Organized in cooperation with our Foundation and the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education, the award ceremony of the “One World, One Conscience” themed slogan poster and painting competition—held to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza—took place in Istanbul on December 23, World Day of Children Martyrs.
24 December 2025
In collaboration with the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education, our Foundation launched the “One World, One Conscience” themed slogan poster and painting competition to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to encourage young people to develop a sense of responsibility and sensitivity toward global injustices. The competition aimed to provide students with a platform to express their emotions, thoughts, and witnessing of the events in Gaza through art.
Despite ceasefire agreements reached through international efforts, ongoing attacks targeting civilians—particularly children—in Gaza continue to leave deep moral wounds across the world. In the face of this reality, Türkiye continues to stand by the Palestinian people in line with its historical and humanitarian responsibility. As a foundation, we consider it a fundamental duty to pass this awareness on to younger generations through education and social responsibility initiatives.
Young Voices and Conscience Reflected Through Art
The “One World, One Conscience” competition sought to make students’ sensitivity toward the events in Gaza visible through artistic expression. The initiative aimed to ensure that the suffering experienced in oppressed regions resonates within the moral world of young people, while keeping values such as compassion, justice, and responsibility alive.
Announced to schools across Istanbul on November 1 by the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education, the competition was carried out through close cooperation between the two institutions. Our Foundation actively contributed to the process as a committed partner guided by humanitarian and ethical responsibility. A jury panel consisting of three members included one representative appointed by our Foundation.
Pens and Colors Spoke for Gaza
Our Foundation has long demonstrated its commitment to the Palestinian cause through education, culture, and awareness-focused projects. Through our “5W1H Jerusalem” project, we aim to convey the historical, religious, and humanitarian significance of Jerusalem to younger generations and to keep alive a sense of responsibility toward this sacred trust.
Likewise, our program titled “The Language of Witnessing: Gaza and Literacy” seeks to strengthen awareness of the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza by addressing it through the lenses of truth, knowledge, and conscience.
Chairwoman Hatice Akıncı Yılmaz Emphasizes “Shared Conscience”
Speaking at the award ceremony, our Chairwoman of the Board, Hatice Akıncı Yılmaz, underlined that the competition was not merely an artistic event, but a powerful call to moral responsibility in response to the suffering in Gaza.
Pointing out that the world is currently undergoing a severe test in terms of justice, compassion, and conscience, Yılmaz stated:
“This competition provided a valuable opportunity to observe how our young people interpret global developments and which values shape their language of expression. Every single piece submitted was deeply meaningful and touched our hearts. Once again, we witnessed the immense hope our young people represent.
By saying ‘One World, One Conscience,’ we are reminding ourselves to stand on the side of justice and compassion. The strongest carriers of this message are our young people. As long as they continue to raise the voice of truth, we believe that today’s injustices will one day come to an end.”
Emphasizing that the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza continues despite ceasefire efforts, Yılmaz highlighted that conscience requires continuity and responsibility. She also reiterated that our Foundation adopts a holistic approach to youth development—one that combines academic achievement with moral integrity, justice, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Awards Presented on World Day of Children Martyrs
Awards were presented to the winning students during a ceremony held on Tuesday, December 23, at Tenzile Erdoğan Girls’ Anatolian Imam Hatip High School. The first-place student received a commemorative plaque and 3 grams of gold, the second-place student received a plaque and 2 grams of gold, and the third-place student was awarded a plaque and 1 gram of gold.
Held in remembrance of children who lost their lives in Gaza, the ceremony also featured an exhibition of the submitted posters and paintings, a musical performance, and active participation by students throughout the program.
