Organised by the World Bank, this year's competition focuses on youth and practical solutions for building a secure future. The topic of the competition includes, according to the Bank, the world's current crises - e.g. armed conflict, HIV/AIDS, unemployment and environmental risks - in which young people are on the front lines and are the main victims. "For example, in Bangladesh, the regular flooding encountered by poor young people in this water-rich country is life threatening."

To learn what the lack of a secure future really means to youth, to understand how they deal with this challenge in their daily life and to enlist their help in finding solutions, the World Bank has organised this international essay competition: 'Building a Secure Future' - Seeking Practical Solutions. The questions include: What are the biggest obstacles face in your daily life? What practical solutions would youth propose to build a secure future for themselves and others?

Participants must be between 18 and 25 years of age; students taking PhD courses are not eligible. The essays should not be longer than 10 pages (4000 words, maximum) and can be submitted in English, French or Spanish only. The deadline for submission is April 15, 2005 and finalists will be announced May 1, 2005. The first prize is USD $5,000 and runners-up receive USD $1,000.

Click here for more information.