The Outcome of the 2027 J.U.C. Awards Informative Session: Fostering Youth Empowerment, Bilingualism, and Global Collaboration
By The Light Millennium Global (LMGlobal.Org)
In Collaboration with
The Mialano Foundation for Peace and Development (FOMIPD) based in Kenya

NEW YORK / LMGLOBAL.ORG — Following the official international call for entries for the 2027 J.U.C. Media, Research, Writing, and Poetry/Creative Expression Awards, The Light Millennium Global (LMGlobal.Org) convened a joint virtual Informative Session on July 26, 2026, in active collaboration with the Mialano Foundation for Peace and Development (FOMIPD) based in Kenya. Established in memory of J.U.C., the bi-annual awards aim to transition youth (Grades 9–12, ages 14–20) from passive consumers of information into active producers of knowledge. The dedicated theme for the 2027 cycle centers on Bilingualism, inviting students to explore its intersection with peace, psychology, non-violent communication, ecology, water sustainability, ocean conservation, STEM education, and human conscience in the era of artificial intelligence.

The Informative Session brought together advisors, committee members, and youth leaders to guide potential applicants and partner organizations through the concept note, application guidelines, and submission logistics. Serving as Chair and Co-Chair for the 2023 and 2025 J.U.C. Awards, Ambassador Rodrigo A. Carazo delivered Opening Remarks, praising the growth and maturity of the J.U.C. Awards framework over the years. Reaffirming his commitment to global youth empowerment, Ambassador Carazo pledged that should any candidate submit their secondary language entry in French, he will personally join the Evaluation Committee to review those works. 

Offering guidance on evaluation criteria, Prof. Günay Smith emphasized clarity of thought and the rich cultural context embedded within language… Furthermore, in the PowerPoint presentation and throughout the session, Bircan Ünver repeatedly alerted applicants to the strict Eligibility Criteria regarding Plagiarism and Generative AI. LMGlobal.org maintains a zero-tolerance policy for plagiarized or AI-generated entries; all submissions must represent the applicant’s original thought, voice, and independent effort. Please see Guidelines Section IV & V.

Demonstrating the program’s ongoing impact, Ms. Horimbere Ange Louella—a 2025 J.U.C. Awardee in Media from Burundi—addressed practical technical questions in her new capacity as International Student Coordinator, exemplifying how past participants are stepping up to guide the next generation.

DISCLAIMER & IMPORTANT NOTE
While the questions above were raised and addressed in real time during the live Informative Session on July 26, 2026, the written responses provided in this document reflect expanded, formalized clarifications. This text incorporates essential technical specifications, administrative guidelines, and official legal responsibilities defined by The Light Millennium, Inc. / Global (LMGlobal.org) as the lead organizing entity. In the event of any unintentional variance between live verbal statements and this published document, this written version serves as the definitive and binding reference for the 2027 J.U.C. Awards program.

The following questions submitted by Dr. Mialano Tangania, David, Founder/CEO of the Mialano Foundation for Peace and Development (FOMIPD):

Clarifications & Responses to the Dr. Mialano’s two sets of below questions on the 2027 J.U.C. Awards Informative Session

SESSION 1: Guidance of concept Note of 2027 J.U.C Award Questions

Dr. Mialano – Q 1: Regarding to eligibility Criteria’s says, the 2027 J.U.C Award opened to the High Schools students grade 9-12, ages 14-20, my question remain on the Youths of the same ages (14-20) but are not in schools because of some reasons or issues, their are not allowed to participate in 2027 J.U.C Award?
B. Ünver: Out-of-school youth or high school dropouts aged 14–20 are eligible to apply, provided they independently meet all submission requirements outlined in the Official Guidelines. The primary application package must be submitted in English (as a .docx or .doc file, targeting 1,200–1,300 words). If the applicant is from a bilingual system or non-English region, an additional PDF version in their national, official, or mother language must be included. Mandatory requirements include full identification details (name, age, city/country, last school attended, and highest grade completed), a high-resolution portrait photo, a 120–130 word bio (.docx), original project files (.mp4 for Media), and a signed Consent Form (PDF, JPG, or PNG), which requires a parent or legal guardian signature for applicants under 18. All files must follow the strict naming protocol: FirstName_LastName_Category.
Submissions must be made directly via our official Google Form or emailed to CONTACT(at)LMGLOBAL.ORG.

