The 13th Youth World Cup Painting Competition Awards Ceremony, which received the first official support from the United Nations Children’s Fund, was organized by the Organizing Committee of the Youth World Cup Live Painting Competition. Co-hosted by the Canada Youth Arts Development Foundation, the Canada Shandong Chinese Business Association, and the North America Artist Association, and jointly sponsored by the BC Creative Center and Zhou Qian Art Studio, the event was held at the Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre in Vancouver, Canada, at 18:30 local time on September 22, 2025.
Distinguished guests who delivered speeches included: Zheng Yonghe, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Youth World Cup Painting Competition; Manu Pant, Special Envoy of the United Nations Children’s Fund; Zhou Zhihua, Cultural Consul of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Vancouver; Helen Gardner, Director of Communications and Protocol of the Consulate of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic; Qian Hua, Chairman of the Chinese Benevolent Association; Yan Danhong, Executive Vice President of the Canadian Alliance of Chinese Associations; Honorary President Xue Xiaomei; Liu Jingwen, Representative of Hong Kong in Western Canada; and Zhou Qian, representing the teachers. Judge Maryam Hatami, on behalf of the judging panel, presented a report on the competition’s evaluation process.
Letters of Congratulations from Dignitaries
Letters of congratulations for the awards ceremony were received from Canadian federal Member of Parliament Parm Bains, BC Provincial Legislator Janet Routledge, and Hon Chan, Provincial Legislator for Richmond Centre.
The paintbrush is the most universal form of expression.
Officially supported by UNICEF, the competition has remained true to its founding mission for over a decade: to provide a global stage for young people to express themselves through art. Here, differences in nationality, ethnicity, and language fade into the background. Through their brushes, young artists share their personal stories, their observations of the world, and their visions for the future. These works remind us that the essence of art lies not in “technical accuracy” but in “authentic expression.”
The judging panel, composed of renowned artists from around the world, adhered to the principles of fairness, impartiality, and transparency. They evaluated entries based on five criteria: theme, creativity, color, composition, and technique, awarding first, second, and third prizes, along with several honorable mentions. As one judge remarked after the deliberations, “The selection process was incredibly challenging. What moved us was often not superior skill, but the unreserved sincerity and creativity conveyed through the artworks.”
From the Competition Stage to the World’s Top Universities
The spark ignited by artistry not only illuminates the inner world of young individuals but also opens doors to the world’s most prestigious universities. The awards and experience gained from this competition have become highly recognized credentials in the admissions processes of numerous renowned global institutions. Among past participants are many outstanding individuals who, through their exceptional artistic talent and well-rounded qualities, have successfully gained admission to top universities such as the Rhode Island School of Design, Harvard University, Yale University, Stanford University, the University of Toronto, and UBC. Even more gratifying is that accumulatively, over a hundred scholarship recipients have emerged from among them, with award amounts ranging from $50,000 and $100,000 to full scholarships.
Beyond the Honors Lies a More Enduring Love
As each name was called, we witnessed not just the joy of achievement, but the moment a dream was ignited. However, more precious than any award is the public welfare mission embodied by this competition. For over a decade, the competition has cumulatively donated 1,080 “schools in a box” to UNICEF, helping more than 40,000 children in difficult circumstances return to the classroom. This represents a love that is grander and more enduring than the art itself—the profound compassion that lies behind it.
Art Without Borders, Performances in Harmony
Amid the excitement of presenting the awards, the ceremony also featured a series of captivating cultural performances. The passionate and vibrant Gypsy folk dance stood in poignant contrast with the elegant and serene melody of the guzheng and pipa duet—a dynamic interplay of movement and stillness that interpreted the distinct rhythms of Eastern and Western cultures. The deep, soulful notes of the saxophone and the clear, solo voice of an award-winning contestant touched everyone’s heartstrings with modern melodies. These acts were not merely for entertainment; they themselves conveyed the competition’s core theme: art is a universal language. Different performance styles blended here, joining the paintings on the walls to create a microcosm of a harmonious world culture. This allowed everyone present, immersed in beauty, to feel a profound resonance—the understanding that “we are so different, yet connected in spirit.”
Not the End, But the Starting Point of Dreams
The awards ceremony concluded with the entire audience joining in singing “We Are the World,” yet the artistic journey for these young people has only just set sail. In the future, whether they pursue a career as professional artists or not, may they always retain this ability to observe the world and express themselves through their paintbrushes, and hold onto this gentle yet steadfast creativity.
Our gratitude goes to all the participants—it is you who have let the world see the light of the next generation.