Big Ideas: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Essays

Entrants to the competition were required to submit essays, in the form of a letter to the FCDO Chief Economist Rachel Glennerster on one of the two questions.

Ella and Geneva each wrote 800 word letters on Which economic policies should governments introduce to tackle the impacts of climate change on your generation? Both would like to read Economics as a part of their degrees. Ella, who would like to read PPE, said:

“The FDCO essay gave me the opportunity to research climate change a lot more and find plausible ideas that could actually make an impact. I feel better educated about the issue now. This competition was especially beneficial to me because I'm very interested in how Politics and Economics cross over.”

Geneva plans to go to university in the US to double major in Economics and Environmental studies. She said:

“Writing for this competition showed me how complicated it is to introduce equitable yet impactful policies, and the coordination required between governments to tackle climate change on a global scale.”

Rhea, who would like one day to work one day in the diplomatic service or in the field of foreign policy, wrote her letter on Which economic policies should governments introduce to tackle rising global inequality? She said:

“I entered the competition to explore how the UK could use its international influence to end global inequality in a post-COVID world. I'd like to read International Relations at university.”

So much deep thinking on critical global matters augurs well for our collective futures! Head of Economics Mr Robertson, was impressed witht he students' commitment to the task, and said:

"The students loved the opportunity to articulate their views on these issues which they care passionately about.  They were also confronted with the need to consider the practicalities of how the FCDO might influence global change. Presenting their ideas in a short formal letter is a technical skill which they really enjoyed refining."

The winner will be announced in July and receive a cash prize, the opportunity to present their ideas to Rachel and her team at the FCDO, and their letter will be shared across the Government Economic Service.