By Kim Bo-eun

The final stage of an English speaking and writing contest on global issues will be held from May 26 to 27 at Seoul National University in Seoul.

The contest titled “The Global Leadership English Challenge” provides an opportunity for students to develop global leadership skills by exploring diverse international issues.

The theme of the event is “International development and aid measures to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.”

Microsoft Korea, the North East Asia Research Foundation (NEAR) and Hope to the Future Association collaborated to host the contest. The World Federation of United Nations Associations and Seoul National University Language Education Institute are sponsoring the event.

The preliminary rounds of the contest, which started April 1, will be concluded on May 6. Eligible participants are schoolchildren in higher than fourth grade and college students.

Winners will be awarded scholarships totaling 40 million won ($35,300). They will also visit the United Nations headquarters, or attend the “Imagine Cup 2012 World Final,” an IT world cup for students around the world hosted by Microsoft, to be held in Sydney in July.