Who is responsible … are we ready to take responsibility for the future of our planet?

Global essay competition invites schoolchildren to share their views on the rights and responsibilities of different people worldwide in creating a sustainable future.

Schools/teachers - register here!

At the recent United Nations ‘Rio+20′ Earth Summit, national governments made little headway in addressing the planet’s burgeoning ecological, social and economic problems.We believe that young people can do better, so we’re inviting children to think carefully about who around the world is responsible for doing what to help turn the situation around.

We want to hear what schoolchildren think different groups in society (such as governments, citizens, educators, businesses, organised religions and the media) should be doing to help solve growing global problems of unsustainable development.  Do people’s rights and responsibilities differ around the world and if so, how?

The competition and debate are aimed at primary students (ages 7-11) and secondary students (ages 11-17) and their teachers, in both formal and home schools.

First, Second and Third Prizes will be awarded in both categories and one overall Grand Prize Winner will receive a free trip to either the UK or the Seychelles to attend the International Schools Debates, together with a parent and Teacher Champion. All shortlisted schools will also be invited to participate in the International Schools Debates in the UK (26-27 June 2013) or Seychelles (1-5 July 2013).

Essay Competition

Students are invited to write an essay in English, entitled ‘Who is responsible … are we ready to take responsibility for the future of our planet?’. A distinguished panel of judges, drawn from experts and educationalists in the field, will select three winning entries for each age category. The winning students will be awarded trophies at the International Schools Debates and their essays will be published on the competition website. Essays will be judged for comprehensiveness and clarity, innovative and creative thinking and the potential to contribute to a broad-ranging and constructive international debate (see scoring and judging criteria). The essay length differs by age category as follows:

Primary students (ages 7-11) – max. 400 words

Secondary students (ages 11-17) - max. 600 words

For each category, schools will be invited to submit up to 30 essays online. (Thesemust be submitted by the Teacher Champion, using the login details provided at registration. We regret that paper and emailed copies cannot be accepted.)

International School Debates & Prize-Giving

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