A Bangladeshi teenager’s heartfelt cry for peace has moved audiences around the world, earning her the Grand Prize at the 7th International Loving-Peace Art Competition. Tasfiha Tahsin’s drawing, titled “The Cry for Peace,” was chosen as the top entry among 15,932 submissions from 40 countries.
The award ceremony, hosted by the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) on November 29, celebrated young artists whose work reflected this year’s theme: “How can we practice peace and make it a reality in our daily lives?”
Tasfiha’s artwork portrays humanity’s desperate plea for peace amid the horrors of war. At its center, a child sits praying with closed eyes, surrounded by tanks, missiles, burning buildings, barbed wire, and the raised hands of victims. Symbols of hope—a white dove in the smoke, an eye with the peace emblem, the UN logo, and flags—emerge through the chaos. The repeated word “please” adds emotional force, capturing the global yearning for peace.
In her remarks, Tasfiha said the drawing is filled with “chaos, fire, destruction, and overwhelming pain,” but a deeper look reveals “a silent prayer for peace emerging from despair.” She said the child represents millions longing for safety, adding: “The word ‘please’ is the emotional essence of this artwork—a desperate cry to choose peace.”
Other Gold Award winners also echoed the desire for global harmony.
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Kyan Viryadharma Yaphet (Indonesia), Division 1 winner, drew peace as a white dove soaring above children of different cultures playing together, symbolizing unity and hope.
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Severine Abigail Budiyanto (Indonesia), Division 2 winner, depicted a “Tree of Peace” connecting all nations, calling on the younger generation to “stand together in harmony.”
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Prince R.M.B. Ikan (Philippines), Division 3 winner, used calm colors to illustrate diverse people holding hands, urging everyone to “become messengers of peace.”
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Cyubahiro Alain Prince (Rwanda), Division 4 winner, highlighted gestures of goodwill and friendship, saying he spent the most time on the handshake that represents “understanding and friendship.”
Head judge Soon-kyu Hwang, president of the Korea Green Fine Art Association, praised Tasfiha’s work and emphasized the importance of teaching peace to the youth, noting that the next generation will play a crucial role in shaping a peaceful world.
IWPG Chairwoman Na Yeong Jeon said children offered “pure and remarkably clear answers” through their art—respect, love, and forgiveness. She described the young artists as “true heroes of peace” whose messages can inspire communities worldwide.
A total of 41 participants received awards. The Grand Prize winner was granted a 1 million KRW scholarship, while Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners received 500,000 KRW, 300,000 KRW, and 200,000 KRW respectively. All final-round drawings will be featured in the competition’s art brochure.
More than 1,000 people—including awardees, families, and guests from around the world—attended the ceremony, celebrating the universal hope for peace expressed by young artists.
