Your World International Competition | British Council

Smarter Choices, Stronger Futures

This year’s competition theme is Smarter Choices, Stronger Futures, aligning with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. For this year's competition, students are encouraged to tackle a Zero-Waste Week Challenge.

Students demonstrate how they use their own creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills to improve sustainability in their community. What’s more, they have a chance to present their ideas to a global audience.

The 2025-26 competition is now open for entries.

Real world knowledge

Application of knowledge in real-world contexts

Empower your students to bridge theory and practice by applying classroom knowledge to tackle real-world challenges. This deepens their understanding of academic subjects and global issues, enhancing their educational experience.

Critical thinking

Supports critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Witness your students improve their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The competition challenges them to apply these skills outside the classroom, tackling real-world issues with innovative solutions.

social responsibility

Learn the importance of social responsibility

The competition encourages students to understand the significance of social responsibility and inspires them to contribute positively to the world.

global perspective

Foster a global perspective and cultural awareness

Students join a diverse community of learners in sharing their viewpoints, broadening your students' understanding of global cultures and issues. This exposure nurtures cultural awareness and fosters a comprehensive global perspective.

student engagement

Encourages student engagement and motivation

The competition is an exciting platform that ignites students' curiosity and motivation, allowing them to engage deeply with their learning and with the world around them. Winners get their projects shown globally and students can win prizes, which is a great way to inspire a sense of purpose and pride in their work.

communication skills

Develop communication skills

Participants refine their communication skills, learning to articulate ideas and opinions with clarity and confidence. This platform enhances their ability to express themselves.

2025-26 Theme: Smarter Choices, Stronger Futures

The 2025-26 Your World video competition embraces the theme, 'Smarter Choices, Stronger Futures,' aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Students are invited to form teams of three to five members, and produce a compelling video, no longer than three minutes, in which they showcase their approach to a Zero-Waste Week Challenge. This is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their problem-solving skills and transform concern into action.

Social action project

Through the Your World competition, students can make a difference by addressing responsible consumption and production in their chosen community. Students will choose a community, be it their local neighbourhood or school, tackle a Zero-Waste Week Challenge, and use their creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills to improve sustainability in their community.

Social action project ideas:

Integrate as a subject-specific project

Leveraging its versatility, educators can incorporate Your World competition into specific subjects, such as science. Students are encouraged to engage deeply with the theme, using their skills to figure out how they can implement sustainable solutions within their school or local community.

Three students looking at an iPad whilst sitting in a library

Incorporate the competition into school clubs or societies

Your World can be worked into the activities of school clubs or societies, allowing students to collaborate on projects that align with their interests and the club's objectives. This integration offers a dynamic platform for members to tackle the competition's theme, fostering teamwork and innovation in a club setting.

Three flm students instructing and capturing photos in a studio

Do's

Focus on a real issue in your school or community.
Make the video specifically for this competition.
Include clear actions and measurable outcomes.
Use creative visuals to make your message powerful.
Consider your audience: students worldwide will watch your video.
Ensure consent is collected for anyone
who is filmed.

Don'ts

Students should not submit a video that’s a general documentary with no action taken.
Students should not include political content or historical figures.
Students should not include student names in the video or file name.
Videos should not go over 3 minutes in length.
Students should not reuse footage from other projects – this must be original work.

How to make your entry stand out

Students must submit a live-action video focused on their world as they experience it. The video should show students have assessed local needs accurately. It should have been made specifically for this competition.

The video should highlight how the issues have been identified within a specific community and the effectiveness of the implemented social action plan. The video needs to present the positive changes and demonstrate that community considerations have been taken into account. The aim should be to create a long-term impact.

Judging criteria

Judging criteria used at country, regional, and global levels are based on:

Content: the idea is new and engaging.
Structure: the organisation and structure of the video.
Visual design: quality and editing of the video created.
Cultural sensitivity: norms and values of other cultures are taken into account. Ideas are respectful and inclusive of others.
Impact and change delivered: the intervention delivered impact that has been measured and demonstrated.

Make the most out of being a British Partner School today

Participating in the Your World competition is more than just a contest; it's an opportunity to inspire change, develop critical skills, and connect with a global community. Students can enhance their creativity, solve problems, and gain valuable experience in teamwork and communication. Join us to empower your students to become proactive global citizens, ready to face the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and compassion.

Become a Partner School