10th WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi

Submission Deadline: 31 October 2015, 11.59 p.m. CET.

International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) is launching its first Trade and Development Symposium (TDS) Bridges Writing Competition. The competition will culminate with the recognition of winners at the 10th WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, 14-17 December, as well as global publication of winning entries via ICTSD’s electronic and print channels.

Over the past 20 years, The Bridges Network of periodicals have become a core resource in classrooms across the world. This year, there is an opportunity for students to participate. The TDS Bridges Writing Competition will give university students a platform to express their views about pressing topics on the trade and sustainability agenda. Participants are encouraged to provoke discussion, be constructive, and convince the jury.

Topics

Topics are based around the underlying themes at this year’s TDS. Applicants can choose one from the three topics below to write an essay:

Trade Governance Structures: Working Together for a Better Future
Africa’s Integration into the Global Economy: Is it Africa’s Time to Shine?
Trade in a Post-2015 Era: The Time is Right

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible you must:

Be enrolled in any field of study in a recognised, accredited university from any country or
Have graduated in 2015.

Entries are welcome from students from 18 years and older.
Entrants must hold a passport that has been valid for at least six months and has three blank pages. This is necessary for obtaining a visa to enter Kenya. ICTSD will assist in the visa application process for the winner.

Criteria:

The following criteria must be met Fill in the online submission form below.

Length: Essay (min. 1800 words, max. 2200 words). The word count excludes reference and bibliography.

Language: English

Abstract: In order to be considered, each essay must be accompanied by an abstract of no more than 100 words. The abstract should be included in the essay.

Format: PDF or MS Word document. Font should be Times New Roman, size 12. All documents should use 1.5 line spacing.

Style: We strongly advise students to use ICTSD’s Style Guide.

Deadline for Submissions: 31 October 2015, 11.59 p.m. CET. The winner will be announced mid-November 2015.

Individuality: Individual work is expected, no group work allowed. Only one entry per applicant is allowed.

Original works: Entries to the competition should be unique and not published elsewhere. Use of references (footnotes and/or endnotes) and bibliography is mandatory. You will not be penalised if citations are in MLA or Chicago format. ICTSD uses plagiarism software in revising submissions.

Biographical Statement: Please be sure to include – as a separate document – both a short biographical statement which notes current affiliation, date of birth, academic institution, and expected graduation year. Submission of CVs, while optional, is also welcome, in addition to this statement.

TDS Bridges Writing Competition Prize

First Prize

Participate in the TDS in Nairobi and have access to all open sessions and events.
All expenses will be paid including travel, hotel accommodation and meals.
Receive USD 1000 prize money
The winning essay will be published in ICTSD’s Bridges series in 6 languages.
Promotion of the article across ICTSD social networks.

Runners Up

Receive USD 500 prize money
The runners up essays will be published in ICTSD’s Bridges series in 6 languages.
Promotion of the article across ICTSD social networks.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the TDS Bridges Writing Competition

Trade and Development Symposium (TDS) Bridges Writing Competition 2015 ($USD 1,000 & Fully Funded to attend TDS in Nairobi Kenya)