Dr. Mialano – Q-2: According to the 2027 suggested themes said (Students may choose one or a combination of the following “Linguistic Pillars, Bilingualism and peace, and Psychology, and Non violent Communications (NVC), and Ecology, and Water, and Ocean, and STEMEdu, and The Human Conscience And Technology (AI & ICTs), and many more ect….) My question is this, one (1) candidate can choose 3 or 4 themes once or differently? Or a candidate is allowed to choose only one?
B. Ünver: Candidates may choose a single suggested pillar or combine multiple pillars, provided the central thematic foundation remains explicitly focused on Bilingualism. Applicants are also welcome to introduce their own concept or sub-theme as long as it directly ties to bilingualism.

Dr. Mialano – Q-3: Regarding to 2027 J.U.C Award Categories that tell us about four (4) categories of submission (1, Media, 2 Research paper, 3, Writing and 4, Poetry & creative Expression) my question is that, if a candidate want to submit in 3 or 2 categories, he or she allowed to do it so ?
B. Ünver: No. Applicants are strictly limited to submitting under one (1) category that best represents their strongest skills and capacity. We aim to avoid consolidating multiple awards onto a single individual so that our 13 monetary and 4 non-monetary honorary awards reach the widest pool of deserving students globally. However, depending on overall submission quality, the Evaluation Committee may establish “Special Awards” for standalone entries that did not rank in the top three but possess unique merit.

Dr. Mialano – Q-4: According to the Definition of the 2027 J.U.C Award that said about the renumeration of the Award, If a candidate is allowed to present two (2) or (3) categories of this 2027 Award and He or she passe on both categories submitted , He or She will be renumerated as the Definition of the Award says?
B. Ünver: As noted above, candidates must apply under one category only. If an applicant submits entries across multiple categories, the Evaluation Committee reserves the right to evaluate only one entry or disqualify the applicant entirely for failing to comply with the rules. Each candidate should select the single medium that is most inspiring to them.

Dr, Mialano – Q-5: In the same optic if a candidate passed to the 2027 Award and the evaluators confirms his work and that candidate don’t have a Bank account or His or Her parents don’t have the Bank account, the renumeration of that candidate can pass true to the Institution or Organization Bank account? Or which mechanism do you have to make sure the renumeration of that candidate arrive in his or her Hands?
B. Ünver: No award funds will be transferred through a school, partner NGO, or contributing organization under any circumstances. Monetary awards must be remitted directly to the winning student (if 18 or older with an account) or to an immediate first-degree family member (parent, legal guardian, or adult sibling). Most youth and families have access to mobile banking or basic personal accounts; if not, an immediate family member’s verified account is mandatory to ensure financial compliance and legal integrity.

Dr. Mialano – Q-6: Regarding the Mandatory of Submission Package said (the master version must be in English language) what about the candidates who are not in English speaking countries? Or which mechanisms do you have to make sure all candidates of all nations participate in the 2027 Awards?
B. Ünver: LMGlobal.org is a U.S.-based non-profit founded in New York in 2001, operating officially in English. All official program documentation, administrative outreach, and Evaluation Committee reviews are conducted in English. Therefore, English is our required primary language for all master submissions (1,200–1,300 words in .docx or .doc format), even if English is a student’s second or third language. Please see the Guidelines Section VIII.
To honor the Bilingualism theme of the 2027 Awards while maintaining cultural authenticity, submissions operate under a dual-language policy:
1. Master Submission (Primary — English):
◦ The core submission must be typed in English as an editable Word document (.docx or .doc), targeting 1,200 to 1,300 words for its website posting (unless submitting under the Media/Video or Poetry category – Please see the Guidelines Section IX).
2 Secondary Language Reference Submission (PDF Format):
◦ Applicants must attach a counterpart version of their entry in their secondary, national, official, or mother tongue language (or a language studied at a bilingual school) as a PDF file.
◦ Public Reference & Authenticity Record: This secondary PDF will be uploaded and linked directly alongside each eligible entry on our website during evaluation. It will be posted exactly as submitted—unformatted and unedited, similar approach to an official reference document. This ensures that readers globally (including non-English speakers outside our Evaluation Committee) can read the entry in its native tongue, while providing an unchangeable backup that verifies the originality of the English master text.
◦ Strict “No Direct/Literal Translation” Policy: We explicitly do not want or expect a word-for-word translation from English or vice-versa. As Prof. Smith highlighted during the session, literal translations often strip away cultural nuance or render local metaphors meaningless. Candidates must express the same central ideas and concepts naturally in both languages, utilizing idioms, tone, and cultural adaptations native to each tongue.
◦ Required Header: The secondary PDF version must display the following header at the top of the first page: Full Name, Category, School Name, Grade Level, City, and Country. It also applies to each .docx and PDF document including master submission in English and bio and all attachments MUST be named with the first-and-last name of the applicant, along with the submission category.
While we celebrate global linguistic diversity, as an all-volunteer NGO we cannot expand our administrative framework beyond our official working language and legal capacity.

