Ideas4Action Competition 2018

Deadline: 28 February 2018
Open to: youth between the ages 18 and 35 from around the world
Award: unique networking opportunities

Description

Ideas for Action is a youth competition centered around financing sustainable development and sponsored by the World Bank Group and the Zicklin Center for Business Ethics Research at the Wharton School.

Today’s youth will be responsible for implementing the newly adopted 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), approved by the UN in September 2015. The SDGs are an ambitious and transformative set of goals, covering a broad range of interconnected issues, from sustainable economic growth to social issues, to global public goods. To realize this vision, a just-as ambitious plan for financing and implementation is needed. In July, UN member states endorsed a financing for development action agenda, which outlines a wide range of different action areas and commitments for the international community. Youth engagement and innovation will be critical for success. The Ideas for Action competition engages young people from around the world to encourage them to develop and share their ideas for financing solutions to deliver the SDGs. The competition is intended to help catalyze a global conversation among young people all around the world. Conversations happen virtually, over social media networks, and in person, and we hope that you will engage with others who share your passion for international development.

Eligibility

Youth between the ages 18 and 35 from around the world are invited participate. Students between the ages of 14 to18 may participate in our high school initiative, Ideas for Action 14-18, which is sponsored by the Zicklin Center, Wharton School.

Team Composition: This is a team competition. Teams must consist of two to six members and may be formed across different schools, institutions, companies, countries, nationalities etc.

Award

The finalists and winners will be selected by a panel of academics and experienced development professionals from public and private sector institutions. Winners of the competition get the opportunity to:

  • Present their ideas at an event during the Annual Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank Group;
  • Receive support from a project incubator at the Wharton School;
  • Benefit from unique networking opportunities with experts from international development, academia, and the private sector.

How to Apply?

Your proposal should include the following:

1. Title and team name;
2. Short Abstract (200 words);
3. Explanation of problem and context (200-400 words);
4. Explanation of your solution (700-1,400 words);
• Why is it relevant?;
• What is new about it?;
• By who, what, how and when would it be implemented?;
• What is the expected impact?;
5. Are there similar examples? If so, where and how? Please elaborate. (150-300 words);
6. What are challenges you might face and how can they be addressed? (200-400 words);
8. Any additional relevant information;

Formatting guidelines:

• Proposals should be between 1,500 and 3,000 words, with proper citations and references. The word count does not include the appendix, footnotes/citations, or any charts/graphs. Teams should use the template at the end of this document and include a 200-word abstract summarizing the key points of the proposal;
• The submission must be in Times New Roman, 12 pt font;
• All appropriate information must be cited;
• The submission should be sent in PDF or Microsoft Word format in English.

Please register your teams on our website at www.ideas4action.org prior to submitting your proposal. You will then receive access to resources and research materials that will help you develop your idea. In addition, you will receive all relevant updates and information on the competition and upcoming events.

Proposals must be submitted in Microsoft Word or PDF format utilizing the appropriate link provided on the Ideas for Action website.

  • Announcement of submissions selected for the final round: Early April 2018;
  • The announcement of winners: 31 May 2018.

For more information please visit the official call.