International Poster Contest Winners Named

UNITED NATIONS, New York – Young artists from over 40 countries took part in the 2003 International Poster Contest organized by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund. Winners were chosen today in four age groups from over 160 entries submitted to UNFPA headquarters after winning national contests.

The grand prize went to Santi Niumkam of Thailand who was also first place winner in the 16 to 19 years age group.

Each year since 1992, UNFPA has organized the contest around a specific theme to increase awareness and understanding of population and development issues. The theme for 2003 was “Adolescent Reproductive Health”, focusing on building supportive communities where adults can be an important source of information and guidance. Artists were asked to depict situations showing young people and adults talking together about reproductive health, attending a community meeting or going to a community clinic that makes young people feel welcome.

Over 40 countries held national poster contests, organized by UNFPA field offices, United Nations Information Centres and non-governmental organization partners in programme and donor countries.

Winning designs from the national contests were entered for the international selection and winners were selected based on the originality, creativity and message of their work.

In the 10 to 12 year old category, Phanupong Tiaprasong of Thailand came in first, Oriel Rose Reuben of South Africa received the second prize, and the third prize went to Saajan S. Chotai of Kenya.

In the 13 to 15 age group, the first prize went to Marco Rodrigo Vazquez Sanchez of Nicaragua, the second prize to D. Chathurika Wijewickrama Atapattu of Sri Lanka, and the third prize to B. Batchimeg of Mongolia.

In the 16 to 19 category, Santi Niumkam of Thailand came in first, Lee Chin Yee of Malaysia second and Siyabonga Khoza of South Africa third.

Among the 20 to 24 year olds, Suroso of Indonesia came in first, Maung Zar Ni Tun of Myanmar second and Peninnah Mugure Njoroge of Kenya third.

All contestants whose works were submitted for the international selection will receive certificates and winners will receive art supplies and special certificates.