Dr. Mialano – Q-7: According to Required Submission Format, If a candidate submit his or her Work in Video version, is mandated to submit his or her Biography in PDF again and has present it in video version? Can you clarifier this Point?
B. Ünver: The required 120–130 word biography (.docx) and high-resolution portrait photo are separate application requirements used for official booklets, press releases, and website announcements once awardees are selected. A video submission under the Media category represents the student’s creative entry itself (from 3 to 7 min.), whereas the written bio and photo are required general components of the submission package for all applicants across all categories. Please see the Guidelines Section X.

Dr. Mialano Q-8: Regarding to the Evaluation and Award Delivery, If the candidate pass in the 2027 Award and it’s come in the Interview stage that candidate is not able to express him or her self publicly, which mechanism do you put in that stage to make sure that all candidates present their work publicly?
B. Ünver: The 2027 J.U.C. Awards, in particular, on “bilingualism” center on language and expression. Shortlisted candidates must participate in a short virtual interview to verbally present their work and answer basic questions. While perfect fluency is not required, if a student cannot verbally express themselves or discuss their entry in English, the Evaluation Committee cannot verify independent authorship, and the entry may be deemed ineligible.

Dr, Mialano – Q-9: A candidate Submit his or her work and passed, but that candidate he or she can hear and write the English language very well but he or she can not be able to speak the English language, which mechanism do you put, it’s come to the Short interview stage?
B. Ünver: No mechanism is in place for this situation. The applicant must be able to speak and articulate their concept in English during the interview stage. Without live verbal verification, the Evaluation Committee cannot confirm that the submission was written independently by the applicant, rendering the entry ineligible. As highlighted during the presentation, this live verification step also ensures compliance with our strict zero-tolerance policy against plagiarism and AI-generated submissions.

Dr. Mialano – Q-10: What is the roles of CSOs, INGOs, NGOs, CBOs, Civil Societies in this 2027 J.U.C Award and this Award is Open to the High School students grade 9-12 and ages allowed are 14 – 20 years?
B. Ünver: Collaborating CSOs, INGOs, NGOs, CBOs, and civil society entities serve as vital local anchors, mentors, and outreach partners in this global initiative. Rather than a one-time gesture, partnership in the J.U.C. Awards represents an ongoing, multi-year commitment spanning several months of active preparation, submission, and evaluation, extending into a full two-year cycle of global visibility through the next awards program.
Partner organizations play a transformative role by identifying, encouraging, and mentoring youth volunteers, student leaders, and young members within their immediate community and networks. By guiding these young people through the research, writing, and creative process—and providing essential logistical support such as computer access, internet connectivity, and guidance—organizations offer them a direct international platform to elevate their ideas and local realities. This sustained engagement directly invests in the academic, professional, and personal growth of young leaders, building credentials that enhance their future university pathways, career prospects, and capacity to serve their home communities.
In return, collaborating civil society organizations gain substantial, lasting global recognition, credibility, and formal honors:
• Formal Institutional Recognition: To express our gratitude for their mentorship and leadership, collaborating organizations will be presented with an official Thank You / Certificate of Appreciation during or immediately following the international Awards Ceremony.
• Sustained Global Visibility & Archival Legacy: Contributing organizations with eligible applicants will be formally listed with their logo, city, and country across LMGlobal.org’s multi-media channels—including our official website (visited across 140+ countries), media releases, UN-associated NGO Network, and newsletters. Crucially, all posted submissions and partner acknowledgments remain permanently archived on our website (unless a legal removal is requested), providing permanent public documentation of your organization’s global impact.
• International Platform & Leadership: Designated representatives from partner organizations may be invited to speak during our virtual International Awards Ceremony and/or post-award panel discussions, elevating their organizational profile among global civil society leaders, delegates, and academics.
• Strengthened Local Standing & Trust: Championing local youth on an international stage over a two-year cycle reinforces an organization’s reputation at home, proving its commitment to youth empowerment, education, and global policy discourse.
Please see the Guidelines Section XIX.

