#IdeasForTheFuture Student Essay Competition Winners Announced in Peru
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, CAF—development bank of Latin America—, in partnership with the Central Bank of Peru, launched an essay competition for 300+ university students to pick their brain on what they think Peru will look like in 30 years, as well as proposals on how to deal with the challenges the country will face. The winners will now compete for a regional award against university students from CAF’s 19 shareholder countries.
Brenda Sigüenza Victoria, of the Antonio Ruiz de Montoya University, in the Innovation and Productivity category, and Ricardo Cosio Borda, of the César Vallejo University, in the Integration category, were chosen among more than 300 applicants in the #IdeasForTheFuture University Essay Competition, organized by CAF—development bank of Latin America—and the Central Bank of Peru (BCRP). The Public Policy category was declared void.
In the essay entitled “Building a more productive and competent region by 2030, based on an innovation and productivity pact,” Brenda Sigüenza highlights the need to encourage human capital training, research and sustainable growth to maximize the region’s natural and cultural advantages. Meanwhile, in his essay “Theoretical approach to a coherent harmonization of economic policies in relation to the stages of economic integration: A case study applied to the Pacific Alliance,” Ricardo Cosio noted the challenges and opportunities of foreign trade, especially in non-traditional activities, to bring a common market to fruition, together with investments in infrastructure and technology to facilitate international logistics.
“On our 50th anniversary, CAF, in partnership with BCRP, seeks to promote the exchange and discussion of ideas while leveraging the great talent of young people in the region, to help achieve sustainable development and integration, and build a better future,” said CAF Representative in Peru Manuel Malaret.
“It is a remarkable feat having young university students engage and analyze relevant issues such as innovation, productivity and integration, which have a long-term outlook and are key to our nation’s sustained growth towards development,” highlighted Adrián Armas, central manager of economic studies at the Central Bank of Peru. “And it is also important that they are not only reflecting on these issues, but they are making proposals that will be discussed at the regional level,” he added.
The winners were selected by a jury made up of CAF and BCRP representatives, and will be awarded a certificate and will move on to the regional phase, where they will compete with peers from 19 CAF member countries. Regional winners in each category will present their essay at the CAF Conference in Quito, Ecuador in November 2019 and will receive a $2,000 prize each.
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