Panama Unveils the International Panamanian Literature Prize, Introducing a Fresh Literary Honor Aimed at Global Reach
The Inspiration and Reading Foundation and the MyM Reading and Leadership Club have formally unveiled the International Panamanian Literature Prize, a cultural initiative conceived to emerge as the most esteemed, far-reaching, and globally acclaimed literary honor promoted from Panama to the international community.
The announcement was made at the National Library of Panama during a press conference attended by members of the media, writers, cultural leaders, book advocates, institutional representatives, and distinguished guests from the literary community.
The International Panamanian Literature Prize has been created as a lasting and prestigious cultural forum devoted to celebrating the written word, honoring exceptional intellectual contributions, and showcasing how literature can profoundly shape society.
The initiative seeks to place literature at the center of public discourse by encouraging reading, increasing the visibility of authors, and creating spaces where culture can be celebrated with seriousness, respect, and distinction.
The inaugural award ceremony will take place on June 25, 2026, at the National Library of Panama and will bring together writers, cultural leaders, strategic partners, media representatives, and special guests from across the region.
The organizers are pleased to announce that the recipient of the first International Panamanian Literature Prize will be Carlos Malo de Molina, whose literary career embodies the spirit and aspirations of this new distinction.
Carlos Malo de Molina has made a significant contribution to Spanish-language literature throughout an outstanding career that includes the publication of sixteen books. His work has earned recognition not only for its literary quality but also for its commitment to promoting reading and fostering a deeper appreciation of literature as a fundamental pillar of cultural and civic development.
The award honors his body of literary work as well as his commitment to spreading knowledge, fostering emerging talent, cultivating lasting relationships, and motivating future generations of readers and writers.
As the first honoree of the International Panamanian Literature Prize, Carlos Malo de Molina will stand as the initial figure recorded in the annals of this accolade, laying a significant groundwork for what its organizers anticipate will evolve into a long‑standing cultural institution.
The organizers aim for the International Panamanian Literature Prize to evolve into a yearly reference event for Panama and the wider global literary scene, fostering deeper interaction with books, ideas, and creative thought while paying tribute to those who have devoted their lives to literature and culture.
The Inspiration and Reading Foundation and the MyM Reading and Leadership Club expressed their gratitude to Editorial Océano, the media, cultural partners, and all organizations and individuals whose support has made this project possible.
With the launch of this prize, Panama begins a new chapter in its cultural development—one that seeks to give literature the place it deserves: a place of honor, permanence, and profound relevance to the intellectual and human growth of society.
