About GLEC

International English Competition

on the United Nations Agenda

Global Leadership English Challenge (GLEC) is an English Speaking and Writing contest on the topics of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With the world facing seemingly unresolvable matters, which range from environmental issues to refugee crises, GLEC aims to raise awareness and understanding of contemporary global issues among the participating students. Participants are expected to share their views on current issues and offer potential solutions to multifaceted global problems on the given themes based on their grade level.

Maher Nasser


Director of the Outreach Division in the United Nations Department of Global Communications

Chairman of the United Nations Publications Board


Former, Head of the United Nations Department of Public Information

Former, Director of the United Nations Information Service in Vienna

Greetings from the United Nations, New York!

I would like to congratulate you on your participation in the Global Leadership English Challenge (GLEC) Speech and Essay Writing Contest. I would also like to applaud that thank Hope to the Future Association for leading the efforts to organize this contest and for framing it around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).


At 1.8 billion, you are part of the largest generation of young people in history and you are more connected and aware of global issues than any generation before you. World leaders have agreed that the Global Goals are the best fit for many of our global challenges. The GLEC contest is our opportunity to listen to your takes on the global challenges faced by us all, and your proposed solutions for achieving the future envisioned in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.


All indications show us that we are not on track to achieve the SDGs by 2030. That is why the United Nations, the Secretary-General launched a Decade of Action: Delivering the SDGs by 2030. The United Nations’ #ActNow Climate Action campaign has also shown us that individual action can be the answer to climate change, the defining issue of our time. By changing everyday habits and routines, and making choices that have less harmful effects on the environment, every one of us has the power to confront the climate challenge.


The world’s problems, from climate change and poverty to human rights and the threat caused by nuclear weapons, cannot be solved in conference rooms alone. We need everyone to act and everyone to advocate in their communities and with their leaders to get us back on track to fulfill the promises of Agenda 2030. I hope this contest can serve as a platform for you to showcase your action at home, on-campus or in your community.


Thank you for helping us spread the word through your essays and speeches. I look forward to hearing your solutions for a more peaceful and prosperous world. Thank you!

Maher Nasser


Largest and Premier UN-theme English Competition,

Compete Global, Grow Global

Get to know the crises our globe is facing, share your views on the agenda,

and offer your own creative solutions on earth!