SDG Youth Challenge - ICBI 2024

“Mobilizing Sri Lankan Youth for Sustainable Tomorrow"

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Why SDG

The SDG Youth Challenge 2024, organised in line with ICBI 2024, presents an unparalleled opportunity for undergraduate students in Sri Lanka to play a pivotal role in crafting a sustainable future under the inspiring theme “Mobilizing Sri Lankan Youth for Sustainable Tomorrow”. This specialized research competition is dedicated to igniting the passion, creativity, and innovative thinking of the young minds in Sri Lanka, encouraging them to contribute their unique solutions towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the local context.
The SDG Youth Challenge 2024 is more than just a competition; it’s a nationwide movement towards mobilizing the strength and creativity of Sri Lankan youth to forge a sustainable tomorrow. We invite all undergraduate students of public and private universities with a passion for making a difference to join us in this quest for sustainability and innovation. Together, let's shape a future where development and sustainability go hand in hand, securing a prosperous legacy for future generations.

What are the benefits for the participants?

  • Contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
  • Combine academic knowledge with fresh ideas by putting them into practice.
  • Learn from Current Professionals: Gives you direct interaction with Experts in practice.
  • Networking opportunities: Offers a wide variety of networking opportunities.
  • Additionally, the team that wins the final challenge wins a cash prize for their university.

How it works

The competition's participants must pitch an idea to support in achieving one of the Seven (7) Sustainable Development Goals listed below.

  • SDG 4: Quality Education
  • SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
  • SDG 13: Climate Action
  • SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals
  • Be an undergraduate currently enrolled in a Sri Lankan state or private university in Sri Lanka.
  • Participants should enter the competition as a team consist of a maximum of five members.
  • One member of the academic staff must be designated as the team's mentor.
  • Have a project or idea that directly contributes to above identified United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • You must register your team through the Google form link given below on or before 18th April 2024.
  • Only one team member needs to register and include the names and email addresses of other team members.
  • Provide detailed information about all team members and a brief description of your project or idea.
  • Registration is free, but you must submit your entry before the deadline specified deadlines on the competition website.
  • Project Proposal: Submit a detailed project proposal that includes an introduction, objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and a clear connection to the SDGs. The proposal should not exceed 3000 words.
  • Presentation: Prepare a presentation summarizing your project proposal. This may be required for the evaluation phase and should be designed for a 20-minute presentation.
  • Video Submission (optional): A short video (no longer than 3 minutes) explaining your project can be submitted to supplement your application.  This is optional but encouraged.
  • Format: All written submissions must be in PDF format. Videos should be uploaded to a platform like YouTube, and a link should be provided in your submission.

Here’s just one possible structure that you can consider:

  • Clearly present the problem, particularly the part of the problem that your idea will solve.
  • Introduce a compelling tagline for your idea and offer evidence suggesting it will work.
  • Share how you (or the responsible stakeholders) would go about implementing your idea.
  • Consider the stakeholders (i.e., groups, departments) who need to be involved and why.
  • Specify the talent, treasure, and/or time required to bring your idea to life.
  • Highlight the potential impact and measures of success.


Your project will be evaluated on the following criteria:

  • Innovation and creativity
  • Impact potential on SDGs
  • Feasibility and scalability
  • Clarity and quality of presentation
  • Sustainability and environmental considerations
  • 1st April 2024 – Registration open
  • 15th May 2024 – Registration closed
  • 25th May 2024 – Confirmation of participants
  • June 2024  – Information Session on the competition
  • 1st October 2024 – Report Submission
  • 1st November 2024 – Grand finale

An information session will be scheduled in May 2024 to provide you with more insights on the competition. Take advantage of the workshops and mentoring sessions offered as part of the competition. These are designed to help refine your ideas and improve your project’s presentation.



Winners will receive prizes that may include scholarships, seed funding for their projects, internships, and opportunities to present their work on larger platforms. All participants will receive certificates of participation.

  • Ensure your work is original and adheres to the highest standards of academic integrity. Plagiarism or any form of cheating will result in disqualification.
  • Follow the SDG Youth Challenge 2024 on social media and stay engaged with the competition community. This is a great way to network with other participants, mentors, and judges.
  • Be open to receiving feedback on your project and use it constructively to make improvements. Successful participants may be asked to provide reports or testimonials about their experience.

Contacts

Coordinator: SDG Youth Challenge

Dhanushka Piyananda

0764826829

dhanushkap@kln.ac.lk