Competition Rules

One entry per person per year. Essays must be in English, 1,200–1,500 words, and identify a youth problem with a practical solution. Count includes the essay body and any references entered in the editor. The entrant must be able to explain and defend the work. Do not include identifying details in your essay.

Originality: no plagiarism, impersonation, purchased essays or undisclosed ghostwriting. AI-generated essays submitted as personal work are prohibited. Basic spelling and grammar help is permitted. Disclose material assistance. No unreliable AI-detection claims will be used as proof.

Finalists may be invited to a 5–10 minute online verification interview. Identity or student documents are requested only when necessary, using a separately agreed secure method. Entrants under 18 must have a parent or guardian’s permission.

Judging follows the published criteria. Conflicts of interest must be disclosed; judges see only assigned essays and anonymous submission IDs. The organizer confirms awards after reviewing eligibility and verification. Overall Top 3 winners cannot also receive a country-specific award: that award passes to the next eligible entrant.

People’s Choice is a separate stage for selected finalists. One vote per verified account per competition year. Buying votes, duplicate accounts, coordinated fake accounts and automation are prohibited. Public voting never determines the overall competition winner.

Fraud, duplicate identities, referral self-dealing, plagiarism or abusive conduct may lead to investigation and disqualification. Entrants may request a review by contacting the organizer within 14 days of a decision. Winner and status changes are logged.

Referral commissions apply only to confirmed, non-refunded payments, at the rate recorded when payment succeeds. No self-referrals or fabricated accounts. Payout requests are reviewed and processed manually; approval is not a guarantee of instant payment.

Publication: entrants retain copyright. By submitting, you grant the organizer a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to reproduce and publish your essay with appropriate attribution for administering and promoting this competition, including results and an anthology. Unrelated commercial use requires separate permission. Withdrawal requests and privacy rights may be discussed with the organizer.

Prizes are subject to identity and eligibility checks, applicable tax obligations, and a lawful payout method. Currency equivalents and timing must be published before entry opens. No entrants are asked to pay a separate prize-release fee.

Dates, age-reference date, prizes and the refund policy are published on this website. Material changes will be communicated to affected entrants. For disputes, contact the organizer first; nothing in these rules removes statutory rights.