About the Competition:

Accountability Lab Pakistan, with the support of the European Union in Pakistan and in collaboration with NACTA and UNODC Pakistan, announces the launch of the Virtual Media Competition for students enrolled in our beneficiary universities. This competition is designed to amplify youth voices and promote powerful narratives of peace, resilience, and social cohesion through original digital and written storytelling.

Students are invited to submit human-interest stories, blogs/articles, videos, or documentaries that align with the themes of peacebuilding, youth resilience, and preventing violent extremism. Shortlisted participants will get specialized virtual training from experienced media professionals to further refine and enhance their submissions. The top three finalists will be awarded prizes and recognized for their outstanding contributions to building a more peaceful and resilient society.

Competition Rules and Guidelines

Eligibility:

1. Open exclusively to students enrolled in the designated five beneficiary universities. (Rawalpindi Women University, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Khairpur, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, International Islamic University Islamabad, University of Haripur)
2. Only individual entries are permitted (no group submissions).

Content Specifications:

Human Story / Blog / Article:

• Minimum word count: 500 words.
• Must include a relevant, high-quality cover photograph (JPEG or PNG format).
• Content must address issues relevant to peacebuilding, inclusivity, resilience, or countering extremism.

Video / Documentary:

• Duration: 2 to 3 minutes.
• Minimum video quality: 1080p Full HD.
• Clear and audible sound quality is required.
• English subtitles must be included.
• The video should narrate a real human-centered story connected to the competition themes.

Originality:

• All submissions must be original and unpublished.
• Participants are permitted to modify identifying details (e.g., names or locations) for the safety of subjects, provided the integrity of the story is maintained.
• Plagiarism, fabrication, or copyright infringement will result in immediate disqualification.

Permissions:

• Participants must obtain informed consent from any individuals featured in their stories, videos, or photographs.

Technical Requirements:

• Videos must be submitted in MP4 format.
• Written pieces must be submitted in PDF or Word Document formats.