UNITED NATIONS (AP) ― Michael Douglas, a United Nations Messenger of Peace, is promoting a U.N. art contest for youngsters to help promote a nuclear-free world.

Contestants age 5 through 17 are encouraged to watch a short, age-appropriate video online about the dangers of nuclear weapons, and then use their creative talents to imagine a world free of nuclear weapons, without wars, bombs or fear.

``Art is the universal language. Art speaks to our hearts and minds. Art can make a difference and so can you,’’ Douglas says in a public service announcement seeking contestants. He was not at the U.N. during the announcement Thursday.

Ewen Buchanan, spokesman for the U.N. Office for Disarmament Affairs, appealed for wider international participation, saying 90 percent of entries so far are from Russia and China. Contest information is available in 22 languages and entries must be submitted by April 30.

The U.N. said all art work will be judged on creativity, composition, theme and technique. Every entry will be posted on the contest website for all participants to share their dream of peace, the U.N. said.

There will be 4 winners in each age category and the artwork of all winners will be reproduced in a calendar, the U.N. said.

Winners in age groups 5 to 8 and 9 to 12 will receive art supplies, while winners in the 13 to 17 age group will receive cash prizes ranging from $500 to $100.