“The simple truth about the World Children’s Festival is clear – art and creativity are tools for building a better future. Through art, dance, music and a lot smiles and love, each group had a rare opportunity to act as peace and cultural ambassadors, and communicate their unique cultural excellence with similar groups of children from other parts of the world. Such extended capacity to celebrate each other’s differences, is the most important trade we hope for in these young human beings that are the world’s next generation of LEADERS.”

 – Gilad Benamram and Guy Frenkel, Melody Street, Los Angeles, CA; Delegate to 2011WCF.

“Through the World Children’s Festival, I have learnt that winning was NOT the goal. We are not living alone. A Chinese character representing “person” is a letter with two lines supporting themselves which tells us that one is not living alone. In order for the multiple countries to live together in this global society, we must cooperate which leads us to get rid of preconceptions, com- promise (which is not a “defeat”), mutual (common) understanding. I think that is what is needed to be a competent LEADER. This applies not to politics alone, but also to economics and down to student unions.”

 – Rune Kondo, Japan’s 2nd Arts Olympiad winner; Delegate to 2003WCF.

“The World Children’s Festival is one of those uplifting experiences my students and I will never forget. Being able to share out creative knowledge with children from around the world is something to be celebrated and encouraged. In order to nurture our youth to become LEADERS and not followers, it’s important for students to learn how to make those basic human connec- tions first. This was that rare opportunity, and my students left feeling en- couraged to share their knowledge and creativity with the world. I thank the World Children’s Festival for making that happen.”

 – Wook Choi, Founder of Oogie Haus, Wook Choi Gallery, New York, NY; Delegate to 2015WCF.

“Olympians around the world could not be more proud of the young talent involved in the International Child Art Foundation events. These talented young souls hold great promise for a tomorrow filled with “Higher, Swifter, and Stronger” LEADERSHIP. No matter where life leads them we all know that success awaits their arrival with open arms!”

 – Liston D. Bochette III Ph.D. Olympian, artist, and educator; Delegate to 2015WCF.