The Process
How It Works
SDGDC HL runs in three stages: a curriculum-based Round 1, an international Round 2 hosted by NGN International, and the Final. Here is the full process from registration to the last stage.
Step 1 — Register (Free)
Form a team of 4 to 6 students and register for your edition. Registration is completely free — there is no fee to participate in any edition of SDGDC HL. The currently active edition is the IGCSE & O Level Edition, run by NGN India.
Once registered, your team receives all the information you need about the 4-day challenge window, submission requirements, and evaluation process.
Step 2 — 4 days to build
Your team has 4 days. Pick one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals and identify a specific, real problem within it — not a broad theme, an actual problem that affects real people. Then build a solution that addresses it.
The solution must work. A concept slide deck alone does not qualify. You can use any tools at all — AI tools, code, no-code platforms, hardware, physical prototypes — whatever your team needs to get it done. The output is what matters.
Step 3 — Present and get evaluated
At the end of the 4-day window, your team presents your solution to a panel. Walk them through the problem you identified, the solution you built, and why it works.
Strong teams receive official recognition from SDGDC HL and NextGenNav. Selected teams advance to the next stage.
Round 2 — NGN International
Round 1 runs edition by edition — each curriculum (IGCSE, IBDP, US boards) runs its own edition at a different time, managed by its own NGN entity. Once all Round 1 editions have closed, every edition's winner comes together for Round 2.
Round 2 is hosted by NGN International. It is the first time teams from different curricula compete against each other. The format, timeline, and details for Round 2 will be shared once Round 1 editions are complete.
The International Final
The top teams from Round 2 advance to the International Final, the global stage of SDGDC HL. It is run by NGN International. Teams at this stage receive recognition, certificates, and the distinction of reaching the highest level of the competition.
Rules and submission
For the full rules, submission requirements, and participation guidelines for the active edition, see the Rules & Submission Guide.