IWPG Newsletter No. 91
2026.07.02
This June, the laughter of children echoed around the world as seeds of peace were planted in countless hearts. In this issue, we spotlight the global preliminary rounds of the 8th International Loving-Peace Art Competition (ILPAC), where children expressed their hopes for a more peaceful world through art.
How much peace can a single drawing hold? This newsletter is filled with the stories of young artists who picked up their brushes to imagine—and inspire—a better world.
- Brushstrokes of Peace Across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Beyond
- "My Story of Peace" Reaching Even Conflict-Affected Regions
Following the simultaneous preliminary rounds held across 30 regions in Korea on May 16, the excitement of the 8th International Loving-Peace Art Competition (ILPAC), hosted by the International Women's Peace Group (IWPG, President Na-Yeong Jeon), continued all over the world.
Through June, preliminary rounds were successively held in more than 20 countries around the world, including South Africa, the United Kingdom, Austria, the Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Japan, Pakistan, Türkiye, the United States, Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, Lebanon, Armenia, Egypt, Colombia, Palestine, Mongolia, and Germany. This year's competition theme was "My Story of Peace." Children and youth aged 7 to 18, together with their parents, participated in ILPAC events held around the world.
Educational institutions and parents in the participating countries described the event as a meaningful educational opportunity where children could learn about and practice peace through art.
The preliminary rounds went beyond being simply an art competition and were organized as community cultural events. Various experiential programs—including art workshops, calligraphy, seed planting, and artwork exhibitions—were offered. In some regions, children with disabilities and their families, local government representatives, and artists participated together, further highlighting the values of inclusion and community. In many regions, communities hosted the competition again this year following last year's event or independently organized their own preliminary rounds, contributing to the continued spread of a culture of peace.
Children living in conflict-affected areas, including Lebanon and Palestine, also picked up their paintbrushes to express their hopes for peace. Through their artwork, participants expressed their dream of a world where everyone lives together as one family through love, kindness, and harmony.
IWPG explained that these artistic activities provided children with emotional comfort and hope. The organization plans to continue expanding its peace education and arts programs so that future generations can learn the values of peace and put them into practice.
Messages of peace have been painted across the world. Each drawing comes together to form the world's greatest declaration of peace. It is now the responsibility of adults to build the world that children dream of. You are peace.
The South African preliminary round of the Cape Town ILPAC was held on June 5 in Gugulethu, bringing together local students, parents, and school representatives. The school principal expressed appreciation, saying, "Thank you for organizing such a meaningful event. A truly happy world is one where everyone lives happily and joyfully without fighting one another."
In the United Kingdom, the preliminary round was held on May 23 at the Manchester Museum, organized by the IWPG UK Peace Committee. Participants expressed family love, friendship, and a world without war through their artwork. One parent shared, "Looking at my daughter's drawing about peace within the family reminded me once again of the importance of family and the meaning of peace."
In Vienna, Austria, the preliminary round was held on June 14. To enable children who were unable to attend in person, a "Home (remote) Participation" option was offered alongside the on-site event.
In Berlin, Germany, the preliminary round took place on June 8 at the DRK-Heim in Berlin-Adlershof, with a total of 20 participants, including 13 children. Most of the participating children actively prepared and brought their own art materials.
In Prague, Czech Republic, the preliminary round was held on June 6. An art workshop was conducted prior to the competition to inspire the children's artistic imagination. Experience programs for parents, including calligraphy and seed planting, were also offered, making the event a Family Day for the whole family to enjoy together.
At the Talent Art Academy in Kulsary, Atyrau Region, Kazakhstan, the preliminary round was held on June 2 with 18 students participating. Academy Director Issagaliyeva Saltanat said, "Thank you for providing children around the world with the opportunity to express their own stories of peace through art." Shatik, a participant, shared, "I hope every country can live in peace without war."
In Rawalpindi, Pakistan, the preliminary round was held on May 7 at City Nursery School. A Peace Committee member who organized the event said, "I agree with IWPG's message that peace education should begin in early childhood," adding, "Through artistic activities, children came to understand that small acts of kindness and understanding can help build a peaceful society."
In Türkiye, 130 students participated in the preliminary round held on June 9 at Biltes Private School in Istanbul. After signing an MOU with IWPG last year and hosting the 7th competition, the school organized the preliminary round for the second consecutive year. Visual arts teacher Ilayda Tokgöz commented, "It was a valuable opportunity to reflect on the importance of respecting differences, empathizing with one another, and living together in harmony."
In Japan, the preliminary round was held on June 13 at the Cultural Center Owada in Shibuya, Tokyo, with 14 participants, including students, Peace Committee members, and IWPG members. Lee Hyun-ah, a second-grade elementary school participant, shared, "I think peace means making up quickly even after getting angry or arguing."
In Mongolia, two Peace Committees under the Ulaanbaatar Branch independently organized preliminary rounds. On May 27, 56 participants joined events at Devshil School and the College of Music and Dance in Zavkhan Aimag. On May 29, 51 participants took part at School No. 5 in Orkhon Aimag. Both events were planned and organized independently by the local Peace Committees.
In Indonesia, the Jakarta Branch organized preliminary rounds in five cities—Sampit, Central Kalimantan (May 25–26), Cibubur, Jakarta (June 13), Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (June 14), Aceh Besar (June 17), and Denpasar (June 27)—with more than 400 children participating in total.
