The results are in!

This spring, UNDP Iraq launched an art contest that requested submissions to communicate how people in Iraq come together using visual art, film, and written word. As we watch the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, now more than ever, we see how countries, regions, and the world must work together as one unified force.

UNDP Iraq would like to thank all participants who entered the contest. Over 100 submissions were received and carefully reviewed based on criteria including creativity, inspiration, originality, and relatability. In addition to three external judges, the judging panel also included four UNDP Iraq staff members. Please follow UNDP Iraq on Facebook to learn about future contests.

The Winners

Category: Visual Art

First Place: Aseel, 11 years old, Ninewa

This artwork describes the houses and alleys in the old city of Mosul. It depicts simplicity, longevity, and hope for a return to life.

Second Place: Thabet, 20 years old, Salah al-Din

The design is composed of puzzle pieces that complement each other in order to produce the map of Iraq. Any missing piece will mean the shape is not complete, so all components of Iraq, including religions and nationalities, must unite and cooperate in order to complete the image. Iraq would not be the same without even one piece.  

Third Place: Ali, 27 years old, Najaf

The design depicts dropping off food items to a family and indicates “together to achieve social solidarity.”

Category: Short Film

First Place: Safaa, 34 years old

Second Place: Huthayfa, 27 years old, Ninewa

Third Place: Ali, 29 years old, Ninewa

Category: Written Word

First Place: Yousif, 23 years old, Erbil

Please click here to read the poem in its original language. 

Note: Poetry was not translated in order to maintain quality.

Second Place: Obaida, 24 years old, Ninewa

Please click here to read the poem in its original language. 

Note: Poetry was not translated in order to maintain quality.

Third Place: Mahmoud, 53 years old, Kirkuk

Please click here to read the poem in its original language. 

Note: Poetry was not translated in order to maintain quality.

About UNDP Iraq’s Social Cohesion Programme

UNDP’s Social Cohesion Programme in Iraq manages several projects aiming to improve the enabling environment for peace, reconciliation and social cohesion in all areas of Iraq. It takes a multi-faceted approach that addresses institutional frameworks, local mechanisms, institutional and individual capacities, university curriculums, inter-group and state-citizen relations, and conflict-sensitive responses. The programme’s media and advocacy component includes the launch of various initiatives on social media. The social cohesion art contest is part of the Integrated Reconciliation Project, funded by the Danish government.