6th Int’l Loving-Peace art competition wraps up preliminary rounds

The preliminary rounds of the 6th International Loving-Peace Art Competition (ILPAC), organized by the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG), have successfully concluded in 130 cities across 53 countries. Approximately 23,400 participants took part in the event, which spanned over two months starting in May. This year, special follow-up events were held in South Korea as part of IWPG’s efforts to promote a culture of peace.

The IWPG, led by Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon, announced that the final round of judging will take place in September. The best works from the 53 participating countries will be showcased, continuing the organization’s mission of fostering peace through creative expression.

The International Loving-Peace Art Competition competition, hosted annually by IWPG, aims to nurture young talents who can express their desire for peace through art. The initiative provides children and youth worldwide with the opportunity to envision and depict a peaceful world. Through their works, IWPG hopes to instill the spirit of peace in the next generation and foster a global culture of harmony.

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Amid ongoing global conflicts, the importance of peace initiatives has never been more crucial. According to a June report from Save the Children, over 21,000 children are believed to be missing, detained, or killed in the Gaza district alone. This highlights the tragic toll of war on children, further emphasizing the need for initiatives like ILPAC.

One participant, 17-year-old Mary Uzochukwu from the Netherlands, who lost her country due to war, shared her thoughts on the competition: “Art allows me to express my dream and wish for a world without war or conflict where everyone can live peacefully. I hope for peace and dream of a time when we can live without fear and pain.”

In addition to the global competition, IWPG held follow-up events in 20 cities across South Korea where the preliminary rounds were conducted. These events included mentor partnership ceremonies, award ceremonies, exhibitions of winning works, and the signing of MOUs with civil organizations.

The “Mentorship Partnership” project is a key initiative designed to support and nurture peace and art talents in local communities. Through the donation of time and expertise by professional artists, ILPAC awardees receive mentoring, helping them to further develop their artistic talents. This year, 53 artists participated in the exhibition titled “Sharing a Peaceful Worldview Across Generations,” which displayed their works alongside those of the winning students.

IWPG has also strengthened its outreach by signing MOUs with over 70 civil organizations, companies, and media outlets, all with the goal of nurturing local talents and promoting a culture of peace. So Won Kang, Project Manager of IWPG’s Department of External Affairs and General Manager of ILPAC, noted, “I could deeply feel the earnest desire for peace in the paintings expressed by students from around the world. This year, especially through the exhibition and various follow-up events, the competition was remembered longer. Through the ILPAC, I hope the world will continue to wish for peace and take action together.”