Every year, millions of people across the world pause for a powerful moment of unity. Lights go off. Screens dim. Cities slow down.

For one symbolic hour, people reconnect with something far more important than electricity — our planet.

This global movement is called Earth Hour, and in 2026 it will take place on Saturday, March 28 at 8:30 p.m. local time in every country.

Unlike many global events, Earth Hour does not begin at a single universal time. Instead, it travels around the world across 24 time zones. As the clock strikes 8:30 p.m. in each location, lights switch off and the planet participates in a beautiful rolling wave of environmental solidarity.

From small villages to the world’s greatest cities, the Earth slowly darkens — and the message grows brighter.

Contest Overview

2026 Theme | Your Story, Our Ocean: How Our Ocean Sustains, Protects, and Inspires Us

A CREATIVE CHALLENGE FOR TEENS WORLDWIDE

Your Story, Our Ocean Prompt

The 2026 Ocean Awareness Contest – Your Story, Our Ocean – encourages you to explore the many ways our ocean sustains, protects, and inspires us. We invite you to think about your personal connection to the ocean – whether you’re coastal or landlocked – through the value it brings to your life. The benefits of the ocean are widespread and multifaceted, from food production to climate regulation to artistic inspiration. Go through the sub-themes and explore the topics that resonate with you. Share how the ocean has shaped your story through art, writing, performance, film, or multimedia. How does the ocean sustain, protect, and inspire you?

This group provides an integrated platform where children and youth are provided with opportunities for training, workshop, scholarships, mentoring and funding opportunities to design and implement meaningful environmental initiatives in their schools and communities. This portal facilitates beyond awareness — it equips young people with practical tools, structured learning, and access to funding pathways.

This is a dedicated portal designed to showcase socially and environmentally responsible job opportunities that contribute to sustainable development and community well-being. This platform connects youth, professionals, and community members with meaningful work, including internships, locally, nationally and internationally to help them become productive citizens. Featured work opportunities can vary across all industries and sectors including but not limited to environmental conservation, climate action, sustainable growth, eco-tourism, circular economy initiatives, and green entrepreneurship.

Now Hiring!!! (multiple positions available)

• 𝗞𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱

• 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝘆 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝘁

• 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿

• 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗺𝗮𝗻

Since 1999, Japan Quality Assurance Organization (JQA) and International Certification Organization Network (IQNET) have been hosting the JQA International Environmental Children's Drawing Contest for children aged 7 to 15 years old from around the world, supported by UNICEF Tokyo Office.

Click Here for Application Form and Information (printable PDF)

Theme "What We Can Do for Our Planet"

Eligibility Children aged 7 through 15

The kindergarten and year 6 classes in Iloilo, Philippines conducted a tree-planting activity on 31 March 2023 as part of their personal environment appreciation & learning, and in direct support of www.notjustatree.com advocacy.

Thank you to all the pupils who've been involved & for your valuable action in saving the planet.

Photos shared by Teacher Sol (Iloilo, Philippines)

The Supreme Pupil Government, elementary and high schools students in Iloilo, Philippines engaged in tree-planting and home gardening activities.

It is so inspiring and very good to see real actions on the ground.

Introducing this fantastic website, 4TinyHands, featuring various children's work from around the world, including but not limited to nature preservation.

It is the website creator's goal to empower young people by bringing knowledge and inspiration into their lives while encouraging them to explore their passion, interests, and career paths. The online platform 4TinyHands was created with the desire to share curiosities and knowledge with future generations.

4TinyHands provides a safe environment where children can explore their interests through articles about nature, space, science and technology, ecology, or financial education and emotional education. They can also develop their creativity and discover their own voice in art, through articles about DIY projects or creative writing, and interviews conducted by 4TinyHands specially include children who wish to inspire other children.

Indeed 4TinyHands is the best playground for your child’s mind.