Buenos Aires, Argentina - "Universal love as a path towards peace" is the motto of the fifth annual International Poetry Contest organized by UPF-Argentina in connection with the International Day of Peace 2013, a date set by the UN in 1981 to "commemorate and strengthen the ideals of peace in every nation and every people and among them."
The contest, launched on June 10, is open to writers, poets, and any person who is inspired to express the universal value of love as a path to peace. Each participant may submit a poem, in Spanish, and give their personal information as indicated on the form below. The awards ceremony will be in Buenos Aires on September 21, the International Day of Peace.
The jury consists of Prof. Bertha Bilbao Richter, literary critic and member of the Hispanic Cultural and Literary Institute (ILCH); Ms. Liria Guedes, writer and Girdle of Honor of the Argentinean Society of Writers (SADE) and member of the American Association of Poetry; the writer Mabel Fontau, Girdle of Honor of SADE, member of ILCH and People of Letters; the poet Donato Perrone, Coordinator of the Lyrics Corner from Café Tortoni and representative of the Poets Group Livres de Santa Catarina (Brazil); and a local representative of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF).
V INTERNATIONAL POETRY CONTEST RULES – UPF-ARGENTINA
“Universal love as a path towards peace”
In conjunction with the International Day of Peace 2013
“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed” - Preamble of UNESCO’s Constitution (1945).
1. Objective: Despite historical disappointments and conflicts that are still in force, a world of peace is still an indispensable imperative, an inescapable moral duty, a possible goal, and task to be achieved. Culture, particularly literature, can make a contribution, based on common values of universal brotherhood, transcending boundaries, traditions, and religions. It is expected that this aspiration, which both an individual and a universal longing inscribed in the hearts of peoples and cultures, will be embodied in the writings of the V International Poetry Contest of UPF-Argentina, this year under the motto "Universal love as a path towards peace." This adheres to the International Day of Peace 2013, date set by the UN by Resolution 36/67 (1981), to "commemorate and strengthen the ideals of peace in every nation and every people and among them."
2. Formalities: The V International Poetry Contest "Universal love as a path towards peace" is open to writers, poets, students, and anyone who feels inspired to express a content of universal value about this subject. Each participant may submit a poem, in Spanish, and shall state on the paper his/her personal data: name and surname, origin (city, province, and country), phone number, and an e-mail address in order to learn the jury’s evaluation and the award-winning poems. The format shall be a poem written in verse not to exceed one page of an A4 size paper. The poem may be sent by e-mail to:
3. Beginning of the contest: June 10, 2013
4. Deadline: August 10, 2013. Meeting of the Jury: August 22, 2013
5. Jury: Prof. Bertha Bilbao Richter, literary critic and member of the Hispanic Cultural and Literary Institute (ILCH); Ms. Liria Guedes, writer and Girdle of Honor of the Argentinean Society of Writers (SADE) and member of the American Association of Poetry; the writer Mabel Fontau, Girdle of Honor of the SADE, member of ILCH and People of Letters; the poet Donato Perrone, Coordinator of the Lyrics Corner from Café Tortoni and representative of the Poets Group Livres de Santa Catarina (Brazil); and a local representative of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF); all of them are Ambassadors for Peace of the UPF. The jury’s verdict will be final and shall have power to determine any question not covered by these rules.
6. Patrons: the writer and poet Juana Alcira Arancibia, founder and president of the Hispanic Cultural and Literary Institute (ILCH) and chief editor of the international literary magazine Alba de América; the Brazilian poet Marina Fagundes Coello, bilingual writer (Portuguese-Spanish), ILCH member and member of various literary circles of distinguished trajectory in America; and the writer and poet Nélida Pessagno, vice president of SADE and Titular Counselor and current Pro-Secretary of the Foundation Book.
7. Prizes: The winning poem will be read by the author, or someone chosen by the author, at the Award ceremony. They will also receive a Certificate of Recognition and the poem will be publicized nationally and internationally. Four Honorable Mentions, five Special Mentions, and two Mentions will be awarded, with their respective certificates. Each person who wins one of these distinctions will also receive some gifts, and their poems will be included in an anthology as a way of promoting the values that spread a culture of peace.
8. Awards Ceremony: The presentation of awards will take place at the Celebration of the International Day of Peace in an artistic-cultural-religious event that will be held on that date established by UN Resolution 36/67, organized by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) of Argentina on September 21, with further details to be forthcoming.
9. Organizer: UPF-Argentina, whose international slogans are: "The hope of all ages is a unified world of peace" and "A global family centered on God," organized this fifth annual International Poetry Contest sponsored by the Fundación Educativa Internacional (FEI).
10. Participation in this contest implies the acceptance of these terms.