Apply For Commonwealth Innovative Youth Essay 2024 (Win Up To £1,000 Prize)
The Commonwealth Secretariat has announced the launch of the “Think Trade, Think Green: Commonwealth Innovative Youth Essay Award Competition.”
This contest, organized by the Trade and Youth teams, seeks to engage young minds in tackling a vital issue: How can trade and trade policy address a specific aspect of the climate crisis in their country?
Objective
The goal is to encourage young people across the Commonwealth to delve into the relationship between trade and climate change. Participants are invited to propose how trade policy can contribute to solving the climate crisis.
Background
The Commonwealth consists of 56 member nations with a total population of 2.7 billion people, with more than 60% of them between the ages of 15 and 29.
The Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) has been dedicated to youth empowerment for over 50 years, recognizing its importance for economic growth and inclusive development.
In partnership with the Secretariat’s Trade Competitiveness Section, the CYP invites young individuals to participate in this essay competition.
This initiative aims to amplify youth voices in climate action and policy, aligning with the Year of Youth objectives that promote youth-led entrepreneurship, resilience, and climate adaptation.
Commonwealth Innovative Youth Essay Award
Benefits
- First Prize: £1,000
- Second and Third Prizes: £500 each
- Publication: The top three essays will be featured in the Trade Competitiveness Briefing Series and launched at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa in October.
Requirements
- Age: Participants must be between 18-29 years old.
- Nationality: Participants must be nationals of Commonwealth countries.
- Essay Length: Essays should be a maximum of 2,000 words, including in-text references and footnotes (excluding the reference list).
- Formatting: Essays must be submitted as a single PDF or Word file, using 1.5 spacing and Times New Roman font.
- Details to Include:
- Name
- Age
- Nationality
- Contact information (email, address, telephone)
- CV or short bio
Selection Process
Important Dates
- Start Date: 15 July 2024
- Submission Deadline: 21 August 2024
- Winners Informed: 2 September 2024
Judging Criteria
Entries will be assessed based on the originality of the challenges identified and the solutions proposed, the quality of writing, and coherence with international trade policy frameworks.
All essays will undergo blind peer review by the Trade and Youth Team. A panel of esteemed judges will review the essays and give awards to the top submissions.
How to Apply
Essay Topic
Participants are asked to address the following question: “In what ways do you think trade and trade policy can help to address an aspect of the climate crisis in your country?”
Participants need to pinpoint a particular issue, explain its connection to the climate crisis, and detail how trade or trade policies can help solve it.
Submission
Email your essay and required details to tcs@commonwealth.int by 21 August 2024. If you have any questions regarding the essay competition, feel free to email tcs@commonwealth.int.
For more details, visit the Commonwealth website.
Conclusion
This competition offers a unique opportunity for young people across the Commonwealth to contribute to the global conversation on trade and climate change. By participating, they not only stand a chance to win significant prizes but also have their voices heard at a high level, influencing policy and making a real impact on the world.
In summary, the Commonwealth Innovative Youth Essay Award is an excellent platform for young minds to showcase their ideas on how trade and trade policy can be leveraged to combat climate change. With the right mix of creativity, research, and practical solutions, participants can make a difference while gaining recognition for their efforts.
So, if you’re between 18 and 29 years old and passionate about trade and climate change, don’t miss this chance to make your mark.