Call for Submissions: United Nations University Video Pitch Contest 2025

Application Deadline: October 24, 2025

The United Nations University (UNU) has announced the 2025 Video Pitch Contest, a global call celebrating the power of collective action, capacity-building, and urban transformation. This exciting initiative connects with the spirit of the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP 30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), set to take place under the Brazilian Presidency in Belém.

The contest invites individuals and communities worldwide to share short, compelling video pitches that highlight local actions driving climate resilience and sustainable urban growth. Whether it’s a neighbourhood initiative, a city project, or a grassroots campaign, this competition aims to spotlight the people and stories behind meaningful urban change.

Empowering Communities through Capacity-Building

Led by the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), the World Resources Institute – Ross Centre for Sustainable Cities (WRI), and the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), this contest emphasizes the importance of capacity-building in achieving climate goals.

Supported by the International Climate Initiative of the German Government and in collaboration with the Paris Committee on Capacity-Building, the contest seeks to create a global movement that connects local action to national strategies, and national strategies to global goals.

Capacity-building can take many forms — from peer-to-peer learning and community education to hands-on initiatives like urban gardening, tree planting, mural painting, and other local projects. Each act of learning and collaboration helps individuals and communities gain the skills and confidence needed to shape their own cities and foster sustainable urban futures.

Prizes and Recognition

The contest will award cash prizes to the top three video pitches that best capture the theme of collective action for urban transformation:

1st Place: USD 800
2nd Place: USD 500
3rd Place: USD 300

In addition, the winning videos will be showcased at the 7th Capacity-Building Hub during COP 30 in Belém, Brazil — offering participants global visibility. Winners will also receive exclusive access to an online training on Transformative Communication, equipping them with storytelling and advocacy skills to further amplify their initiatives.

Who Can Apply

The UNU Video Pitch Contest 2025 is open to everyone, regardless of country of residence, background, or experience level. Participants under 18 years of age must provide written permission from a parent or legal guardian to qualify.

Entries must be submitted individually — submissions on behalf of others will not be accepted. By entering, participants agree to the contest’s full terms and conditions as outlined on the Transformative Urban Coalitions website.

Submission Guidelines

To participate, applicants must submit:

• A video pitch (maximum 60 seconds) that includes English subtitles or a transcript.
• A short written story (100–150 words) describing the initiative.

Videos should:

• Reflect authentic, original initiatives that promote collective climate action and capacity-building.
• Contain minimal editing for natural storytelling.
• Avoid offensive, defamatory, or inappropriate content.
• Exclude any watermarks, logos, or personal identifiers such as names or signatures.

Each submission should embody the spirit of the Global Mutirão — a concept representing collective effort and shared responsibility in building equitable, inclusive, and climate-resilient cities.Submission Deadline: October 24, 2025 (23:59 CEST)

Why This Contest Matters

In an era where cities are at the frontline of the climate crisis, the UNU Video Pitch Contest offers a creative platform for communities to share their stories of impact and innovation. It amplifies the voices of changemakers working to make cities more inclusive, green, and resilient.

Through storytelling and peer learning, participants can inspire others across the globe to take action in their own local contexts — reinforcing the message that sustainable transformation begins with empowered people and collective action.

This initiative also reinforces the growing momentum around COP 30, reminding the global community that lasting climate action starts in our neighbourhoods, schools, and streets.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE

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