Global Essay Competition (GEC)

Write
Think
Lead

The GEC is a global health and care essay competition for young people aged 13–35 who want to raise their voice, show leadership, and help build healthier communities. It is more than a writing contest: it is a pathway for young people to learn, speak up, and inspire real change in their schools, communities, and countries.

Lead tomorrow’s health

“Global youth essays shaping change”

What GEC Is

The CommonHealth Awards CIC Global Essay Competition is a structured international programme in health and care education and leadership development.

It helps participants explore real health issues such as nutrition, mental health, hygiene, substance use, environmental health, health equity, and healthy living.

The competition encourages young people to think deeply, write clearly, and offer practical ideas for healthier families, schools, communities, and nations.

Why Join GEC

GEC gives young people a chance to be heard on issues that matter to their lives and communities. It also helps participants build confidence, leadership, and communication skills that can support higher education, scholarships, job applications, and future careers.

Raise Your Voice

Speak out on real health issues affecting your community

Strengthen Your Profile

Support university admission and employment applications

Build Confidence

Learn to write, think, and argue with confidence

Global Recognition

Win recognition at national and global levels

Show Leadership

Lead positive change in your school, neighbourhood, or profession

Attend Galas

National winners and global CAT3/CAT4 winners attend prestigious gala events

Winners are recognised for their ideas, integrity, and contribution to building a healthier nation.

Age Categories

Participants are grouped into four age categories based on age as of 1 January 2026

Category	Age Range	Typical Stage	Final Level
CAT1	13-15	School level	National
CAT2	16-18	Higher secondary / senior school / equivalent	National
CAT3	19-24	University, college, diploma, master's, or research level	Global
CAT4	25-35	Young professionals, researchers, and leaders	Global

Note:CAT1 and CAT2 usually compete through institution, district, state, and national levels. CAT3 and CAT4 progress to the global level, and winners and runners-up in these categories may be invited to the Global Gala in London.

How It Works

The competetion runs through five levels: Institution, District, State, National, and Global. At each stage, participants are assessed fairly using an official rubric focused on health understanding, public health relevance, leadership solutions, critical thinking, communication, structure, and adherence to guidelines.

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Institutional Level

Competition begins at your school, college, or organization

District/Local Authority Level

Winners advance to compete at district or local level

State/Regional Level

Top performers compete at the state or regional level

National Level

State winners compete for national recognition and awards

Global Level

National Level winners compete for Global recognition and awards

All essay topics are linked to health, social care, wellbeing, or public health systems. Questions are designed to help participants reflect on real problems, local realities, and practical solutions.

Mental Health

Explore mental wellbeing and support

Nutrition & Diet

Healthy eating and food systems

Disease Prevention

Community health initiatives

Environmental Health

Clean environment and sustainability

Substance Use

Awareness and prevention strategies

Health Equity

Fair access to healthcare for all

Participants are
encouraged to:

Speak about real health challenges in their communities

Share their own ideas and solutions

Think about how people, schools, and governments can improve health

Write with honesty, originality, and care

Why Honesty Matters

GEC is built on integrity, originality, and respect for authentic voice.
Plagiarism, ghostwriting, and copied work are not allowed because health communication must be honest and trustworthy.
Participants may use research and AI tools for ideas and understanding, but the final essay must be their own work.

Every participant receives recognition for taking part, and winners and runners-up are celebrated at different levels. National winners and runners-up receive official recognition in their country, and national gala events may be organized by the National Coordinator.

Global winners and runners-up in CAT3 and CAT4 receive international recognition and are invited to the Global Gala in London.

Official Certificates

All participants receive recognition certificates.

Public Recognition

Winners celebrated at their institution and community

Leadership Profile

Stand out as a young health leader in your field

Gala Events

National gala for national winners, Global Gala in London for CAT3/CAT4

The first edition of the Global Essay Competition is scheduled to begin in September 2026 and the exact date for the first level of the competition in your country for each category will be notified by your national coordinator 90 days before the test date on this website.

For Students, Schools and Partners

GEC welcomes students, schools, colleges, universities, coordinators, and partner organisations from around the world. The competition is open to countries that want to work with CommonHealth Awards CIC and support youth leadership in health and care.

Why countries should partner: