The Think Trade, Think Green: Commonwealth Innovative Youth Essay Award has been launched by the Trade Competitiveness Section and the Commonwealth Youth Programme as part of activities planned for the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa. The 56 Commonwealth member countries have a combined population of 2.7 billion people, with over 60 per cent aged between 15 and 29. The role of young people as agents of positive change and creators of innovative projects in their communities and countries is increasingly recognised as they contribute to finding solutions to the myriad challenges facing our world.
Climate change is disrupting national economies and affecting the livelihoods of people, especially the most vulnerable. In dire need for action, this year’s essay topic focused on how trade and trade policy can address an aspect of climate crisis in the Commonwealth.
The Competition invited young researchers and students to share their insights on trade and trade policy and amplify their voices in climate action and over 500 entries were received. This initiative aligns with the objectives of the Commonwealth Year of Youth, declared by Leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2022 to promote youth-led entrepreneurship, resilience and climate adaptation.
This publication is a recognition of the outstanding submissions of the ten selected essay writers from across the Commonwealth who have contributed their thoughts to the interlinkages between trade policy and climate action and how governments can adopt policies that foster sustainable economic growth.
