Calling all young changemakers!

Participate in the “YouthLead #Reaching16 Essay Contest” and join us in advocating for peace, justice, and strong institutions! “Reaching 16” refers to Goal 16 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) that aims to promote just, peaceful, and inclusive societies. It also serves as a reference and commitment to ensuring youth reach the age of 16 by stabilizing communities. As a young changemaker, our #Reaching16 Essay Contest provides you with a unique platform to share your personal experience and creative voice with the world!

We invite written submissions, in the form of a personal essay, that tell us about the important work you or someone you know are doing to ensure your community is #Reaching16. Community can be defined as a group of people you share common attitudes, interests, and goals with at the local, district, national, or global level, or in another way that makes sense to each author.

Changemakers ages 18-35 are eligible to submit only one essay. We will select the top 16 submissions to be published at YouthLead.org and promoted via our YouthLead social media channels and newsletter. Read below for contest details, instructions on how to participate, and eligibility criteria. The deadline for entries is January 15, 2021.

Ready to enter?

For complete contest details, including submission requirements, eligibility, and more click here:

For other ways you can get involved with peace, justice, and strong institutions, read on.

Get Social

In addition to participating in the YouthLead #Reaching16 Essay Contest, there are a number of ways you can get involved in spreading the word about peace and security:

1. From now through January 30, 2021, use the hashtag #Reaching16 to participate in #Reaching16 conversations. Tag us at @youthleadglobal to share your insight on peace, justice, and strong institutions, take a cool photograph holding up a #Reaching16 poster or illustration to show your support, or share your YouthLead Profile and encourage your peers to join you on the platform for other young changemakers!