As the representative of JQA, I extend a special thank you to all the children who entered this contest and everyone who has cooperated with their applications, such as UNICEF and JICA – Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV), and all others concerned commencing with the teachers in each country.

The International Environmental Children's Drawing Contest is an annual event intended to engender consideration for our planet and its environment by having children around the world create artwork focused on the global environment. This contest is in its 12th year now, and the theme this year is "Treasures from the Earth". We received 18,738 wonderfully imaginative depictions of animals, nature, and lifestyles, etc. by children from 74 countries. I am delighted that so many children participated in the contest this year, just as they have before.

During the application period this year, the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred on March 11, resulting in many deaths, devastating destruction to infrastructure such as houses, roads, and fishing harbors, that affected people's lives and work across a wide area. Many people who found out about this tough situation all around the world have provided kind support. Restoration will take time, but I am certain that we Japanese will be able to overcome this daunting task thanks in no small measure to the support that has been flooding in from all over the world.

During the judging period for these pictures, the great earthquake was in the forefront of my mind, but I discovered an even greater love for our earth than before as I examined these pictures. While perusing these images that convey so much encouragement and hope for all living things, I felt a strong sense of how important it is to protect the planet on which we live. We hope everyone else will share this feeling through the exhibition.
In conclusion, I hope environmental conservation measures will become even more widespread for the betterment of all our children's futures.

The International Environmental Children's Drawing Contest continues to grow in interest and impact. This year marks the 12th contest, whose success has surpassed those of all previous years. A total of over 18,738 drawings were received across 74 countries.

It is amazing to see so many drawings from children all over the globe expressing their thoughts, dreams and concerns about the future of the planet they will inherit. This year's theme was "Treasures from the Earth". In response to this theme, children expressed their views on the treasures that nature has to deliver. Their dreams represent key objectives for our generation which must ensure that the environment our children will inherit maintains a primary focus.

IQNet is a proud sponsor of this event because through this initiative we are able to enhance the environmental awareness among the young generations in all the countries of the world. IQNet has participated in this initiative for the 12th consecutive year, and hopes to influence the young minds of today to continue with an environmental focus into the next generation, and those that follow.