Competition Announcement for the Design of a Logo for the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent

As a newly established mechanism, the Permanent Forum is in the process of getting recognition and establishing its presence. This competition invites for the creation of a logo that will serve as both a distinctive symbol for the Permanent Forum and a reflection of the aspirations and essence of the people it represents.

It provides an opportunity for artists from Africa and the diaspora to contribute to the design of its logo and for people of African descent to be involved in the decision-making process, ensuring that their voices are heard, their perspectives are valued, and a sense of ownership and inclusivity is fostered. Through this competition, they celebrate diversity, ultimately strengthening the collective efforts of all stakeholders in promoting and honoring the recognition of people of African descent and their contributions to society.

Prizes of Permanent Forum

The winner will be announced at the end of the year. The winner will be contacted before the announcement. The winner will receive:

• An all-expenses paid trip to New York to participate in the 4th session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent taking place from 14 to 17 April 2025. The winner will also be presented during the opening ceremony of the 4th session.
• Support the organization of an art exhibition during the session (provided that the winner has a portfolio that could be showcased in line with relevant UN policies).

Eligibility for Permanent Forum

• Open to participants from all ages and nationalities, that are Africans or identify as people of African descent.

Selection Criteria

• Contestants and their submissions will be judged on their originality, creativity, quality, and relevance to the themes addressed by the Permanent Forum. The choice will be made according to the discretion of the judges.

Application

Each submission should include the name, age, nationality of the author, an explanation of the visual, and the visual itself in the format prescribed below:

• Be submitted in vector format preferably (.ai,.svg or .eps). If the participant cannot submit it in vector format, a transparent TIF of the file in high quality must be sent (a minimum of 2500px).
• If the visual includes colours (a limited color palette is recommended), please also submit a single ink version. Keep in mind that the file will be printed on different media and materials.
• The design should be scalable, as it will be used at a wide range of sizes.
• The Font used must support non-Latin alphabet, as the logo will be used in communications in all United Nations official languages, namely: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. For this purpose, the contestant may use the brand font of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Futura Std for the design, which would make the translation of the logo easier. The contestant can propose different layouts for using the type on the design, taking into account that the design needs to work in the other UN languages (the logo concept must still work when flipped for Arabic).

Do not the UN emblem in your designs, including portions of the UN emblem.

The proposals should be sent by November 1, 2024 to the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent at .