I’m delighted to share with you the second edition of our project Istanbul Rotary Club Essay Competition on International Peace. We started the project in 2024 for the launch of International Rotary Peace Center and Presidential Peace Conference 2025 of Rotary International in Istanbul in February 2025. Upon great success and interest for the competition, we decided to repeat the project every year with a peace related topic.
In a world increasingly torn apart by conflict and strife, Rotary clubs and Peace Centers aim to make a continuing contribution to the resolution of adversity and suffering. With the second edition of the essay competition organized by the leading club in our 2420 District, the Istanbul Rotary Club, we aim to raise the awareness of the youth and motivate them to develop ideas for maintaining peace and creating a culture of peace. The framework of the competition is as follows (please see attached document for details):
- Topic: A Gateway to Peace: An Education-Based Roadmap
Shaped by Youth - Participants: 14-19 years old teenagers (High school students / Interactors)
- Format: Essay in English with a maximum of 500 words
- Award: Top three participants will be invited to Türkiye in May 2025
(founded by the club) and will receive monetary award - Submission: Essays will be sent directly from the essayists to the dedicated
e-mail address at Istanbul Rotary Club.
PeaceEssay@istanbulrotary.org - Timeline: Announcement of competition details: December 2025
Deadline for Essay submission: February 28th 2026
Announcement of winners: April 15th 2026
Price giving ceremony: May 18th, 2026
at the annual conference of Rotary District 2420 in Antalya, Türkiye
Without your kind support it would be impossible to administer this initiative, therefore we would kindly request you to announce this competition in your District and distribute the attached document to the local Rotary, Rotaract and Interact Clubs. The goal would be to inform potential participants and encourage their participation in the competition.
Upon your initial engagement with related clubs under your governance, with your permission, we would be glad to initiate contact directly with engaged Rotary, Rotaract and Interact Clubs in your district. Therefore, will you please provide us their names and contact details after initial your contact. Feel free to contact PP Murad Ardac for any questions and details. You can reach him through the following e-mail: PeaceEssay@istanbulrotary.org
Best regards,
Fuat Yalçın
Governor D2420 2025-26
Purpose Statement
The Istanbul Rotary Club Essay Competition is the second edition of the competition initiated for the launch of International Rotary Peace Center at Bahçeşehir University and Presidential Peace Conference of Rotary International in Istanbul in 2025. Our purpose is to foster thoughtful discourse and critical thinking among young individuals aged 14 to 19. By inviting participants from various countries, we seek to create a global platform for sharing ideas, perspectives and solutions related to international peace.
Essay Prompt
“A Gateway to Peace: An Education-Based Roadmap Shaped by Youth”
Education is a powerful instrument for cultivating peace and sustaining it across all levels of society, from individuals to the entire World.
In this international essay competition, high school students are invited to explore how education can contribute to the development of a lasting culture of peace. Participants are expected to identify three key educational areas that they believe should be prioritized in the high school curriculum to strengthen peace-oriented values and practices.
Based on their own experience, reflection and research on the topic, they should support their view, clarify in what ways the chosen areas support cognitive, emotional, and ethical competencies of the youth to enhance peace in the World. Essays are encouraged to adopt a structured approach, offering well-reasoned perspectives on the transformative potential of education in promoting peace.
Guiding Principles
- Originality: We value fresh insights and creative thinking. Participants are encouraged to identify three key educational areas that they believe should be prioritized in the high school curriculum to strengthen peace-oriented values and practices. Based on their own experience, reflection and research on the topic, they should support their view, clarify in what ways the chosen areas support cognitive, emotional, and ethical competencies of the youth to enhance peace in the World. Essays are encouraged to adopt a structured approach, offering well-reasoned perspectives on the transformative potential of education in promoting peace
- Inclusivity: The competition is open to all eligible individuals, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or We believe that diverse voices contribute to a richer dialogue.
- Expert Evaluation: Our esteemed Selection Committee, comprising experts in international relations, will rigorously assess the essays. Their expertise ensures a fair and insightful evaluation The composition of this committee will be determined by the board of Istanbul Rotary Club.
- Youth Empowerment: By engaging young writers, we empower them to be advocates for peace. Their words have the potential to shape policies, influence minds, and ignite positive change.
Timeline
- Announcement: December 2025
- Submission Deadline: February 28th, 2026
- Announcement of Winners: April 15th, 2026
- Prize Ceremony: May 18th, 2026
Participation:
All students and Interactors born between 1st January 2007 and 31st December 2012 are eligible to join the competition.
Recognition and Award
- First Winner: A monetary award of 3,000
- Second Winner: A monetary award of 2,000
- Third Winner: A monetary award of 1,000
- The winners are invited to Türkiye for the Prize Ceremony. Flight tickets and accommodation for the winners and 1 respective parent will be provided by the
Prize Ceremony:
On 16-19 May 2026, the annual conference of Rotary District 2420 including İstanbul Rotary Club will be held in Antalya (attended by Rotary governors of Turkey, presidents and members of Rotary clubs and guests). The prize ceremony will be held during this conference, on May18th, 2026.
Essay Requirements
- Word Limit: Essays must be 500 words or less in the English The word count does not include the email address or essay title.
- Format: Essays should be typed and submitted in PDF format, double-spaced
- Originality: Essays must be original and unpublished.
- Content Guidelines: Essays containing hate speech, social, racial, or sexual discrimination will be disqualified. External content should be identified as a AI generated essays will not be accepted.
- Privacy: Compliance with GDPR is
Essay Submission
- Submission Deadline: February 28th, 2026
- The completed essay in PDF-format to be submitted to the following email address:
- For inquiries and updates, visit the Istanbul Rotary Club website or contact us via email: PeaceEssay@istanbulrotary.org
Together, let’s write a future where peace prevails. Prof. Dr. Uğur Haklar
President 2025-2026, Istanbul Rotary Club