The World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC) is a non-profit association registered in Belgium representing 31 leading international financial centers across five continents. The 2024 Young Academic Award, hosted by The World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC), invites young academics to submit papers or essays on the future of a sustainable and inclusive financial sector. Detailed information about the competition is as follows. 

Paper Contest Theme :
1) The role of international financial centers in promoting collaboration and channeling climate change finance.
2) How financial centers can support the harmonization and proliferation of sustainable reporting standards.
3) The role of IFCs in financing the circular economy.
4) The role of the financial sector in designing products/services and due diligence practices to specifically foster social enterprises.
5) How financial centers can foster gender diversity in the financial industry.
6) The impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence on the financial sector.
7) The role Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) will play in the coming years.
8) How financial centers can support talent development and re-skilling, particularly regarding sustainability and financial technology.
9) How the financial sector can remain an attractive employer for young talent.
10) How financial centers can foster international cooperation & peace in a tense geopolitical context.

Eligibility for the Competition :
As of June 15, 2024, participants must be under the age of 35 and engaged in research at universities, research institutions, think tanks, , and other similar institutions.
* Multiple authors can contribute to a paper or essay, but as we seek ideas from bright young minds, at least one author must be under 35 as of 15 June 2024.

Application Deadline : May 15, 2024

Paper Submission Deadline : June 15, 2024

• - The papers must be unpublished or have been published after the year 2023.

To Apply : Click on 'Apply'

Paper Length : Minimum of 5 pages and a maximum of 25 pages, excluding references.

• Papers must be written in English or translated into English.
• When submitting the application, a 200-500 word abstract and a table of contents must also be submitted.

Awards :

• Best Paper : 3,000 euros
• 2nd Place : 2,000 euros
• 3rd Place : 1,000 euros
• The top three finalists will have the unique opportunity to present their research at WAIFC’s Annual General Meeting, which will be held in Tokyo, Japan, in the week starting 14 October 2024. The top three finalists will receive a round-trip economy flight to Tokyo, Japan, and a two-night hotel stay.

For more detailed information, please refer to the attached files (Call for Papers, Award Handbook) and the official website. We encourage your participation.

• - Link to WAIFC LinkedIn