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 officially announced the creation of the International Panamanian Literature Prize, a new cultural initiative designed to become the most prestigious, ambitious, and internationally recognized literary distinction promoted from Panama to the world.
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 aims to position literature at the heart of public conversation by fostering reading habits, boosting author visibility, and cultivating settings where culture is honored with genuine respect, thoughtful engagement, and distinctive appreciation.
The inaugural award ceremony is scheduled for June 25, 2026 at the National Library of Panama, where writers, cultural leaders, strategic partners, members of the media, and distinguished guests from across the region are expected to gather.
The organizers proudly reveal that the inaugural International Panamanian Literature Prize will be awarded to Carlos Malo de Molina, whose body of work reflects the vision and ambition that define this new honor.
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 recognizes both his literary achievements and his dedication to sharing knowledge, nurturing talent, building meaningful connections, and inspiring future generations of readers and writers.
As the first recipient of the International Panamanian Literature Prize, Carlos Malo de Molina will become the inaugural name inscribed in the history of this distinction, establishing a meaningful foundation for what organizers envision as a lasting cultural institution.
The organizers aspire for the International Panamanian Literature Prize to become an annual benchmark event for Panama and the broader international literary community, encouraging greater engagement with books, ideas, and intellectual creation while honoring those who have dedicated their lives to literature and culture.
The Inspiration and Reading Foundation and the MyM Reading and Leadership Club extended their appreciation to Editorial Océano, the media, cultural partners, and every organization and individual whose contribution has helped bring this project to life.
With the introduction of this prize, Panama opens a new phase in its cultural evolution, aiming to secure for literature the recognition it merits as a lasting, honored, and deeply meaningful force in the intellectual and human advancement of society.
