Students and young professionals ages 18-30 are invited to enter a youth essay competition that encourages youth around the world to get involved in a global civic discussion on issues that concern them.

The contest, being sponsored by the U.S.-based Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), features three general topics: Citizenship in a Democratic Society, Educational Reform and Employment Opportunities, and Entrepreneurship & Leadership.

Essays should be 2,000-4,000 words in length and must be submitted by March 1, 2009. CIPE is offering a US$1,000 honorarium for the winners, and will publish the top three winning essays via its Economic Reform Feature Service, which is distributed to more than 3,000 subscribers.

Visit www.cipe.org/essay for more information. For questions, e-mail essay@cipe.org.