Deadline: 1 February 2022​

ITU is pleased to announce the first Generation Connect Global E-waste Iconathon. The E-waste Iconathon is an icon design contest that aims to raise awareness about the global e-waste issue and leverage the participation of youth globally. Young people of ages 18-29 are invited to participate and design a universal icon that signifies the take-back and collection of e-waste for recycling purposes. The contest is in line with the Generation Connect mission to engage youth and encourage their participation as equal partners alongside the leaders of today's digital change, empowering young people with the skills and opportunities to advance their vision of a connected future.

What is E-waste?​

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) or e-waste refers to items of all types of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and its parts that have been discarded by the owner as waste without the intention of re-use (StEP Initaitive, 2014). E-waste is one of the most complex waste streams in the world. According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2020, the world generated 53.6 Mt of e-waste in 2019, only 9.3 Mt (17 per cent) of which was recorded as being collected and recycled. E-waste contains valuable materials, as well as hazardous toxins, which make the efficient material recovery and safe recycling of e-waste extremely important for economic value as well as environmental and human health. The discrepancy in the amount of e-waste produced and the amount of e-waste that is properly recycled reflects an urgent need for all stakeholders including the youth to address this issue. 

What will the winning icon do?

Consumers willing to dispose of their e-waste through the proper channels often find it difficult to identify where they can do so. The winning icon aims to address this problem by establishing a globally recognizable icon that signifies the take-back or collection of e-waste for recycling purposes. This icon can be used by different actors taking back and collecting e-waste to indicate that consumers can drop off their e-waste at specified locations. The winning icon will be available without restrictions for use by any organization or individual in the public domain.

Is there a prize?

Other than the satisfaction of participating in a sustainable cause, the top 3 finalists of the Generation Connect Global E-waste Iconathon will get the chance to attend the ITU Generation Connect Global Youth Summit – “Youth Summit",  scheduled to place on 4 and 5 June 2022, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The trip will be fully sponsored depending on the evolving situation of the Coronavirus pandemic (more details in the Terms & Conditions).

After the selection by a judge panel and the announcement of the winning icons, the top 3 finalists will work with a professional designer to further refine the icons to be presented at the Summit. The winner will be chosen by vote at the E-waste Iconathon event at the summit (more details to come closer to the event).

How to register?

Young people aged 18-29 are invited to read the Competition Entry Guidelines​, the Terms & Conditions and register using the online registration form​. There is no limit on the number of participants that can register, so go ahead and join us!

Apply Here>>>

Source* https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Environment/Pages/Events/2021/Global-E-waste-Iconathon.aspx