Thirteen-year-old’s flag design is symbol for Arctic’s protection

Winning design: Sarah showing her flag design which will be produced as a titanium flag to be planted at the North Pole.

KUALA LUMPUR: A 13-year-old Malaysian Girl Guide's flag design will be planted on a seabed at the North Pole next month.

Sarah Bartrisyia's flag design, reflecting the Future Artic, was selected by world renowned fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood at the closing of the global competition run by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

Sarah's winning entry featured seven brightly coloured doves and an Arctic starflower.

“We need to protect the Arctic because it is the home of many indigenous peoples and many animal species. It should be declared a global sanctuary,” said Sarah.

The seven doves, she said, represented the seven continents, each carrying an olive branch which when brought together formed a laurel wreath, a symbol of Arctic protection.

“The contest, part of Greenpeace's campaign to save the Arctic, inspired youth around the world to create a flag that would symbolise peace, hope and global community, as a statement of the commitment of millions of people who have signed a petition to protect the Arctic from oil drilling and over-fishing,” said a press release by Greenpeace Indonesia yesterday.

The three-month contest inspired designs from youngsters in 54 countries.

Sarah's winning design will be produced as a titanium flag to be planted at the North Pole, four kilometres beneath the ice. It will be put on the seabed in a time capsule containing the signatures of millions of Arctic defenders.

“The creativity of young people is one of the most powerful tools we have to build a better world,” said Dame Westwood.