2024 ICUA/UNESCO IITE Youth Innovation Contest (Deadline: September 30, 2024)

Are you passionate about protecting our planet? Do you have creative ideas that could help tackle global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, or sustainable living? Then this is your chance to shine. Apply for the ICUA/UNESCO IITE Youth Innovation Contest 2024.

The International Centre for UNESCO ASPnet (ICUA) together with UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (UNESCO IITE) invite children and young people from Belarus, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan to take part in the 2024 Youth Innovation Contest: Collaborating to Improve and Protect our Planet (CIPP). This global campaign is a unique opportunity for you to contribute to a brighter, greener future while showcasing your talents in science, technology, and creativity.

Themes and Topics

Participants are encouraged to create works focusing on one of the following four themes:

• Protection of Marine Ecosystems (SDG 14: Life Below Water): Explore the wonders of the ocean and the challenges it faces—from pollution to climate change. How can we protect marine biodiversity and safeguard our seas for future generations?
• Conservation of Terrestrial Ecosystems (SDG 15: Life on Land): Focus on preserving wildlife, forests, and natural habitats. What can we do to protect endangered species, prevent land degradation, and promote ecotourism?
• Building Sustainable Human Settlements (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities): Examine how we can create greener, more inclusive cities and communities. How can we manage waste, improve public spaces, and make our cities more resilient to natural disasters?
• Responding to Global Climate Change (SDG 13: Climate Action): Address the urgent need to combat climate change. What actions can we take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for extreme weather, and support the most vulnerable communities?

Awards

This contest will recognize the creativity and innovation of participants through various awards:

• Grand Award: Future Leaders in Green Innovations (Up to 20 winners; the winners will have an opportunity to attend the Closing ceremony in China)
• Special Awards: Eco-protection, Sci-Tech Innovation, and Remarkable Presence (Up to 20 winners each; the winners will get memorable prizes from the organizers)
• Merit Awards: Talents of Sci-Tech Innovation, Pioneers of Environmental Protection, and Humanistic Care (Unlimited winners; the winners will receive electronic certificates)

Outstanding works will be showcased on international platforms, in exhibitions, and during exchange activities with experts and peers.

Eligibility

• Open to two age groups:
  • Children’s Group (5-10 years old)
  • Youth Group (11-17 years old)
• Applicant may be from any of the following countries: Belarus, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Your submission should be in English or in Chinese, include both a PDF document and an MP4 video. The PDF can contain texts or images related to your work, while the video should showcase your creative process and explain your ideas. They encourage you to get creative — whether you’re submitting a painting, a story, or a research essay, they want to see your unique perspective on how to make the world a better place.

Application

Submit your work by emailing sco_icua_cipp@163.com. Be sure to include:

• Application form
• A PDF document (up to 20MB)
• An MP4 video (up to 200MB)

For more information, visit Youth Innovation Contest.