a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, the competition has attracted over 1,200 student participants. Its training courses and materials have also been adopted by universities worldwide, further expanding its global reach and impact.
About the Competition
Event Highlights
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Develop global perspectives and enhance negotiation and collaboration skills.
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Engage with real-world, interdisciplinary challenges across law, finance, environment, and geopolitics.
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Compete with peers worldwide and receive live feedback from leading scholars and practitioners.
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Access internship opportunities with top law firms.
Competition Details
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Date: To be announced
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Venue: University of Reading
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Application Deadline: May 11, 2026, 4:00 PM (London Time)
How to Apply
The competition this year welcomes both team and individual applications. Interested applicants should submit the application form attached below via email to contact@flia.org.
Team applications may include 3–5 participants.
We welcome individual applicants in cases where forming a team on your own is difficult. We will group individual applicants into teams and ensure each applicant has equal access to the competition.
Fees
No registration fee will be charged. Teams and individuals are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and meal expenses.
Coffee breaks and a reception dinner will be provided during the competition.
Upon successful application, applicants will receive a confirmation email from the Secretariat on May 14, 2026, along with a link to pay the participation deposit. Applicants are required to pay a deposit of $200 for team applications or $80 for individual applications by May 20, 2026 at 4:00 PM (London Time). This deposit will be fully refunded upon attendance on the competition day. Refunds will be processed within 7 business days after the event via the original payment method. Applicants who withdraw before May 20, 2026 (deposit deadline) may request a refund. However, applicants who withdraw after receiving their roles and confidential instructions, or who fail to attend the competition, will forfeit the deposit. Given the nature of quadrilateral negotiations, it is essential for the Secretariat to ensure that all four parties are present at the negotiation table. Therefore, applicants’ commitment is critical. By submitting the deposit, applicants agree to these terms.
Coffee breaks and a reception dinner will be provided during the competition.
Visa Application Support
If you or your teammates require invitation letters for UK visa applications, please mention this in your email when submitting the application form.
Awards
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Team Awards: These include, but are not limited to, the Gold Best Team Award, Silver Team Award, and Bronze Team Award.
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Individual Awards: Several individual awards will be presented, including Law Advocacy Award, Public Speaking Award, and Diplomacy Award.
Call for Papers
FLIA’s journal, Foundation for Law and International Affairs Review, is accepting submissions on negotiation and international dispute resolution. For details, visit our official webpage or submit directly to fliareview@flia.org
Attachments
Attachment 1: Competition Rules and Regulations
Attachment 2: Case Details and Guidelines
Attachment 3: Key Dates and Q&A Information
Attachment 4: Application Form
Attachment 5: Awards and Rubrics
