2009 Goi Peace Foundation UNESCO International Essay Contest for Young People [Deadline: June 30, 2009]

The United Nations has designated 2001-2010 as the “International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World” and 2005-2014 as the “United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.” Not only should young people benefit from these global initiatives, but they should be empowered to play a leading role in them. The theme of this year’s International Essay Contest is “The role of science in building a better world.” Young people from around the world are invited to submit their innovative ideas on this theme. 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.

This essay contest is organized by The Goi Peace Foundation, UNESCO, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, Japan Broadcasting Corporation, Nikkei Inc., Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education and supported by Japan Airlines.

Theme: “The role of science in building a better world”

Guidelines:

• Essays may be submitted by anyone up to 25 years old (as of June 30, 2009) in one of the following age categories:

a) Children (ages up to 14)
b) Youth (ages 15 – 25)

• Essays must be 800 words or less, typed or printed in English, French, Spanish or German.
• Essays must have a cover page indicating:

1. category (Children or Youth)
2. essay title
3. your name
4. postal address
5. phone numbe
6. e-mail address
7. nationality
8. age as of June 30, 2009 (9) sex
9. school name (if applicable)
10. word count.

• Teachers and youth directors may submit a collection of essays from their class or group. Please enclose a list of participants’ names and the name and contact information of the submitting teacher or director. (Entries missing any of the above information will not be considered.)
• Entries may be submitted by postal mail or e-mail. (Email entries must be in text or MS Word format, with the cover page and essay sent together as one document.)
• Essays must be original and unpublished.
• Essays must be written by one person. Co-authored essays are not accepted.
• Copyright of the essays entered will be assigned to the organizers.

Awards
The following awards will be given in the Children

• Initiatives for International Dialogue Press Statement: “One Step Forward Another Step Needed”