The World Bank announced on Monday the launch of a world-wide documentary competition that will highlight the social aspects of climate change as experienced and/or observed by the film-maker(s).

"There is a need to see climate change as an issue of global social justice. The rights, interests and needs of those affected by climate change must be acknowledged," said Caroline Kende-Robb, acting director of World Bank's Social Development Department in a statement.

The contest is open to anyone who wishes to have their voice heard, according to the bank, noting the submission period ends on Friday, October 24, 2008.

The submitted films should innovatively illustrate the consequences of climate change through one of the following theme categories: conflict, migration, the urban space, rural institutions, drylands, social policy, indigenous peoples, gender, governance, forests, and/or human rights.

Award winners will be chosen through a combination of public voting and a judging panel. The film with the most public votes in each theme category will receive honorable mention.

The award winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, DC. for a screening of their film and will have the opportunity to attend a series of networking and learning events organized by the Social Development Department of the World Bank in December, 2008.

(Xinhua News Agency August 26, 2008)