Tallinn, the European Green Capital of 2023, announces an environmental-themed contests: the “Biodiverse City” speech contest for young people.

Youngsters aged between 15-19 are encouraged to participate in the speech contest “Biodiverse city”. The speech can be written in Estonian or English and sent to the contest in writing or as a video, even in rap style.

“We invite young people to think about the following questions: What does a green and sustainable city mean? What worries you about the environment? How should the city change and how should city residents change their habits so that the city becomes more environmentally friendly, greener, and the urban space becomes a place where it is pleasant for both 8 and 80 year olds? What do you expect from Tallinn in the year of the European Green Capital?” said the Mayor of Tallinn Mihhail Kõlvart. 

The winning speech (both in Estonian and in English) will be delivered at the launch event of the European Green Capital year in Tallinn on the 21st of January 2023 and at the announcement of the next European Green Capital in the next autumn. The events will be broadcasted over the web reaching Estonians and people all over the world. The deadline for the speech contest is January 4, 2023. 

“I am looking forward to seeing what ideas our young people will put forward. In addition, the best will also meet the leaders of Tallinn – we will be happy to listen to the bright ideas of young people to improve life in the city!” Kõlvart added.
In the upcoming year, the year of Tallinn as the European Green Capital of 2023, there is also plans for a competition and a video contest for planning an environmentally and child-friendly city in Minecraft. 

The ongoing theme of the 2022/2023 academic year in schools and kindergartens in Tallinn is nature and environmental protection, and exciting events, environmental programs and competitions will take place throughout the year. “The environmental theme year is a very important part of the Tallinn – European Green Capital 2023 program, because the younger we acquire knowledge about environmental protection, the more correct choices we make in our future lives. Also, children can influence their parents and grandparents to operate more sustainably,” said Krista Kampus, head of Tallinn – European Green Capital 2023.