Are you between the ages of 18-30 and attend a locally accredited tertiary level institution? If so, then this is the competition for you! Submit a 1500-2000 word essay on one of the topics listed below and let us know your visions for the Commonwealth’s future.

Topics

• Environment: What are the effects of long term climate change to small island developing states and how can countries mitigate against or adapt to these effects?
• Health: Has the world responded effectively to the recent A-H1N1 virus?
• Energy: Why is there so much attention being given to renewable, clean energy and what does this mean for the future of the oil and gas industry?
• Poverty: In the context of the current race to meet the MDG goal of eradicating extreme poverty by 2015, what advantages or disadvantages does the global community face in advancing trade-centred approaches to poverty reduction, as opposed to an agenda focused on aid?
• Tourism: In the face of the current global economic slowdown, what are some of the challenges faced by islands whose economies rely on tourism and what can be done to face these challenges?
• Economy: How has the global economic and financial crisis affected the Caribbean region and what can small states do to protect their economies from such crises while maintaining and fostering growth and trade? Submissions

Competition starts Aug.20. Submit your papers to: chogmessaycompetition2009@opm.gov.tt by Sept. 28

Visit www.chogm2009.com for more details and entry requirements.