ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ

Nominations open this week for World Challenge, the worldwide competition that rewards projects and small businesses showing enterprise and innovation, as the global contest enters its sixth year.

ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ World News and Newsweek have once again teamed up with Shell to identify and reward people and groups that bring economic, social and environmental benefits to their local communities.

Paul Gibbs, Head of Programmes, ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ World News, says: β€œSince 2005 we have been consistently impressed with the outstanding work behind the manyΒ thousands of nominations we’ve received.Β  With US$20,000 prize money there’s a tremendous incentive for the winners, but it’s also a great chance for entrants to have their work showcased in front of a global audience.Β  The fact that we’re now in our sixth year is testament to the success of what I believeis one of the world’s most exciting and inspiring award schemes.Β  ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ World News is both delighted and proud to be continuing our work with the competition.”

Alan Fagan, Regional Sales Director, Europe, ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Worldwide, adds: β€œWorld Challenge has become a long-standing partnership between ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ World News, Shell and Newsweek.Β  We’re thrilled that our work together is continuing into its sixth year and looking forward to another successful competition.”

Nominations must be submitted through the World Challenge website - - by midnight (GMT) on 13 June 2010. The winning project will receive a US$20,000 grant from Shell, while two runners up will each receive US$10,000 to help develop their initiatives.

World Challenge began in 2005, propelling enterprising projects and businesses into the spotlight. Since its inception the competition has attracted close to 4,000 nominations from an average of more than 100 countries each year. In excess of 400,000 votes have been registered on the World Challenge website and financial grants have been awarded to 15 projects worldwide.

Rhona Murphy, Publisher and Managing Director, Newsweek International says: β€œFinding innovative ways to help communities and protect the planet has been the legacy that the World Challenge has built since the first competition in 2005. Newsweek is proud, with partners Shell and ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ World News, to participate in this global call to action.”

Karen Westley, Social Performance Discipline Lead Social Investment and NBD Manager, Upstream International, Shell, adds: "Over the past five years, World Challenge has grown into a global movement, with supporters and participants from all over the world. Shell is pleased to continue its association with World Challenge, and play a part in recognizing innovative local action on global issues." Β 

Following the nomination process, a panel of expert judges will shortlist the 12 entries they consider to have shown the most innovation and initiative, and made the greatest social and environmental investment in their communities.

ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ World News will broadcast six 30-minute programmes in October and November 2010, profiling the finalists. Newsweek will mirror the programmes’ content in a six-part series of special features about the nominees. Viewers and readers will be invited to vote for their favourites.

World Challenge is also on Facebook and Twitter.Β  Those interested in the competition can become fans by visiting , where they will find exclusive content and be able to interact with the competition.Β  Those on Twitter can follow the competition at .

The winning entrant for this year’s World Challenge will be announced at an awards ceremony in The Netherlands in December 2010. The ceremony will be broadcast on ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ World News and detailed in Newsweek in the same month.