Global SDGs Pioneers Competition
Writing
In this category, students are invited to explore the power of storytelling by creating written works that address the challenges and opportunities related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants can choose to write short stories, essays, or poetry, all of which should creatively reflect on one or more of the SDGs. Writers will dive deep into themes such as climate action, social equity, responsible consumption, and environmental preservation, crafting narratives or reflections that inspire readers to take meaningful action.
Each piece should not only convey a strong message but also provoke thought and raise awareness about global issues in a way that is engaging, impactful, and thought-provoking.
Fictional Short Stories
Short stories are powerful tools for communicating complex ideas and emotions. Through various genres—whether science fiction, fantasy, drama, or mystery—stories have the ability to captivate and transform. In this competition, we invite students to write short stories that engage the reader with compelling narratives and themes that highlight one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These stories should provoke thought, inspire action, and offer a fresh perspective on global challenges, encouraging readers to think critically about sustainability, equity, and human impact on the world.
Non-Fiction Essays
Essays allow writers to explore their personal reflections and insights, offering a window into their experiences and thoughts. For this competition, we ask students to craft essays that draw from personal experience or true stories, focusing on how the writer has encountered or observed real-world issues tied to the UN SDGs. These essays should be reflective, authentic, and introspective, not formal academic pieces, but rather a blend of storytelling and meaningful observations on the writer’s relationship with global challenges, such as climate change, inequality, or sustainability.
Poetry
Poetry offers an evocative and expressive way to address the pressing issues of our time. In this category, students are invited to write poems that reflect on the interconnectedness of human actions and the planet, with a focus on the UN SDGs. Whether addressing climate change, social justice, pollution, or sustainable development, the goal is to use powerful, vivid language to inspire readers to take action. Your poem should capture the urgency and beauty of the world we inhabit while emphasizing the importance of protecting it for future generations.
Application Guidelines
- Format: All submissions must be typed and submitted as PDF files.
- Short Stories and Essays: Must not exceed 1000 words.
- Poems: Should be no more than 40 lines. Students may submit up to 3 poems.
- Paper Size and Spacing:
All documents should be formatted on A4-sized paper, with 1-inch (2.5cm) margins on all sides. Use 12-point Times New Roman font, and
double-space your text. Any deviations from these formatting rules will not be accepted.
- Titles: Every submission must have a title..
Judging Criteria
1. Creativity: Does the work offer a unique perspective on the topic, avoiding clichés and offering fresh insights?
2. Structure: Is the writing clear, organized, and easy to follow?
3. Style: Judges will assess the language and tone, looking for an engaging and easily comprehensible writing style. Effective use of literary
devices such as metaphor, imagery, and symbolism is encouraged.
4. Relevance to the SDGs: How well does the writing reflect on the UN SDGs and environmental issues?
5. Does it highlight critical global challenges in a creative and insightful way? strategies to mitigate them?
6. Logics: Was the business concept presented logically, persuasively, and enthusiastically?