In the Philippines, the preliminary round was held on June 20 in Kapalong, Davao del Norte, in cooperation with the local government, with 37 participants. Several children who had participated the previous year joined again this year, demonstrating their continued interest in the competition.
In the United States, the Los Angeles Branch and the Washington, D.C. Branch each hosted preliminary rounds. The Los Angeles Branch held its event on June 14 at Anaheim Plaza, with 76 participants aged 7 to 18. The Washington, D.C. Branch displayed artwork created by 25 children at Franklin Park on May 30, sharing messages of peace with members of the public in the city.
In Bogotá, Colombia, the preliminary round was held on June 5 at the Maria Josefa Cannellones Educational Institution. In Colombia, where the values of peace and coexistence are especially important, children expressed through their artwork a vision of families, friends, and communities living together in happiness.
The Melbourne Branch in Australia held events on three occasions. Two preliminary rounds and award ceremonies were held at elementary schools in May, bringing together more than 300 teachers, parents, and students. On May 23, the branch also organized a special competition at Notting Hill Neighbourhood House for 36 autistic children and their families.
The competition also continued in conflict-affected regions. In Jerusalem, the preliminary round was held on June 1 at Al-Quds Club, where children expressed messages of peace and hope through their artwork.
In Lebanon, two preliminary rounds captured the hearts of many. Events at the Learning Land Center and American Universal School (AUS) drew around 150 participants, where students shared moving messages like, "We dream of a world connected as one family."
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In Armenia, the preliminary round was held on May 27 at Khrimian Hayrik No. 10 Basic School, with 32 elementary and middle school students participating. The event strengthened the foundation for cooperation among IWPG, DNA NGO, and the school, and the school announced its intention to continue hosting the competition next year.
In Egypt, the preliminary round was held on June 11 at the Cairo Association for the Deaf, with 23 participants, including 15 children with hearing impairments. The children presented their completed artwork in sign language, delivering messages of peace. A "Peace Flowerpot Making" activity was also held alongside the drawing competition.
The Paris Branch held an online Women's Peace Education graduation ceremony with graduates from six countries across Europe and Africa, including France. Participants reflected on the value that "peace begins with me" and shared the meaning of peace and the importance of solidarity.
The Manila Branch held a PLTE graduation ceremony, producing 26 women peace leaders. The graduates pledged to serve as peace leaders who practice and promote peace within their communities.
Global Region 2 held a joint PLTE graduation ceremony for South America, with 36 graduates completing the program. The graduates pledged to actively contribute to the spread of a culture of peace and to serve as peace leaders in their local communities.
The Melbourne Branch conducted a PLTE Art Workshop as part of the PLACE Campaign, combining peace education with art. Participants expressed their own stories of peace through artwork while reflecting on the meaning of practicing peace in everyday life.
The Jakarta Branch signed MOUs with Universitas Muhammadiyah Sampit and Yatna LPP Business Polytechnic. Through these agreements, the parties agreed to expand the foundation for peace education in the region by PLTE, operating Peace Centers, and implementing joint programs.
The Ulaanbaatar Branch held a Peace Seminar on the theme of "Peace and Women" in cooperation with the Ugtaal Soum Governor's Office. Participants learned about the importance of peace education, and following the event, 68 people joined IWPG as new members, expanding the peace network.
The Ulaanbaatar Branch held a seminar on "Women and Peace" for students at Ach Medical University. Students gained a better understanding of the value of peace and IWPG's activities, laying the foundation for future participation in peace education.
The Lesotho Peace Committee held a commemorative event celebrating the 50th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso, wishing for peace and harmony. Participants shared the meaning of peace and a sustainable future through a peace balloon release, commemorative tree planting, and a dove-of-peace performance.
Throughout the Month of Patriots and Veterans, IWPG branches across Korea took part in Memorial Day and Korean War commemorative ceremonies, historical tours, appreciation events for war veterans, peace campaigns, Rose of Sharon tree planting in the DMZ, and volunteer activities with veterans' organizations.
The Wonju Branch received a commendation from the Chair of the Gangwon State Council during the Wonju preliminary round of the 8th ILPAC in recognition of its contribution to promoting a culture of peace within the local community.
At its 70th General Assembly, the Daegu–Gyeongbuk Headquarters of the International Federation for Human Rights Advocacy, Korea, introduced its achievements in cooperation with IWPG and presented a commendation to Park Sujin, Director of Global Region 5, in recognition of her contributions to promoting human rights.
The Seosan Branch carried out storm drain cleaning and environmental cleanup activities in flood-prone areas together with the Seosan Volunteer Association. The branch continues volunteer activities to promote community safety and environmental protection while contributing to the spread of a culture of peace.
To mark World Environment Day, the Suncheon Branch participated in a marine cleanup activity at Suncheon Bay. Together with local volunteer organizations, participants contributed to environmental conservation and the promotion of a sustainable culture of peace.
The Seosan Branch signed a MOU with Chungcheong Daese News to establish a cooperative framework for promoting peace education and a culture of peace. The two organizations plan to carry out various joint initiatives, including raising peace awareness within the local community and supporting ILPAC.
The Michuhol Branch signed an MOU with the Hwanghae Culture and Arts Social Cooperative. The two organizations agreed to jointly organize peace concerts and citizen participation programs utilizing historical and cultural content.
The Yeonsu Branch signed an MOU with the Yeonsu District Branch of the Republic of Korea Vietnam Veterans Association to promote a culture of peace. The two organizations agreed to strengthen community cooperation through peace education, volunteer activities, and intergenerational exchange.
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