The international press cartoon competition organised as part of the Désertif’actions 2026 summit has announced its winners, recognising talent from around the world. The awards ceremony took place on 27 March 2026, during a gala held at the Fiesta Beach Hotel in Djerba, Tunisia, attended by numerous stakeholders involved in issues relating to arid regions and pastoralism.
First prize in the competition: “Barrier to Pastoralism” by Muzaffar Yulchi, Uzbekistan
First prize was awarded to the Uzbek artist Muzaffar Yulchi, whose work impressed the jury with its powerful vision and delicate brushwork. Born in 1993 in the village of Sang, in the Namangan region of Uzbekistan, Muzaffar Yulchi was trained in the visual arts from a very young age. After studying at School No. 35 and then at the Namangan Art College, he continued his studies at the Kamoliddin Behzod National Institute of Painting and Design in Tashkent, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2016.
A graphic designer, draughtsman and illustrator, his work is characterised by a clear desire to offer a different perspective on the world. His creations, often imbued with symbolism and social commentary, have already earned him international recognition: around ten of his works have won awards in competitions around the world, and he has taken part in over 70 international exhibitions dedicated to poster art and caricature.
The jury, chaired by Jean-Michel Renault, praised a work that is “both powerful and universal”, capable of accurately capturing the contemporary challenges associated with desertification and pastoral lifestyles. The award ceremony took place in the presence of the artist, who had travelled specially from Uzbekistan, as well as Patrice Burger, president of CARI, the organisation behind the summit, and Jean-Michel Renault.
Second prize: “Begs” by Darko Drljevic, Montenegro
The second prize was awarded to Darko Drljevic, an artist from Montenegro and a leading figure in international press cartooning. Born on 28 February 1962 in Kolasin, he is currently president of the Montenegrin Cartoonists’ Association. A freelance cartoonist, painter and illustrator, he has had an exceptional career, with over 280 awards to his name, 65 solo exhibitions and more than 500 participations in group exhibitions. Author of five books and editor of the satirical magazine TUS, he also founded Montenegro’s first international cartoon competition. His work, featured in numerous newspapers, magazines and television channels, reflects a constant commitment to drawing as a vehicle for universal expression.
The Désertif’actions cartoon competition once again stands out this year as a platform for socially conscious expression, blending art and advocacy. Through the diverse perspectives of artists from around the world, it highlights, with both humour and seriousness, the environmental and human challenges facing arid regions.
The success of the 2026 edition confirms the growing interest in these art forms as tools for raising awareness, capable of reaching a wide audience and sparking debate far beyond specialist circles.
