Panama Launches the International Panamanian Literature Prize, a New Literary Distinction with Global Ambitions
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 took place at the National Library of Panama during a press briefing that gathered journalists, authors, cultural figures, reading advocates, institutional delegates, and notable 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 delivered a remarkable contribution to Spanish-language literature over an exceptional career marked by the publication of sixteen books. His body of work has been praised not only for its literary merit but also for its dedication to encouraging reading and nurturing a broader appreciation of literature as a vital cornerstone of cultural and civic growth.
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 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 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 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.
