2024-25 Winners

Jaslene Kang (UK)

Jaslene produced a very well-researched essay which looks at both sides of the discourse on young people as drivers of change, with the strong incorporation of critical analysis. Her inclusion and explanations of concepts such as the tragedy of the commons were impressive for a student still in secondary education, and her essay had a clear and logical flow combining well-researched cases and theoretical arguments. This was a strong attempt at writing a university-level essay, and Jaslene's broad range of essay writing skills made her work stand out.

Ho Ka Chun (Hong Kong)

This essay had good use of referencing in supporting its arguments and well considered the 3 pillars of sustainable development as a foundation to achieve the balance of economic growth and environmental protection. It was very thought provoking in a sense where it challenges the current way of thinking about economic growth and finite resources and the issues that persistent environmental damages may cause more harm in the long run. What could further enhance the chance to win, this essay can provide examples of current practices of the circular economy to provide a solid argument.

Malitha Pathiranage (UK)

Malitha's video utilised the three-pillar framework of sustainability to shape a well-organised and engaging story. The opening hook grabbed attention right away and flowed into solid arguments backed by data and real-world examples. The mix of imagery, discussion, and presentation kept things dynamic and easy to follow. One quote that particularly stood out was "If we treat science as optional, we treat survival as negotiable." This powerful message left a lasting impact, underlining the cost of climate denial and reinforcing the urgency to act. Malitha's entry was both highly informative and thoughtfully executed.

Odunayo Bankole (Nigeria)

This poem took an insightful approach to discussing climate deniers, showcasing how denialism exists at different levels of society with varied motivations - offering a fresh take on the prompt. It touched on a wide range of sustainability themes using examples and figures in an approach that felt natural and not forced. The poem's structure helps the message land and the final verse - particularly the final line - stuck with us after reading. The overall writing style also was well chosen as it evoked an emotional response. The additional commentary added depth, showing the thought and care behind creative choices and tying them back to the three pillars of sustainable development.

Eruteya Chance Onyemelukwe (Kenya)

This submission was a powerful testament to the role young black women play in driving meaningful change. From the first glance, the visual piece stood on its own; it was impactful and thoughtfully composed with clear intentions.

The commentary strengthened this impact, clearly responding to the prompt and weaving in references to relevant SDGs and influential figures, providing a well-rounded response. What made it especially unique was the personal tone and symbolic choices, revealing not just technical and creative skills but also emotional depth.

Overall, this artwork and commentary demonstrated exceptional quality, delivering a powerful first impression and leaving a lasting impact.

Sen Patel (UK)

Sen's approach to writing and the way they structured their argument showed a high level of academic and sustainable development agenda engagement. It was clear how each example linked to a specific sustainable development goal or wider sustainability issue. By looking at both content and production, SEN provided a very broad but detailed overview, covering issues from portrayal of climate change to the loss of jobs and AI behind the scenes. This essay demonstrated engagement with the topic at a higher level, and the use of academic literature and real-world case studies made for a compelling read.

Giancarlos Alserda (Hong Kong)

Giancarlos has produced an essay which provides a very well researched and critical narrative of how several SDGs can be achieved and incorporated into the film and TV industry. He provided an in-depth discussion of the challenges and covered both sides of the discourse well. Giancarlos successfully uses real world examples and academic literature to present a well-argued essay. He writes with the tone of a university student with strong engagement in both academic and policy literature. Giancarlos produced a concise and well-argued essay which is worthy of commendation.

Riya Karwal (UK)

This video took a clear and personal approach to the issue of climate denial, using a real life experience to bring the topic home in a powerful way. The contrast between the creator's own situation and those facing more severe impacts made the message hit harder. Backed by relevant stats, examples, and solid references (including mentions of the IPCC and UN), it laid out the key arguments with confidence. The video tackled how misinformation and scepticism help maintain power, and called for stronger regulation, transparency, and responsibility across generations. The final summary pulled everything together, making the piece super easy to follow. Great delivery and presentation rounded it off as a thoughtful, well-crafted entry.

Vivien Tuba, Luca Szofia Gyalog, Ana Luzka Ganga and Benedek Balazs Nemeth (Hungary)

This entry stood out for its thoughtful structure, strong academic foundation, and innovative spirit. The group demonstrated a clear understanding of the SDGs and expertly engaged with the three-pillar framework of sustainability. Their decision to use their own app as a case study was a unique and creative approach to the prompt, adding a personal and forward-thinking dimension to the submission. The writing was not only well researched and supported by relevant literature, but also delivered with clarity and polish that reflected university-level standards. Overall, this was a high quality and commendable piece that showcased dedication, originality, and a clear vision for youth-led sustainable development.