Building Britain's Future

Bebo’s Big Think is hosting a new nationwide online competition – Take Your Ideas to the Top – which started today. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young people to pitch their ideas on crime, careers and climate change to the very top levels of the Government.

The new competition is thanks to the popularity of online debate on Bebo’s Big Think, which has attracted over 20,000 comments or poll votes since it began in July 2009, so we know that young people from all walks of life have plenty to say on these important topics.

Bebo now invites UK residents between 16 and 24 to submit ideas on what could make a positive difference on crime, careers or climate change. Six finalists with the top ideas will pitch their ideas to a celebrity panel in London, including record-breaking mountaineer Jake Meyer and Minister for the Cabinet Office and the Olympics, Tessa Jowell.

A host of inspiring mentors will be ready to give the finalists any tips to perfect their presentations before they go before the panel. So far Henry Bonsu, co-founder of Colourful Radio, columnist Lindsay Johns, who volunteers as a mentor in Peckham and Colleen Harris, the former director of strategy and communications for the Equalities and Human Rights Commission have all signed up, with more to follow.

The panel will then pick three winners who then get to present their policy suggestions to Cabinet members the next day. 

Tessa Jowell, Minister for the Cabinet Office, said:

"This competition is the opportunity of a lifetime for young people to get really engaged with the democratic process and make a difference on the issues that really matter to them. I am looking forward to seeing some of the exciting and innovative ideas they come up with.”

Jake Meyer, the youngest person to have ever climbed the highest mountain on every continent – the Seven Summits - said:

“As well as being passionate about the outdoors, adventure and the environment, it’s also trying to motivate and inspire other young people that really drives me. This is a great initiative that gives young people the chance to make a real difference. I can’t wait to hear some of the ideas!”

Find out more

• Bebo’s Big Think: Take Your Ideas to the Top [External website]