Deadline: 8 August 2025
The 10th UCLG ASPAC Congress offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore how to create self-sufficient, sustainable cities and resilient regions that will thrive in the future.
In this regard, as part of the 10th UCLG ASPAC Congress in Goyang Special City, Republic of Korea, an International Essay Competition will be held to promote the event, encourage the thinking of self-reliant and self-sufficient communities, exchange knowledge and insights, while also spark inspiration for future urban solutions.
Theme
- Essays will be written under the main theme of Sustainable Global Self-sufficient Cities and Regions for the Future and essayists can choose to elaborate on the 5 sub-topics such as:
- Job Creation (Explore innovative solutions and strategies for creating sustainable employment opportunities in cities and regions).
- Youth Leadership (Discuss the role of youth in shaping the future of cities and regions through leadership, activism, and innovation).
- Energy Self-sufficiency (Examine how cities and regions can achieve energy independence through renewable sources and efficient energy systems).
- Highlight strategies for making cities and regions more inclusive, accessible, and supportive for families of all types).
- Urban Growth (Analyze the challenges and opportunities of managing urban growth in a way that promotes sustainability, resilience, and equity).
Categories
- The Competition is open to 2 (Two) Categories of Essayists:
- Youth – from all nationalities aged 15-25.
- Accredited/professional journalists internationally
Funding Information
- The following awards will be given in the Youth’s category and Journalist’s category respectively:
- A prize of USD 500, USD 300, USD 200 for the first, second, and third winner in the Youth category
- A prize of USD 750, USD 400, USD 250 for the first, second, and third winner in the Journalists category
Eligibility Criteria
- Essays may be submitted by anyone up to 25 years old (as of September 26, 2025) for the Youth Category.
- There is no minimum age requirement for the Journalists Category. However, only journalists accredited by their Press Card could join the essay competition.
- Entrants can only choose one of the five themes mentioned above.
- Essays must be original/originally written by the entrant. Therefore, all sources must be cited and referred to the respective part in the essay as all entries will be tested for plagiarism.
- Only one essay entry is allowed.
- Essays must be unpublished.
- Contents of the essay must adhere to the ‘One China Policy’ (no mention of Taiwan), and most not contain or represent any sensitive political issues.
Application Requirements
- Essays must be max. 1000 words in English. Essays must be typed, with your name, institution (such as university, if entrants are still attending university), chosen theme and essay title included at the top of the first page.
- There are no rules regarding formatting (font style, size, line space, etc.). However, essays must be submitted in either MS Word (DOC/DOCX) or PDF format.
- Your name and essay title are not included in the word count limit.
- Your essay entries must be submitted via submission form.
- For journalists submitting their essay, please also attach a file of your Press Card.
For more information, visit UCLG ASPAC.
