(Originally published on 04/27/2017)

To commemorate the World Earth Day, the United Nations Development Programme in China (UNDP China) launched the " 2030 Global Goals · Original Songwriting Contest”.

Jointly initiated by the UNDP China and Echo, an innovative music platform, this campaign aims to bring to attention and stimulate action among the public on implementing the 2030 Agenda with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In September 2015, 193 United Nations Member States unanimously adopted the 2030 sustainable development agenda, agreeing on goals to address pressing challenges including the elimination of global poverty.

As a proud supporter of sustainable development, UNDP has committed to the implementation of sustainable development goals through a range of innovative initiatives. On early 2016, a pair of panda twins, “Qi Qi” and “Dian Dian” were named the world's first animal ambassadors for UNDP, gaining worldwide attention and raising awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Most recently, UNDP launched Geek for Good, the first UN-led open design challenge in China with a total of 2,075 innovative solutions addressing China’s development challenges submitted throughout the application stages.

The Original Songwriting Contest is another example of how innovation can be harnessed to both support and raise awareness of the importance sustainable development. Emphasizing the universal meaning of sustainable development through music, the contest welcomes participants from all over the world to create melodies, lyrics and songs that reflect action towards the “Sustainable Development Goals“ and also invites singers to perform their songs and melodies on a global stage. The work is limited to 2 to 6 minutes, with no limits on genres, encouraging a variety of musical forms.

17 excellent works will be selected through online voting in the first round. The most outstanding work will serve as the SDGs China theme song and creators will be awarded a UNDP Certificate. The winning artists will be invited to cooperate with the United Nations on global major activities and have other global promotion.

“At the same time, we all want to make the world a better place. Writing and performing songs that promote the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals is therefore a great way for us to express our ideas.” Patrick Haverman, Deputy Country Director of UNDP China.

Participants can log in to website http://www.app-echo.com/un?lan=en to upload your work, or follow @UNDPChina #SDGVocalization to share your lyrics and Twitters.