MUMBAI: BBC World News today announces the renewal of its successful association with Shell, as nominations open for the fifth annual World Challenge competition.

Launched in 2005, World Challenge sees BBC World News and Newsweek team up with Shell to reward projects and small businesses showing enterprise and innovation. Each year the winning project will receive a US$20,000 grant from Shell, while two runners up each receive US$10,000 to help develop their initiatives.

Over the past four years, the competition has attracted almost 3,000 nominations from an average of more than 100 countries each year. In excess of 300,000 votes have been registered on the World Challenge website and financial grants have been awarded to 12 projects worldwide.

Carolyn Gibson, Regional Sales Director Europe Middle East & Africa, BBC says: We are thrilled to be continuing our working relationship with Shell. This fully integrated multi platform initiative enables us to recognise and reward people and groups that bring economic, social and environmental benefits to their local communities while also inspiring many other entrepreneurs and charity initiatives. Ad funded programming offers our clients a customised 360-degree campaign across TV, online and off-air....

Rhona Murphy, Publisher and Managing Director, Newsweek International says: "Since 2005, World Challenge has proved that when it comes to sustaining our communities and the planet, small changes, maintained over time, truly matter  By singling out examples of grassroots excellence, World Challenge offers hope that there are solutions -- and we can be a part of them."

Roxanne Decyk, Director, Corporate Affairs, Shell says: "In today's challenging times, it's more important than ever that people feel empowered and encouraged to make a positive difference in the world, and World Challenge does just that. As we enter the fifth year of Shell's association with World Challenge, we are delighted to continue to work with BBC World News and Newsweek and to lend our financial support to the winning projects. Every year brings such a variety of projects all carrying out inspiring work within their local communities, and as ever, I look forward to seeing this year's nominations."