TEHRAN -- In a remarkable 
celebration of creativity and environmental consciousness, eight young members of Iran’s Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults (Kanoon) have secured prestigious awards at the 24th International JKAI Environmental Painting Competition held in Japan in 2024.
This globally renowned competition attracted 8,514 artworks from 68 countries, with 160 compelling submissions from Kanoon’s talented young artists. Their works stood out among thousands, earning them a distinguished place on the international stage and reaffirming Iran’s vibrant tradition of youth artistic excellence.
Among the honorees, 13-year-old Sana Khodaei from the Kanoon center in Boshrooye, South Khorasan, captured the highest distinction—the Jury’s Special Prize—recognizing her exceptional artistic vision and commitment to environmental themes.
Additionally, four first prizes in the international category were awarded to remarkable young painters: 9-year-old Setayesh Ghavibazoo from Meshginshahr (Ardabil Province), 10-year-old Zahra Jalili from Tehran’s Center 37, 12-year-old Mahya Asadi from Sanandaj (Kurdistan Province), and 14-year-old Mahshid Ghasemi from Kahrizsang (Isfahan Province).
The competition also acknowledged three diplomas of honor, bestowed upon 13-year-old Muhammadreza Mousaei from Tehran’s Center 21, 13-year-old Hananeh Nasiri from Meshginshahr’s Center 2, and 14-year-old Zeynab Rahimi from Namin (Ardabil Province).