Note: While collaborating organizations provide essential guidance and mentorship, they act as independent civil society partners and hold no formal administrative or voting authority within LMGlobal.org.





SESSION 2: GOOGLE FORM GUIDANCE QUESTIONS

Dr. Mialano – Q-1: If a candidate from Rural or Urban areas doesn’t have a WhatsApp number or an E-mail account even his or her parents don’t have it, He or She can use the Email account of an Organization or a School account?
B. Ünver: No. Each applicant must have a dedicated email address to receive direct program communications. Schools or partner organizations can assist students in creating a free Gmail account. Having basic digital access and an individual email address is a required eligibility baseline. Submissions are accepted exclusively via our Google Form or sent directly from the applicant’s email to CONTACT(at)LMGLOBAL.ORG.

Dr. Mialano – Q-2: If 2 or 3 categories is allowed and the candidate want to submit both, He can use this one form or He or She can use the same form in different accounts in the same name?
B. Ünver: As stated, candidates are strictly limited to one submission under one category. Submitting multiple applications across different categories or accounts is not permitted.

Dr. Mialano – Q-3: An Organization or a School based in Rural Areas doesn’t use the Digital systems, their use only manual system and that school or Organization has 20 or 30 candidates, If it’s come in term of submissions their use libraries and libraries cost them, which mechanisms do you have to facilitate them in term of submission? Like (P.O BOX or poster) can them use it?
B. Ünver: No. Postal mail or paper submissions are not accepted. As an all-volunteer online organization, LMGlobal.org lacks the administrative capacity to receive, scan, and digitize physical mail. Local schools, libraries, and partner CSOs are asked to provide the necessary logistical support to help students submit their materials electronically.

Dr. Mialano – Q-4: If a School or An Organization fill the Google form on behalf of a candidate, their are mandated to fill it in the name of a candidate or in the name of the School or Organization and attach all works of candidate in Joint File?
B. Ünver: Submissions filled out in bulk or under an organization’s name rather than the individual student’s name will be marked ineligible. The application process must reflect the individual applicant’s details and demonstrate their personal engagement.

Question 5: If a candidate doesn’t have Aipad, Laptop or Computer, He or She can do his or her work in hands Writing and submit it in pdf as he or she did it?
B. Ünver: Handwritten entries (scanned as PDF) are only accepted for the secondary/national/official or mother-tongue language component. The primary English master entry, biography, and core application files must be typed (.docx or .doc). Applicants without personal computers are encouraged to use local school, library, or partner NGO facilities to type their final English entries.

The original submitted questions by Dr. Mialano (PDF)

(Note: The signed Consent Form must be attached as a PDF, PNG, or JPG file to complete the application package.)

• Application Submission Form: Official Google Form
• Official Contact & Video File Submissions: CONTACT(at)LMGLOBAL.ORG
• Consent Form (PDF)
• Power Point Presentation (A compact version of the Guidelines)
  
  
  
  SPECIAL THANKS TO:
  1. The Mialano Foundation For Peace And Development (FOMIPD, Kenya)
  2. To the Team of the UN Civil Society Unit bi-weekly Newsletters.
  3. United Nations Weekly Group
  
  
  

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