Young artists inspire investments in nature conservation

(Geneva, Switzerland – March 3, 2025)– A painting entitled “Witness”, which shows a scene of deforestation that is reflected in the eye of an owl, has won the main prize in the world competition in the world of the world in 2025. The work of the 18 -year -old artist Keira Cheng was selected from more than 3,400 entries in 140 countries and sovereign areas, in which a competition showed exceptional talent and commitment to protect the animal world.

This year, the seventh annual competition of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in cooperation with the secretariat of the convent on international trade in endangered types of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) and the development program of the United Nations (UNDP). The topic of this year “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investment in People and Planet” shows the urgent need for innovative financing solutions to protect the wildlife and their habitats for future generations.

Ms. Cheng was recognized as overall winner and for the 15-18 age group as part of today's official celebration of the United Nations World Anations in Geneva, Switzerland. The winners of the “Best Age” were also recognized, including:

• Saven Diniru, 6 years, Sri Lanka, 4-6 years old
• Levi, 7 years old, Republic of South Africa, 7-10 years old
• Bethel Wendo, 14 years old, Republic of Kenya, 11-14 years old

This year's finalists represent Thailand (two finalists), Australia, Sri Lanka, China, South Africa (two finalists), Bangladesh, Ghana, Kenya, the USA and Kazakhstan. Her works of art celebrate a variety of species, including a hippo, koalas, elephants, parrot divers, pangoline, rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes and birds.

Works of art by 12 semi-finalists were selected by a committee, which included representatives of IFAW, CITES, UNDP, the Jackson Wild Creative Forum and Lifestyle brand Munchkin. The guests included the famous syndicated cartoonist Jim Toomey and last year's winner of the art competition, 5-year-old Isaac Lam from the Republic of China in Hong Kong.

IFAW CEO and President Azzedine Downes: “Art has the immense power to inspire and ignite changes. In addition to their incredible talent, young people can present their unshakable commitment to a future, in which wild animals and people thrive together. By investing in protection in nature, we can finally invest in communities and local economy as well as in the well -being in the foundation of our joint planned in the foundation in our free planned.” “

Calls General Secretary Ivonne Higuero: “We have to ensure the survival of plant and animal species in the wild for the good health and existence of our planet, our own good health and existence as well as livelihood and food safety for millions of people around the world. This competition reminds us that the next generation understands the importance of preserving nature – and that innovative solutions, including sustainable financing, are of essential importance. “

Midori Paxton, director of the Nature Hub, development program of the United Nations: “Protection of wild animals is an investment in a sustainable, livable future. These young artists have conquered the beauty and urgency of preservation and, as they have seen with the eyes of the next generation, also a strong memory that life, hopes and opportunities depend on children today that can bloom on both humans and the planet.”

The victorious works of art are presented in Geneva and other high-ranking events all over the world to celebrate the world day and to strengthen the strong connection between art, youth engagement and the future of wildlife protection.

Ends

Visual editors can show and download the art of the finalists, with the kind approval of IFAW: https://spaces.highttail.com/space/pnt1mdtcii

Press contacts

Ifaw: Stacey Hedman, shedman@ifaw.org
Quoted: cited secretariat Medienteam, cites-media@un.org
UNDP: Sangita Khadka, Sangita.khadka@undp.org

About IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)

Ifaw is a global non -profit organization that helps animals and people. We are experts and everyday people who work over seas, oceans and in more than 40 countries around the world. We save, rehabilitate and release animals and protect and protect their natural habitats. The problems against which we have mastered are urgent and complicated. To solve them, we fit together with brave action with fresh thinking. We work with local communities, governments, non -governmental organizations and companies. Pioneer of new and innovative ways together to help all types. See how on ifaw.org

About Cites

The convention on international trade with endangered types of wild fauna and flora (Cites) was signed on March 3, 1973 and put into force on July 1, 1975. With 183 parties (182 countries + of the European Union), it remains one of the most powerful tools in the world through the regulation of international trade in over 36,000 types of wild animals and jumps. Cites-like species are used by people around the world in their daily life for food health care, furniture, living space, tourist souvenirs, cosmetics or fashion. CITES is intended to ensure that international trade in such types is sustainable, legally and comprehensible and both to the livelihood of the communities, which contribute to the next life, as well as the economies for a healthy planet and the prosperity of people in order to support the goals of inappropriate development.

About UndP

UNDP is the leading organization of the United Nations that struggles to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. In cooperation with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help the nations to build up integrated, permanent solutions for humans and planets.

Find out more at Undp.org or follow at @undp.

About the United Nations' Day of the United Nations

On 20 .. The date is the day of the signature of the convention for international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora (Cites) in 1973. The world day of the world of wild animals is quickly the best -known global annual event that is dedicated to wild animals. It is an opportunity to celebrate the many beautiful and varied forms of Wild Fauna and Flora and to sharpen the various challenges of this kind. The day also reminds us of the urgent need to strengthen the fight against wildlife crime, which has far -reaching economic, ecological and social effects.