For immediate Release
May 15 , 2025 – Paris, France
The Gathering Voices of the Youth: Transformative Storytelling Contest is officially open for submissions, inviting young individuals aged 18 to 29 to share personal, creative stories about how we can live and thrive together with nature. The initiative is part of the NBRACER project and supported by the European Union, aiming to uplift youth perspectives on climate resilience, community, and sustainability through art and storytelling.
At a time when the planet faces unprecedented environmental challenges, this contest provides a powerful platform for youth to express their lived experiences and hopes for the future. Participants are asked to submit a short story (up to 300 words) accompanied by a personal photograph or original artwork that vividly illustrates their narrative. These stories should reflect themes of climate resilience, Nature-based Solutions, ecological restoration, or reconnecting with both human and non-human communities.
A global stage for young storytellers
Three winning entries will receive the unique opportunity to present their work at the prestigious 4th Global Youth Climate Summit, held at Klimatorium in Denmark. These authors, along with other selected storytellers, will also contribute to an upcoming illustrated e-book publication and receive a certificate of excellence.
How to participate?
Submissions must be received by July 30th, 2025. To participate and to find all details about the initiative, including eligibility criteria, judging process, and resources for participants, please visit the full text of the contest below!
To access the application form directly, click here.
The results will be announced on August 15th, 2025.
All selected participants will join a growing global network of young climate advocates and contribute to reshaping public discourse through authentic, grounded, and hopeful storytelling.
For inquiries or additional information, please contact: voicesoftheyouth@nbracer.eu
Judging and recognition
Entries will be evaluated by an esteemed international jury comprising experts in sustainability, design, climate resilience, and nature-based solutions. Jury members include:
- Julia Bentz & Kiat Ng (cE3c – University of Lisbon, Portugal)
- Megan Bickle (Climate-KIC, Germany)
- Ingrid Coninx & Bertram de Rooij (Wageningen Environmental Research, Netherlands)
- Sarah Lund & Charlotte Rosenkilde Sørensen (Klimatorium, Denmark)
- Jelena Ristić Trajković (University of Belgrade, Serbia)
- Natalia Brack (Sustainable Innovation Institute, France)
Judging criteria will focus on the storytelling’s emotional resonance, originality, visual impact, and alignment with the contest’s core environmental themes.
