Speech Awards: This Year's Challenge

Thinking of entering the UNANZ Speech Awards 2026? It’s open for all non professional speakers.

The Speech Awards provide an opportunity to research, reflect on, and communicate ideas about the role of the United Nations in addressing today's global challenges. 

Entries are welcomed across three categories:

School – Currently enrolled in school
Youth – Under 24 years old
Open – Open to anyone who is not a professional speaker

To enter, speeches must:
• Be between six and eight minutes in length
• Be presented to an audience of at least 15 people
• Be recorded for the online judging process
• Make meaningful reference to the aims, work, and aspirations of the United Nations, informed by your own research and presented through your own perspective

Helpful resources to support your research:

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/climate/articles/10.3389/fclim.2024.1453366/full

https://www.unsdglearn.org/podcast/sdgs-and-beyond-rethinking-multilateralism-for-the-post-2030-era/

https://tribeimpactcapital.com/impact-hub/looking-beyond-2030-navigating-the-future-of-the-sdgs/

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42398-025-00388-2

Following online judging, six finalists will be invited to Wellington to present their speeches at the live final, where the 2026 Speech Awards winner will be announced.

Learn more and submit your entry here:
➡️ https://forms.unyouth.org.nz/unanz2026speechawardssubmission

We encourage educators, community organisations, and professional networks to share this opportunity with anyone who may be interested.

Entries close 16th August