CHENNAI: ELS Educational Services and the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) of the UN Department of Public Information, for the first time last year, conducted the Many Languages One World, a multilingual essay contest. “The objective of the contest is to promote multilingualism and the continued study of the six official languages of the United Nations — Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. This provides young students with an opportunity to engage in dialogue about UNAI principles that can then be carried back to their universities and institutions,” begins Mallik Sundaram of ELS.

This year’s contest has for its theme “Seventy for Seventy”; there will be a total of 70 winners, 10 in each of the six official United Nations languages and an additional 10 chosen on merit from the remaining entries in all languages. Students aged 18 years and above enroled in a full-time programme at a recognised university can apply for the contest. You are required to write an essay not exceeding 2,000 words on the post-2015 development goals of the United Nations. To view background material, visit www.sustainabledevelopment.un.org.
On how students are awarded, Sundaram says, “A panel of judges will decide upon the 70 winners. They are reviewed by multiple levels for innovativeness and on the compelling way the goals are presented and addressed by the participants worldwide.” The jury includes academicians and linguistic experts, he adds.
 On takeaways for Indian students, he says, “This is a great opportunity to learn more about the post-2015 global development agenda and global sustainable development efforts by UN while sharing and spreading your learning with friends and family. To come to the best part, all winners will get an all-expenses paid trip to New York during June 20-26, this year. I promise that this will be a life-changing experience, and global exposure is guaranteed.”
It doesn’t end here. Students will attend a Global Youth Forum at Adelphi University, New York, to present their views in the General Assembly of the United Nations Headquarters. At the Global Youth Forum, the students will be able to discuss their plans of action addressing selected topics from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. You will also have the opportunity to interact with invited international scholars and tour New York City. Apply by March 25. Details at www.ManyLanguagesOneWorld.ELS.edu.