To all the children and young people, young songwriters and music fans out there:

The fifth round of the Song Contest “Dein Song für EINE WELT!” (Your song for ONE WORLD) has now been started!

This song contest is the first, and only, music competition in the field of development policy. It complements the School Competition on Development Policy entitled “Everyone for One World for Everyone”, adding a musical dimension. Music is a language that everyone understands. It touches people across borders and brings them together.

With your help, I want to use this unique power of music for a special purpose: to create more attention for the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

In 2015, these Goals were adopted by 193 countries in order to address the most pressing challenges that humankind is faced with: poverty, inequality, hunger, environmental degradation, climate change. 2023 will mark the halfway point for the international community to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda. However, unfortunately we have not made as much progress as planned on many of the goals we had agreed. As a result of the crises of the last few years, poverty, inequality and hunger are on the rise again worldwide.

If we continue with business as usual, we will not be able to reach the Sustainable Development Goals. We must not let that happen. In the international community, we urgently need to reinforce our efforts and lend new momentum to the 2030 Agenda. After all, all people worldwide should be able to enjoy decent lives on a healthy planet – including you and future generations! For that to happen, everyone must do their part.

Now we want your input. What is your vision for the world of tomorrow? What are your wishes, hopes and ideas for a just, sustainable and peaceful world? What are your messages to other young people, to your communities, and to decision-makers? Who are the people you want to encourage to start thinking and rethinking, changing their ways, singing along, dancing along, and joining the effort?

I would like to encourage you to be bold, critical and creative. Put your ideas and concerns on paper – by yourselves or as a team. Find your own words for the things that are on your minds. No matter whether you prefer to sing, rap, rock or jam – record your song and join this year's song contest!

I can't wait to find out about your ideas, and I look forward to your songs!

Svenja Schulze
Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development