World Trade Center Turku and the WTCA Foundation Call on Students to Become
Champions of Global Trade by Participating in the Foundation’s “Peace Through Trade”
Competition
TURKU, FINLAND 27.5.2022 — World Trade Center Turku has joined the World Trade Centers Association Foundation (WTCAF) in their efforts to foster entrepreneurship among local students through the third annual WTCAF “Peace Through Trade” Competition — a program designed to identify and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders from the 300-plus cities where a World Trade Center branded business is located. Members from the World Trade Centers Association’s (WTCA) global network spanning more than 100 countries have the opportunity to submit projects from local students to compete in the program and become champions of global trade. New this year, in collaboration with the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI), the program is open to all students around the world, including the UNAI’s vibrant and diverse network of more than 1,400 member institutions in more than 147 countries that reach over 25 million people, comprised of students, academics, scientists, researchers, think tanks, institutions of higher education, continuing education and educational associations.
“The Peace Through Trade competition is designed to help grow and inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs while promoting ethical and sustainable international business practices that will impact their communities,” said Catherine Lee, Chair of the WTCAF Board of Directors. “The WTCAF recognizes the value of being at the forefront of nurturing innovation at a young age and in an effort to further our engagement with young leaders and innovators, we are excited to expand the reach of our global student competition and collaborate with the UNAI to extend the invitation to its network.”
Student teams are encouraged to submit their applications for this year’s competition to present original projects, products, or other innovative ideas that exemplify and promote social innovation and sustainability through collaboration, fair trade, and ethical international business practices. Projects must also address at least one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as no poverty, zero hunger, and sustainable cities and communities. Interested student teams can contact the foundation at foundation@wtca.org. Eligible applicants must be individuals, or teams of individuals made up of not more than four members; be a member of any college, university, trade school or other educational institution between the ages of 18-29 at the time of the submission deadline; be able to present their project in PowerPoint or other similar format (no more than 20 slides); and be able to present their project via video conference to the WTCAF Board. The submission period for the 2021-2022 competition is open now through June 30, 2022. There are no fees associated for students to participate in this year’s competition. Entries must be in English and only one submission per individual/team of individuals will be accepted.
The winning team will be awarded a cash prize of USD $3,000 — to be distributed evenly amongst team members — along with an opportunity to virtually present their project to the global attendees of the 2022 World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) Member Forum, which brings together nearly 600 attendees across 117 World Trade Center businesses in more than 50 countries and 27 industries around the globe, alongside renowned experts. The WTCA Member Forum will be held in the fall of 2022. The team will also have the opportunity to present their project virtually to the global attendees of the 2023 WTCA General Assembly consisting of WTCA members representing the 300+ World Trade Center-branded locations in nearly 100 countries, and their global business networks consisting of leaders from business, government, academia, media and international organizations. The 2023 WTCA GA will be held in the spring of 2023. They will also be featured in a future episode of the global WTCA
“Trade Wins” Podcast and receive a certificate of recognition by the WTCAF Board. The first runner-up team will be awarded a cash prize of USD $1,500 — also to be distributed evenly amongst team members — and a certificate of recognition by the WTCAF Board.
“The WTCAF’s global initiative aligns with the UNAI’s mission to support and contribute to the realization of the United Nations’ 17 SDGs and mandates by harnessing the energy and innovation of young people,” said Robin van Puyenbroeck, Director of the WTCA Foundation and also Executive Director-Business Development at the WTCA. “This year’s program will provide thousands of students around the world the opportunity to access a global
professional network of key leaders and share their vision with a global audience of leaders and policymakers. We very much look forward to great participation and a successful, inspiring competition.”
Contact World Trade Center Turku to learn more and explore how you can take part. For more information about the 2021-2022 WTCAF “Peace Through Trade” Competition, please visit https://wtca.swoogo.com/2021PeaceThroughTrade.
