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Celebrating Young Voices in Sustainability

In a remarkable initiative promoting youth engagement in sustainability, Seven-Eleven Japan has proudly supported the 2025 SDGs National Children's Poster Contest, hosted by NPO Kunitachi Children's University. From an astonishing pool of about 5,500 submissions, seven outstanding works were chosen to receive the prestigious Seven-Eleven Award. The awards ceremony is set to take place on February 15, 2026, showcasing the creativity and passion of young artists determined to impact the world positively.

The contest encourages children to select one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and express their awareness and proposals through art. By doing so, the event not only highlights the importance of children's perspectives in shaping a sustainable future but also aligns with Seven-Eleven's commitment to four core visions: health, community, environment, and talent development.

Each of the seven award-winning entries exemplifies children’s earnest interpretations of sustainability issues. Their artworks reflect a blend of creativity, innovative ideas, and a sincere commitment to fostering a better world. The essence of the contest lies in empowering children to address social trends like 'sustainable development' as their very own, ensuring they feel a personal connection to these critical issues.

Highlights of Award-Winning Entries

These selected works offer a glimpse into the minds of the youth, showcasing their unique thought processes that often differ from adults. For instance, one middle school student illustrated the importance of accessible quality education, emphasizing that many children globally still lack educational opportunities due to poverty and conflict. Their heartfelt message urges a collective effort to increase access to quality education for all children, paving the way for a brighter future.

Another young artist, a fourth grader, depicted the need for safe public transportation and friendly community environments. This student’s commitment to their community is evident as they expressed a desire to engage in local clean-up activities and waste sorting efforts to contribute to a more liveable city.

A middle school student's poster addressed the pressing issue of litter, focusing on the benefits of recycling. By illustrating the journey from recyclable waste to new products, the artist aimed to raise awareness about how recycling can help achieve the SDGs and enhance overall community living.

Moreover, another entry captivated the audience by addressing marine conservation. A middle schooler portrayed a clean ocean, yearning for a world where the harmful effects of pollution are eradicated, ultimately wishing for the restoration of pristine beaches devoid of trash.

One first-grade student's artwork features the beauty of nature and expresses a desire to plant trees in their mountainous neighborhood, envisioning a safe environment for both wildlife and people. Their innocent belief that planting trees would please the Earth is a refreshing perspective.

A sixth grader created a puzzle-like composition that represents diversity, emphasizing that every individual’s uniqueness is a treasure. This artwork metaphorically demonstrates how combining these differences can lead to a harmonious and peaceful future.

Finally, a fifth grader focusing on partnerships in achieving the goals stated, conveyed a compelling message about global unity. They illustrated the collaboration needed from individuals across the globe, irrespective of nationality and race, twisted together like pieces of a puzzle, all dedicated to safeguarding our planet.

Seven-Eleven's Commitment to Future Generations

The representatives from Seven-Eleven shared their admiration for the creativity behind the award-winning pieces. They acknowledged that selecting only seven works from such a massive array of entries was indeed a challenge. However, the selection criteria were firmly rooted in the company's commitment to health, community, environment, and human resources.

The artworks reflect a beautiful blend of ambition and hope from children eager to contribute positively to society. Seven-Eleven intends to continue fostering dialogue with the upcoming generation while actively promoting initiatives related to the SDGs and community contributions.

The Seven-Eleven Award serves not only as recognition for artistic achievement but also as a powerful reminder of the crucial role children play in shaping a sustainable world. With initiatives like these, it is evident that the future holds promise.

For more details about the contest, visit the official contest site: Children's Poster Contest.