Thank you for participating in the 2027 World Citizen Engagement Contest!
To submit your video essay, please complete the required information and upload your work as indicated on this form. Your video should combine storytelling, research, analysis, and your own perspective to explore an issue facing our interconnected world.
2027 WCEC Contest Prompt
What issue facing our interconnected world do you believe deserves greater attention and understanding, and why?
People, communities, and countries are connected in many ways—through trade, technology, travel, the environment, and many shared challenges. Events and decisions in one part of the world can affect people in another, and local actions can have global impacts.
Choose an issue that affects people across communities, countries, or regions, or one that connects your local community to the wider world. After researching and analyzing the issue, explain:
- Why is this issue important to you and/or to people directly affected by it
- How does the issue affect people locally, globally, or both?
- Why does greater awareness, understanding, or engagement with this issue matter?
- What is one way you, your community, or others could take action or contribute to positive change?
We suggest sharing your thoughts with friends, teachers, and family as you refine your ideas. As you develop your submission, consider how your experiences, background, interests, and perspectives inform the way you see the issue. There is no single "right" perspective or "right" answer. We encourage you to bring your own voice, insights, and experiences to your project.
2027 WCEC Sustainability Award
Thanks to Weyerhaeuser, the 2027 WCEC Sustainability Award will recognize one elementary, one middle school, and one high school submission that explores an environmental sustainability issue and presents a meaningful, action-oriented response. The award is separate from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards and honorable mentions. No separate entry or prompt is required—If your WCEC submission focuses on environmental sustainability and connects the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with meaningful local action, you can choose to have it considered for the Sustainability Award.
Simply select “Yes” on the submission form when asked if you would like to be considered. Your entry will then be included in both the general WCEC judging pool and the 2027 WCEC Sustainability Award judging pool.
Originality & Responsible Use of AI: Submissions should represent each student's own ideas, research, and creative work. Students may use appropriate research tools to learn about their chosen topic, but generative AI must not be used to create or modify submission content or media, including written work, photographs, illustrations, audio, or video. All sources and outside materials must be appropriately acknowledged. See 2027 WCEC Resource Guide for more information.
If you have questions or experience issues with your submission, please contact contest@world-affairs.org. Global Classroom looks forward to hearing from you and learning about the local and global issues that matter to YOU!
Access the 2027 WCEC Resource Guide HERE!
Submission deadline: Monday, March 22, 2027, before 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.