Applications are invited for the Goi Peace Foundation International Essay Contest 2023 for Young People.

About the Contest

This annual essay contest is organized in an effort to harness the energy, creativity and initiative of the world’s youth in promoting a culture of peace and sustainable development. It also aims to inspire society to learn from the young minds and to think about how each of us can make a difference in the world.

Theme

“Youth Creating a Peaceful Future”

What does a peaceful world look like to you? How can young people work together, using creative ideas and approaches to realize a peaceful future? Please share your specific ideas.

Eligibility Criteria

Essays may be submitted by anyone up to 25 years old (as of June 15, 2023) in one of the following age categories:

  • Children (ages up to 14).
  • Youth (ages 15 – 25).

Essays must be 700 words or less in English or French, or 1600 characters or less in Japanese. Essays must be typed, with your name and essay title included at the top of the first page.

There are no particular rules regarding formatting (font style, size, line space, etc.). However, essays must be submitted in either MS Word (DOC/DOCX) or PDF format.

Your name and essay title are not included in the word count limit.

Awards

The following awards will be given in the Children’s category and Youth category respectively:

1st Prize: Certificate, the prize of 100,000 Yen (approx. US$740 as of Feb. 2023), and gift.
2nd Prize: Certificate, the prize of 50,000 Yen (approx. US$370 as of Feb. 2023), and gift.
3rd Prize: Certificate and gift.
Honorable Mention: Certificate and gift.

Note:

  • 1st to 3rd prize winners will be invited to the Winners Gathering to be held online.
  • Additional awards (Best School Award, School Incentive Award) will be given if applicable.
  • All prize winners will be announced on October 31, 2023 (Japan time) on this website. Certificates and gifts will be mailed to the winners in December 2023.

How to Register?

  • Entries must be submitted online. To send your essay online, you must go to the online registration page, and follow the required steps. Entries submitted by postal mail or e-mail are not accepted.
  • Teachers and youth directors may submit a collection of essays from their class or group by creating an ‘account for school/organization entrant’ on the online registration page.
  • Only one entry per person is accepted.
  • Essays must be original and unpublished. Plagiarized entries will be rejected.
  • Essays must be written by one person. Co-authored essays are not accepted.
  • By submitting your essay, you give permission to the organizer to publish it in any medium. Ownership of the essay remains with the entrant.

Registration Deadline

June 15, 2023.

Click here to view the official notification of the Goi Peace Foundation International Essay Contest 2023.

Goi Peace Foundation International Essay Contest 2023Download