CALL FOR PEACE VIDEOS AND POEMS:
MUDUG PEACE CONFERENCE 2025
The Consortium partners of Puntland Youth and Social Development Association (PSA), Cneter for Paece and Democracy (CPD) and CARE International is pleased to announce the official Call for Submissions for the Mudug Peace Conference 2025. This prestigious initiative aims to recognize and celebrate the vital role of creative expression in promoting peace, reconciliation, and community cohesion in the Mudug region.
PSA invites all poets, artists, filmmakers, journalists, and media content creators to submit original works that focus on peacebuilding. Submissions include videos and traditional Somali poetry that inspire dialogue, understanding, and unity across communitie
Mudug region, situated in central Somalia, has long been affected by recurring inter-clan conflicts, political fragmentation, and competition over natural resources. These challenges, coupled with the legacy of protracted civil war, have severely strained the social fabric and undermined trust among communities. Although peacebuilding efforts have been ongoing, largely spearheaded by traditional elders, civil society, and international development partners, sustainable peace remains elusive.
The conflict dynamics in Mudug are complex, with violence often erupting due to unresolved grievances, marginalization, and weak governance structures. The youth, who make up the majority of the population, are especially vulnerable to manipulation and recruitment into violence due to unemployment and lack of positive engagement opportunities. Amid these challenges, the role of media and creative arts in peacebuilding has been underutilized, despite their proven potential to influence public opinion, promote dialogue, and foster reconciliation.
Recognizing this gap, the Mudug Peace Conference is introduced as a transformative initiative under the SSFIII project. This activity aligns with evolving peacebuilding strategies by integrating cultural and communication tools to engage key influencers, journalists, poets, artists, and media practitioners in shaping narratives of peace, tolerance, and unity.
Categories of Submission
- Peace Videos: Short film, documentary, or creative videos that convey messages of peace, conflict resolution, social cohesion, or community resilience.
- Peace Poems: Original poems in Somali (Gabay, Buraanbur, Geeraar) that reflect themes of unity, forgiveness, and hope. Submissions may be in audio (MP3) or video (MP4).
Submission Guidelines
- Eligibility: Open to individuals residing in the Mudug region or other regions of Puntland and Galmudug. Special encouragement is given to youth, women, and marginalized communities.
- Languages: Submissions must be in Somali.
Formats Accepted:
- Video: MP4 files or YouTube/Video links (1–5 minutes).
- Poetry: Audio files (MP3), or video recordings (MP4).
- Theme: All submissions must center around peacebuilding, community reconciliation, nonviolence, or cultural unity.
- Each submission must include:
- Full name of the creator
- Age and district
- Contact details (phone number and email)
- Title of the work and a short description (max 200 words)
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- 5. Deadline for Submission: 5th August, 2025
- Submission Methods:
- Email: [email protected]
- In-person: PSA and CPD Offices in Galkayo.
Evaluation Process
All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of qualified judges composed of poets, journalists, media producers, and peace practitioners. Entries will be evaluated based on originality, relevance to peace themes, cultural authenticity, and impact potential. Separate judging panels will be assigned for video and poetry categories to ensure expertise and fairness.
Awards and Recognition
The awards structure is designed to honor excellence, encourage participation, and amplify the impact of creative peace narratives. Outstanding submissions will be selected through a transparent and expert-led evaluation process and will be presented during the Mudug Peace Conference, scheduled to take place in mid-August 2025.
The top three entries in both the video and poetry categories will be awarded the following cash prizes:
First Place (Video & Poetry): USD 1,000 each
Second Place (Video & Poetry): USD 800 each
Third Place (Video & Poetry): USD 600 each
Contact and Support
For questions, guidance, or technical support, please contact the Coordination Team.
#Hotline: 3200
Email: [email protected]
The consortium looks forward to receiving your submissions and celebrating the creative forces for peace in Mudug. Together, let us build a future grounded in harmony, culture, and collective hope.