KUALA LUMPUR: Innovative and creative youths are urged to participate in a nationwide competition to win a berth at this year's United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID) Global Youth Forum, to be held in Armenia from Oct 21 to 24.

The competition is open to youths between 18 and 25 years and is organised by the Malaysian chapter of the UN GAID Global Youth Forum. It is sponsored by Astro.

The youths can work individually or in teams of two and are encouraged to base their entries on the eight UN Millenium Development Goals.

The goals are the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger; achieving universal primary education; promoting gender equality and empowering women; reducing child mortality; combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; improving maternal health; ensuring environmental sustainability; and, developing a global partnership for development.

Entries can be in the form of a written document, a three to five minute video, or a prototype.
The deadline for entries is 11.59pm on Sept 25.

UN Asia-Pacific e-leader Johan Farid Khairuddin said last year, only 100 entries were received as only prototypes were allowed to be submitted.

Astro Ria channel manager Khairul Mizan said it was imperative to cultivate the potential of our youth.

Astro will be embarking on a roadshow to promote the competition. Entries can be submitted through Astro's website www.astro.com.my/ themalaysianchapter.