UNDP Undergraduate Essay Competition: Taxation for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

 

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2024 Tax for SDGs Undergraduate Essay Competition! This initiative is part of UNDP's commitment to raising awareness and generating innovative ideas that contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Tax for SDGs Initiative highlights the crucial role of effective taxation in funding sustainable development and creating a more equitable society.

Competition Overview:

UNDP Nigeria invites undergraduate students nationwide to share their insights and propose actionable solutions on how tax policies can effectively advance the SDGs within Nigeria. This competition offers a unique opportunity for students to engage with important policy issues and contribute to meaningful change. The top essays will be adapted into policy briefs, which could influence future tax policies and initiatives.

Themes:

Participants are encouraged to explore one of the following thematic areas in their essays:

1. Innovative Tax Policies: Investigate the potential of innovative tax policies and strategies to help close the financing gap for the SDGs in Nigeria. Also, consider how new approaches can mobilize resources and promote sustainable economic growth.

2. Inclusive and Sustainable Tax Systems: Examine the linkages between inclusive and sustainable tax systems and their impact on environmental sustainability, the digital economy, and trade. Discuss how equitable taxation can support sustainable development across various sectors.

3. Combatting Illicit Financial Flows: Focus on strengthening tax systems to combat illicit financial flows in Nigeria, highlighting how this can contribute to closing the financing gap for the SDGs. Analyze the challenges and propose strategies for enhancing tax compliance and governance.

Eligibility:

This competition is open to all Nigerian undergraduate students enrolled in recognized universities or colleges in the country. To participate, students must submit a national identification document and their university identification.

Submission Guidelines:

- Essay Length: Essays should be between 1,500 and 2,000 words.

- Language: All submissions must be in English.

- Format: Essays must be typed, double-spaced, and submitted in PDF format.

- Originality: Submissions must be original and unpublished. Plagiarism will result in disqualification,                         and the use of AI is strictly prohibited.

- Deadline: All entries must be submitted by 1 October 2024.

- Submission: Essays should be submitted electronically via [https://tinyurl.com/Tax4SDGs].

Awards and Recognition:

The competition will award outstanding submissions with the following prizes:

- First Prize: NGN 1,000,000 and a certificate of recognition

- Second Prize: NGN 750,000 and a certificate of recognition

- Third Prize: NGN 500,000 and a certificate of recognition

In addition, there will be consolation prizes awarded to other top entries, recognizing the valuable contributions of participants.

- Submission Deadline: 1 October 2024

- Winners Announcement: 29 October 2024

This competition presents a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their writing and analytical skills. Also, to contribute to critical discussions on taxation and sustainable development in Nigeria. 

 Eligible students submit their essays this week via; https://tinyurl.com/Tax4SDGs!

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Cowrywise Ambassadors' Programme: Gain Experiential Learning That Empowers You For Success!

Cowrywise Ambassadors' Programme is a national experiential learning programme that empowers participants to cultivate financial management skills, develop career-relevant skills, and build a network of quality connections very early in life.

Financial security and empowerment have never been more critical in a country where financial literacy remains a serious concern, especially among Nigerian youth. The several challenges Nigerian youth face, including limited access to financial education resources, are a critical barrier to financial literacy. 

In response to this challenge, the Cowrywise Ambassadors' Programme is a platform that offers Nigerian students practical experience and resources to develop essential financial management skills and build a network of quality connections very early in life.

The Cowrywise Programme is structured around three main objectives;

1. Financial Literacy that focuses on equipping participants with an understanding of financial concepts they need to thrive, such as budgeting, saving, and principles of financial health.

2. Career Growth and Personal Development which aims to foster the personal and professional growth of the participants by providing them with mentors and career guidance. Participants will engage in workshops that help them to explore their interests and develop their strengths.

3. Quality Networking Opportunities that will create an enabling environment for the participants to connect with the alumni, industry professionals, and peers to exchange ideas and expand their professional network.

Eligibility:

The Programme is open to all undergraduates, recent graduates, and National Youth Service (NYSC) Corpers.

 Country: Youth who are based in Nigeria are eligible to apply.

Commitment: To become a Cowrywise Ambassador, you should be passionate about financial education and eager to learn effective communication skills.

What is in it for you?

• Paid Internship Opportunities: Get a chance to intern with one of Cowrywise's partner companies or with the company itself.
• Obtain a Certificate of Participation: Earn recognition by receiving a certificate of participation after your experience at the Cowrywise Ambassadors' Programme. 
• Exclusive Access to Cowrywise Events: Enjoy special access to Cowrywise-specific hangouts, product debuts, tech talks, sponsored events, and more!

Apply now to get an early start in your career at https://cowrywise.com/ambassadors

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FUNDED: Apply for this 4th Migration Youth Forum and Youth Leadership & Innovation Award for Migration

 

In these challenging times, it is important for young people to be engaged and involved in global migration governance. 

This year, youth will join governments, mayors, business leaders, and civil society stakeholders at the GFMD to discuss migration policy priorities and actions. The Migration Youth and Children Platform (MYCP) and IOM – UN Migration are organizing the 4th Migration Youth Forum as a preparatory space for the 14th GFMD Summit. The forum aims to ensure a strong and impactful youth presence at the Summit by exchanging priorities, recommendations, solutions, and best practices.

 

The Migration Youth Forum is a platform that prepares young people before their participation in the GFMD Summit to deliver a strong, inspirational and substantive youth presence at the 14th GFMD Summit. 

 

The Youth Forum will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, and online on January 21, 2024, Online capacity-building workshops will be held throughout January to prepare young participants for the GFMD Summit, offering peer-to-peer learning and networking opportunities.

