The International Essay Competition for Youth and Journalists, also part of the 10th UCLG ASPAC Congress, seeks to encourage the exploration of self-reliant and self-sufficient communities through written perspectives. Open to both youth (up to 25 years old) and accredited journalists from all nationalities, participants are invited to write essays, maximum 1000 words, under the overarching theme of “Sustainable Global Self-sufficient Cities and Regions for the Future,” elaborating on one of five sub-topics to foster knowledge exchange and inspire future urban solutions

The UCLG ASPAC Startup Pitching Competition serves as a dynamic platform to spotlight early and growth-stage startups that are transforming urban futures through innovation. This competition invites teams to submit solutions that contribute to building more sustainable, inclusive, and self-sufficient cities and regions, aligning with the Congress’s theme, and provides selected finalists the unique opportunity to pitch live during the Congress to city leaders, gain international exposure, and compete for funding and collaboration opportunities

The UCLG ASPAC Photo Competition is designed to promote the 10th UCLG ASPAC Congress by inviting the public to submit photos that visually represent urban sustainability, local governance, and cultural and regional diversity. Participants are encouraged to capture images aligned with the main theme, “Sustainable Global Self-sufficient Cities and Regions for the Future,” across five specific categories, with the goal of inspiring new urban solutions and showcasing exemplary practices through compelling visual narratives