Message from UNICEF Dan Rohrmann, Director UNICEF Tokyo

I would like to thank Japan Quality Assurance Organization and the International Certification Network for sponsoring The 9th International Environmental Children’s Drawing Contest. This contest is a yearly event which provides children around the world an excellent opportunity to express their feelings and concerns about a global theme. The theme of the contest is on the environment and the surrounding nature which is something that is not only on the international global agenda but also something that children daily interact with. It is therefore important to capture their sentiments on such an important issue.

UNICEF works worldwide to help build a World Fit for Children where the rights of every child are realized. More than 10 million children die each year mainly from preventable causes, and about 100 million school-aged children are out of school. Children are hit hardest in situations of poverty and conflict. While the world is seeing some positive impact of international development aid and commitments by national governments in developing countries to address issues affecting child rights, much work remains to be done. UNICEF must therefore continue to work with governments and partners to ensure that children have access to health, nutrition, clean water, education and child protection. By investing in children, we are investing in the future.

The important collection of drawings from this International Environmental Children’s Drawing Contest offers yet again an extraordinary opportunity to gauge the voices of children on a very important issue. I look forward to seeing many pieces of unique and powerful drawings which in-turn provides an opportunity to reflect and inspire.