The Youth Forum welcomes young people, including migrants, refugees, civil society representatives, researchers, entrepreneurs, decision-makers, professionals, volunteers, activists, and leaders under 31 years old who are committed to working with migrants. Diversity is a priority in terms of gender, age, background, culture, ethnicity, and geography.

 Applications from exceptional youth leaders are sought to attend the 4th Migration Youth Forum and the XIV GFMD Summit. Therefore, preference will be given to applicants with migrant, diaspora, or refugee status, and those experienced in engaging with migration and refugee issues.

Scholarships will be provided for a limited number of in-person participants to cover their trip to Geneva and stay during the Forum and the Summit.  Also, support will be given to candidates in raising funds for participation. Alternatively, self-funded or online participation options are available.

The 2nd Youth Leadership and Innovation Award for Migration will be hosted in conjunction with the Migration Youth Forum. It is a platform to highlight and recognize existing initiatives improving the lives of young people on the move.  The finalists will receive mentorship, seed funding, and participation in the Youth Forum and GFMD process. Young entrepreneurs and leaders are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility:

Age Range: Be between 18 and 30 years old (inclusive) at the time of participation at the Youth Forum and the GFMD Summit.

Country: Youth from all countries are eligible to apply.

Thematic expertise: Youth Forum participants must have a track record of relevant leadership, research and/or community impact in the area of migration and development. Preference will be given to youth with lived experience of migration (migrants, IDPs, diaspora, refugees, asylum seekers etc.).

Language: In order to meaningfully participate in all discussions and capacity-building workshops, in-person participants should have at least an intermediate level of English (CEFR B2 level). Online participants should be conversant in either English, Spanish, French, and/or Arabic.

Commitment: Be able to fully commit to actively participate during the Youth Forum and/or GFMD Summit, as well as in any preparatory and post-event activities.

Application Process: Duly fill out the online application form and submit it before the deadline (September 15, 23:59 CET)

(For in-person attendees only) Ability to Travel: Be in a position to travel to the host country (Geneva, Switzerland). This includes having a valid passport, necessary travel documents, and possibly obtaining a visa if required. (Please note: MYCP will be supporting selected applicants in obtaining visas such as through providing them with official invitation letters, accommodation assistance, etc. but MYCP is not able to guarantee the issuance of visas to any applicant)

 Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to become part of the 4th Migration Youth Forum and Youth Leadership & Innovation Award for Migration!

 Apply now and embark on an unforgettable adventure of impact and growth.

Stay connected with KIR Foundation on social media for more opportunities, events, and initiatives that empower youth across Africa!

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Western Union Foundation Fellowship (Fully Funded Training Plus Seed Funding) Apply Now

Watson Western Union Foundation Fellowship 2022 for next-generation entrepreneurs & community leaders ($25,000 in seed funding).

Are you an entrepreneur or community leader?
Would you like to connect and learn with visioneers like you?
Do you need seed funds & paid training to actualize or upscale your vision?
Then this Fellowship opportunity is for you.

About the Program

The Western Union Foundation and Watson Institute are accepting applications for a fully-funded Fellowship program for next-generation entrepreneurs and community leaders who are from and working with highly marginalized, refugee, and forcibly displaced communities around the globe.

Deadline: November 15

Program Structure

This 16-week-long program is designed to equip these next-generation entrepreneurs and leaders with the skills and experience to increase access to economic opportunity, integrate into their communities, succeed in the evolving nature of work, and transform their communities. Western Union Fellows will have the chance to earn seed funding.

This program offers virtual and in-person components that allow fellows to take advantage of the global cohort while also focusing on creating local impact within their communities. Virtual Programming includes Master Courses, Workshops, Weekly Check-Ins/ In-Person Programming including FellowLed Basecamps and a Fellow-Led Meetup.

Benefits

$25,000 in seed funding will be distributed among the Western Union Foundation Fellows based on progress and impact throughout the Fellowship.

Selection Process and Eligibility

• The Western Union Foundation Fellowship is for next-generation highly promising entrepreneurs and community leaders who are from and working with highly marginalized, refugee, and forcibly displaced communities around the globe.
• Ideal applicants will join with relevant social impact and leadership experiences with proven experience in building community development projects within these communities.
• Fellows must be able to commit to being part of the 16week program from January 17th to May 5th, 2023. There is a 2-week intensive (20-25 hours per week) followed by a 14-weeks of weekly programming (5-8 hours per week). Fellows will be given a stipend and spend an additional 80-100 hours implementing a 3-day intensive program called Basecamp.
• They are looking for applicants from the following countries:

• Mexico

• Kenya 

• Austria 

• Brazil 

• Canada 

• Colombia 

• Costa Rica 

• Ethiopia 

• France 

• Germany 

• India 

• Italy

• Jordan 

• Lebanon 

• Nigeria (They can accept Nigerians who are working with the highly marginalized, refugee, and immigrant populations.

• United Arab Emirates 

• Pakistan 

• Peru 

• Philippines 

• Saudi Arabia

• Turkey

• Uganda

• United Kingdom 

• United States 

• Afghanistan and Afghan Refugees

Application 

1. Complete the online application: The online application contains 5 short essay questions

 

2. Your application will be reviewed: Applications will be reviewed within 2-weeks

of submission. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. The final

application deadline is November 15th.

3. You will be invited to an interview: Applicants moving forward in the process will be invited to a 20-minute Zoom interview.

4. Enrollment process: We will send out final admission decisions and enrollment agreement within 2-weeks of the interview.

Start Your Application.

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