1) What is 15@15: Youth Building Democracy? 

To mark the 15th annual Halifax International Security Forum, HFX launched 15@15: Youth Building Democracy (15@15) (15@15 Competition). This global competition will introduce international youth to HFX’s vital mission of strengthening strategic cooperation among the world’s democracies.  

The 15@15 competition is open to any individual born in 2008 and requires applicants to submit a fifteen-second video about one positive change they would like to see within the next fifteen years that will make their world more secure. The winners will receive an invitation to the 2023 Halifax International Security Forum.  

 

2) What is Halifax International Security Forum? 

Halifax International Security Forum, hosted in Nova Scotia, Canada, is the world’s most consequential meeting on democracy and global affairs. The Forum brings together political decision-makers, senior military officers, industry leaders -- and now youth! -- to address the world’s most pressing security and defence challenges through the prism of democracy.  

 

3) Who can participate in 15@15: Youth Building Democracy? 

Any individual who was born in the year 2008 can enter the competition. All applicants must have permission from one parent or legal guardian to apply. Applicants and one parent or legal guardian must be able to travel to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada November 17 – 19, 2023. 

 

4) Is there a cost to participate in 15@15: Youth Building Democracy? 

No, it is free to apply and to participate.  

Winners will receive an invitation to the 2023 Halifax International Security Forum. Travel to and accommodation during the 2023 Halifax International Security Forum for the winner and one accompanying parent or legal guardian will be paid for. 

 

5) What are the key dates for 15@15: Youth Building Democracy? 

The competition opens for applications at 9:00 AM ET on May 15, 2023.

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET September 30, 2023.  

Halifax International Security Forum will take place November 17-19, 2023. 

 

6) What topic should the video address? 

Contestants can explore any topic that interests them but must address one positive change they would like to see within the next fifteen years that will make their world more secure. 

 

7) How can someone apply to 15@15: Youth Building Democracy? 

1. Review the application.

2. Create a 15-second video (be sure to film it in horizontal format).  

3. Upload the 15-second video to YouTube and include the YouTube URL in the application form. Please set the video to unlisted. 

4. Both contestant and one parent or legal guardian must confirm that the contestant’s parent or legal guardian has given contestant permission to enter the competition.  

 

For help with uploading a video to YouTube, please follow the instructions here.  

 

8) Can contestants submit more than one video? 

There is a strict limit of one (1) entry per person.  

 

9) Can groups participate in 15@15: Youth Building Democracy? 

No. Please limit one (1) applicant per video.  

 

10) How will applications be scored? 

Submissions will be reviewed on a fair and impartial basis by a panel of judges. 

The following criteria will be used to determine the winning videos: 

1. Original – unique and creative; 

2. Engaging – grabs the attention of audiences; 

3. Relevant – addresses an issue that is relevant to current events;   

4. Clear – message is well-communicated, easy to follow and understand; 

5. Visual – visually captivating and uses images to tell a story; 

6. Memorable – leaves a lasting impression on the viewer; 

7. Impactful – has the potential to inspire and motivate others to act towards positive change. 

 

11) Will submissions over 15 seconds be disqualified? 

Videos should be no longer than 15 seconds. Videos longer than 15 seconds will not be disqualified, however the portion of the video after the first 15 seconds will not be judged.  

 

12) Is parental permission required to apply to 15@15: Youth Building Democracy? 

Permission from a parent or legal guardian of the contestant is required to apply to the 15@15 competition. Please see application form for more details and requirements. 

 

13) Is there a language requirement for 15@15: Youth Building Democracy? 

There is no language requirement for the 15@15 competition. Video submissions may include text and speech but are not required to. Please note that Halifax International Security Forum discussions and events are conducted in English. 

 

14) Can videos be made with a cell phone? 

Videos can be made with any camera, including a cell phone. However, videos must be made in a horizontal format and uploaded to YouTube (and marked as “Unlisted”) with the URL submitted on the application form. 

 

15) Are there any resources to help applicants create videos? 

There are many free resources available online to help applicants create videos and to assist in editing and enhancing video submissions.  

 

16) Help!  An applicant filmed a video vertically.   

You can use a free online software program to convert your video to the horizontal format and change the format to landscape 16:9.