CICA Essay Contest 2025 Fully Funded Trip to Azerbaijan: (Deadline 15 July, 2025)

CICA Essay Contest 2025 is now open, offering a fully funded opportunity for young writers to showcase their ideas and win an all-expenses-paid trip to Baku, Azerbaijan. Organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan with support from the CICA Secretariat, this prestigious international essay competition invites participants aged 18 to 30 to share their thoughts on pressing global issues. The winners will be honoured at an exclusive awarding ceremony and enjoy a cultural sightseeing tour in Baku in October 2025. No IELTS or application fee is required, making it accessible to a wide range of talented youth worldwide.

This is more than just an essay contest—it’s a gateway to international recognition, cross-cultural exchange, and impactful dialogue among young leaders. The CICA International Essay Competition 2025 empowers youth to voice their perspectives while connecting with peers from across the globe. Whether you’re a student, aspiring diplomat, or passionate writer, this contest is your chance to shine on an international stage. Learn more about the essay theme, eligibility criteria, financial coverage, and how to apply below.

Essay Contest Summary

• Host Country: Azerbaijan
• Location: Baku
• Duration: 3 Days
• Dates: October 2025
• Benefits: Fully Funded
• Deadline: 15 July 2025

Financial Benefits

The Program Covers:

• Round-trip Economy-Class Airfare to Baku.
• 3 Nights’ Accommodation in Baku.
• Airport Transfers to/from the Hotel in Baku.
• Free Sightseeing Tour of Baku.
• Certificate by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Essay Topic

• Theme: Youth as Catalysts for Peace, Cooperation, and Sustainable Development in the CICA Region.
• Relevance: The theme is based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16 (Peace, justice, and strong institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the goals).

Your essay should offer Innovative perspectives and solutions for global challenges, such as climate change, energy security, and economic development.

Explore how young people can play a crucial role in building mutual trust among CICA Member States regarding these issues.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligibility: Participants must be between 18 and 30 years old
• A Citizen of one of the above countries.
• Submission Requirements:
  • Each participant may submit only one essay.
  • A brief biography of the author must accompany the essay.
  • Essays must not include the author’s name.

Requirements and Format of the Essay

• Language: Essays must be written in English.
• Format: Submit your essay as a PDF file.
• Bibliography: Include a bibliography at the end, listing all sources consulted or cited using a standard citation format.
• Font: Use Arial, size 14.
• Line Spacing: Set line spacing to 1.3 cm.
• Margins: Apply 2 cm margins on all sides.
• Page Numbering: Number pages in the lower right corner.
• Word Count: Essays should be between 1,500 and 2,000 words, excluding the bibliography.
• Originality: Your essay must be free from plagiarism and not infringe on any third-party rights.

Eligible Countries

• Afghanistan
• Azerbaijan
• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Cambodia
• China
• Egypt
• India
• Iran
• Iraq
• Israel
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Mongolia
• Pakistan
• Palestine
• Qatar
• Republic of Korea
• Russia
• Sri Lanka
• Tajikistan
• Thailand
• Turkey
• United Arab Emirates
• Uzbekistan
• Vietnam

Timeline

• The contest results will be announced in September 2025.
• You can find the results in the “Events” section of the CICA website (http://www.s-cica.org/)