The International Labour Organization and the UPU both held ceremonies in Geneva and Berne this week for the winner of the 2009 international letter-writing competition for young people.
Dominika Koflerová, from Czech Republic, travelled to Switzerland with her mother to claim the gold medal and certificate that go with the top prize of this international competition, set to celebrate its 40th anniversary next year.
The 15-year-old pupil at Lískovec School in Frýdek-Místek, who is thinking of becoming a doctor or a journalist, won the competition after her letter, dealing with decent work, beat out young writers from about 60 other countries.
The theme of decent work was chosen in collaboration with the ILO, which launched a major worldwide campaign to promote workers’ rights, job creation and social protection and dialogue at all levels.
Koflerová said she was glad so many people appreciated her letter, which dealt with how chocolate produced and sold through fair trade leads to a better life for workers.
During the ceremonies, the young girl met with the heads of ILO and the UPU, Juan Somavia and Edouard Dayan, as well as members of Geneva’s Czech community and delegates attending the UPU Council of Administration.
More news: ILO news.