Washington, D.C. (March 4, 2024) – Today, young people across the world, including a four-year-old, have been recognized for their artistic talents in the World Wildlife Day 2024 International Youth Art Contest. This year marks the sixth annual contest hosted by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), in partnership with the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
With a piece depicting a den of snakes, four-year old, Isaac Alvin Lam’s (Hong Kong SAR People’s Republic of China) artwork was voted as the winner for the traditional art category and 18-year-old, Noh Sangeun’s (Republic of Singapore) entry featuring cranes, was voted as the winner of the digital art category. Both winners were recognized as part of today’s official United Nations’ World Wildlife Day celebrations.
The winners were selected from a record 3,000 plus entries, representing 141 different countries and sovereign areas around the world.
Under this year’s theme “Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation”, entries featured species that benefit from technology, such as camera traps, and tracking devices. The theme aimed to showcase the importance of digital technology to safeguard biodiversity.
Artworks from 15 semi-finalists were selected by a panel which included representatives from IFAW, CITES, UNDP, Jackson Wild, and WILDLABS. Guest judges including celebrated syndicated cartoonist Jim Toomey, Trevor Tillman, manager of photo and video production at beloved baby lifestyle brand Munchkin Inc., and last year’s art contest winner, Poonyisa Sodsai were also on the panel.
“This was a record-breaking year for global submissions and the talent displayed in the art pieces is extraordinary,” said Danielle Kessler, U.S. Director with the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
“The world’s biodiversity is sadly disappearing at alarming rates, and the passionate submissions gathered from around the world reinforce a dedication to wildlife conservation from future generations, which is exactly what the world needs. It is an honor to continue hosting this global contest that provides them with a platform for such expression. Congratulations to all the participants, finalists, and this year’s winners, Isaac and Noh, for contributing such amazing pieces.”
“I’m very pleased to congratulate our winners, Isaac and Sangeun,” said CITES Secretary-General, Ivonne Higuero. I would also like to recognize the talent and commitment of all our entrants. It is uplifting to see so many young people, from so many countries, recognize the value in partnerships and technology to conserve and protect imperiled species.”
"UNDP would like to warmly congratulate Isaac and Sangeun,” said Director of the Nature Hub at the United Nations Development Programme, Midori Paxton. “ Their evocative paintings capture the beauty of wild species and how they are interconnected with broader natural ecosystems, which sends a strong message for conservation of our natural world. ”
The winning artwork along with the finalist entries, can be viewed on the IFAW website.