Enter the Youth for Sustainable Policy (YSP) Global Policy Brief Competition 2026 - a flagship global writing competition for young people interested in climate policy, energy, sustainability, governance, and public policy. Submit a 600 - 900 word research-backed policy brief evaluating a fossil fuel subsidy reform and recommending one government improvement by 2030. Open to ages 16 - 30 worldwide. Deadline: 15 October 2026, 11:59 p.m. GMT+8.
YSP is a youth-led non-profit headquartered in Singapore, empowering the next generation of policy thinkers. Winners gain recognition, publication pathways, and further opportunities within YSP's Research & Policy and Environment tracks.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on official YSP announcements. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - YSP Global Policy Brief Competition 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | YSP Global Policy Brief Competition 2026 |
| Organiser | Youth for Sustainable Policy (YSP) - Singapore |
| Type | Global policy writing competition |
| Word count | 600 - 900 words (research-backed policy brief) |
| Topic | Fossil fuel subsidy reform - evaluate effectiveness, recommend one improvement by 2030 |
| Age range | 16 - 30 years (Junior and Open categories) |
| Scope | Global - any country’s reform in the past five years |
| Deadline | 15 October 2026, 11:59 p.m. GMT+8 |
| Official page | YSP - competition announcement |
| Submit | Official YSP submission form |
What Is the YSP Policy Brief Competition?
YSP's annual Global Policy Brief Competition challenges young writers to move beyond describing problems and instead assess what governments have actually done, whether reforms worked, and what should happen next.
The 2026 prompt focuses on fossil fuel subsidy reform - one of the most consequential levers in climate and energy policy. Submissions are judged on argument quality, use of evidence, accessibility, and policy practicality.
The 2026 Prompt
Choose one fossil fuel subsidy reform policy implemented in any country in the last five years. In your brief:
- Evaluate its effectiveness
- Recommend one improvement a national government could adopt by 2030
Briefs must be 600 - 900 words, research-backed, and written in clear, accessible language suitable for policymakers and general readers.
Competition Categories
- Junior category: Secondary and high school students
- Open category: University students, recent graduates, and young professionals
Open to participants aged 16 - 30. No prior policy writing experience is required.
What Judges Look For
- Argument quality - clear, logical reasoning
- Use of evidence - credible sources and data
- Accessibility - readable for non-specialist audiences
- Policy practicality - realistic, actionable recommendations
Benefits for Participants
- Pathway toward publication, recognition, and further YSP opportunities
- Aligned with YSP's Research & Policy and Environment tracks
- Develop policy research and writing skills on a live global issue
- Contribute to serious youth-led conversations on climate and energy policy
- Join a global community of 600+ young policy leaders
- Policy brief template and style guide available on request
Who Can Apply
Open globally to ages 16 - 30. You may enter if you meet at least one of the following:
- Aged 16 - 22
- Current university student
- Recent graduate (within two years) in public policy, international relations, environmental studies, economics, or a related field
- Young professional up to age 28 working in NGOs, government, think tanks, or related organisations
No prior policy writing experience required. Secondary/high school students compete in the Junior category; university students and young professionals in the Open category.
How to Submit
- Review competition details via YSP competition information.
- Request the policy brief template and YSP style guide by emailing youthforsustainablepolicy@gmail.com (optional but recommended).
- Write your 600 - 900 word brief responding to the fossil fuel subsidy reform prompt.
- Submit via the official YSP submission form before 15 October 2026, 11:59 p.m. GMT+8.
Required Submission
- Completed online submission form
- 600 - 900 word research-backed policy brief (PDF or as specified on the form)
- Brief responding to the 2026 fossil fuel subsidy reform prompt
Official Links
Submit - YSP Global Policy Brief Competition 2026
Competition and submission details
Youth for Sustainable Policy on LinkedIn
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FAQs - YSP Policy Brief Competition 2026
When is the deadline?
15 October 2026 at 11:59 p.m. GMT+8 (Singapore/China Standard Time).
How long should my brief be?
600 - 900 words.
Can high school students apply?
Yes. Secondary and high school students aged 16+ enter the Junior category.
Do I need policy writing experience?
No. A template and style guide are available on request via email.
What country’s reform can I analyse?
Any country - choose one fossil fuel subsidy reform implemented in the past five years.
Is there a cash prize?
The competition offers publication pathways, recognition, and further opportunities within YSP. Check the official submission page for any updated prize details.
