2021 Global Build Challenge: Peace with Nature

Our planet is in crisis. Between climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution of air, water, and land, every corner of the globe is being impacted. In partnering with UNESCO for this global build challenge, the theme of Peace with Nature seemed timely and inspiring.

Students were asked to look at how we can all change our ways of living in a more sustainable way, considering how we can live in harmony with nature. Using Minecraft: Education Edition, students from 109 countries worked in teams to design their build. Thousands of hours were spent finalizing their submissions, which were in the form of short videos that not only documented their builds but also explained how their creations addressed sustainable development such as biodiversity, coral protection, and more. Others explored innovation like energy generation, food production, and transport.

Two teams were selected as the grand prize winners and were the following:

Grand Prize Winner 1: Allen D. Nease High School, United States – T.V.B.J. Project

Grand Prize Winner 2: Miriam College, Philippines – Reuben’s Stun Seeds

Special congratulations to our global finalists from:

• Inkster School, Canada
• The Grammar School, Cyprus
• Temple Hill International School, Philippines
• Ain Jaloot Primary Girls School, Bahrain
• De La Salle Santiago Zobel School, Philippines
• Allen D. Nease High School, United States
• Makati Hope Christian School, Philippines
• Exploratory Center for Science and Technology West Mansoura, Egypt

All winning submissions can be viewed here on YouTube, and are a remarkable example of the power of game-based learning, as well as the ingenuity and problem-solving abilities of young people all around the world.

UNESCO Peace with Nature world in Minecraft: Education Edition can be played here.