World's Challenge Challenge

About the challenge

The World’s Challenge Challenge is a competition hosted by the UBC Global Lounge, which seeks to engage students on international issues and how they can play a part in sparking social change.

Teams of students pitch their solutions to global problems for a chance to win up to $3000. Winners go on to compete in the International World's Challenge Challenge, for a top team prize of $30,000.

  • First place
    Each winning member will receive $1000 and the opportunity to take part in the virtual finals at Western University.

  • Second place
    Each winner receives $500.

How to enter

  1. Gather your team
    Your team must be made up of two to three individuals who are current UBC graduate or undergraduate students in good standing. Teams are encouraged to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds or areas of study.
  2. Pick your Global Challenge
    Choose a Global Challenge or address one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
  3. Find your solution
    Brainstorm your creative solution to the global issue you picked.
  4. Submit your proposal
    Make sure to prepare and submit your proposal online by the deadline.

If you're a finalist

You'll need to meet with your group to prepare a 5 to 7-minute presentation to pitch us your solution, before presenting in March.

Key dates

Date Competition information

Wed, Oct 19, 2022

Registration for the World’s Challenge Challenge opens

Tues, Jan 2, 2023

Deadline for teams to submit their online application for review

Fri, Jan 27, 2023

UBC Finalists will be notified by The Global Lounge by this date. Only those proceeding to the next round will be notified.
Fri, Jan 27 to Wed, Mar 1, 2023 Finalists prepare their 5 to 7 minute team presentation

Wed, Mar 1, 2023

Finalists present their global issue and solution before a panel of judges. A winning team and a second place team will be selected and announced at an evening event on this date, which all finalists are expected to attend.

Each presentation will be judged out of 100 points using the World's Challenge Challenge Scoring Rubric.

Jun 5 to 8, 2023

The winning team participates in the virtual International World’s Challenge Challenge at Western University for a chance to win $30,000 ($10,000 per member).

Resources and documents

Past student blog posts

If you have questions

Applications are open

Applications for 2022/23 are now open until Tues, Jan 2, 2023.
Apply now