Think Trade, Think Green: Commonwealth Innovative Youth Essay Award
The Commonwealth Secretariat is thrilled to announce the launch of the Think Trade, Think Green: Commonwealth Innovative Youth Essay Award Competition. This prestigious competition invites young researchers and students aged 18-29 from Commonwealth nations to engage in a critical examination of how trade and trade policy can contribute to addressing climate change.
Who Can Apply?
This competition is open to youth aged between 18 and 29 who are nationals of any of the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries. These include nations from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, the Pacific, Europe, and North America.
About the Competition
Objective: The primary goal of the competition is to challenge young minds to explore the interplay between trade and climate change and to propose innovative trade policy solutions that can mitigate aspects of the climate crisis.
Essay Topic: Participants are invited to submit essays addressing the question: In what ways do you think trade and trade policy can help to address an aspect of the climate crisis in your country? Essays should identify a specific problem, explain its connection to the climate crisis, and propose how trade or trade policy could be utilized to resolve it.
Submission Requirements:
- Maximum of 2,000 words (including in-text references and footnotes, excluding reference list)
- Full referencing in any style
- Single PDF or Word file, 1.5 spacing, Times New Roman font
- Include Name, Age, Nationality, Contact Information (email, address, telephone), and CV or short bio
Important Dates:
- Start Date: 15 July 2024
- Submission Deadline: 21 August 2024
- Winners Informed: 2 September 2024
How to Submit: Send your completed essay and details to tcs@commonwealth.int by 21 August 2024. For inquiries, contact the same email address.
Judging Criteria: Essays will be judged on originality, relevance, quality of writing, and alignment with international trade policy frameworks. Entries will be blind peer-reviewed and assessed by a distinguished panel.
Prizes:
- First Prize: £1,000
- Second and Third Prizes: £500 each
- Top essays will be featured in the Trade Competitiveness Briefing Series and launched at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa in October.
Terms and Conditions: The Commonwealth Secretariat reserves the right to publish the material produced by the authors and will adhere to data protection laws.
About the Commonwealth Year of Youth
With over 60% of its 2.7 billion population aged between 15 and 29, the Commonwealth prioritizes youth empowerment. The Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP), in partnership with the Trade Competitiveness Section, invites young people to participate in this competition, reinforcing their role in climate action and policy.
Join us in this exciting opportunity to shape a sustainable future through innovative trade and climate solutions!
Apply now, apply here
