Essay Contest
Deadline: July 22nd
Do you believe that the United Nations or other political actors have worsened the tumultuous political order? Think you can come up with more creative ideas to solve ongoing crises?
We have come up with the BEST opportunity for you to express your passion and ideas! Learn more about the judges here.
Aand, of course, we also have prizes prepared for you! Click here for more info.
Send us an essay of 1300-1500 words in which you present, explore and come up with one (or more) solutions to ONE of the following:
01
The Crisis in North Korea
The crisis refers to DPRK’s nuclear enrichment and long-range missile development efforts (atomic bombs), which are a violation of the UN Security Council resolutions and pose a threat to global security. Moreover, subtopics regarding internal issues (economic insecurity, life conditions) may also be tackled.
03
The Syrian Civil War
The country is in a terrible civil war with numerous parties involved. Subtopics regarding this conflict may include the political parties, the dire economical/social situation.
05
The Conflict in Congo
02
The On-Going Ukrainian War
The war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine exceeds the conflict zone. Numerous countries have sent aid to the country. Subtopics such as the foreign aid (politically), the economical situation and the situation of the Ukrainian refugees may be tackled, for example.
04
The alarming rising of criminal violence in Mexico
Mexico faces a crisis of kidnappings, disappearances, and other criminal violence that has left over thirty-thousand people dead each year since 2018. Gangs and drug cartels largely perpetrate this violence, but the state has also committed human rights violations in its war against these groups. Subtopics can include the impact that these cartels have economically, socially or politically.
The country has 7.2 million internally displaced people due to violent crashes between the military and paramilitary groups. Subtopics can refer to the conflict’s impact on the Congolese population, ethnic tensions etc.
Our prizes!
THE WINNER will get the opportunity collaborate with the Phase Learning leadership team in organising an event!
TOP 3 essays (including the winner) will receive a special section on our website where they will have the opportunity to publish any 3 articles of their choice.
All participants will receive a diploma for the recognition of their work.*
Winners will be announced between the 5th and 9th of August!
*Every participant will receive individual feedback from the judges.
Criteria for Submission
Send your essay via our email - phase.learning.05@gmail.com.
You will have to send us your full name, a picture of yourself, your country and school and year of study.
What should you write?
Write an in-depth analysis on one of the five topics above from a political, economic, and social point of view. Your analysis should include a brief historical background, the parties involved, and an overview of the current situation in context.
Note: You don't have to "solve" the entire crisis in your essay, but focus on a specific aspect of it (e.g., economic inequalities, social issues, corruption, etc.).
Your Solution
Come up with a solution and explain why it's better than others by describing one aspect of the conflict in detail (e.g., the situation faced by the population).
Your solution should be related to either politics, economics, or social issues and must be feasible.
Mention the constraints of previous solutions proposed: (e.g., treaties, resolutions, missions).
Format
Add a bibliography and make sure to use trust-worthy sources of information to support your arguments (Council on Foreign Relations, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Human Rights Watch, Al Jazeera etc.)
Remember to keep your essay between 1300-1500 words, or it won't be considered.
Send us the document in PDF format!
Meet the Jury
Our distinguished judge panel, composed of four undergraduate SciencePo (and dual degree) students studying diverse areas such as Public Policy, Finance, Politics, and Social Welfare, is eager to read your work!
Judge
Paula Rincón
Hey! My name is Paula Rincón and I am a Bachelor's degree student at SciencesPo and an exchange student at McGill University majoring in Political Humanities and minoring in International Trade and Finance.
I currently work in environmental organizations to help bridge the gap between youth and climate policy.
I am excited to take part of this jury to support young people who have creative ideas that can bring solutions to pressing issues!
Judge
Rysha Sultania
Hi! I'm Rysha Sultania, an undergraduate student studying Politics and International Finance at Sciences Po Paris. Spaces that foster innovation and growth inspire me, which is why I'm excited about this jury! This is why I founded and run The Teen Tribune, a youth-centric multimedia newspaper with a global community of over 3000 and am currently working with an impact startup accelerator in India.
Next year, I'm off to Columbia University on exchange and hope to nurture my skills in business development and policy analysis. Aside from work, I love any form of physical movement, from yoga to Bollywood dance!
Judge
Jules Kyi
Hi! My name is Jules Kyi, I’m an undergraduate student with Sciences Po and the University of British Columbia.
I work primarily in the fields of youth work and disability advocacy, and study politics and social justice.
I am excited to be partaking in the jury of this competition to encourage new and diverse youth to offer their perspectives on complex issues!
Judge
Julieth Lara
Hi - my name is Julieth Lara and I am a dual BA student at Sciences Po and UC Berkeley studying Political Humanities, Social Welfare, and Public Policy. I currently work as a public health researcher and in homelessness prevention policy. I am taking part in this jury to support youth interested in and passionate about tackling pressing issues!