World Youth Day Seoul 2027 Theme Song Contest: Call for Entries

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of World Youth Day (WYD) Seoul 2027, together with the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, is pleased to announce the launch of the WYD Theme Song Contest, inviting musicians and composers worldwide to create the official song that will accompany millions of young people at the next World Youth Day celebration.

At every WYD, the theme song plays a vital role. It is not simply background music, but a melody that echoes throughout the gathering, helping young people connect with one another and with the heart of the event. Long after WYD concludes, the song continues to live on, carrying with it the memory of joy, hope, and unity.

Participants are invited to submit original compositions inspired by the WYD theme

For WYD Seoul 2027, the chosen theme is “Take courage! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). In an age marked by anxiety, division, and rapid change, this message proclaims Christ’s victory and peace anew. Hosting WYD in Seoul — a city where cutting-edge modernity meets rich tradition, and where Christianity is not the majority — offers a unique opportunity for reconciliation, dialogue, and witness.

The contest is open to everyone, regardless of nationality or place of residence. Participants are invited to submit original compositions inspired by the WYD theme. All musical genres are welcome, and entries may be submitted in any of the official WYD languages, including Korean, English, Italian, Spanish, French, or Portuguese. The winning composition will become the official theme song of WYD Seoul 2027, with the composer receiving a commemorative plaque and support for their pilgrimage to the event.

Submissions will be judged also for how faithfully they reflect the WYD theme

Submissions will be judged not only for their artistic merit and originality, but also for how faithfully they reflect the WYD theme. The selection committee will give special weight to songs that are easy to sing and remember, can be embraced by large gatherings of youth, and that have the potential to be adapted into different languages and musical settings, including choral and choreographic arrangements.

This contest is hosted by the WYD Seoul 2027 Local Organizing Committee in collaboration with the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, and organized by the WYD Seoul 2027 Music Committee.

Full details regarding eligibility, deadlines, and submission procedures can be found in the application form, as well as on the official WYD Seoul 2027 homepage at https://wydseoul.org/en.