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ADB and ROAD, with support of the Japan Special Fund, financed by the Government of Japan, in 2006 invited university students to participate in the Asia and Pacific Student Essay Competition on Sustainable Development. The rules were simple: just submit an essay on one of the designated themes via this website no later than 30 November 2006.

To be eligible, you had to be a student at a university, between the ages of 18 and 29, and a citizen of one of ADB’s developing member countries (DMCs). Since the essay competition and Youth Forum are part of the formal lead up to the ADB Annual Meeting, which is being hosted in 2007 by Japan, Japanese citizens studying in Japan are also eligible.

Essays were submitted in English (only) and no longer than 2,000 words in length.

The overarching theme of the essay contest is “Promoting Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific.” Those entering the competition could choose one of three topics, which could be addressed from a country or regional perspective.

Topic 1: Do Economic Growth and Environmental Conservation go Together?

Essays written on this topic could explore issues related to energy, water resources, forest management, and/or desertification.

Topic 2: How Should we Develop Human Resources and Institutions?

Essays written on this topic could explore issues related to educational and vocational human resource development, governance, decentralization, civil society participation, globalization, and traditional societies.

Topic 3: What are the Priorities for Industry and Infrastructure?

Essays written on this topic could explore issues related to globalization of economic structures, regional financial stability, agriculture and food security, urban and rural development, and cross-border infrastructure development.

A jury of distinguished individuals with a strong development background judged the essays. Fifteen winners were selected from across the five regions covered by ADB's regional departments - Central and West Asia, East Asia, the Pacific, South Asia, and Southeast Asia (see list of eligible countries here). An additional 10 winners were selected from young adults studying at Japanese universities, including three Japanese students and seven nationals of ADB developing member countries.

The 25 winners will be awarded a certificate and be expected to join and participate actively in the Asian and Pacific Youth Forum on Sustainable Development. The costs of the winning essayists' participation in the Youth Forum will be covered by ADB.