IT / Europe & Youth 2022 International Student Contest

It's time for popping-up ideas!
#nextgenerationeu

CONTEST GUIDELINES

 

The Istituto Regionale di Studi Europei del Friuli Venezia Giulia (IRSE) is pleased to announce the Europe & Youth 2022 International Contest.

The contest is open to both University students and High School students from Italy and all EU Member States.

Choose ONE topic from the list below and write your essay in English (each competitor or pair of competitors can participate with only one piece of work).

Money prices of 400, 300, 200, 100 Euros (individual prices for University students, individual or pair prices for High School students).

DEADLINE: 30th APRIL 2022 10th MAY 2022
AWARD CEREMONY: WEDNESDAY 15th JUNE 2022

 

IT VERSION

 

TOPICS

Universities

The following topics are for University students, recent graduates and anyone who has not reached the age of 27 by the 30th April 2022.
Written essays must not exceed 10,000 characters including spaces.
A video presentation based on the topic (maximum 2 minutes), will be considered an important added value.

1. THE ECOLOGY OF HAPPINESS
The key to sustaining a sustainable economy is to live happier and not to accept anything less. Express your ideas starting from the book "Ecology of Happiness" by political scientist Stefano Bartolini: a manifesto of political, social and economic changes that can be made to stop challenging nature. Also read up on good practices in your area and elsewhere.

2. A NEW EUROPEAN BAUHAUS
In October 2020, the President of the EU Commission Von Der Leyen launched the "New European Bauhaus", a "collaborative platform of design and creativity to enrich the European Green Deal by encouraging sustainable and inclusive aesthetic solutions in the places we live and meet. Examine and write about the aims and methods of implementation of this initiative in progress.

3. CHILDREN REFUGEES
Terrible photos of migrant children behind fences and walls. Less prominence is given by the media to the condition of refugee minors who have already arrived in different European countries, with their parents or often alone. There are specific European guidelines and also experiences of good practices in place, born from synergies of public administrators, social cooperatives, associations and the world of volunteering. Document yourself and express proposals that can be implemented in your area.

4. ILLIBERAL DEMOCRACY
Some Eastern European countries are acting as "Illiberal democracies": their governments tend to impose their values as the only legitimate ones, by weakening the freedom of expression and the independence of the judiciary. Analyze the position of the EU institutions on this issue and reflect on what evolution could be envisaged for the future of democracy in Europe.

5. FASHION AND ENVIRONMENT
Clothing waste is one of the main causes of environment pollution.
The European Commission has identified textiles (apparel and fabrics) as a “priority product category for the circular economy”. In your opinion is the fashion industry aware of this? Does sustainable fashion represent new job opportunities for responsible creatives or is it about marketing and greenwashing? The second-hand clothing trade is growing at the same time, especially among young people. Compare trends in European countries and express your thoughts.

6. BACK TO EARTH
The number of young people, often graduates, who choose to go to live and work in the countryside or in mountain areas is increasing. A choice favored by their environmental commitment and also by the spread of new technologies that allow their products to enter new markets. Compare some Italian and European experiences highlighting the possibilities of support from European and regional funds.

High Schools

The following topics are for High School students.
Written essays can be submitted by individuals or in pairs and must not exceed 5,000 characters including spaces.
A video presentation based on the topic (maximum 2 minutes), will be considered important added value.

1. SEXUAL EDUCATION
There are updated guidelines from the World Health Organization and Unesco on the need to implement holistic education on sexuality in schools. Find out if and how they are followed in European countries and what are the different emphases: from biological knowledge, to the management of emotions, to gender equality. Also tell us your thoughts about the Netflix series "Sex Education".

2. UNDER THE SAME SKY
“Under the same sky. Talking about racism and colonialism to youngsters” is the title of the new book by Igiaba Scego, a somali-italian writer. Submit your own written review and/or interview your friends collecting their opinions about racism and colonialism.

3. SPORT COMPETITIONS AND INCLUSION
Sports activity from an early age is important for physical, psychological and social growth. Sport can teach how to make good competing and inclusion possible. What level of awareness is there in families, schools, and in the public decision-makers regarding these issues? Read-up on European guidelines. Illustrate good inclusion practices already in place and develop feasible proposals in your area.

 

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

1. Fill in the form below by entering your personal data and uploading your written essay in both WORD and PDF formats, within and not later than 10th May 2022.

For High School students: if you participate together with a co-author, each author must fill in his/her form.
 

2. Send the video materials via Wetransfer to irse@centroculturapordenone.it indicating your name and surname and the chosen topic, within and not later than 10th May 2022.
Videos must be in horizontal MP4 format.

For High School students: if you participate together with a co-author, indicate the name of each author in the Wetransfer.

The works will remain the property of the Institute, which will make them known through various initiatives.
 

DEADLINE: 30th APRIL 2022 10th MAY 2022
AWARD CEREMONY: WEDNESDAY 15th JUNE 2022