Widespread controversy surrounding participation certificates

SYRIACARTOON -2026

Last updated 9 يونيو 2026

Widespread controversy participation certificates

جدل واسع حول شهادات المشاركة
شكلت شهادات المشاركة في المسابقات الدولية جدلاً واسعاً بين المشاركين، فمنهم من عدّها بلا قيمة وبعضهم الاخر رآها من منظور مختلف.
سبق أن كتبنا عن الموضوع في موقع الكاريكاتور السوري ولم نلقَ تجاوباً فعالاً . وأسهبنا في هذه المسألة التي باتت تشكل عبئاً نفسياً في عالم يسوده الزيف والنكران.

Darko Drljevic

There are festivals, and there are more and more of them, that send cartoonists diplomas for participation. On this occasion, I ask such festivals not to send me such diplomas, for the reason that it is completely unimportant and unnecessary for me. In addition, some cartoonists, especially those who are almost unknown, not to say, amateurs in this business, post it on social networks and brag as if they won some award. In addition, their friends, who can’t even translate what it is about, praise them and congratulate them with admiration! In this way, the participants are equated with the winners, and the prizes are meaningless. Thank you.

Muzaffar Yulchiboev

I respect your opinion, but I see participation certificates differently.
When I share a certificate from a cartoon competition, it is not because I consider it a prize or an achievement equal to winning an award. I share it as a sign of respect for the organizers who invested their time, energy, and resources into keeping the competition alive.
Organizing an international cartoon contest is not easy. It requires dedication, commitment, and often a great deal of volunteer effort. A participation certificate is simply a gesture of appreciation toward the artists who supported the event with their work.
By sharing these certificates, I also hope to promote the competition itself and encourage its continuity. The more visibility such events receive, the better the chances they will survive and continue creating opportunities for cartoonists around the world.
Awards recognize the winners. Certificates acknowledge the participants. In my view, both have their place and serve different purposes.