The Global Energy Essay Contest provides an exciting opportunity for college and university students around the world to engage in critical thinking and present their ideas and solutions to tackle the key energy issues that humanity faces today.
As energy resources become scarce and climate change becomes an increasingly pressing reality, it is imperative to involve and engage students—the decision-makers of tomorrow—to discuss real and practical solutions on how energy can be used and provided in a sustainable and accessible way.
The Global Energy Essay Contest provides a platform for students from all backgrounds with an opportunity to share and expand their unique understanding of the worldwide urgency surrounding these issues, and the opportunity to be recognized for important contributions to shaping a sustainable future for all.
Essay Topic
The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared 2014‑2024 as the Decade of Sustainable Energy for All, underscoring the importance of energy issues for sustainable development and for the elaboration of the post-2015 development agenda.
Taking inspiration from this, we would like students to write an essay addressed to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on the following topic:
A Vision for The Decade (2014-2024) of Sustainable Energy for All
Eligibility
The essay contest is open to all students from across the world that are currently enrolled in university working towards a degree program (B.A., B.S., M.A., M.S, M.B.A, M.Ed., Ph.D., etc). We strongly encourage students from all disciplines who have an interest in energy and sustainability issues to participate.
Essay Contest Guidelines
- The essay must be written in English, typed and double-spaced
- The essay should contain between 1,200 to 1,500 words (excluding bibliography and citations)
- Students must produce their own work and use proper citations where appropriate. Common styles such as APA or MLA are acceptable and should be consistent throughout the essay
- References should appear as endnotes, not footnotes.
Prizes
The First and Second place winners will receive US$1000 and $500, respectively as well as an invitation to the Global Energy Conference at the United Nations from December 11-12, 2013. The First place winner will also have a speaking opportunity during the award presentation ceremony. Airfare, accomodation and travel visa to New York will be covered. The top ten finalists will receive certificates from Global Energy Initiative.
How to Enter
- Pre-register your name and school details
- Please upload your essay in Word or PDF format to EssayContest2013@GlobalEnergyInitiative.org
- Include the application form in your email, which can be downloaded here
- The subject line of the email should read “Global Sustainable Energy Essay Contest 2013”
- The essay should be saved as follows: First & Last Name University (e.g. Jane Smith_ University of Maryland)
- The deadline for submission is October 28, 2013. Prize winners will be announced on November 8, 2013.
