The China Daily Global Impact Writing Challenge 2025-2026
Introduction
Following the successful launch of its inaugural year in 2024, the China Daily Global Impact Writing Challenge returns for 2025-2026, welcoming more young voices from around the world to join the conversation on global challenges and sustainable development.
This year's Challenge centers on young people and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encouraging students to explore how data, innovation and global cooperation can turn goals into real-world progress.
In an era defined by climate pressure, technological transformation and widening global disparities, young people are not just observers of the future — they are active participants in shaping it. The Challenge invites students to think critically, research deeply and express their own perspectives on the issues that matter most to our shared future.
By combining independent thinking with clear English expression, participants are encouraged to move beyond surface-level opinions and develop arguments grounded in evidence, logic and global awareness.
Purpose
The China Daily Global Impact Writing Challenge aims to inspire young people at the middle school, high school and early college levels to engage deeply with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles.
Each year, the Challenge introduces a distinct thematic focus to:
* Foster critical and independent thinking
* Encourage evidence-based analysis
* Connect global issues with real-world action
Theme
Me and the SDGs
Thematic Focus
The 2025-2026 Challenge is grounded in the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which provide the overarching framework for all writing topics.
To help students engage with the SDGs in a structured and accessible way, the goals are organized into five thematic directions:
* Humanities and Society
* Ecology and Environment
* Economy and Policy
* Science, Technology and Engineering
* Interdisciplinary Integration
Within each thematic direction, two essay questions are designed to reflect different levels of academic maturity, allowing junior high school students, high school students, and first- and second-year college students to select topics that best match their age, experience and analytical ability.
Participants are invited to respond to global challenges with new perspectives, small actions and informed solutions, turning the SDGs from abstract objectives into tangible, real-world practice.
Organizer
China Daily Global Edition (USA)
Eligibility
The Challenge is open to students worldwide, including junior high school students, high school students, and first- and second-year college students.
Topics and judging criteria are designed to match participants' academic levels, ensuring fairness, challenge and meaningful engagement.
Schedule
Registration open: January 12 - March 31, 2026
Submission period: April 1 - April 15, 2026
Judging and results: April 15 - May 1, 2026
Language
All submissions must be written in English.
Entry Fee
399 RMB
