Dhaka, Dec 03 (V7N) – A teenage girl from Bangladesh has captured the world’s attention with a powerful call for peace expressed through her artwork. Her drawing, portraying a child praying amid scenes of war and destruction, was selected as the Grand Prize winner at the 7th International Loving-Peace Art Competition organized by the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG). This year’s competition received 15,932 submissions from 40 countries.

The award ceremony was held on November 29, where Bangladeshi student Tasfiha Tahsin was honored for her artwork titled “The Cry for Peace.” Her drawing depicts the devastating impact of war as seen through the eyes of a child who clings to hope despite chaos. Tanks, burning buildings, missiles, barbed wire, and raised hands fill the background, symbolizing the suffering of innocent people trapped in conflict. A white dove emerging through smoke, an eye bearing the peace symbol, and a backdrop of global flags and the UN emblem highlight the yearning for unity. The repeated word “please” underscores a desperate appeal for peace.

Reflecting on her artwork, Tasfiha said the initial impression of chaos and destruction gives way to a deeper message of silent prayer and resilience. She described the child as a symbol of millions of innocent lives enduring the horrors of war. She emphasized that the word “please” represents a universal plea to choose peace over violence. The white dove stands as a reminder that hope persists, while the peace-symbol eye encourages people to view the world through a lens of compassion and harmony.

The Gold Award winners also delivered strong messages of peace.
Indonesian student Kyan Viryadharma Yaphet (Division 1) shared a vision of peace as a white dove soaring above children of diverse cultures playing together—an image of unity and mutual understanding.
Another Indonesian student, Severine Abigail Budiyanto (Division 2), presented a “Tree of Peace,” symbolizing the unification of all nations through harmony.
Philippine student Prince R.M.B. Ikan (Division 3) created a drawing featuring a dove and people of various races holding hands to convey unity and non-violence.
From Rwanda, Cyubahiro Alain Prince (Division 4) highlighted gestures of peace such as greeting, sharing, and cooperation, explaining that he spent the most time drawing people shaking hands because it represents friendship and understanding.

Chief judge Soon-kyu Hwang, president of the Korea Green Fine Art Association, said the Bangladeshi student’s artwork deeply impressed the evaluation panel. He emphasized that peace must be taught to youth because it is as essential to life as breath.

IWPG Chairwoman Na Yeong Jeon praised the young participants, saying that children’s pure messages—respect, love, forgiveness, and unity—offer the world a clear path toward peace. She described the young artists as “true heroes of peace” whose drawings will influence their communities and future generations.

This year’s competition centered on the theme “How can we practice peace and make it a reality in our daily lives?” The Grand Prize included a scholarship of 1 million KRW, while Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards carried scholarships of 500,000 KRW, 300,000 KRW, and 200,000 KRW respectively. Honorable Mentions received certificates. A total of 41 finalists were awarded, and their artworks will appear in the official competition brochure. More than 1,000 participants, including awardees, parents, guests, and IWPG officials, attended the ceremony.

About IWPG
The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) is an international NGO registered with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC). With 115 branches in 122 countries and partnerships with around 800 organizations in 66 nations, IWPG promotes global peace, conducts Peace Leadership Training and Education, and advocates for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). Its mission centers on building enduring peace through global solidarity and community engagement.

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