What is JQA International Environmental Children's Drawing Contest?
Since 1999, Japan Quality Assurance Organization (JQA) and International Certification Organization Network (IQNET) have been hosting the JQA International Environmental Children's Drawing Contest for children aged 7 to 15 years old from around the world, supported by UNICEF Tokyo Office.
So far, the contest has been held 24 times and this year we've had over 8,500 entries from a record breaking 68 countries and region. In total, we have received nearly 360,000 drawings up to now. Full of imagination and artistic sensitivity, children drew pictures about nature and animals, their families and the surrounding area. The pictures also contain the message towards global environment, beyond borders and differences in their background cultures and languages.
As the organizer, we hope that this contest provides the children an opportunity to think about the global environment, by expressing their inspiration from nature's bounty. At the same time, we believe that the efforts to protecting the global environment will be further encouraged through the appreciation of such children's drawings.
Greetings
I am truly grateful to have received 8,514 wonderful works of art from children all over the world again this year. The theme for the 24th drawing contest was "Passing on Our Precious Earth to The Future". All of the children's works were outstanding and filled with creativity, so the selection process was not an easy one, but we were pleased to work with Mr. Koji Kinutani and the other judges to make sure that all of the works were carefully examined.
As Japan's leading third-party conformity assessment organization, the Japan Quality Assurance Organization (JQA) has been actively engaged in providing services to support the environmental activities of our customers. In 1995, we began the environmental management system certification, and in 2004, we were recognized by the United Nations as the world's first Designated Operational Entity for the Clean Development Mechanism. Since then, we have continued to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society by providing environmental services that are in constant demand of the times, such as GHG emissions verification, green energy certification, and sustainability information verification.
The significance of these environmental services conducted by JQA is not only to solve our customers' problems, but also to leave a beautiful global environment for the children of the next generation. Since we started this contest in 1999, we have received 360,000 entries from more than 100 countries and regions. The children who applied to this contest when it first began have already grown up to become respectable adults who are supporting and inspiring society around the world. It is my sincere hope that many children will continue to develop a "caring spirit for the global environment" through this contest and that it will be passed on to the next generation.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to all the UNICEF officials, JICA's Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers, embassies around the world, parents, schoolteachers, and IQNET members for providing the children with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of environmental conservation through the contest entries.
President
Japan Quality Assurance Organization
As President of IQNET, it has been a profound honor to continue to serve as a member of the jury for the annual JQA International Environmental Children's Drawing Contest. This experience has not only highlighted the incredible creativity and imagination of young minds worldwide but has also underscored the vital importance of environmental consciousness in the next generation.
Through their vibrant and expressive artwork, these young artists have vividly depicted their hopes, fears, and dreams for the planet. Each drawing is a powerful reminder of the responsibility we all share in safeguarding our environment. The passion and insight displayed by these children offer a beacon of hope, inspiring us to redouble our efforts in promoting sustainable practices and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.
As we reflect on the remarkable entries in this year's contest, I am filled with hope and anticipation for the future. It is my sincere wish that this drawing contest will inspire the future scientists, politicians, professionals, and activists of tomorrow. The importance of the environment cannot be overstated, and it is through the eyes and creativity of our youth that we glimpse the profound impact they can have.
These young artists, with their insightful and thought-provoking drawings, have the potential to become the leaders who will champion environmental causes and drive the change necessary for a sustainable future. By nurturing their passion and awareness today, we lay the groundwork for a generation that values and actively protects our planet. As we conclude this year's contest, let us carry forward the messages conveyed through these drawings, and let them guide us in our ongoing quest to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable world for generations to come.
President
The International Certification Network
Judges
 | Kinutani Koji Chairman of judging Committee Painter, Japan Art Academy Membership, Emeritus Professor of Tokyo University of the Arts |
 | Roberto Benes Director, UNICEF Tokyo Office |
 | Imoto Sachiko Senior Vice President, Japan International Cooperation Agency |
 | Oishi Minako Consumer Affairs Advisor, Nippon Association of Consumer Specialists |
| Alexandru Stoichitoiu President, The International Certification Network |
| Ishii Hiroaki President, Japan Quality Assurance Organization |