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UCLG ASPAC International Essay Competition 2025: Call for Youth and Journalists

The United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) is inviting submissions for its International Essay Competition 2025, an initiative under the 10th UCLG ASPAC Congress, to be held in Goyang Special City, Republic of Korea. With the theme “Sustainable Global Self-sufficient Cities and Regions for the Future,” this competition seeks to inspire innovative thinking […]

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Global

Asia

Education level

Professional

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About the opportunity

Competition Focus

As urbanization accelerates and climate challenges intensify, the competition encourages participants to explore how cities can transform into resilient, equitable, and sustainable spaces. Youth and journalists are invited to submit essays under one of five sub-topics:

Job Creation – Sustainable employment solutions in cities and regions.
Youth Leadership – The role of youth in shaping urban futures.
Energy Self-sufficiency – Renewable energy and energy independence.
Urban Inclusivity – Making cities inclusive and family-supportive.
Urban Growth – Managing urban expansion with resilience and equity.

Who Can Apply?

The competition is open to two categories of essayists:

Youth: Aged 15–25 from any country.
Journalists: Accredited professionals from any country.

Prizes

Youth Category:

1st Prize: USD 500
2nd Prize: USD 300
3rd Prize: USD 200

Journalists Category:

1st Prize: USD 750
2nd Prize: USD 400
3rd Prize: USD 250

Winners will also be invited to a virtual Winners Gathering during the UCLG ASPAC Congress (September 24–26, 2025).

Submission Guidelines

Essays must be written in English and not exceed 1,000 words (excluding name and title).
Only one entry per person.
Must be submitted in MS Word or PDF format via the official submission form.
Deadline: Friday, 8 August 2025 at 23:59 PM Jakarta Time (GMT+7)

Journalists must also attach a copy of their press card with their submission.

Additional Notes

Essays must be original and unpublished.
References should be cited properly.
Entries must align with the One China Policy and avoid politically sensitive issues.
Co-authored essays are not allowed.

For full guidelines, download the official document here. If you have questions, email: cemara.dinda@uclg-aspac.org with the subject line: Essay Competition_Questions_[Your Name].

About UCLG ASPAC:
UCLG ASPAC is the largest regional section of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), representing over 10,000 local governments and 4.5 billion people. It is a central hub for knowledge-sharing and advocacy on local governance in Asia-Pacific.

About the Congress:
Held biennially, the UCLG ASPAC Congress brings together key leaders and stakeholders to advance sustainable development goals (SDGs) through local action. The 10th edition will be hosted from 24 to 26 September 2025 in Goyang Special City, Republic of Korea.

For more opportunities, visit opportunitiesforyouth.org.