Past Contests

2023

Youth Creating a Peaceful Future

What does a peaceful world look like to you? How can young people work together, using creative ideas and approaches to realize a peaceful future? Please share your specific ideas.

2022

My Values

Our values determine how we think and act, and they shape the society we live in. What are the values that you hold dear? How can you best live your life in line with those values, and in doing so, what kind of society do you hope to create?

2021

2021 Concours International d’Essai pour la Jeunesse

What is Life?

What does life mean to you? Have you had an experience that made you think about the meaning of life? What kinds of things can you do to cherish and invigorate your own life and all life on earth?

2020

A Letter from Myself in 2030

Imagine what an ideal world ten years from now would be like. Write a letter from yourself in 2030 to your present (2020) self, in which you describe the state of the world, the way people are living, and what you, yourself, are doing in society. In addition, include any important message that you might wish to tell your present self.

2019

Creating a Society Full of Kindness

What does “Kindness” mean to you? How do you think we can create a kinder society?
Carry out ten acts of kindness, and then use your experience as inspiration in writing your essay (your essay does not need to be about your acts of kindness).

2018

The Change I Want to Make

What is the one thing you would like to change the most to make your school, workplace, community, country or the world a better place? How would you bring about that change? Please share your concrete ideas.

2017

Learning from Nature

Modern civilization has developed through controlling nature and exploiting its resources. At the same time, we human beings are part of the natural world, and nature has many things to teach us. Scientists, philosophers, poets, and artists have all found inspiration in nature. What can we learn from nature, and how can we make use of that learning for the future? Please describe your ideas, including your own observations and experiences.

2016

Education to build a better future for all

We live in a world with many complex problems, both local and global. What kind of education and learning would help us address these challenges and create a sustainable world and a better life for all? Describe your concrete ideas for an ideal education.

 

2015

Building peace in our hearts and minds

UNESCO was created 70 years ago to build peace in the minds of men and women as a way to attain lasting peace in the world. What does it mean to build peace in our hearts and minds? How does it relate to the world around us? Please illustrate your ideas with your personal experience

 

2014

My role as a citizen of earth

In the vast universe, we were born on this planet called Earth, where various cultures and ethnicities, all living things, and all of nature exist together. However, in our world today, we face numerous problems–environmental destruction, resource depletion, wars and conflicts, poverty, and many more–that make our future uncertain. Given this situation, what do you think is the best way forward for humanity? How do you wish to fulfill your role as a citizen of Earth?

 

2013

The power of culture to create a better future

Every part of the world has its own culture. Culture includes the arts, traditions and customs of a country or region, as well as the wisdom, values, lifestyles and trends of the people living there. In order to build a peaceful world, we need to acknowledge and respect each other’s cultures. What aspects of the culture in your country or region do you take pride in? How can youth make the most of them to create a better future?

 

2012

Creating the future we want

The future begins with the vision we hold now. What kind of future do you wish to create for yourself and the world? Please share your dream and ideas for making it a reality.

 

2011

My story of inspiration

Many people experience inner change that motivates them to create a better world.
Please share your story of inspiration that has affected your life and changed you to make a change in the world.

 

2010

My role in creating a peaceful world

What is your vision of a peaceful and harmonious world? What can you and the young people of the world do to realize that vision?

 

2009

The role of science in building a better world

Scientific progress has brought many benefits to humanity, while some applications of science have had adverse impacts. What kind of science and technology do you think is needed for realizing a more equitable, prosperous and sustainable world for all? Please express your vision for the future of science, including examples of studies or researches you wish to engage in.

 

2008

My project to create positive change in my environment

How can I foster sustainable development in my community? Please submit your innovative ideas and concrete plans/projects to address the social, cultural, environmental or economic problems faced by your community.

 

2007

The role of media and ICT in building a peaceful world

TV, radio, Internet and other forms of media have great influence in shaping our lives and society. What should be the role of the media and communication technologies in the future? How would you make use of these various tools of communication to help create a better world?

 

2006

Learning to live together: promoting tolerance and diversity in globalized societies
(Children’s Category)

In our modern world, people of different nationalities, races or religions often find themselves living and working side by side. How can peoples of diverse cultures and backgrounds live together peacefully? How can young people contribute to the creation of dynamic and harmonious multicultural societies? What kind of projects can you start to achieve this goal?

(Youth Category)

Ignorance, exclusion, discrimination, and a lack of social integration of foreigners and immigrants within the main society may become causes of deep frustration and explosive violent clashes among young people as seen in different parts of the world. How can peoples of diverse cultures and backgrounds live together peacefully? How can young people contribute to the creation of dynamic and harmonious multicultural societies? Formulate your ideas for a project or initiative to achieve this goal.

 

2005

Caring for our planet

We human beings are enabled to live through the blessings of nature and relations with other people. However, human activities are harming our planet in various ways. How can we build a global society in which everyone can enjoy a good and happy life while caring for our planet? What are some things you can do in your daily life or in your community?

 

2004

Making the most of my qualities

Each person has their own unique qualities. What are your positive attributes? What do you like about yourself? How can you best make use of your qualities for the benefit of the society?

 

2003

My vision for the future

What are your hopes and dreams for your future and the future of our world?

 

2002

What is harmony?

How can we achieve a world in which every individual and every nation can freely express their individual qualities, while living in harmony with one another and with all life on earth? What are some things you can do to promote harmony?

 

2001

What is life?

What does it mean to respect all life? How can human beings live in harmony with one another and with all life on earth? What are the things you can do immediately, and what do you wish to do in the future?

 

2000

What does peace mean to you?

What kind of a world do you envision for the 21st century? What does peace mean to you? How do you think we can achieve peace? What are the things you can do immediately, and what do you wish to do in the future? You may also tell us about the activities and projects for peace in which you are already involved.