Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition (CSET) Children and Youth Challenge 2023

Deadline: August 31, 2023

The Commonwealth believes in investing in young people and helping them lead the way to a better future for everyone.

The Commonwealth recognizes the need for energy in our daily lives, but it is crucial to acknowledge that a significant portion of the energy we presently rely on originates from finite sources. Without finding alternative ways to produce energy without harming the Earth, these resources will eventually run out.

To address this concern, the Commonwealth is committed to promoting sustainable energy, which is environmentally friendly and renewable. By the year 2030, the Commonwealth aims to ensure that affordable, reliable, clean, and sustainable energy is accessible to all. Achieving this objective necessitates collaborative efforts and substantial changes in how we generate and utilize energy.

However, the terminology commonly used when discussing energy and climate can be perplexing. Therefore, the Commonwealth seeks innovative ideas from children and young people within our communities on:

1. Creative and easily understandable approaches to educating people about sustainable energy.
2. Practical ways to incorporate sustainable energy practices within our communities.

Furthermore, the Commonwealth invites teachers and educators to share their most effective strategies for teaching children and communities about sustainable energy. Together, we can foster a better understanding of sustainable energy and work towards a greener future.

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Eligibility Criteria

There are three categories in total. Category A and B for persons aged 7 to 17 years old, and Category C for educators of any age who educate their community on sustainable energy.

Please note:

• All individuals and team members must be a resident in a Commonwealth member country.
• Category A and C are individual submissions. Category B will require a team (minimum three people) for successful submissions.
• Submission for Category A and B must be led by children and youth from the following age groups (inclusive, and as of 31 August 2023): 7 to 10 years old; 11 to 14 years old; and 15 to 17 years old.
• Only submit original content. All applications must be of original creation by the applicant(s).
• The deadline for all submissions is 31 August 2023.

Submission Categories and Requirements

There are three categories. They are:

Category A – Stories written by children and youth, on the innovation and creative use or teaching of sustainable energy in their communities:

• Identify examples of innovative ways that increase the awareness and/or the use of sustainable energy in your community
• Be a reporter; take pictures, and notes of your selected example
• Write the example into a short story

Category B – Prototypes of technological solutions or innovations developed by the children and youth with or for sustainable energy:

• Take a photo of a problem (related to energy) in your community
• See how it can be solved by using clean / renewable / sustainable energy (e.g. sun, wind, water)
• Test your solution, and record how it is going (what did you do, what the impact has been and what you have learned)

Category C – Sample or case studies of best practices and materials used to educate and engage communities on sustainable energy. Category C is open to all (any age) formal and informal educators to share their best practices and educational materials:

• Identify ways and materials that successfully engage your community to learn about sustainable energy
• Collate evidence of your sessions (write about your methodology, take a video, collate the materials you use)

Prize

All winners will receive certificates from the Commonwealth Secretariat. The winning entries (one per five Commonwealth regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and Canada, Caribbean, and Pacific) will be offered the chance to pitch their ideas to their local governments and policymakers through a virtual platform, with the potential for implementation, dependent on funding and suitability of the solution. 

A grand prize of sponsorship to the UNFCCC COP 28 in Dubai, UAE will be offered to one (1) representative of an overall winning entry in the age 15-17 category.

Application registration Deadline: 31st August 2023

To Apply: Click
Category A
Category B
Category C
Official Website: Click here