For over 18 years, the Lions International Peace Poster Contest has provided a powerful platform for children aged 11 to 13 to share their perspectives on world peace. With over 3 million participants from more than 75 countries, the contest encourages young people to artistically express their hopes and dreams for a more peaceful future.
“Achieving peace requires a deep desire to understand, respect, and honor others,” noted Kyler B. Watson, a 13-year-old merit award winner from Stuttgart, Arkansas, in the 2005-2006 contest. His words encapsulate the profound impact the contest has on its participants.
The 2005-2006 grand prize winner, Cleverson da Silva Rosa, a 13-year-old from Parana, Brazil, experienced the global reach of the Lions organization firsthand. He, along with family members, traveled to New York for Lions Day with the United Nations, an annual event where Lions connect with ambassadors at U.N. Headquarters. This year’s event saw over 700 Lions in attendance.
Lions Clubs International President Ashok Mehta emphasized the contest’s significance, stating, “The Peace Poster Contest represents a unique way for our members to provide an outlet for these future leaders to express their visions of peace.”
By sponsoring the contest in schools and youth programs, Lions Clubs foster important conversations about the meaning of world peace and empower children to creatively contribute to the pursuit of this vital goal. Wade Angeli, a 13-year-old merit winner from Fairfax, Virginia, underscored the importance of this opportunity: “I think it is important that young people have a chance to really think about world peace.”