Rome MED Mediterranean Dialogues 2021 is proud to announce the third edition of the \u201cYouth Forum Contest \u2013 Green and sustainable solutions for the future\u201d promoted by ISPI and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and implemented in
cooperation with the Representation of Italy to the European Commission, ASSOCAMERESTERO, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).<\/p>\n
The purpose of the contest has always been to give the Mediterranean region\u2019s youth a chance to present innovative projects aimed at facilitating dialogue and fostering development and cooperation in the broader Mediterranean region.<\/p>\n
With this in mind, this year\u2019s Youth Forum Contest is taking on a new and improved format and scope, one that aims to make the contest a real opportunity for contestants to grow alongside the development of their ideas. The future of the region\u2019s youth is certainly one that is green, sustainable, and inclusive. As such, starting this year, the Youth Forum Contest will follow in the footsteps of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and its holistic approach to achieving sustainable development for all through the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).<\/p>\n
This year, the call for projects will be open between March 30th and May 31st. The thematic focus for the contest will be \u201cGreen and sustainable solutions for the future\u201d. Our planet is facing profound challenges that pose dire consequences to its population, especially to those already made vulnerable by our society\u2019s structural inequalities. With the intention of exemplifying the objectives set by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, submitted projects should fall under these three SDGs: clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy and responsible consumption and production.<\/p>\n
ISPI will make the initial cut of the top 15 projects by mid-June. Following the selection, the 15 candidates will undergo training and vocational guidance opportunities from mid-June to mid-October. From a course in Project Development provided by the ISPI School,
to learning from the experience of professionals in the field through events, conferences, and workshops, this year\u2019s contestants will be able to learn and grow as entrepreneurs together with their project ideas.<\/p>\n
At the end of this period of coaching and constructive feedback, contestants will apply the lessons learned to their projects and re-submit them to the jury of experts by the end of October. The jury will then select the 8 most interesting projects proposals that will be presented during the Youth Forum at the 2021 Rome MED Dialogues, between December 2nd to the 4th. During the Forum, the contestants will be invited to present their final project proposals. The jury, as well as the audience will then be able to vote on their favourite project. The top two projects will receive cash-prizes to help finance the implementation and development of their projects. The winners will also be able to present the evolution of their projects for the following year through the Youth Forum\u2019s website and social, as well as present their progress at the following year\u2019s conference.<\/p>\n