Junior Chamber International (JCI), a key international partner of the International Chamber of Commerce, has announced the opening of nominations for its Outstanding Young Persons of the World awards.

The awards serve to formally recognize young people who excel in their chosen fields and exemplify the best attributes of the world's young people. By recognizing outstanding young people, JCI seeks to encourage them to strive for excellence and become exemplary leaders of the future.

Up to 10 honorees will be selected from all received nominations, regardless of category.

Award nomination categories are:

• Business, economic, and/or entrepreneurial accomplishment
• Political, legal, and/or governmental affairs
• Academic leadership and/or accomplishment
• Cultural achievement
• Moral and/or environmental leadership
• Contribution to children, world peace, and/or human rights
• Humanitarian and/or voluntary leadership
• Scientific and/or technological development
• Personal improvement and/or accomplishment
• Medical innovation

The awards are open to all young people between the ages of 18 and 40 and the deadline for nominations is 20 May, 2006.

JCI will honour the 2006 Outstanding Young Persons of the World at an awards ceremony to take place 12-18 November 2006, during the 61st JCI World Congress in Seoul, Korea.

JCI has also launched the Creative Young Entrepreneur Award – an international award in partnership with the Flanders District of Creativity. The competition is specifically designed to recognize exceptional young entrepreneurs and the role of creativity in their success. It is open to all entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 40, JCI members and non-members alike.

For further information on the Outstanding Young Persons of the World awards please visit:
www.jci.cc/toyp

For further information on the Creative Young Entrepreneur Award please visit:
www.jci.cc/CYEA