SDG Heroes Character Design Competition

Design the Sustainability Heroes for the SDG×EL Program!

Calling all creatives! Join our university-wide competition to design original avatars representing each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Winning entries will become the official avatars for the Sustainable Development through Experiential Learning (SDG×EL) campaigns and publication materials. 

Up to HK$ 1,800 to be won!

Eligibility 

All currently enrolled students at the Education University of Hong Kong may join the competition. Interested participants will submit individual entries (no group entries allowed). 

Avatar Design Guidelines 

Participants must submit avatars for the following SDGs: 

• SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing

• SDG 4 – Quality Education  

• SDG 5 – Gender Equality 

• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities 

• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities 

• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions  

• SDG 17 – Partnership for the Goals

Entries for the rest of the SDGs are encouraged but not required. 

Character designs must visually express the core of the SDGs (for example, the SDG 4 – Quality Education design could feature a wise owl!). There are no limits to the colors or theme, as long as the design remains faithful to the SDG spirit and values. 

Submission Guidelines 

1. Submit a digital copy of the final design in PNG format with a transparent background (minimum resolution: 1080x1080p). 

2. Prepare a brief description (maximum of 500 words) explaining the design, its connection to the chosen SDG, and any special traits or symbolism used.

3. All designs must be original and created by the participant. Entries created through Generative AI are allowed, provided that the concept of the design is original. 

4. All submissions must be made on or before 19 September 2025.

Rewards 

HK$ 100 book vouchers will be given to each winning SDG avatar, plus an additional HK$ 100 to the most popular avatar based on faculty/staff/student votes. Submit all 17 avatars and win up to HK$ 1,800!

Winning SDG avatars will be featured on the SDGxEL platforms, website, campaign materials, and more. Artists will also be credited for their work. 

Important Dates 

• Acceptance of entries opens: 1 September 2025 

• Submission deadline: 19 September 2025 

• Voting period for Popularity Award: 20-23 September 2025

• Announcement of winners: 24 September 2025 

Criteria for Judging 

The judging committee will use the following criteria to determine the winner for each SDG: 

Relevance to the corresponding SDG - 30%
Creativity and originality - 30%
Visual appeal and clarity - 20%
Concept explanation/description - 20% 

For the Popularity Award, voting will be done via a separate platform following the end of submissions. Faculty, staff, and students can vote using their EdUHK emails. 

For further questions and details, please email us at: sdg-el@eduhk.hk. 

[IMPORTANT NOTE ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & USAGE: By joining the contest, participants agree to grant the Education University of Hong Kong the rights to use, reproduce, and adapt the character designs for university SDG campaigns, with credit to the artist. Participants retain moral rights as original creators.] 

[DISCLAIMER: The committee's decision regarding the winning entry is final and authoritative, and no further appeals or disputes will be entertained once the decision has been officially made.]