Introduction 

The Goi Peace Foundation is pleased to announce the commencement of the 2024 International Essay Contest for Young People. This prestigious annual event invites youth from across the globe to share their insights and experiences on the theme of “My Experience of Overcoming Conflict.” The contest, designed to foster a culture of peace and sustainable development, offers a platform for young minds to reflect on their encounters with conflict and explore ways to contribute positively to society. In collaboration with UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development initiative, this contest aims to inspire the next generation to envision a harmonious world and take action towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Theme 

The theme for this year’s contest is “My Experience of Overcoming Conflict.” Participants are encouraged to share personal narratives of navigating through conflicts, elucidating the lessons learned and the implications for their lives and communities. Conflicts may arise from diverse sources, including differences in opinions and values. Through this theme, contestants are prompted to delve into their own journeys of conflict resolution and contemplate how their experiences can contribute to positive change.

Guidelines

• Eligibility: Individuals up to 25 years old (as of June 15, 2024) can participate in two age categories: Children (up to 14 years old) and Youth (15 – 25 years old).

• Essay Specifications: Submissions must be in English, French, or Japanese, with a word limit of 700 words or less for English/French essays and 1600 characters or less for Japanese essays. Essays should be typed and include the author’s name, email address, and essay title at the top of the first page. Formatting rules are flexible, but submissions must be in MS Word (DOC/DOCX) or PDF format.

• Submission: Entries must be submitted online via the registration page. Postal mail or email submissions will not be accepted. Teachers and youth directors can submit entries on behalf of their class or group by creating an account for school/organization entrants.

• Originality: Essays must be original and unpublished, with no plagiarized or AI-generated content. Co-authored essays are not permitted.

• Publication: By submitting an essay, participants grant permission to the organizer to publish it in any medium, while retaining ownership.

• Deadline: Entries must be received by June 15, 2024, 23:59 (local time).

Awards 

The contest offers awards in both the Children’s and Youth categories:

• 1st Prize: Certificate, 100,000 Yen prize (approx. US$660), and a gift (1 winner per category)

• 2nd Prize: Certificate, 50,000 Yen prize (approx. US$330), and a gift (3 winners per category)

• 3rd Prize: Certificate and a gift (5 winners per category)

• Honorable Mention: Certificate and a gift (25 winners) Additionally, winners of the 1st to 3rd prizes will be invited to a Winners Gathering held online. Other awards, such as the Best School Award and School Incentive Award, will be presented as applicable. All winners will be announced on October 31, 2024, on the Goi Peace Foundation website, with certificates and gifts mailed in January 2025.

Conclusion

Young people are invited to participate in the 2024 International Essay Contest for Young People, offering them a platform to share their experiences of overcoming conflict and contribute to a culture of peace and sustainability. Through this contest, the Goi Peace Foundation aims to empower youth to become agents of positive change in their communities and beyond. For more information and to submit entries, visit the Goi Peace Foundation website.