The European Union is proud to announce the Youth-Led Innovation Showcase: Rise & Recycle 2025, a dynamic three-stage competition designed to empower young environmental innovators. 

Organized by the European Union and Partners.

Celebrating creativity and innovative ideas in young people hence the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is not allowed. 

 

Introduction:
The European Union is proud to announce the Youth-Led Innovation Showcase: Rise & Recycle 2025, a dynamic three-stage competition designed to empower young environmental innovators. This initiative seeks to inspire and equip youth to transform waste into innovative, sustainable solutions that advance the principles of the circular economy. Participants shall demonstrate creativity, sustainability, eloquence, authenticity and passion as they present real-world recycling projects with tangible impact.

 
Competition Structure and Objectives
Stage 1: Social Media Challenge – “Why Recycle?”

 

Submission requirements:

Contestants shall submit a one-minute video to the EU’s official email address demonstrating:

  • Their passion for environmental sustainability.

  • Their motivation to participate in the Youth-Led Innovation Showcase.

  • Their personal interpretation of recycling and circularity.

  • The innovative recycling idea or project they intend to develop if selected.

The EU will select the top 20 videos.  These will be published on the EU’s official social media channels. Contestants are required to repost their videos using the hashtags: #RiseAndRecycle #GoGreenwithEU #ForOurPlanet. The ten most compelling and publicly supported contestants will progress to the next stage.

Selection criteria

  • Creativity and clarity of message.

  • Authenticity and demonstrated passion.

  • Public engagement metrics.(likes, comments & shares)

Note: The use of AI-generated content is strictly prohibited, particularly concerning public engagement metrics. Contestants using AI will be automatically disqualified.

 
Stage 2: Create a Masterpiece – “Waste into Wonder”

Each contestant will produce an original recycled masterpiece, this could be a functional invention, upcycled product, or artistic creation using waste materials such as plastic, metal, rubber, wood, or textiles.

Note: The use of AI-generated content is strictly prohibited, particularly concerning public engagement metrics. Contestants using AI will be automatically disqualified.

 

Submission requirements:

  • A video (up to 1 minute and 30 seconds) explaining the creation, materials used and the inspiration behind the work shall be submitted to EU’s official email address

  • The EU will post it on its Facebook page and contestants will repost on social media with the designated campaign hashtags.

  • Note: The finished product should not be reveal until the 3rd stage which is the final of the competition. 

  • Time and Date: at the close of business on Monday September 22nd, 2025. 

Selection criteria:

The five contestants with the most innovative projects and strongest audience support will advance to the final round.

 

Stage 3: The Final Showcase – “From Waste to Change”

Finalists will develop a second, more advanced piece of their original concept to demonstrate growth, increased impact, or new inspiration. These projects will be exhibited at the EU Delegation.

Note: The use of AI-generated content is strictly prohibited, particularly concerning public engagement metrics. Contestants using AI will be automatically disqualified.

 

Event Details:

  • The live event will be hosted at the EU Delegation or its compound.

  • Finalists will present their works to a panel of expert judges comprising EU representatives, environmental professionals, youth leaders, and sustainability innovators.

  • Recordings of the presentations will be posted on the EU’s social media platforms to facilitate public voting.

  • Winners will be selected based on a combined score of judges’ evaluations and public voting. The award ceremony will be held at a subsequent date.

Judges: 

1 Person of the Environmental Protection Agency

1 Person from EU Green Team

1 Persons from EU Member States Embassies (Team Europe)

1 Person from UNDP

1 Person EverGreen Recycling Institute 

 

Judging Criteria:

  • Innovation and potential impact.

  • Quality of presentation and storytelling.

  • Relevance to the Liberian economy.

  • Visual appeal and overall creativity.

The top three winners will be formally recognized based on authentic evaluation and audience feedback.

 

Prizes & Recognition

1st Place

Tablet

Certificate of participation

Internship with one of the partnered environmental organizations

Radio and Social Media Interview

 

2nd Place

Phone

Certificate for participation

Internship with one of the partnered environmental organizations

 

3rd Place

Phone

Certificate of participation

Internship with one of the partnered environmental organizations