Applications are now open for Trust for Sustainable Living (TSL) 2024 International Student Essay Competition
About the 2024 International Student Essay Competition “How can nature help us achieve the UN SDGs in my community?”
Nature provides us with everything we need to survive and thrive – clean air and water, food, materials for shelter, medicines and so much more. Many people believe that nature can help us tackle major global challenges such as climate change, food and water security, biodiversity loss and disaster risk reduction, as well as improving human health, societal wellbeing and developing sustainable economies.
We want to hear students’ own views on how they feel that nature can support the achievement of the SDGs in their own communities. Students are invited to approach the topic however they wish. They can choose to focus on one SDG, or multiple SDGs that they feel are a key issue within their communities and explore how nature could help to improve the situation. They are strongly encouraged to include their own personal views, perspectives and experiences to help bring their thoughts and visions alive.
The judges are looking for originality and creativity in all formats – and the potential to contribute to constructive national or international debate. Unique and well-argued perspectives score highly.
Please read The Brief for full details on competition entry requirements.
Click here for details on how to register and submit your essay entries.
The prizes
One overall Grand Prize Winner will receive a trophy and a cash prize of £1000 and £500 for their school, with one Runner Up receiving a trophy and a cash prize of £500 and £250 for their school (cash prizes paid in local currency). All participating Teacher Champions, Essay Finalists & Honourable Mentions, and International Debate participants, will receive personalised e-certificates.
Key dates
- 08 September 2023
TSL 2024 Essay Competition Launch – NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS. Registration open for Teacher Champions/Schools to participate in TSL 2024 Essay Competition.
- 18 January 2024
Final deadline for essay entries.
- 14 March 2024
Announcement of International Essay Competition Finalists & Honourable Mentions on TSL websites.
- 18 April 2024
Top Ten Finalists from Primary and Secondary categories notified via Teacher Champion.
- 18-22 April
Invitations to participate in the International Student Debates sent to eligible students via their Teacher Champion.
- 14 March – 31 July 2024
Country Debates.
- Summer 2024
International Schools Debate & Awards (online) Dates TBC.
Want to enter? Here’s how
Become a Teacher Champion
Teacher Champions represent their school or college and submit all student essays. Students can participate in one of two age categories: 7-11 years or 12-18 years. The 2024 competition is open now. The deadline to register and submit entries is 18th Jan 2024.
