IWPG Hosts Final Award Ceremony for 6th International Loving-Peace Art Competition
– Grand Prize awarded to Paola Andrea from Colombia
– 23,000 participants from 53 countries express hope and unity through art
– Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon calls for a global peace culture
The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG), led by Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon, held the final award ceremony for the 6th International Loving-Peace Art Competition on November 23, 2024. The virtual event attracted 800 participants, including award recipients, their families, and IWPG members. It was interpreted into 11 languages, fostering global inclusivity.
This year’s theme, “A Heart of Peace Conveyed to Friends Suffering from War,” inspired creative expressions from 23,000 youth and children across 130 cities in 53 countries. The competition, which began in 2018, has become a platform for young voices advocating for peace through art.
Grand Prize Winner
Paola Andrea, a 9th-grade student from Carlos Leon Gomez School in Colombia, won the prestigious Grand Prize. Her artwork portrayed a girl with hair symbolizing the sky and clouds, emphasizing hope and unity. “Through the heart, I wanted to show that everyone can contribute to achieving world peace,” Paola explained.
Judges Commend Artistic Efforts
Shona Hammond Boys, a head judge and National Director of New Zealand Children’s Art House Foundation, praised the competition’s diverse and heartfelt submissions. “The effort and sincerity displayed in the artworks reflect the children’s unique experiences and aspirations,” she said.
Soon Nam Park, Chairwoman of the Korean Japanese Art Exhibition, highlighted the strong peace messages embedded in the artworks, emphasizing the participants’ genuine desire for a harmonious world.
Global Peace Through Art
IWPG Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon expressed her hopes for the competition’s impact. “Women, as the essence of households and half the world’s population, must unite to ensure peace takes root globally. I invite women worldwide to join IWPG in fostering a culture of peace,” she urged.
The event distributed 112 awards across various categories, including scholarships totaling 5,000,000 KRW. Follow-up programs in South Korea included mentor-mentee partnerships and collaborative exhibitions with established artists, strengthening community engagement and discovering local talent.
Expanding Partnerships
This year, IWPG secured 70 new Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with NGOs, corporations, and media organizations. These partnerships aim to further the group’s mission of establishing peace culture and nurturing young talent globally.
About IWPG
Registered with the UN ECOSOC and DGC, IWPG operates in 122 countries through 114 branches and 730 partner organizations. Its initiatives include peace education, global partnerships, and advocacy for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), all aimed at achieving sustainable world peace.
For further details, contact:
Elin Kim
Tel: +82-10-5398-2048
[Attachments]
1. Grand Prize-winning artwork by Paola Andrea (Colombia).
2. Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon delivering opening remarks.
3. Judge Shona Hammond Boys sharing her feedback during the ceremony.
