The 2026 World Wildlife Day International Youth Art Contest winners have been revealed, honoring exceptional talent and conservation narratives from young artists worldwide. Out of over 4,200 submissions from 117 countries and autonomous areas, the work of 15-year-old South Korean artist Jia Yoo was selected.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), in collaboration 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), is holding its eighth annual competition this year.
“Every time a young person embraces art as a medium to speak for wildlife, they elevate their voice in one of the most important conversations of our time,” said Azzedine Downes, President and CEO of IFAW. “As the world confronts urgent priorities—from ocean protection to conserving biodiversity—I am deeply encouraged to see young people leading with a message of hope. We would do well to listen to that message, embrace their vision, and match it with bold, meaningful action.”
This year’s entries reflect the United Nations World Wildlife Day theme for 2026: Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods. Through paintings, drawings, and mixed-media works, young artists explored the vital connections between biodiversity, cultural traditions, and community well-being.
“These remarkable works of art show how deeply young people care about conservation. They also reveal how creativity can unite people across cultures and generations in the shared responsibility of conserving our natural heritage and the many benefits that wildlife provides to ecosystems and human health,” said Ivonne Higuero, Secretary-General of CITES. “With wild plants— including many medicinal and aromatic plants—making up the majority of species whose trade is regulated by CITES, their presence in this year’s theme is a vivid reminder of the importance of sustainable use and the need to conserve these essential yet lesser recognized species of our natural world.”
The winning artworks also underscore the role biodiversity plays in human health and livelihoods—an emphasis echoed by the United Nations Development Programme.
“Biodiversity is the foundation of resilient ecosystems,” said Marcos Neto, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support. “Their conservation is grounded in the custodianship of indigenous peoples and local communities, nature-positive policies, and equitable benefit-sharing from their use across global industries. This year’s theme challenges us to see the often-overlooked power of plants in supporting health, livelihoods, and ecosystems—something these young artists have captured beautifully.”
Grand prize winner: Jia Yoo, age 15, South Korea, for her painting depicting an Asian elephant set alongside turmeric, a medicinal and aromatic plant long valued for its cultural and healing significance.
Best in age group winners:
China, Germany, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States are represented among this year’s finalists. A wide variety of animal and plant species, such as birds, insects, huge cats, berries, and more, are celebrated in their artwork.
The artwork of the finalists will be displayed at the official World Wildlife Day ceremony in Geneva as well as on wildlifeday.org. Additionally, winning works that emphasize the connections between biodiversity, cultural heritage, and community health will be featured in international communications.
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