ISETS-ESCAP Global Competition of Youth Voice on Energy Transition & Youth Dialogue

 

 Information and Participant Guidelines

 

Introduction

The International Society for Energy Transition Studies (ISETS), in partnership with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), proudly announces the annual Youth Voice on Energy Transition Program. This initiative aligns with the UN Secretary-General’s commitment to engaging youth in discussions on critical global issues, including the transition to sustainable energy. Recognizing the significant potential for young individuals to serve as vital agents of change, the Program aims to harness their dynamism, creativity, and innovation to advance the global quest for a sustainable energy future.

The Program comprises two principal components: the Global Competition of Youth Voice on the Energy Transition (hereafter Youth Voice Competition) and the Youth Dialogue. The Youth Voice Competition invites youth worldwide to present their innovative ideas, technologies, products, projects, and solutions aimed at advancing the energy transition. Winners of the competition will be invited to participate in the Youth Dialogue at ESCAP headquarters, alongside energy-related meetings and events each year.

This arrangement provides a unique platform for youth to engage directly in discussions, observe official UN energy events, and enter into dialogues with officials and policymakers. Going beyond merely engaging young voices, this groundbreaking program seeks to empower them to become part of the global dialogue on energy transition.

The ISETS-ESCAP Global Competition of Youth Voice on the Energy Transition is structured around several core objectives: amplifying youth voices in support of energy transition and green development, fostering actions by young people from diverse backgrounds to engage in the just energy transition, encouraging creativity in the development of new technologies and solutions for energy transition, and facilitating collaboration across borders to combat climate change.

Submission Guide

1. Inclusivity and Accessibility: Participation in the competition and dialogue is free, with efforts made to ensure diversity, inclusiveness, and broad representation.

2. Language Requirement: All submissions must be in English to ensure uniformity and accessibility in this international competition.

1. Entry Submission: Participating teams are required to submit their entries using the provided template, addressing each of the selection criteria outlined within it. They may also attach detailed information as needed. All materials must be consolidated into a single PDF file. Submissions that do not adhere to the provided template will be disqualified.
2. Registration and Submission: To participate, the corresponding members must first register on the ISETS website and submit the entries through the ISETS website (www.isets.org).
3. Video Presentations: For participants invited to submit videos, please ensure your video is in English and includes captions. Your video should contain complete content, a clear structure, and self-consistent logic. The submission guide will be announced in the invitation letter.
4. Rights for Use and Publicity: By submitting entries for the competition, including written documents, videos, and other media, participants grant ISETS and other organizing bodies the right to non-commercial use and the publicity of the entries. [Included as a declaration in the Template]
5. Content Guidelines: Entries must not contain pornography, violence, or engage in religious, racial, and regional discrimination. Submissions must comply with relevant laws and regulations. Originality is required, and plagiarism is strictly prohibited. Videos should not contain advertisements, watermarks, or logos. All entries must adhere to copyright laws and ensure no intellectual property disputes.
6. Participant Information: When submitting entries in the first stage, all group members must accurately provide their dates of birth according to the template instructions. Groups will be disqualified from advancing and from prize eligibility if any participant is found not to meet the age requirements.

Types of Entries

The competition aims to harness the creativity, expertise, and passion of young people around the world to make a tangible difference in the quest for sustainable energy. It welcomes submissions that push the boundaries of traditional thinking and offer fresh, impactful approaches to accelerating the global energy transition. Submissions can include, but are not limited to the following types[1]:

