Young artists inspire investment in conservation this World Wildlife Day

(Geneva, Switzerland – 3 March 2025)—A painting titled 'Witness', which depicts a scene of deforestation reflected in the eye of an owl, has taken the top prize in the World Wildlife Day 2025 International Youth Art Contest. The work of United States artist Keira Cheng,18, was chosen from more than 3,400 entries covering 140 countries and sovereign areas, in a competition that highlighted exceptional talent and dedication to wildlife conservation. 

This year marks the seventh 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). The theme for this year, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,” highlights the urgent need for innovative funding solutions to protect wildlife and their habitats for future generations. 

Ms. Cheng was recognised as the overall winner and for the 15-18 age bracket as part of today’s official United Nations World Wildlife Day 2025 Celebration in Geneva, Switzerland. “Best in Age” winners were also recognized including: 

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

This year’s finalists represent Thailand (two finalists), Australia, Sri Lanka, China, South Africa (two finalists), Bangladesh, Ghana, Kenya, the United States, and Kazakhstan. Their artworks celebrate a diverse array of species, including hippos, koalas, elephants, puffins, pangolins, rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, and birds. 

Artworks from 12 semi-finalists were selected by a panel which included representatives from IFAW, CITES, UNDP, the Jackson Wild creative forum, and lifestyle brand, Munchkin. Guest judges included celebrated syndicated cartoonist Jim Toomey, and last year’s art contest winner, 5-year-old Isaac Lam from Hong Kong SAR People’s Republic of China.  

IFAW CEO & President Azzedine Downes: "Art has the immense power to both inspire and ignite change. In addition to displaying their incredible talent, this contest allows young people to showcase their unwavering commitment to a future where both wildlife and people thrive together. By investing in conservation, we are ultimately able to invest in communities and local economies, as well as in the very foundation of life on our shared planet." 

CITES Secretary-General, Ivonne Higuero: “We must 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, and the livelihoods and food security for millions of people around the world. This contest reminds us that the next generation understands the importance of conserving nature—and that innovative solutions, including sustainable financing, are essential for lasting impact."

Midori Paxton, Director of the Nature Hub, United Nations Development Programme: "Protecting wildlife is an investment in a sustainable, livable future. These young artists have captured the beauty and urgency of conservation and, seen through the eyes of the next generation, their art also offers a powerful reminder that the lives, hopes and opportunities of children today depend on decisions that ensure both people and planet can flourish."

The winning artworks will be featured in Geneva and other high-level events around the world to celebrate World Wildlife Day, reinforcing the powerful link between art, youth engagement, and the future of wildlife conservation. 

ENDS 

Visual editors may view and download the finalists’ art, courtesy of IFAW, here: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/pNT1mDTCii  

Press contacts 

IFAW: Stacey Hedman, shedman@ifaw.org 
CITES: CITES Secretariat Media Team, cites-media@un.org 
UNDP: Sangita Khadka, sangita.khadka@undp.org 

About IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)  

IFAW is a global non-profit helping animal and people thrive together. We are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans and in more than 40 countries around the world. We rescue, rehabilitate and release animals, and we restore and protect their natural habitats. The problems we’re up against are urgent and complicated. To solve them, we match fresh thinking with bold action. We partner with local communities, governments, non-governmental organisations and businesses. Together, we pioneer new and innovative ways to help all species flourish. See how at ifaw.org 

About CITES 

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed in on 3 March 1973 and entered into force on 1 July 1975. With 183 Parties (182 countries + the European Union) it remains one of the world's most powerful tools for wildlife conservation through the regulation of international trade in over 36,000 species of wild animals and plants. CITES-listed species are used by people around the world in their daily lives for food health care, furniture, housing, tourist souvenirs, cosmetics or fashion. CITES seeks to ensure that international trade in such species is sustainable, legal and traceable and contributes to both the livelihoods of the communities that live closest to them and to national economies for a healthy planet and the prosperity of the people, in support to UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

About UNDP 

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. 

Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP. 

About the United Nations’ World Wildlife Day 

On 20 December 2013, the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 3 March as World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild fauna and flora. The date is the day of the signature of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973. World Wildlife Day has quickly become the most prominent global annual event dedicated to wildlife. It is an opportunity to celebrate the many beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora and to raise awareness of the various challenges faced by these species. The day also reminds us of the urgent need to step up the fight against wildlife crime, which has wide-ranging economic, environmental and social impacts.