The Commonwealth Secretary-General and the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network (CYCN) have launched a global competition to inspire, empower and reward young people taking action on oceans.
The deadline for the #YouthLeadSDG14 Action Challenge launched by The Commonwealth Secretary-General and the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network (CYCN) at COP27 has been extended.
Young people aged 18-30, from Commonwealth countries, now have until 8th January 2023 to enter.
SDG14 emphasises how important conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas and marine resources is to the health of individuals, communities, nations and the planet.
Climate change is a huge threat to these environments - particularly in the Commonwealth where 49 of the 56 member countries have coastlines - making youth action vital to its protection for future generations to come.
Global audience
CYCN, a network of young people working to address climate issues, is spearheading this year’s competition, following a successful #YouthLeadSDG13 campaign last year on climate action.
Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, launched the challenge during an intergenerational dialogue event in the wings of COP27. She said:
“Young people are some of the loudest voices on the impact climate change is having on the planet. They are also some of the most creative, talented and innovative agents of change.
“This competition will rightly give a platform to these efforts, which deserve to be seen and applauded by populations, leaders and change-makers across the world.”
Azeez Abubakar, CYCN Partnerships and Engagement Chair, said:
“We believe that youth-led action on SDG14 can have a significant impact on efforts to protect the blue economy, helping to promote an inclusive and climate safe future for all.
“Young people have shown that they are full of ingenuity, creativity and determination when it comes to addressing the climate and protecting our environment. This competition is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate these efforts to a global audience and be rewarded for them.”
The challenge
Young people are asked to document and share their efforts towards the realisation of SDG14 with the Commonwealth Secretariat and on social media for the chance to win one of three £1,000 prizes.
Under the theme of SDG14, CYCN have come up with a list of 14 actions entrants are asked to complete as part of the #YouthLeadSDG14 Action Challenge.
You must be aged 18-30, and come from a Commonwealth country, to enter.
How to enter
To take part, entrants must:
- Sign up for the Action Challenge
- Take photos or film videos (max 10 minutes) documenting their efforts on one or more of the 14 points
- Submit a report via the Action Challenge submission form
- Post the content on social media using #YouthLeadSDG14 and #BlueCharter, tagging @CYCNOfficial and @ComsecYouth
See the guidance on filming and submitting content.
The videos will be posted on the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change (CYCN) social media channels (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and on the Your Commonwealth website.
Submissions will be judged by a panel that will score them on their impact, scalability, creativity, innovation and sustainability.
Three winners will be picked and awarded £1000 each.
The competition closes on 8 January 2023 at 21:00GMT and the top three winners will be announced on International Day of Education on 24 January 2023.
Learn more about the #YouthLeadSDG14 Action Challenge
Media contact
- Amy Coles Communications Officer, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
