RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) has kicked off a global competition in partnership with the United Kingdom National Commission for UNESCO and the Association of Commonwealth Universities. The ‘Cities for our Future’ competition challenges young people to find ways to help tackle the most pressing issues affecting growing cities around the world.

To win, entrants will have to provide practical, innovative solutions to address challenges such as strained infrastructure and services, poor quality housing and even poor air quality. RICS says that the growth of cities is one of the biggest challenges facing society, noting that as many as three million people move to cities every week.

“The world’s cities are growing all the time, creating a range of challenges that will need to be addressed if they are to become safe, clean and comfortable places to live. Throughout the Royal Institution’s 150 years, chartered surveyors have been crucial to urban development all over the globe and we are proud to be running this competition to find innovative and practical ideas to improve our cities,” commented Sean Tompkins, CEO, RICS.

Those entering the competition will be asked to propose solutions to issues affecting 24 global cities, including those in the GCC. With GCC cities specifically, which have historically been heavily reliant on petrochemicals, participants will have to think about how these cities can diversify and embrace the benefits of solar energy to help combat climate change.

Young people wishing to enter the competition should visit www.citiesforourfuture.com.