International Youth Day Essay Challenge 2023

Today, the world is embarking on a green transition. The shift towards an environmentally sustainable and climate-friendly world is critical not only for responding to the global climate crisis but also for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A successful transition towards a greener world will depend on the development of green skills in the population. Green skills are “knowledge, abilities, values, and attitudes needed to live in, develop and support a sustainable and resource-efficient society”.

These include technical knowledge and skills that enable the effective use of green technologies and processes in occupational settings, as well as transversal skills that draw on a range of knowledge, values, and attitudes to facilitate environmentally sustainable decisions in work and in life. Due to their interdisciplinary nature, the essence of green skills is sometimes expressed, partly if not wholly, through other associated terms such as “skills for the future” and “skills for green jobs”. While green skills are relevant for people of all ages, they have heightened importance for younger people, who can contribute to the green transition for a longer period of time.

Challenge Questions (Pick one Category)

• Essay Question: “How can the development of green skills among youth contribute to building a sustainable Uganda? Discuss the potential impact of green skills on environmental conservation, renewable energy, and sustainable development.”
• Poetry Question: “Compose a poem that captures the essence of green skills and their role in shaping a sustainable world. Explore the beauty of nature, the urgency of environmental preservation, and the power of youth in driving positive change.”
• Short Story Question: “Write a short story that follows a young protagonist on their journey to acquire and apply green skills for the betterment of their community and the environment. Highlight the challenges they face, the lessons they learn, and the transformative impact they have on their surroundings.”
• Folktale Question: “Write an old folktale from your culture or one you have heard about that revolves around the theme of green skills and their significance in creating a sustainable world. Narrate a tale of a young hero or heroine who uses their ecological knowledge and abilities to restore harmony between humanity and nature, inspiring others to adopt sustainable practices.”