'Atoms for Peace and Development' Essay Competition

The IAEA’s essay competition for young adults around the world is based on the IAEA’s slogan – Atoms for Peace and Development. The competition is designed to commemorate the 70th anniversary of US President Dwight D Eisenhower’s ‘Atoms for Peace’ speech delivered on 8 December 1953 to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, which laid the foundation for the establishment of the IAEA in 1957. The winning essay will posit ways the IAEA and the international community can address today’s biggest challenges within the mission of “Atoms for Peace and Development”.

Who is eligible to participate?

Anyone between 18 and 24 years of age, as of 23 October 2023, is eligible.

The competition is free to enter, and contestants are limited to one entry. Here are the terms and conditions of the competition.

How can I enter the competition?

Essays can be submitted on this page from Tuesday, 20 September 2023. The deadline is 23:59 CET, Monday, 23 October 2023.

Essays must be original and a maximum of 4000 characters. Please read the terms and conditions for further requirements.

What are the judging criteria?

Essays will be judged on:

• Relevance
• Accuracy
• Style and originality
• Impact of new ideas

What is the prize?

The winning essay will be announced on the anniversary of the speech on 8 December 2023. The winner of the competition will be invited to Vienna. 

Guidance for the Essay

Since 1957, the IAEA has played a central role in delivering the benefits of the atom to humanity, while helping to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.

Essay writers can familiarize themselves with the IAEA’s mission including the IAEA Mid-Term Strategy. The IAEA has published informative videos explaining the work of the Agency.

About the IAEA and its mission

• Watch here (3 min): (Subtitles) This is the IAEA : This is Atoms for Peace and Development (English)
  • The objectives of the IAEA’s dual mission – to promote and control the Atom – are defined in Article II of the IAEA Statute.

“The Agency shall seek to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world. It shall ensure, so far as it is able, that assistance provided by it or at its request or under its supervision or control is not used in such a way as to further any military purpose.”

• Read here: https://www.iaea.org/about/overview/history 

The safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear technology for sustainable global development

• Climate change 
  • Watch here (2 min): Nuclear Technology for Climate
     
• Nuclear energy 
  • Watch here (7 min): Nuclear Power: The Road to a Carbon Free Future
     
• Cancer treatment 
  • Watch here (7 min): Scientific Forum 2022: Rays of Hope – Cancer Care for All
     
• Food and Agriculture 
  • Watch here (3 min): Building Better Agriculture One Atom at a Time
     
• Clean Water 
  •  Watch here (3 min): Nuclear Science for SDGs: Clean Water And Sanitation
     
• Ocean Health 
  • Watch here (3 min): Nuclear Science for Ocean Health
     
• Nuclear Fusion
  • Watch here (3 min): Nuclear science: The future of fusion energy
     
• Plastic pollution (NUTEC)
  • Watch here (2 min): NUTEC: A Nuclear Solution to Plastic Pollution | IAEA
     
• Preparing for pandemics (ZODIAC)
  • Watch here (3 min) Preparing the World for Future Pandemics | IAEA

This article was amended on 4 December, 2023.