1. New Models or Frameworks: Innovative models or frameworks for energy systems, consumption, distribution, or policy that promote sustainability and efficiency. These could include circular economy models, decentralized energy systems, or novel regulatory and market mechanisms.
2. Innovative Action Plans or Solutions: Comprehensive strategies or action plans aimed at facilitating the energy transition at local, regional, national, or global levels. These could address specific challenges such as financing renewable energy projects, increasing public awareness and participation, or overcoming technical barriers to energy access.
3. New Products: Technological innovations, product designs or business models that contribute to renewable energy generation, energy storage, energy efficiency, or reduction in energy consumption. Examples could range from solar panels, wind turbines, and battery technologies to energy-efficient appliances and smart grid solutions.
4. Technology Applications and Software Solutions: Software, apps, or platforms that support energy transition goals. This could include blockchain for energy trading, AI for optimizing energy consumption, or digital platforms for promoting community-based renewable energy initiatives.
5. Educational and Awareness Campaigns: Creative and impactful campaigns or programs designed to raise awareness about the importance of the energy transition and how individuals and communities can contribute. These could leverage various media, including social media, to reach a wide audience.
6. Research Studies and Analyses: Data-driven research that provides new insights into the energy transition, including market analyses, policy impact studies, or technological feasibility studies. Submissions could highlight key trends, barriers, and opportunities within the energy transition space.
7. Pilot Projects or Case Studies: Documentation and analysis of pilot projects that have been implemented and can serve as a model or inspiration for similar initiatives. These could showcase successful integration of renewable energy sources into existing grids, community-led energy projects, or innovative business models in the energy sector.
8. Artistic and Creative Expressions: Projects that use art or creative media to explore and communicate themes related to energy transition, such as installations, performances, or visual art that raise awareness or envision the future of energy.

Participant Eligibility and Team Composition (18-30)

The Competition invites young thinkers and doers from UN Member States to contribute their ideas towards accelerating the global energy transition. It is open to youth aged 18-30, with dates of birth ranging from January 1, 1994, to December 31, 2006, for the 2024 competition year.

• Individuals or Small Groups: Participants can enter the competition as individuals or in small groups, with a maximum group size of four (4) people.
• Supervisor/Mentor Involvement: Teams may nominate a supervisor or mentor who has offered substantial guidance and support throughout the competition process. It’s important to note that mentors are NOT classified as a team member; therefore, they are not subject to age restrictions.

Selection Criteria

To ensure a comprehensive and impactful contribution to the energy transition, the ISETS-ESCAP Youth Voice on Energy Transition Program has established a detailed set of assessment criteria. These criteria are designed to evaluate the potential of each submission to make a meaningful difference in the global effort toward sustainable energy systems.

The initial submission to the Competition must include an address to the selection criteria (A template will be provided). A detailed document to support the submission is highly recommended:

Screening criteria (Entries that fail to meet any criteria will not be further assessed)：

Team Qualification: The teams affirm that all members are within the specified age range and hail from UN Member States.

Impact and Relevance to Energy Transition: Entries must directly address a specific challenge or opportunity within the energy transition including critical mineral development that is essential for the energy transition, demonstrating a clear and thorough understanding of the issue at hand. Submissions should articulate how their proposed solution or innovation has the potential to contribute positively to the energy transition.

Technical criteria (Submissions NEED to address these criteria)

• Innovation (20 Points): Solutions should showcase originality in approach, methodology, or technology. The assessment will consider how the entry introduces new concepts, ideas, or innovations that stand out from existing solutions.
• Versatility (20 Points): Show versatility for adaptation and describe implementation potential in different scale and different region.
• Sustainability (20 Points): Demonstrate the long-term viability of the solution in terms of environmental, economic, and social factors.
• Impact (20 Points): The expected impact of the solution on the energy transition should be significant and measurable. Entries should provide evidence or projections of how their solution can contribute to reducing carbon emissions, increasing energy efficiency, promoting renewable energy, and addressing environmental and social impacts, among other impact metrics.
• Representativeness (5 Points): Reflects a commitment to diversity and equity within the team composition, including but not limited to: Gender balance; Inclusion of underrepresented groups in terms of ethnicity, disability, and socio-economic background is also encouraged.

For those are further invited to submit videos or make presentations, the clarity of the presentation will be further assessed.

• Communication (15 Points): The clarity, coherence, and persuasiveness of the presentation of the idea, including how effectively it communicates its value proposition and engages the audience. The shortlist will be based on the total scores out of 100.

These criteria are designed to identify and reward entries that are not only innovative and impactful but also practical and adaptable, reflecting the complexities and scale of the challenge posed by the global energy transition.

Regional Division and Awards System

To ensure a fair and inclusive event, the organizers have established a regional division system and awards criteria based on participation levels.

Division Arrangements

National Divisions: When the number of participants from a single country exceeds 50, a separate competition division may be established for them. This approach allows us to manage the competition more effectively and ensure participants compete in a more comparable and fairer environment.

Global Open Division: This division serves as a vibrant and inclusive arena for participants who do not fall within the specific national divisions.

Others: The organizing committee reserves the right to determine divisions as needed.

Awards System

• Allocation of Awards: Within each division, awards will be allocated based on the effective number of participants. The First, Second, and Third Prizes will account for approximately 20% of the total number of participants.
• Awards Distribution for the Divisions [To be determined]:

Awards will be distributed in each division as follows:

• First Prize: Awarded to the top performers, constituting 5% of the total participants in each division. First Prize winners will be invited to participate in the final stage (global competition)
• Second Prize: Awarded to the next tier of performers, comprising the following 5% of total participants.
• Third Prize: Awarded to the subsequent tier, constituting the next 10% of participants.

The ISETS-ESCAP Youth Dialogue at the Bangkok UN Regional Headquarters

Top of Form

At least one representative from each division’s First Prize-winning team, along with other selected representatives who reflect diversity, will be invited to the United Nations regional Headquarters in Bangkok for the Youth Dialogue. Here, they will also have the opportunity to observe associated United Nations events. This provides a platform to further amplify their voices and ideas on a global stage.

In the 2024 competition year, the Youth Dialogue is scheduled to take place at the International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development 2024 (IFESD 2024) in Bangkok, Thailand, from December 2 to December 4, 2024.

Participants in the Dialogue may apply for travel grants to support their transportation and accommodation needs, if necessary. Such requests must be submitted on a case-by-case basis.

Selection process

Division management

1. Registration and Division Allocation: Once the deadline has passed, participants will be allocated to their respective divisions based on their country or region and the overall number of entrants from these areas.
2. Competition: Participants will compete within their divisions, with performances or submissions judged according to the prescribed criteria.
3. Judging: The Competition Organizing Committee will appoint a division selection committee to manage the logistics and execution of local competitions to identify division winners. Furthermore, each entry must be reviewed and scored by at least three experts. In instances of significant score discrepancies, the Chair will mediate and make a final decision.

Division Selection Process (Tentatively)

The competition progresses through three pivotal stages: Preliminary, Semi-final, and Final. These stages are designed to rigorously evaluate and showcase the best ideas and solutions from young innovators worldwide.

• Preliminary Assessment (Long List): The division selection committee will evaluate the initial submissions, advancing the top 30% of teams (from a total score of 85) from each division to the next stage.
• Multiple Media Presentation: Teams that have passed the Preliminary stage are invited to submit a multi-media presentation (including video, animation, etc.) of up to 4 minutes, further elaborating on their initial submissions.
• Second Assessment (Short List): The division selection committee will shortlist 20% of the total participating teams in each division based on the multiple media presentations (from a total score of 100).
• Division Finalist Live Presentations: The top 20% of participating teams are invited for a live presentation. The division selection committee will determine the division’s First, Second, and Third Prize winners.

Final Stage (Global Competition)

• Online Presentations: Winners of the First Prize from each division are invited to deliver a comprehensive online presentation.
• Global Judging: The global selection committee will assess these presentations to determine the Global First, Second, and Third Prize winners of the competition.
• All participants in the final stage (global competition) will be categorized as either first, second, or third-place winners.

Schedule for the 2024 Competition

• 30 April: Registration opens for the ISETS-ESCAP Youth Voice Competition.
• 31 July 11:59 PM (UTC+0): Extended deadline for the preliminary 
• 15 September: Announcement of the division semi-finalists and information for video submission.
• 30 September: Deadline for video submissions.
• 15 October: Announcement of the shortlist for semi-final presentations.
• 31 October: Announcement of division results.
• 29 November: Global competition presentations (To be confirmed).
• 2-4 December: Participation in the ISETS-ESCAP Youth Dialogue during the 13th International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Note: The cutoff time for each date listed above is 24:00 (GMT+0).

Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at youthvoice_isets@163.com .

Commercialization Opportunities

Entries with potential for commercialization may be assessed by potential investors, who will contact the teams for further discussion. Potential investors may also be invited to join the selection committee. We encourage interested investors to collaborate with the organizing committee. Those interested can express their intentions by contacting: isets@isets.org.

Call for Partners

We are seeking partners to ensure a successful event. Partners will be recognized throughout the Youth Voice Competition and will have opportunities to interact with the teams and present at the Youth Voice Dialogue, to be held at the UN Bangkok Headquarters. Organizations interested in sponsoring the event can contact isets@isets.org.

[1] The term ” types” does not imply separate categories. Entries of various types will be assessed together.