What If Peace Starts with You?
Istanbul Rotary Club invites young people from around the world to participate in the 3rd International Essay Competition on Peace. Rotary Zone 21B supports the promotion of this inspiring initiative.
Peace does not necessarily begin with major decisions, international agreements or historic events. Sometimes, it begins with a conversation, an outstretched hand, a willingness to listen to someone else, or the courage to admit our own mistakes.
This idea lies at the heart of the 3rd International Essay Competition on Peace, organised by Istanbul Rotary Club, District 2420.
This year's theme is “World Peace Starts with Me! My Daily Decisions and Actions Make Me Part of a More Peaceful World!”
The competition challenges young people to reflect on their own lives and recognise how their decisions, words and actions influence their relationships with others.
From Personal Experience to a Global Message
Participants are invited to describe three specific situations from their own lives related to building peace and understanding. These may be moments when they helped resolve a conflict, showed empathy or overcame differences.
They may also be experiences in which they did not make the best possible choice. After all, peacebuilding involves not only making good decisions but also learning from our mistakes.
The aim is not to write a perfect story, but an authentic one that demonstrates personal responsibility, awareness and a willingness to change.
952 Essays from 51 Countries
The first two editions of the competition attracted 952 submissions from 51 countries.
Behind these numbers are hundreds of young people with different cultures, experiences and perspectives, united by a desire to reflect on peace.
The third edition continues this international exchange of ideas, giving even more students the opportunity to make their voices heard.
Who Can Participate?
The competition is open to students born between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2012.
Essays must be written in English, contain no more than 500 words, and be submitted in PDF format. Entries must be original, and the use of generative artificial intelligence to write essays is not permitted.
Submission deadline: 1 December 2026.
Three main prizes will be awarded — USD 3,000, USD 2,000 and USD 1,000 — along with two Special Recognition Awards of USD 500 each.
Essays should be submitted to PeaceEssay@istanbulrotary.org, following the official competition guidelines.
When a Club Initiative Reaches the World
Istanbul Rotary Club's competition demonstrates how an initiative launched by a single club can create opportunities for young people far beyond the boundaries of its district.
The Rotary Zone 21B Public Image Team is supporting the promotion of this initiative, helping it reach more students, teachers, parents, and Rotary, Rotaract and Interact clubs.
We believe that valuable ideas deserve visibility. By sharing opportunities created by our clubs and districts, we help extend their reach and strengthen their impact.
Encourage a young person to participate. Share the competition with a school or a Rotary family club.
Because peace is not simply something we expect from the world.
It starts with each of us.
Full details and official competition guidelines:
https://istanbulrotary.org/3rd-essay-competition-on-international-peace
